University of the People: Tuition-Free Online Degrees, Real Costs and 2026 to 2027 Deadlines
- Study in
- Online
- Levels
- Associate, bachelor's, master's, MBA
- Funding
- Tuition-free, fees apply
- Covers
- No tuition. $60 application fee and assessment fees per course
- Who can apply
- Students anywhere who meet the admission requirements
- Run by
- University of the People
On this page
University of the People (UoPeople) is an American online university that charges no tuition. You study from home, at your own pace each term. It is not free, though. You pay a one-time application fee and an assessment fee for each course you take.
Status: Open. The next application deadlines are October 22, 2026 for the term that starts on November 12, 2026, and January 7, 2027 for the term that starts on January 28, 2027 (checked October 15, 2026).
What you pay
- A one-time, non-refundable application fee of $60
- $180 for each undergraduate course
- $430 for each M.Ed. course
- $490 for each MBA or MSIT course
UoPeople estimates the total cost of a full degree as follows:
| Associate degree | About $3,660 |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree (General Studies) | About $4,000 |
| Bachelor’s degree (Health Science) | About $7,080 |
| Bachelor’s degree (Business, Computer Science) | About $7,260 |
| Master’s degree (Education) | About $5,650 |
| Master’s degree (MBA, MSIT) | About $5,940 |
There is no cost for teaching, books or campus fees. UoPeople also offers grants and scholarships that help with the assessment fees. They are given on a first come, first served basis.
Application deadlines for 2026 to 2027
| Term | Application deadline | Term starts |
|---|---|---|
| Term 2 | October 22, 2026 | November 12, 2026 |
| Term 3 | January 7, 2027 | January 28, 2027 |
| Term 4 | March 18, 2027 | April 8, 2027 |
| Term 5 | May 27, 2027 | June 17, 2027 |
Each term also has an earlier deadline for early admission. For Term 3, it is December 17, 2026.
How to apply
- Choose your programme on the UoPeople website.
- Fill in the online application and pay the $60 fee.
- Upload your documents, such as proof of English and your school or university records.
- Submit before the deadline for the term you want to start.
See all the dates on the official UoPeople admissions calendar.
Is it right for you?
- It suits you if you need to keep working, cannot relocate, or want a lower-cost US degree.
- Check that employers or universities in your country recognise the degree for your plans.
- Budget for the assessment fees across the whole degree, not just the first term.
What “tuition-free” means in practice
UoPeople does not charge course tuition, but it charges an application fee and a course assessment fee. Most degree programmes involve many courses, so the amount paid over time can be significant. For example, a typical bachelor’s degree with 40 courses at a $180 assessment fee costs approximately $7,260 including the $60 application fee, before any approved transfer credits or additional costs. The university’s own published fee table is the best source for the programme you select.
Important General Studies qualification: the university markets a General Studies degree-completion route with a lower estimated cost where applicants bring substantial approved transfer credits. That is not the same price as starting a full bachelor’s programme with no transfer credits. Confirm your individual transfer-credit evaluation before relying on a reduced total.
What else should international applicants check?
- Accreditation: confirm the university’s current recognised accreditation and whether your employer, licensing body or desired postgraduate university accepts the qualification.
- English proficiency: review the university’s current evidence requirements for courses taught in English.
- Fee assistance: ask whether a grant or scholarship is available for assessment fees, but do not assume every applicant will receive it.
- Internet and equipment: budget for reliable connectivity, a suitable computer and your own study time even though there is no physical campus.
University of the People FAQs
Is the university completely free?
No. Tuition is not charged, but UoPeople currently publishes a $60 application fee and course assessment fees that vary by academic level.
Can Nigerians and Indians study from home?
The degree delivery model is online. Students must still satisfy the university’s admissions and English requirements and confirm local recognition for their goals.
Is October 22, 2026 the only chance to apply?
No. The university has several terms. The next listed deadlines after October 22 are January 7, March 18 and May 27, 2027. Check the calendar for later changes.
Official sources: published assessment fees and admissions calendar.
Related guides
- Undergraduate Scholarships Abroad for Nigerian Students
- Fully Funded US Scholarships Beyond Fulbright
Details are taken from the official University of the People website, checked on October 15, 2026. Confirm the current fees and dates there before you apply.
