University of the People (UoPeople) is the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited online university. Since its founding, it has redefined access to higher education, especially for those who have been traditionally left behind—whether due to geography, conflict, or financial hardship.
UoPeople received initial accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) in the United States, solidifying its credibility as an academic institution. More recently, the university achieved WASC accreditation (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), a major milestone that now positions it among internationally recognized universities. This accreditation ensures that degrees from UoPeople are accepted, certified, and recognized in the European Union, Asian countries, and beyond, making them highly valuable for global employment and academic advancement.
Programs Offered at UoPeople
UoPeople offers a range of degree and certificate programs designed to equip students with relevant, in-demand skills:
Undergraduate Degrees
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Health Science
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Associate Degrees
- Associate of Science in Computer Science
- Associate of Science in Health Science
- Associate of Science in Business Administration
Graduate Degrees
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
Certificate Programs
UoPeople also provides Undergraduate Certificate Programs in each discipline. These certificates consist of 3–4 academic courses, offering students a fast-track credential to enhance their resume or apply their learning in the real world. The credits can later be transferred into full degree programs, making them a smart, flexible option.
Scholarships and Support for Refugees and Crisis-Affected Regions
One of UoPeople’s most impactful initiatives is its scholarship programs for refugees and students from conflict-affected areas such as Syria, Afghanistan, and parts of Africa. These full scholarships cover:
- All course assessment fees
- Registration costs
- Delivery and mailing of official diplomas upon graduation
UoPeople ensures that no talented student is turned away due to financial limitations. Thousands have already benefited from these scholarships, using education as a tool to rebuild their lives and communities.
How Learning Works at UoPeople
Structure and Duration
Each course at UoPeople runs for 8 weeks, equivalent to two months. This modular format allows for focused, intensive learning. Every course culminates in a final exam, which students can take online from the comfort of their home.
Weekly Activities
Every week (or “unit”) includes:
- A discussion assignment, where students contribute posts and interact with peers
- A learning journal, graded by the course instructor
- Occasionally, a written assignment such as an essay or report
Weeks 3 and 6 feature graded quizzes that function like midterms. These, along with discussions and journals, contribute to the final course grade—alongside the final exam score.
Flexible, Global Access via Moodle
All coursework is managed via Moodle, a widely-used online learning platform adopted by universities across the globe. This platform allows students to submit assignments, take exams, and engage with course content anytime, anywhere—a perfect solution for working professionals, parents, or individuals in remote areas.
A Lifeline for Students Around the World
UoPeople is more than just a university—it is a movement. It has opened the doors of higher education for over 137,000 students from more than 200 countries and territories, many of whom had no other educational options. With backing from prestigious institutions like Harvard, NYU, and Oxford, as well as tech leaders such as Microsoft, Google, and IBM, UoPeople is on a mission to reach every student who lost access to education due to crisis, war, or poverty.
By eliminating student loan debt and tuition fees, UoPeople empowers learners to build better futures without financial burdens.
Why UoPeople Matters
In a world where the cost of education continues to rise, UoPeople offers a bold, sustainable alternative. It gives hope to displaced students, second chances to working adults, and a real, accredited education to all. It has already transformed thousands of lives—and it’s just getting started.
If you’re looking for an affordable, flexible, and globally respected path to a degree, UoPeople is not just a choice—it’s a lifeline.