Online study can help you earn a qualification, build professional skills, or prepare for further education without moving abroad. While it can reduce some costs like accommodation and travel, course fees, assessment charges, and certificate costs can still be a challenge.
That is where online scholarships and other forms of financial assistance may help. The key is understanding the different types of support available. Some opportunities cover a full online degree, others provide partial funding, and some offer discounts on individual courses. These options work differently, so it is important to know what each one covers before you apply.
This guide explains where international students can find legitimate online scholarships, how to compare funding options, and what to check before applying.
What Are Online Scholarships?
Online scholarships are financial awards designed to help eligible students cover some or all of the costs of online or distance learning. This term can refer to different types of support. For example, a university may offer funding for an online degree, an organisation might sponsor a distance-learning master’s program, or an online learning platform could provide a discount on a professional course certificate. Before you apply, it is important to check what the funding actually includes. An opportunity listed as a scholarship may not cover all expenses, such as tuition fees, examination costs, internet access, or study equipment.
Types of Online Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Understanding the different types of funding available can help you find opportunities that align with your educational goals.
| Funding type | What it may cover | Best suited for |
| Online degree scholarship | Some or all eligible university fees | Students pursuing an online degree |
| Distance-learning scholarship | Fees for an approved remote-learning programme | Students studying from their home country |
| University financial aid | Eligible institutional charges | Admitted or enrolled students who need support |
| Online course financial assistance | A discount on an eligible course or certificate | Learners developing specific skills |
| Employer or professional funding | Approved training or education costs | Workers pursuing relevant qualifications |
Please note: A discount on a short online course is different from a scholarship for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program. Always check the qualification level, course duration, and what expenses are covered before you apply. See our guide on study abroad for international students
Where to Find Online Scholarships for International Students
1. University websites
Start by visiting the official website of the university that offers your chosen online program. Check for sections labelled ‘Scholarships’, ‘Financial Aid’, ‘Funding’, or ‘Distance Learning’. Some universities only offer financial support after you have received an admission offer. Others limit their awards to specific courses, nationalities, levels of study, or financial situations.
Before you apply, make sure to confirm the following:
- Whether international applicants are eligible.
- Whether the programme can be completed entirely online.
- Whether the award covers tuition, assessment fees, or other charges.
- Whether you need to be admitted to the programme before you can apply for funding.
- Whether the scholarship is available for your intended intake.
If the information is unclear, contact the university’s admissions or financial aid office using the contact details published on its official website. See our guide on scholarships for international students
2. Government and international scholarship programmes
Government-funded programs and international education initiatives can be a good source of postgraduate funding. However, not all scholarships support online study. Be sure to read the study-mode requirements carefully. Some programs require students to attend classes in person, move to another country, or complete a period of on-campus study. For example, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has offered distance-learning master’s scholarships for eligible applicants from Commonwealth countries. However, according to its official website, the Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships program is currently paused for 2026 and 2027. Applicants should check the official source for the latest updates. Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s official programme information for future updates on the official website instead of assuming that applications are currently open.
Other international scholarships may only support on-campus programs. Be sure to review the official program guidelines carefully before you start preparing your application.
3. Online learning platforms
Some online learning platforms offer financial assistance for selected courses and certificates. These options can be helpful if your goal is to gain a professional skill rather than earn a full university degree.
For example, Coursera’s course information: The platform explains that financial aid or scholarships may be available for certain learning programs. Availability varies by course, so be sure to check the information page for the specific program you are interested in.
Similarly, edX financial assistance: This support can help reduce the cost of eligible verified certificates. According to its current published terms, approved applicants may receive an 80% reduction on the verified track fee. Please note that this is a discount for a course certificate and not a full scholarship that covers an entire university degree.
4. Nonprofit organisations and professional associations
Some charitable foundations, industry associations, and professional organizations offer support to learners who meet specific academic, financial, geographic, or career-related requirements. These opportunities often focus on a particular field, such as technology, business, public health, education, or engineering. Try searching the official websites of organizations related to your chosen field of study. Also, check what the funding is meant to cover. Whether it is for tuition, professional training, exam fees, or another specific expense. Just because an opportunity uses the word “scholarship” does not mean it will cover the cost of an entire degree.
Online Funding Options Worth Investigating
The examples below show different ways you can reduce the cost of online learning. Please note that not all of these are full-degree scholarships, and eligibility or funding availability may change over time.
| Opportunity | Type of support | What applicants should know |
| University of the People scholarships | Institutional financial assistance | Students must be accepted before requesting a scholarship; awards can help cover eligible assessment fees. |
| Coursera financial aid | Course-specific financial assistance | Available only for selected learning programmes; check the individual course page. |
| edX financial assistance | Discount on eligible verified certificates | Assistance reduces the certificate fee for approved applicants; it does not automatically fund a degree. |
| Commonwealth Scholarship Commission | Government-funded scholarship programmes | Check the latest programme status and study-mode requirements; the distance-learning master’s scheme is paused for 2026 and 2027. |
University of the People scholarships
University of the People is an accredited online university that offers financial assistance to eligible students. According to its scholarship information, applicants must first be accepted into the university and can then request funding through the Funding page in their Student Portal. The university’s scholarships can help cover assessment fees. Any awarded funds are applied directly to eligible university charges, rather than being paid to students as unrestricted cash. Be sure to also review any application fees, remaining assessment charges, and the specific terms of your award.
Read the university’s official scholarship guidance. Be sure to review the details carefully before making a decision.
Coursera financial aid
Coursera offers financial aid or scholarships for selected learning programs. This option is not available for every course, and the support applies to that specific course or program. It does not automatically cover an online degree from another institution. To learn more, visit the course description page and look for the financial aid option. Be sure to read the conditions carefully and confirm what you will receive if your application is approved.
edX financial assistance
edX provides financial assistance for many eligible verified courses. According to its current help center information, approved applicants may receive up to an 80% reduction on the verified track fee. While a verified certificate can be valuable for professional development, it is different from a university degree or a full scholarship. Please note that this assistance is specific to individual courses, and some programs are not included. Check the official edX financial assistance rules before applying.
Who Can Apply for Online Scholarships?
There is no single eligibility requirement that applies to all online scholarships. Each university, organization, and learning platform sets its own criteria. However, some common eligibility factors include the following:
Academic qualifications
Degree scholarships may require a secondary school certificate, a bachelor’s degree, academic transcripts, or a minimum grade point average. Postgraduate programs may also ask for relevant prior studies or professional experience. For short courses, financial assistance programs often use different criteria.
Nationality and country of residence
Some awards are open to applicants worldwide, while others are limited to specific countries or regions. Students from Nigeria and other African countries should carefully check whether their nationality and current country of residence meet the stated requirements. Just because an opportunity is available online does not automatically mean it is open to applicants from every country.
Financial need
For need-based awards, applicants may be asked to explain their financial situation and why they need assistance. Some programs request supporting documents, while others may use a different evaluation process. Always provide accurate and truthful information, and only submit the documents requested through the official application portal.
Language requirements
Depending on the language of instruction and the university’s admission policies, an online program may require proof of English proficiency or proficiency in another language. Studying online does not automatically remove language requirements, so be sure to check the official admission guidelines to see what is required and whether alternative forms of proof are accepted.
Programme-specific requirements
Some scholarships are only available for specific subjects, qualifications, or approved courses. Others may require you to secure admission to the program before you can apply for funding. Before you invest time in a lengthy application, make sure your chosen program and intended study period meet the eligibility requirements.
Documents You May Need
The required documents vary depending on the provider and the type of funding. The table below is intended as a general preparation guide, not a complete checklist for every application.
| Document | Why it may be required |
| Academic certificates and transcripts | To verify educational background |
| Identification or proof of nationality | To confirm identity and eligibility |
| Admission offer or application details | To establish eligibility for a particular programme |
| Personal statement or financial-need explanation | To explain your goals and circumstances |
| Curriculum vitae or résumé | To demonstrate relevant experience, where requested |
| Recommendation letters | To support an application for selected academic awards |
| English-language test results | To meet programme-specific language requirements |
| Research proposal | For some research-based postgraduate opportunities |
Be sure to prepare clear and readable copies of your documents, and follow the provider’s instructions regarding file formats, translations, certification, and submission deadlines. For your security, never send sensitive documents to an unverified email address or an unofficial social media account.
How to Apply for Online Scholarships Step by Step
Taking a careful approach to your application process can help you avoid spending time on opportunities that may not be a good fit.
Step 1: Define your educational goal.
Decide whether you are looking for a full online degree, a distance-learning master’s program, a professional certificate, or a short course. This distinction is important because the available funding sources and overall costs can vary significantly depending on the type of qualification.
Step 2: Search for relevant opportunities
Explore university funding pages, official scholarship portals, recognized organizations, and course-provider websites. To narrow down your results, try using more specific search terms such as:
- Online scholarships for international students
- Distance-learning master’s scholarships
- Online university financial aid
- Financial assistance for online certificates
- Scholarships for African students studying online
You can use search results to discover potential opportunities, but always rely on the official provider’s website for accurate eligibility criteria and application instructions.
Step 3: Check eligibility before applying
Read the complete scholarship rules carefully. Be sure to confirm the eligible countries, academic requirements, course type, funding amount, application dates, and any conditions you must meet after receiving an award. If the program is no longer running or the deadline has passed, look for an official announcement about the next intake rather than relying on older articles. See our guide on Scholarship Requirements
Step 4: Calculate the remaining cost
A scholarship may only cover part of your expenses. Be sure to calculate what you would still need to pay, including any application, assessment, certificate, internet, or equipment costs. Do not enroll on the assumption that funding will be awarded. Unless the provider has officially confirmed your award, it is wise to have an alternative plan for covering the costs.
Step 5: Prepare your application
Gather all the required documents and write a clear explanation of your academic objectives. If the application asks why you need financial assistance, explain your circumstances honestly and describe how the funding would help you complete your course or qualification. Avoid using copied personal statements or making unsupported claims. Instead, tailor each application specifically to the program you are applying for.
For more guidance on preparing strong applications, read our Scholarship Application Guide.
Step 6: Submit through the official channel.
Fill out the official application form, carefully review your information, upload the required documents, and submit everything before the deadline. Make sure to save a copy of your application and any confirmation message you receive. If you require an explanation, reach out to the provider through their official website or student portal.
Step 7: Track the outcome
Keep a record of your application date, deadline, contact details, and the expected decision date. Be sure to check your email and application portal regularly, including your spam and junk folders. If you receive an award, review the terms carefully. Confirm the total funding amount, what expenses it covers, any requirements for renewal, and the conditions you need to meet to retain the funding.
How to Avoid Online Scholarship Scams
Students searching for funding may come across websites or messages that imitate legitimate scholarship providers. Be cautious if an offer promises guaranteed funding or pressures you to act quickly.
Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- A person demands an unexplained payment to guarantee a scholarship.
- The website uses a lookalike domain or has no verifiable connection to the named institution.
- The offer promises a large award without explaining eligibility or selection.
- You are asked to send passwords, banking PINs, or unnecessary sensitive information.
- The sender insists that you pay through an unusual or untraceable method.
- The application details cannot be confirmed on the official provider’s website.
A legitimate institution may charge a clearly disclosed application or program fee, so the presence of a fee alone does not mean an offer is fraudulent. However, a payment request should never be a reason to skip verification. Always verify the opportunity on the institution’s official website, review the application procedure carefully, and contact the organization using independently verified contact details. Never share your account password or one-time security codes with anyone claiming to process a scholarship.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not confuse course discounts with full degree scholarships. Always confirm whether the award covers an entire qualification or only a single course or certificate.
Applying without checking country eligibility. Just because a scholarship is listed as internationally available does not mean it is open to applicants from every country.
Ignoring the total cost. Even a generous award may not cover all fees and other related expenses.
Relying on outdated information. Scholarship deadlines, program availability, and eligibility rules can change over time, so always check the most recent official announcement.
Submitting generic applications. Make sure to address the specific selection criteria and include all the documents that have been requested.
Relying on unofficial agents. Always verify the application process directly with the official scholarship provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online scholarships available for international students?
Yes, some universities and organizations do offer funding for online degrees and distance-learning programs, and some online learning platforms provide financial assistance for selected courses. However, eligibility and coverage vary by provider.
Can Nigerian students apply for online scholarships?
Nigerian students can apply for opportunities that are open to applicants from Nigeria. Before you apply, be sure to carefully review the requirements for nationality, residence, course, and academic qualifications.
Can I get a fully funded online degree?
Some programs may cover all eligible study fees, but fully funded online degrees are not widely available. Be sure to read the award terms carefully to see whether it covers tuition and other compulsory charges.
Are online course financial aid programmes the same as scholarships?
Not necessarily. A course platform may offer a reduced fee for a certificate, while a university scholarship might help with degree-related costs. It is important to check the type of support being offered, its value, and what expenses it actually covers.
Do I need IELTS to receive an online scholarship?
Not always. Language requirements vary depending on the university, course, and funding program. Some providers accept alternative proof of proficiency, while others require a recognized English language test. Be sure to check the specific admission requirements.
You can also read our guide to Scholarships Without IELTS for more information about language-test requirements.
Do I have to pay to apply for an online scholarship?
Some legitimate programs do have application or related fees, while others do not. Always check the official guidelines to understand what any payment covers, and be cautious of anyone who asks for money in exchange for a guaranteed award.
Where can I find reliable online scholarship information?
Start your search on official university websites, recognized scholarship organizations, government education portals, and the official help centers of learning platforms. You can use third-party scholarship sites to discover opportunities, but always verify the details directly with the provider.
Final Thoughts
Online scholarships and financial assistance can help make education more affordable, but the best option for you will depend on what you want to study and what costs you need help with. Start by deciding whether you need funding for a full degree, a distance-learning program, or a single online course. Then, review the provider’s official eligibility criteria, estimate any remaining costs you may need to cover, and submit a complete application through the official channel. Most importantly, don’t judge an opportunity by its headline alone. Taking the time to understand exactly what the funding covers will help you avoid misleading offers and choose a study option that truly fits your goals and budget.
