Top Scholarships for Online & Distance Learning in 2025

The future of education is online. With flexible schedules, diverse programs, and global accessibility, online and distance learning has opened doors for millions of students worldwide. But while online degrees are generally more affordable than traditional ones, the costs can still add up—especially for students balancing work, family, and personal commitments.

Luckily, scholarships for online and distance learning in 2025 are more available than ever. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or professional certificate online, there are funding options designed specifically to support remote learners.

In this guide, we explore some of the top scholarships for online and distance learning in 2025, who’s eligible, and how to apply.

🌍 1. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships (UK)

Offered by: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Degree level: Master’s
Eligibility: Citizens of developing Commonwealth countries
What it covers: Full tuition, study materials, and support costs for selected online master’s degrees offered by UK universities

Application window: Usually opens in February/March 2025

👉 Apply via the CSC website

🎓 2. University of the People (UoPeople) Scholarships

Offered by: University of the People, an accredited online university
Degree level: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities
What it covers: Tuition-free, but students pay minimal assessment fees; scholarships are available to cover even those

Types of scholarships:

• Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund (for U.S. students)

• Emergency Refugee Assistance Scholarship

• Fondation Hoffmann Scholarship (for international students)

🎯 3. edX and Coursera Financial Aid

Offered by: Platforms like edX, Coursera, and FutureLearn
Degree level: Professional certificates, MicroMasters, and even full degrees
Eligibility: Anyone enrolled in eligible online programs
What it covers: Partial to full waivers on course fees and certifications

How to apply: When enrolling in a paid course, click “Financial Aid” or “Apply for Aid”

👉 edX | Coursera

🇺🇸 4. Western Governors University (WGU) Scholarships – USA

Offered by: WGU – an accredited, nonprofit online university in the U.S.
Degree level: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Eligibility: U.S. residents
What it covers: Up to $2,500 per term depending on the scholarship
Popular programs: Business, IT, Education, Healthcare

Examples of scholarships:

• WGU Community College Partner Scholarship

• WGU Women in Tech Scholarship

• Online Access Scholarship

👉 Explore WGU scholarships

💻 5. UNICAF Online Scholarship Program (Africa & International)

Offered by: UNICAF, in partnership with top universities
Degree level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral
Eligibility: Open to African students and select global applicants
What it covers: Up to 75% tuition discount for online degrees from institutions like the University of Suffolk and University of East London

👉 Apply via UNICAF

🌐 6. Open University (UK) Bursaries and Scholarships

Offered by: The Open University – one of the largest providers of distance learning
Degree level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Eligibility: UK residents, low-income students, disabled students, and veterans
What it covers: Full or partial tuition, laptop support, study tools

Types of aid:

• Carers’ Scholarship Fund

• Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship

• Part-Time Tuition Fee Grant

👉 Check funding options

📚 7. GetEducated.com Online Degree Scholarship – USA

Offered by: GetEducated.com
Degree level: Online associate’s or bachelor’s
Eligibility: U.S. students enrolled in accredited online programs
What it covers: $1,000 cash award (twice annually)
Deadline: March 15 and October 15 every year

🏅 8. Global Online Learning Scholarships by University of Edinburgh

Offered by: University of Edinburgh
Degree level: Online Master’s
Eligibility: Citizens of eligible developing countries
What it covers: Full tuition for selected online master’s programs

Deadline: Typically closes by June 2025

🧾 Tips for Winning Online Learning Scholarships

1. Start early: Many online scholarships have early deadlines—don’t wait until the last minute.

2. Tailor your application: Emphasize your motivation, career goals, and how an online degree fits your lifestyle.

3. Provide financial proof (when required): Some programs require tax forms, payslips, or statements.

4. Stay organized: Track applications using a spreadsheet and set reminders.

5. Leverage multiple platforms: Don’t just apply to one—maximize your chances across several opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a full-time worker, or someone in a remote location, online and distance learning can transform your future—and you don’t have to go into debt doing it. With the scholarships listed above, you can pursue a high-quality education in 2025 from anywhere in the world.

Education is going digital—make sure you don’t get left behind.