So here’s the thing — online degrees have gotten super popular in the last few years, and for good reason. You get to study from wherever you are, often at your own pace, and still earn a legit American university degree. But yes, tuition can still be pricey for international students.
Good news? There are scholarships out there specifically for online international students in USA-based programs. Let’s dive into some of the best ones for 2025 and how you can land them.
📌 Why Consider an Online Degree in the USA?
- Flexibility — study from home while working or caring for family
- Access to top U.S. universities without the travel costs
- Often lower tuition fees compared to on-campus programs
- Same recognized degree as on-campus students
📋 Top Scholarships for Online International Students
1️⃣ University of the People Scholarships
- 100% online, tuition-free U.S. university
- Offers scholarships to cover the small assessment fees
- Open to students worldwide for business, health science, education, and computer science degrees
Pro Tip: UoPeople is accredited and partners with top schools like NYU and UC Berkeley.
2️⃣ Arizona State University (ASU) Online Scholarships
- International students enrolled in ASU’s online programs can apply
- Merit-based and need-based scholarships
- Popular for business, engineering, and health science degrees
3️⃣ Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Global Scholarships
- Up to $2,000 awarded annually for international online students
- Programs in business, IT, healthcare, and education
- SNHU is one of the biggest online degree providers in the USA
4️⃣ Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Limited Online Options)
- While traditionally for on-campus, some Fulbright country offices support remote programs post-pandemic
- Focuses on graduate-level studies
- Fully funded
Feedback: Always double-check with your country’s Fulbright office about online eligibility.
5️⃣ Open Society Foundations Online Learning Scholarship
- Funds online graduate programs for students from developing countries
- Focus on public health, law, policy, and social work
- Covers tuition, internet costs, and learning materials
📊 Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship Name | Amount (USD) / Coverage | Eligible Programs | Fully Funded | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of the People Scholarships | Full tuition (assessment fee waivers) | Business, CS, Education, Health | ✅ Yes | International students worldwide |
| ASU Online Scholarships | Varies, merit/need-based | Various undergrad/grad programs | ❌ Partial | International online students |
| SNHU Global Scholarships | Up to $2,000 per year | Business, IT, Healthcare | ❌ Partial | International students |
| Fulbright (limited online) | Full tuition + living expenses | Grad-level (country-specific) | ✅ Yes (if available) | Select countries only |
| Open Society Foundations | Tuition, tech, materials | Public policy, health, law | ✅ Yes | Students from developing countries |
📚 Tips for Winning an Online Degree Scholarship
- Apply early — online programs often have rolling admissions but scholarship funds run out fast
- Tailor your personal statement to show how online learning fits your life and career goals
- Highlight previous online coursework, remote work, or independent study if you have any
- Focus on programs that actively offer international student funding — not all do
Feedback: Many students forget to ask online admissions counselors about scholarships — don’t be shy! A quick email could uncover extra funding opportunities.
📅 When to Apply
| Month | What to Do |
|---|---|
| December–February | Research programs and scholarship deadlines |
| March–April | Apply for scholarships and gather documents |
| May–June | Finalize online program applications |
| July–August | Wait for admission and scholarship results |
🎯 Final Thoughts
Getting a scholarship for an online degree in the USA as an international student is totally possible in 2025. From tuition-free schools like University of the People to partial funding at big-name schools like ASU Online and SNHU, there’s real opportunity out there if you know where to look.
Quick tip: Even if a program doesn’t advertise international scholarships, always ask. Some universities set aside funding for international online students but don’t publicly post about it.
