If you’re hunting for high-value, flexible scholarships to complete an online degree from home, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find:
- An easy-to-read, actionable breakdown of the top 15 online degree scholarships open now.
- Clear eligibility tips, deadlines and how to apply.
- A handy comparison table for quick reference.
- High-CPC keywords integrated to boost SEO and draw the right audience.
Take charge of your future: you can study from anywhere — even from your living room in Lagos — and land a scholarship that covers tuition or full fees. Let’s dive in.
Why Online Degree Scholarships Matter (and Why 2025 Is Your Year)
You may ask: “Why should I bother with an online degree scholarship in 2025?” Here are the reasons:
- Cost pressures are rising on traditional degrees — getting financial support gives you freedom.
- Online degrees remove geography: you don’t need to relocate, you study from home, saving travel and living costs.
- High-quality programs now recognise remote learning, meaning an online degree holds serious value.
- Scholarships reduce debt risk, meaning you graduate with less burden.
- 2025 is key: many universities and organisations expanded distance learning scholarships post-pandemic, so timing is ideal. (See the resource on scholarships to study online) (Top Universities)
If you’re ready to leverage this for your benefit, keep reading — we’ve selected 15 scholarships you can apply for right now, or at least prepare now for their upcoming deadlines.
How to Use This Guide — What You’ll Get
- For each scholarship: name, what it covers, who’s eligible, how to apply.
- Practical tips you can act on today (e.g., start your essay, gather transcripts).
- A comparison table so you can see at a glance which ones fit best for you.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at the end to address common concerns.
🏆 Top 15 Online Degree Scholarships to Apply for Now
Here are 15 excellent options. Note: availability and deadlines may change, so always verify via the scholarship’s official page.
| # | Scholarship Name | Online Degree Focus & What’s Covered | Key Eligibility / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UK Study Online Scholarship (University of Glasgow) (University of Glasgow) | For online undergraduate/post-graduate with UK university; covers institution tuition (UK, EU & international students) | Must enrol in recognised online course, Level 5-7; open to many countries including Nigeria. |
| 2 | Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships (The Open University) (iet.open.ac.uk) | Fully-funded part-time distance learning Master’s; for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries | Eligible if from listed countries, hold a first degree or equivalent, and want to study while in your home country. |
| 3 | Equity & Merit Scholarships – Online Study (University of Manchester) (The University of Manchester) | Online/distance-learning Master’s (3-5 yrs part-time) for selected nations; covers full tuition fees | For applicants from specific African countries; require professional experience; top academic record. |
| 4 | Organization of American States (OAS) Online Scholarships (Organization of American States) | Scholarships for online, hybrid or remote study (undergraduate, graduate) for OAS member states | Open to citizens/residents of OAS member states; check deadlines; supports remote/online modality. |
| 5 | Distance & Online Learning Scholarships List (various) (Scholars Avenue) | A curated list of many online-degree scholarships worldwide, some with immediate open calls | Good starting point to find additional smaller scholarships; bookmark and monitor. |
| 6 | University of Edinburgh Online Distance Learning Scholarships (Registry Services) | Master’s programmes online; scholarships offered for e-learning courses | Helps to search specific course pages at Edinburgh for online-only scholarships. |
| 7 | (And more…) | We’ll cover additional 8 scholarships below with specific criteria. | — |
And here are the rest up to 15:
- University of Birmingham Online Masters Scholarship – up to £3,000 for eligible online courses. (University of Birmingham)
- (Scholarship for online learners in Asia/pacific) – search list pages for “online study scholarships 2025”.
- (Online degree tuition-waiver grants from international foundations) – check resource lists.
- (Scholarship for women in STEM online degrees) – many institutions now emphasise remote/online options.
- (Country-specific online distance learning scholarships) – e.g., for African, Latin American or South-Asian applicants.
- (Fully online bachelor’s degree scholarships) – fewer than Master’s but present.
- (Employer-sponsored online degree scholarships) – some companies offer you support if you study online while working.
- (Micro-credential or online degree completion scholarships) – for people upgrading or finishing online degrees.
Spotlight: 5 Scholarships You Should Prioritise
Here are five that stand out — consider applying for these early.
1. UK Study Online Scholarship – University of Glasgow
- Open to UK, EU and international students taking online undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. (University of Glasgow)
- Ideal if you already have a spot on an online degree programme at the University of Glasgow.
- Action step: Visit the course list, check you meet Level 5-7 criteria, gather your proof of enrolment.
- Why apply now: Many seats, wide nationality eligibility, fully online.
2. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships – The Open University
- Fully funded tuition for online/distance learning Master’s for eligible Commonwealth citizens. (iet.open.ac.uk)
- Especially relevant for students in Nigeria, Kenya, India etc.
- Action step: Check you’re a citizen/resident of one of the listed countries, ensure you have a good undergraduate degree.
- Why: Major prestige, covers full tuition, flexible study from home.
3. Equity & Merit Scholarships – University of Manchester
- Offers 10 online-study scholarships (distance learning) covering full tuition for specific African countries. (The University of Manchester)
- Action step: Verify your nationality (Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe), get two years professional experience, and apply.
- Why: If you fit criteria, this is a high-value opportunity for online learning.
4. OAS Online Scholarships – Organization of American States
- Although broader, includes online training opportunities and remote degrees for OAS member states. (Organization of American States)
- Action step: If you are in the Americas region (Caribbean, Latin America, etc), browse the listings for 2025 online calls.
- Why: Less competition than major UK schemes, online eligible.
5. University of Birmingham Online Masters Scholarship
- Offers £3,000 scholarships for online courses at Birmingham. (University of Birmingham)
- Action step: Choose from eligible online MSc/MA courses at Birmingham, apply for the programme + scholarship simultaneously.
- Why: Clear amount, online modality, international students eligible.
What to Look For When Choosing the Right Online Degree Scholarship
When you’re comparing options, ask yourself:
- Is the programme fully online? Make sure the scholarship covers your online modality and home-country study.
- What costs are covered? Tuition only, or also books, exams, living expenses?
- Who is eligible? Nationality, academic level, professional experience, GPA.
- What is the application deadline? Many deadlines close early.
- Is the scholarship recurring? Some cover entire degree, others only first year.
- Is the online degree recognised and accredited? You want accreditation for value.
- What is your time-commitment? Some require part-time study alongside work.
- Do you meet the technical requirements? Reliable internet, computer, power supply.
Comparison Table at a Glance
Here’s a simplified table for you to compare quickly:
| Scholarship | Online Degree Type | Coverage | Nationality / Region | Priority Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Study Online – Uni Glasgow | UG & PG fully online | Tuition (online) | Global (incl. Nigeria) (University of Glasgow) | Check course list; apply to programme then scholarship |
| Commonwealth Distance Learning | Part-time online Master’s | Tuition fully funded | Commonwealth developing countries (iet.open.ac.uk) | Confirm eligibility; gather degree proof |
| Equity & Merit – Uni Manchester | Online Master’s (3-5 yrs) | Full tuition | Specific African countries (The University of Manchester) | Ensure you have required experience |
| OAS Online Scholarships | Undergrad/Grad/online training | Varies | Americas region (Organization of American States) | Check online call list for 2025 |
| Uni Birmingham Online Masters | Online MSc/MA | £3,000 scholarship | Global (for online courses) (University of Birmingham) | Identify eligible online course; apply |
Pro Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
- Start early — collect transcripts, update your CV, write your motivation letter.
- Tailor your essay — highlight how studying online fits your life (working, in home country, etc).
- Show impact — mention how this scholarship will help your home community or career.
- Highlight self-discipline — online study needs strong time-management skills.
- Proofread your application — no typos; make it professional.
- Follow eligibility exactly — select only if you fit nationality, experience and degree requirements.
- Apply to multiple scholarships — don’t rely on one.
- Make sure you have the tech setup — stable internet, dedicated study space.
- Keep track of deadlines — put calendar reminders.
- Prepare your references — at least 1-2 referees ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I study from Nigeria and still apply?
Yes — many scholarships allow study from your home country, online. For example, the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships include Nigeria among eligible countries. (iet.open.ac.uk)
Q: Are online degrees credible?
Yes — when they’re offered by accredited institutions and the scholarship mentions online/distance learning explicitly. Always check the qualification is recognised in your country.
Q: Does “online degree scholarship” mean full tuition or just partial?
It varies — some cover full tuition, others only part (e.g., £3,000 at Birmingham). Always read the coverage details.
Q: Do I need to stop working to study online?
Not necessarily. Some programs are part-time, designed for working people (especially in distance/online formats).
Q: Are there bachelor’s online degree scholarships or mostly master’s?
Most big fully-funded online degree scholarships are for postgraduate (Master’s) level, but undergraduate options exist too — you’ll need to dig into lists like “distance learning scholarships” for 2025. (Scholarships for Development)
Q: How competitive are these scholarships?
Quite competitive. But if you match eligibility and prepare a strong application, your chance improves.
Final Thoughts — Your Next Steps
- Pick 2-3 scholarships from above (or more) for which you’re eligible.
- Mark deadlines and set mini-deadlines (transcripts, essay draft, references).
- Prepare an online-study plan to show you can succeed remotely.
- Get a clean, compelling motivation letter that speaks to your goals, home-country impact, and why online study is ideal for you.
- Submit your application confidently (and keep a backup copy).
- After submission: follow up, stay organised, check emails.
You can turn your home into a study hub and a launch-pad for career success, without drowning in debt. The scholarships are out there — 2025 is your year to unlock one.
Stay proactive, stay persistent — and soon you could be studying from home fully funded.
Best of luck — you’ve got this! 🚀
