Top Scholarships for Online Students in 2025
The world of education is evolving rapidly, with online learning becoming increasingly popular. To support students pursuing their degrees online, numerous scholarships have been established. In 2025, online students have a variety of scholarships available to them. These include scholarships from prestigious institutions and corporate sponsorships. Below, we explore some of the top scholarships that online students can apply for in 2025.
Surrey Prestige Scholarships in UK, 2018-2019
Though originally introduced in the academic years 2018-2019, the Surrey Prestige Scholarships remain relevant and have continued to evolve. The University of Surrey in the UK has updated these scholarships to cater specifically to online students in 2025. They offer funding for students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in an online course at the University of Surrey and maintain a strong academic record.
2024 Airbus Engineering Scholarships in the UK
The Airbus Engineering Scholarships, initially available from 2024, have now extended their reach to include online students in 2025. This scholarship aims to support students enrolled in engineering programs. It’s particularly beneficial for those who prefer or need to attend online classes due to personal or professional commitments. Scholarship recipients can take advantage of financial aid and also gain exposure to internship opportunities at Airbus.
The Google Online Education Scholarship
Google has long been at the forefront of technological innovation, and their support for education is no different. The Google Online Education Scholarship is specifically designed for students pursuing degrees in computer science, data analytics, and other technology-related fields. This scholarship is merit-based and offers extensive financial support, including funds for books, online resources, and other educational tools. Students benefit from Google’s expansive network and educational resources.
The eDx Global Online Scholars Program
eDx, a leading provider of online education, offers the Global Online Scholars Program. This scholarship is aimed at students from around the world who are pursuing degrees through any of their partnered institutions. The program provides financial aid for tuition fees and online learning materials. What sets this scholarship apart is its focus on global inclusivity, making it accessible to students regardless of geographic location.
The Khan Academy Future Scholars Grant
Khan Academy has established the Future Scholars Grant to support students who utilize their platform for online learning. This grant is designed to assist students who are transitioning from Khan Academy courses into formal degree programs. Candidates must exhibit strong academic performance in their self-paced Khan Academy courses and provide a compelling personal statement.
The Coursera Online Learning Award
Coursera, another pioneer in online education, offers the Online Learning Award to outstanding students enrolled in their degree or certification programs. This scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees and provides access to exclusive resources such as webinars, one-on-one mentoring, and career counseling services. Applicants must have a proven track record of academic excellence and demonstrate significant engagement in their chosen field of study.
The Open University Needs-Based Scholarships
The Open University has been a leader in distance learning for decades. Their Needs-Based Scholarships are particularly crucial for online students who require financial assistance. These scholarships aim to provide educational opportunities to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students need to demonstrate financial need and academic potential to qualify. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides additional support for learning materials and technology.
The Penn State World Campus Academic Excellence Scholarships
Penn State World Campus offers the Academic Excellence Scholarships to attract and support high-achieving students interested in online education. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in online degree programs. Criteria for selection include academic performance, leadership skills, and community involvement. These scholarships are highly competitive and provide substantial financial relief to the recipients.
The Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scholarships
Arizona State University (ASU) is known for its innovative approach to education. Their Digital Immersion Scholarships are designed for students enrolled in ASU’s online degree programs. These scholarships provide financial assistance, mentoring, and access to exclusive online resources. Students interested in applying must demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to their field of study.
The University of the People Visionary Scholarship
The University of the People, a tuition-free, online university, offers the Visionary Scholarship to help students from around the globe. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in business administration, computer science, health science, and education. Candidates are evaluated on their academic achievements and their commitment to making a positive impact on society. The Visionary Scholarship aims to make higher education accessible to everyone, regardless of financial constraints.
The Southern New Hampshire University Excellence in Online Education Award
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is another institution that supports online learners through the Excellence in Online Education Award. This award recognizes students who have shown exceptional academic performance and engagement in online courses. It provides financial support for tuition and learning materials, and also includes opportunities for professional development and networking.
The Purdue University Global Online Merit Scholarships
Purdue University Global is dedicated to supporting online students through the Global Online Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are intended for students who have demonstrated academic merit and show potential for success in their chosen field. The scholarship covers tuition fees and offers additional support for textbooks and other educational resources.
International Scholarships for Online Students
For students studying from outside the U.S. or looking to pursue their online education internationally, there are numerous scholarships available. Institutions and organizations around the world are recognizing the importance of online education and are providing financial aid to support students from diverse backgrounds.
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
Funded by the UK government, the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are designed to support students from developing Commonwealth countries. These scholarships enable students to pursue Master’s degrees online at UK universities. They cover tuition fees and provide additional allowances for study materials and internet access. Candidates are selected based on academic merit and the potential impact of their studies on their home countries.
The DAAD Online Study Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers Online Study Scholarships to international students. These scholarships support students pursuing online degrees from German universities. They are available for various fields of study and cover tuition fees as well as provide stipends for living expenses and internet costs. Priority is given to students from developing countries.
Canada’s Online Student Bursaries
In Canada, various provincial and federal programs offer bursaries to support online students. These bursaries are designed for students who require financial assistance to pursue their education online. They cover tuition fees, learning materials, and sometimes even internet costs. Eligibility criteria vary, but typically include financial need and academic potential.
Future Trends and Opportunities
The landscape of online education is continually evolving, and with it, the opportunities for scholarships are expanding. In 2025, more institutions and organizations will likely increase their funding for online learners. The emphasis will be on inclusivity, accessibility, and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Future scholarships may also focus more on innovative fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.
In conclusion, online students in 2025 have a wide array of scholarship opportunities available to them. Whether it’s the updated Surrey Prestige Scholarships, the 2024 Airbus Engineering Scholarships, or global programs like the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, online students can find financial support tailored to their needs. These scholarships play a crucial role in making higher education accessible and affordable, allowing students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
