The University of the People (UoPeople) is the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited online university, offering degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science, Education, and Health Science. The university is designed to provide higher education opportunities to students from all around the world who may otherwise not have access to a college education due to financial, geographical, or social barriers.
If you’re interested in applying for a degree program at UoPeople, this guide will walk you through the steps, from checking eligibility requirements to submitting your application.
Step 1: Choose a Degree Program
The first step in applying to University of the People is to choose a degree program that aligns with your academic and career goals. UoPeople offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following areas:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Associate of Science (A.S.) – Typically a two-year program.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – Typically a four-year program.
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Health Science
- Education (Bachelor’s in Education is only for Arabic speakers)
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Two specializations: Elementary/Middle School Education or Secondary Education
Certificate Programs:
UoPeople also offers undergraduate certificate programs in various fields that typically last one year.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements
Before starting your application, you need to ensure that you meet the general eligibility requirements for UoPeople. The university has different criteria for undergraduate and graduate programs.
Undergraduate Program Eligibility:
- High School Completion: You must have completed high school (secondary school) or equivalent.
- You will need to submit proof of completion, such as a diploma or official transcripts. If you do not have a high school diploma, you may still be admitted through an alternative pathway by submitting additional documents, such as an online equivalency exam.
- English Proficiency: If English is not your first language or you did not attend an English-speaking high school, you may need to demonstrate English proficiency. This can be done through standardized tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or by completing an English Composition course at UoPeople.
Graduate Program Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s Degree: You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- English Proficiency: As with undergraduate applicants, if your prior education was not in English, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
To successfully apply to UoPeople, you will need to provide certain documents depending on whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or graduate program.
Required Documents for Undergraduate Applicants:
- High School Diploma or Transcript: Submit an official copy of your high school diploma or equivalent.
- Proof of Identity: Provide a government-issued ID, such as a passport or national identity card.
- English Proficiency: If applicable, submit your TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent test scores, or proof of prior study in English.
- Personal Statement (optional for some applicants): A brief statement explaining why you wish to study at UoPeople and your academic and career goals.
Required Documents for Graduate Applicants:
- Bachelor’s Degree Diploma or Transcript: Submit official transcripts showing your undergraduate degree.
- English Proficiency: As with the undergraduate application, you must provide proof of proficiency in English if required.
- Resume/CV: A current resume or CV highlighting your academic and professional experience.
- Personal Statement: For graduate programs, especially the MBA, a personal statement outlining your reasons for pursuing the degree and your career objectives is typically required.
Step 4: Create an Online Account and Complete the Application Form
Once you’ve gathered your required documents and determined your eligibility, you can begin the application process online.
Steps to Apply Online:
- Visit the UoPeople Website: Go to the University of the People admissions page.
- Create an Account: You will need to create a user account by providing your email address and setting up a password. This account will give you access to the UoPeople online application system.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form by providing personal details such as your name, contact information, and the degree program you’re applying to. You will also need to provide information about your educational background and upload your required documents.
- Submit the Application Fee: UoPeople is tuition-free but charges a non-refundable application processing fee of $60. This fee helps cover administrative costs associated with processing your application.
Step 5: Submit Required Documents and Application Fee
After completing the online application form, you will need to upload your supporting documents to the UoPeople admissions portal.
Document Submission:
- Upload Your Documents: You can upload your high school/college transcripts, diploma, or other required documents directly to the UoPeople application system.
- Certified Documents: Ensure that your documents are official and certified copies. In some cases, you may need to have your documents evaluated by a third-party agency to verify their authenticity.
- Submit the Application Processing Fee: Pay the one-time $60 application fee. UoPeople accepts various payment methods, including credit card and PayPal.
Step 6: Application Review and Admission Decision
Once your application has been submitted with all required documents, UoPeople will begin reviewing your application.
Review Process:
- Admissions Team Review: The admissions team will review your application and supporting documents to verify your eligibility.
- Additional Information: In some cases, UoPeople may contact you to request additional documentation or clarification on your submitted materials.
Admission Decision Timeline:
- You can expect to receive an admission decision within one to two weeks after submitting your completed application.
Step 7: Pay the Assessment Fees (Per Course)
While UoPeople does not charge tuition fees, students are required to pay an assessment fee at the end of each course. These fees are much lower than traditional universities, making UoPeople an affordable option for students around the world.
- Undergraduate Assessment Fee: $120 per course.
- Graduate Assessment Fee: $240 per course.
There are scholarships available to cover assessment fees for students who demonstrate financial need.
Step 8: Begin Your Studies
If you’re accepted, you will receive an official letter of admission with instructions on how to proceed. Once enrolled, you can begin your studies at UoPeople.
What to Expect:
- Online Orientation: Before starting your courses, you may be required to complete an online orientation to familiarize yourself with UoPeople’s learning platform and policies.
- Course Structure: Courses are offered online and are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them on your own schedule, though there are weekly deadlines for assignments and participation in discussions.
- Global Peer Interaction: You’ll collaborate with fellow students from around the world, sharing diverse perspectives and experiences.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin the application process well before the deadline to ensure you have enough time to gather and submit your required documents.
- Pay Attention to English Proficiency Requirements: Make sure you understand whether you need to provide proof of English proficiency and arrange to take the necessary tests early if required.
- Check for Scholarships: If you’re concerned about paying the assessment fees, explore UoPeople’s available scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce costs.
- Provide Clear and Certified Documents: Ensure that your academic transcripts and other documents are clear, legible, and properly certified to avoid delays in processing your application.
Conclusion
Applying to the University of the People is a straightforward process that opens doors to affordable, quality education. By following the steps outlined in this guide and carefully preparing your application, you can increase your chances of being admitted and begin working toward your degree. Good luck!
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