The students who want to study anywhere or in their own country and simultaneously want the benefit of an international education then distance learning education is for you. It is cheaper than actually studying abroad because everything is done online and virtually. There are various online degree scholarships along with free online courses to help students to get an online education for free of cost.

• Various Online Degree Scholarships:-

Various Universities abroad offers online, accredited, tuition-free, American university degrees in business administration and computer science and various other subjects as well. These programs are taught by world-class professors hailing from universities such as NYU, Harvard, Oxford and more in a supportive small classroom setting virtually. These Universities prepares its students for employment by offering internship and mentoring programs to gain hands-on experience with its partners such as HP and Microsoft etc additionally to academic studies. For instance- University of people provides these scholarships.

• The Commonwealth Distance Learning  Scholarships:-

The popular Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships support candidates from developing commonwealth countries to study more than 30+ Master’s degree courses that are either offered in partnership with universities in developing countries and are delivered directly by UK institutions. Here the scholarships cover the tuition fees mostly.

• The Edinburgh Global Distance Learning Scholarships:-

The University of Edinburgh will offer 12 scholarships to citizens of selected developing countries to pursue one of the vast 30+ distance learning Master’s programmes offered by the University. Thus, Each scholarship will cover the full tuition fees over three years of time duration.

Besides, if students want to study for free anywhere they choose then the distance learning scholarships are for them. Numerous international scholarships allow students to study in any country or just about anywhere. These Scholarships funded by global and regional organizations allow students to study in any country or quite a wide selection of countries. Also, Due to its nature, distance learning scholarships allow students to pursue international studies in their own country or wherever they may be. The most popular one is as follows-

1. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program.

2. OFID Scholarship Award.

3. Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants.

• Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme:-

• For Masters/PhD Degree-

Brief description-The popular Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their education.  These Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant/ 50% loan basis through a competitive application process per annum. Also, The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master’s level courses but is willing to consider applications for PhD programmes as well. Here, the Applications for short-term courses are not considered mostly. This Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries mostly-

Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique. Besides, In France, Portugal, UK, USA and Canada, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above-developing countries as well as, are interested in development-related studies and also, who have no other means of financing their studies.

• The Scholarship value/inclusions-

This Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only. The overall cost of travel is not included in AKF scholarships.  Also, Half of the scholarship amount is considered as a loan, which must be reimbursed with an annual service charge of 5%. Along with these requirements, A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement and the payback period is five years which starts six months after the study period funded by the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship.

• The Eligibility Criteria-

This Foundation only accepts applications of eligible nationals listed above and who are residing in one of the countries where there are local Aga Khan Foundation -AKF. The Aga Khan Education Services -AKES, and Aga Khan Education Board -AKEB are the offices, which process applications and interviews the potential candidates. The Preference is given to students under 30 years of the age limit.  Moreover, The main criteria for selecting award winners are-

1. consistently excellent academic records.

2. genuine financial needs.

3. admission to a highly reputable university or Programme of study.

4. the relevance of the field of study to AKDN’s focus areas. 

The Candidates are also evaluated on demonstrating thoughtful and coherent educational and career plans and their extra-curricular interests and achievements, potential to achieve their goals along with their likelihood to succeed in a foreign academic environment. Moreover, the Applicants are expected to have some years of work experience in their field of interest and relevant subject area.

• The Application instructions-

Basically, the International Scholarship Programme application cycle is open at a specific time in a year. The Application forms can be obtained from  AKF offices or Aga Khan Education services or Boards in the applicant’s country, they are currently residing. The Complete applications should be returned to the agency from which the form was obtained. Also, The deadline for submission of applications must be kept in mind as in many countries internal deadlines may vary. Additionally, the Applicants are advised to contact the local offices for internal deadline dates and requirements as these may vary from country to country of the Students. Therefore, It is important to visit the official website for detailed information on how to apply for these scholarships and students should choose the course of their interest according to their career goals.

Reference-https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/distance-learning-scholarships/