As the demand for flexible, high-quality education continues to grow, online master’s degrees have become a powerful option for students worldwide. No longer limited by geography or time constraints, learners can access world-class programs from top universities without ever leaving their home country. But even with lower costs than traditional on-campus options, online education still poses financial challenges for many. Fortunately, in 2025, there are numerous fully funded scholarships for online master’s degrees—covering tuition, learning materials, and sometimes even stipends.
This comprehensive guide explores the best fully funded scholarships available in 2025 for students pursuing online master’s programs across fields such as business, technology, health, education, and social sciences.
Why Online Master’s Degrees Are in Demand
Before diving into scholarships, it’s important to understand why online postgraduate education is thriving:
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Flexibility: Study from anywhere, often while working full-time.
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Affordability: Online programs often cost significantly less than in-person alternatives.
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Global Access: Access to renowned universities regardless of location.
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Career Advancement: Gain credentials while maintaining your current job or lifestyle.
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Customization: Many programs offer specializations, modular formats, and self-paced options.
In 2025, many leading institutions are actively promoting online programs through generous scholarship schemes, making quality education more inclusive than ever.
🏆 Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Online Master’s Degrees in 2025
1. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships (UK)
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Offered by: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Eligibility: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries
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Coverage: Full tuition for online master’s programs from UK universities
Programs Include:
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Public health, engineering, education, development studies, and more.
Why It Stands Out:
This is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships for online graduate education, enabling students from low- and middle-income countries to access UK-quality education remotely.
2. edX and Mastercard Foundation Online Learning Scholarships
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Offered by: edX (in partnership with Mastercard Foundation)
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Eligibility: African learners, particularly young professionals and women
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Coverage: 100% tuition + potential support for internet/data access
Programs Include:
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Online master’s degrees from institutions like MIT, Harvard, Boston University
Why It Stands Out:
This initiative bridges the digital divide by offering fully funded education to high-potential learners across Africa through one of the world’s most robust online learning platforms.
3. University of the People Tuition-Free Master’s Programs
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Offered by: University of the People (USA)
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Eligibility: Global learners, with additional scholarships for refugees, women, and low-income students
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Coverage: Tuition-free; scholarships available to cover all assessment fees
Master’s Degrees Available:
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MBA, Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Science in Information Technology
Special Scholarships:
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Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund
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UoPeople Refugee and Asylum Seeker Fund
Why It Stands Out:
The model is based on universal access and low-cost education, and many students complete their master’s degree completely free thanks to targeted scholarships.
4. DAAD Remote Learning Scholarships (Germany)
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Offered by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
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Eligibility: Students from developing and emerging economies
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Coverage: Full tuition + digital learning equipment (in select cases)
Programs:
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Online or blended master’s programs at partner German universities
Why It Stands Out:
Germany’s DAAD scholarships are globally respected, and in recent years they’ve expanded to include online offerings with top-quality German institutions.
5. IU International University of Applied Sciences – Online Scholarships (Germany)
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Eligibility: International students applying to online master’s degrees
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Coverage: Up to 100% tuition scholarships available based on merit or need
Fields Offered:
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MBA, Data Science, Engineering Management, IT, Artificial Intelligence
Why It Stands Out:
IU offers fully online and globally recognized degrees, often in collaboration with LSBU (UK), and provides extensive financial aid opportunities.
6. Open University – Scholarships for Online Postgraduate Study (UK)
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Eligibility: UK and some international students with financial need
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Coverage: Full tuition + study materials
Scholarships Available:
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Carers’ Scholarship
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Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship
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Sanctuary Scholarship for asylum seekers
Why It Stands Out:
As one of the most respected providers of online education in Europe, the Open University offers targeted scholarships to marginalized groups.
7. TechWomen Emerging Leaders Program
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Offered by: U.S. Department of State
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Eligibility: Women in STEM from Africa, Central/South Asia, and the Middle East
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Coverage: Fully funded tech and leadership training + access to online master’s preparation
Includes:
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Online mentorship
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Access to fully funded tech certifications and transition into online degrees
Why It Stands Out:
Though not a direct master’s program, this initiative often leads to fully funded opportunities and further study via U.S. partner universities.
8. MITx and MicroMasters Scholarships
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Eligibility: Global learners enrolled in edX MicroMasters programs
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Coverage: Full scholarships or fee waivers for eligible students
Progression Path:
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Start with MicroMasters → transition to full master’s degree with credit
Popular Fields:
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Data Science, Supply Chain, Finance, Sustainability
Why It Stands Out:
The MicroMasters format is ideal for working professionals who want a modular and affordable path to an online graduate degree from world-class institutions.
🧭 How to Apply for Fully Funded Online Master’s Scholarships
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Research Early
Application windows may vary between January and August each year. -
Meet Academic Criteria
Most require a strong undergraduate record or relevant work experience. -
Prepare Strong Documents
Include a compelling personal statement, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency (if needed). -
Demonstrate Financial Need or Social Impact
Many scholarships prioritize applicants from underserved backgrounds or those committed to community development. -
Stay Updated
Join mailing lists of platforms like Scholarship Positions, DAAD, edX, and Mastercard Foundation for live updates.
🌍 Who Benefits Most From These Scholarships?
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Working professionals who cannot afford to quit their jobs
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Women in STEM, especially in emerging economies
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Refugees, displaced persons, and marginalized learners
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Low-income international students with academic potential
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Students in rural or underdeveloped areas with poor access to universities