In recent years, online learning has reshaped the landscape of education by offering flexibility, accessibility, and a wide array of courses that cater to learners worldwide. Whether it's earning a degree, obtaining a professional certification, or simply learning a new skill, online platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, FutureLearn, and Khan Academy have made education more attainable than ever. However, despite being more affordable than traditional education, many high-quality online programs still come with significant costs. Fortunately, numerous scholarships and financial aid options are available to help learners succeed.
In this article, we’ll explore the top scholarships for online learning platforms, how to apply, and tips for maximizing your chances of receiving funding.
1. Coursera Financial Aid and Scholarships
Coursera, one of the leading online learning platforms, partners with top universities and organizations worldwide to provide courses and degree programs. To increase access, Coursera offers financial aid for many of its courses and certificates.
Key Features:
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Financial aid available for most paid courses and professional certificates.
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Simple application process, including a statement of purpose.
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Typically approved within 15 days.
How to Apply:
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Enroll in the course.
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Click on "Financial aid available" and fill out the form.
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Include your financial situation, educational background, and career goals.
Best For:
Learners seeking flexible access to university-quality courses in subjects like data science, business, health, and IT.
2. edX Financial Assistance Program
edX, a nonprofit online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT, offers professional certificates, MicroMasters, and even full online degrees. To help reduce cost barriers, edX provides financial assistance for eligible learners.
Details:
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Up to 90% discount on verified course certificates.
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Available to learners with demonstrated financial need.
Application Process:
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Choose a course and apply for financial assistance through the course dashboard.
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Submit personal and financial details along with an explanation of how the course will benefit your career.
Best For:
Students and professionals aiming to gain credentials from institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Microsoft.
3. Udacity Scholarships
Udacity is known for its "Nanodegree" programs that focus on tech skills such as programming, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and cloud computing. In collaboration with industry leaders like Google, AWS, and Intel, Udacity offers fully funded scholarships throughout the year.
Types of Scholarships:
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AWS AI & ML Scholarship
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Bertelsmann Tech Scholarship
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Udacity-Google Developer Scholarship
Eligibility:
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Varies depending on the program.
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Typically requires a background in tech or willingness to commit to learning.
Why It’s Valuable:
Many of these scholarships include mentorship, career coaching, and community support, making them ideal for career-changers and upskillers.
4. FutureLearn Scholarships and Free Upgrades
FutureLearn, a UK-based platform, offers access to courses from top British and global institutions. While most courses are free to audit, learners must pay to access assessments and certificates. FutureLearn offers scholarships for some of its programs, particularly microcredentials and degree pathways.
Scholarship Opportunities:
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FutureLearn and The Open University access programs.
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Targeted scholarships for health, tech, and teaching sectors.
Application Process:
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Usually tied to specific courses.
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Requires filling out a form explaining motivation and financial need.
Ideal For:
International learners seeking European education content in areas like public health, language learning, and sustainable development.
5. LinkedIn Learning Free Access Through Libraries and Employers
While LinkedIn Learning doesn’t offer direct scholarships, access is often free through employers, universities, or public libraries. This form of subsidized learning offers value equivalent to scholarships.
Access Points:
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Local public library memberships.
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Company-sponsored employee learning programs.
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University alumni services.
Tip:
Check with your local library or HR department to see if free access is available.
6. Google Career Certificates Scholarships
Google offers scholarships for its Google Career Certificates available on Coursera. These certificates cover in-demand skills such as IT support, data analytics, UX design, and project management.
Scholarship Details:
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Offered through partnerships with nonprofits and workforce development agencies.
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Includes job placement assistance.
Who Should Apply:
Entry-level job seekers and professionals looking to pivot careers into tech without a college degree.
7. Class Central and MOOC Trackers
Class Central is not a course provider, but an aggregator that helps learners discover free and discounted online courses across multiple platforms. Occasionally, they also promote scholarship opportunities, contests, or exclusive discounts.
Benefits:
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Curated lists of free certificate courses.
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Updates on limited-time scholarships and fee waivers.
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Reviews and rankings of top free courses.
How to Use:
Subscribe to Class Central’s newsletter or set alerts for specific platforms or subjects to catch scholarship openings early.
8. University-Sponsored Online Degree Scholarships
Many traditional universities now offer full online degrees through Coursera, edX, and other platforms. Some of these come with merit-based or need-based scholarships.
Examples:
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University of London’s Global MBA scholarships.
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Arizona State University’s online undergraduate degree funding.
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University of Illinois’ iMBA program financial aid.
Application Tips:
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Follow the university's application timeline.
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Submit FAFSA or equivalent documentation if needed.
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Provide a compelling personal statement.
These options are best for students seeking a full accredited degree online with financial support.
Tips to Maximize Your Scholarship Opportunities
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Start Early
Scholarship opportunities are often competitive and have strict deadlines. -
Tailor Your Application
Be specific about how the course or program will help you meet your academic or career goals. -
Demonstrate Need and Motivation
Clearly articulate your financial situation and learning objectives. -
Follow Instructions Carefully
Incomplete applications are often discarded. Pay attention to details. -
Build a Learning Portfolio
If you’ve taken prior courses or certifications, include them to demonstrate commitment.