BackA new online university opened its virtual doors last month, but unlike the other scores of online universities out there, this one is completely free for its students, The Guardian reported today.
The University of the People (UoPeople) partnered with the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UNDESA-GAID) opened on September 10th with 178 registered students from 49 countries worldwide. UoPeople currently offers programmes in Business Administration, Computer, Science and General Studies. The unique feature of UoPeople’s qualifications, is not that they are offered completely online, nor is it that the majority of the teaching staff are unpaid volunteers but it is that the university have, as the fees page of their website states ‘decided to waive all fees for our applicants at this stage’.
Although UoPeople reserve the right to introduce tuition fees at a later stage this is a fantastic breakthrough for underprivileged people who have not previously been given the opportunity to go to university or study beyond school level. The University of the People press release states:
“Currently, students may attend UoPeople, a non-profit organisation, entirely free of charge. As the University expands, the sustainability model requires that nominal admission and examination processing fees ($15-$50 and $10-$100 respectively) will be levied to cover operating expenses. These fees will be adjusted on a sliding scale based on the economic situation in the student’s country of residency. Students will never be charged for applying, taking classes or accessing study materials.”
The response on the comments section following The Guardian’s coverage of this story has been in the most part positive. A commenter going by the name ‘midlifecrisis’ said:
“Great idea, and about time! There are millions of retired people who are living longer and who have amazing skills and experience who are willing to help others get an education.
The global increase in online social learning appears to be picking up speed. Languages are being practised with the help of ex-teachers and native or fluent speakers for free, for friendship or for pocket money via sites like Italki.com and Wiziq.com with millions of users benefitting. So why shouldn’t there be a free online university that achieves its aims and those of its students?”
However another Guardian reader dismissed the idea of a free online university, branding UoPeople “no more a ‘university’ than wikipedia”.
Enrollment for term two at the University of the People is currently , beginning November 19th is now open. Click here to reply.
What do you think? Is UoPeople opening doors for underprivileged and undereducated people or do you find their position in the academic realm questionable? whatever your view we would love to hear your thoughts on this so please leave a comment.
This is absolutely fantastic, as an African looking to expand my knowledge i love it opens new doors great.
Keep it up, how can we help
This is absolutely fantastic, as an African looking to expand my knowledge i love it opens new doors great.
am elvis baiden from ghana with
painting and decorating c/ti looking for college to apply with my course hope u are book me for ur college thank u … elvis baiden box 0846 osu accra ghana
actually this is one of the greatest opportunities people all over the world have been anticipating and i pray you guys will do the best u can to also eradicate crimes from the street wich generally means poverty bye sharon banks efekemo
I love the dream of reaching out to the world through education, i wonder what the world will be without education.i as an African have always had passion for education, even though i haven’t gotten a degree. i am using this medium to invite the world to harness this great opportunity, including me as an individual.illiteracy is a brain drain to any society,country or the world at large. thank you.
Really a good tactic to work, good information
Fernstudium Deutschland
i love this development in e-learning.How do i apply and what are the requirement to enter for degree course in computer science. THANK YOU.
What studies is there to study send list please.