Cheapest Online Degrees for International Students in 2025

Online education has emerged as a powerful force reshaping the academic landscape. For international students, it offers not just flexibility and convenience but also a way to earn globally recognized degrees at a fraction of the cost. With rising tuition fees and travel expenses making traditional study abroad programs less accessible, many students are turning to affordable online degree programs.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to obtain a degree without compromising on quality, you’re not alone. This article outlines the cheapest online degrees for international students, including institutions that offer low tuition, scholarship opportunities, and flexible payment options in 2025.

Why Choose an Online Degree?

Before diving into the list, here are a few reasons why online degrees make sense—especially for international students:

Lower Tuition Fees: Online programs often cost significantly less than on-campus degrees.
No Relocation or Visa Hassles: You can study from your home country, avoiding expensive living costs or immigration procedures.
Flexible Schedules: Learn at your own pace, making it easier to balance studies with work or family commitments.
Global Recognition: Many online degrees are accredited and recognized worldwide.

Key Factors to Consider

When looking for an affordable online degree, consider:

Accreditation: Ensure the university or program is recognized by a legitimate accrediting body.
Tuition and Fees: Factor in not just tuition, but also hidden costs like technology fees, course materials, or proctoring charges.
Financial Aid: Check if the program offers scholarships or installment payment options.
Support Services: Good online programs offer academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.

Top 10 Cheapest Online Degree Programs for International Students (2025)

1. University of the People (USA)

Degree Types: Associate and Bachelor's degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science, and Education.
Tuition: $0 tuition; only a small fee per course ($120 for undergraduate exams).
Total Cost: Around $4,800 for a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
Why It’s Great: Accredited, 100% online, and tuition-free. Offers scholarships for those who can’t afford exam fees.

2. Open University (UK)

Degree Types: Wide variety—Business, Psychology, Computer Science, Engineering.
Tuition: Around £3,500–£5,000 per year for international students.
Why It’s Great: One of Europe’s largest and most reputable online learning institutions. Offers modular learning and generous payment plans.

3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU, USA)

Degree Types: Business, IT, Healthcare, Criminal Justice, and more.
Tuition: $9,600/year (undergraduate online programs).
Why It’s Great: Accredited by NECHE, highly ranked for student satisfaction, and offers international scholarships and military discounts.

4. University of South Africa (UNISA)

Degree Types: Humanities, Education, Business, Law, Agriculture, and more.
Tuition: As low as $1,000–$3,000 per year.
Why It’s Great: One of Africa’s largest open distance learning institutions with a long-standing reputation. Offers affordable tuition for international students.

5. Athabasca University (Canada)

Degree Types: Bachelor’s degrees in Arts, Science, Commerce, and Nursing.
Tuition: Approx. CAD $11,000–$13,000 for a full degree (lower for transfer students).
Why It’s Great: Government-accredited Canadian university, allows international students to learn at their own pace.

6. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU, USA)

Degree Types: Business, Aviation, Sociology, Education, and more.
Tuition: Around $6,000/year for online students.
Why It’s Great: One of the most affordable public universities in the U.S. Offers full degrees online and accepts transfer credits.

7. WGU (Western Governors University, USA)

Degree Types: Business, Teaching, Health, and IT.
Tuition: Around $3,500–$4,500 per 6-month term (you can complete as many courses as you want in this time).
Why It’s Great: Competency-based education model; perfect for self-paced learners. Ideal for professionals upgrading skills.

8. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

Degree Types: Arts, Social Sciences, Law, Health, and more.
Tuition: As low as $400–$1,000/year.
Why It’s Great: A flexible and affordable option for students across Africa and beyond. Offers virtual classrooms and e-resources.

9. Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand)

Degree Types: Engineering, Data Science, Business Analytics.
Tuition: Approx. $3,000–$6,000 per program.
Why It’s Great: Offers scholarships and is regionally respected in Asia. Classes are taught in English with international faculty.

10. University of London (UK) – Online Programs via Coursera

Degree Types: Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Computer Science, and more.
Tuition: $5,000–$6,000 for full bachelor’s programs.
Why It’s Great: Globally recognized, with Coursera integration allowing for free course previews. Installment plans and financial aid available.

Honorable Mentions

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), India – Tuition is very affordable; offers a wide range of degrees, although international support may be limited.
Open Polytechnic of New Zealand – Flexible learning with a range of vocational and academic qualifications.
Edinburgh Napier University (UK) – Competitive tuition for online MBA and IT programs.
University of Essex Online (UK) – Offers a range of business and law degrees; has monthly payment options.

Tips to Make Online Degrees Even More Affordable

Apply for Scholarships: Many institutions offer need- or merit-based aid even for online learners.
Use MOOCs for Credit Transfer: Platforms like edX, Coursera, and FutureLearn partner with universities and may offer low-cost credit-bearing courses.
Start with a Diploma or Certificate: These are often cheaper and can be upgraded to full degrees later.
Transfer Previous Credits: If you’ve already completed some college, see if you can transfer credits to reduce total cost.
Look for Regional Discounts: Some schools offer reduced fees based on your country or region.

Final Thoughts

The idea that quality higher education must come with a hefty price tag is no longer true. With advancements in technology and a shift toward remote learning, international students now have access to some of the most affordable online degrees from accredited institutions worldwide.

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