Best Online Universities for International Students With Scholarships in the USA and Canada 2026/2027
If you are an international student looking for a flexible way to earn a respected degree without relocating immediately, studying online could be one of the smartest options for 2026/2027. Online universities in the United States and Canada now offer bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, and, in some cases, doctoral programs that allow students to study from almost anywhere in the world.
The bigger question is cost.
Tuition can be expensive for international students, and finding a university that combines quality online education, recognized credentials, and scholarships can make a huge difference. Fortunately, there are several institutions and funding opportunities worth exploring.
In this guide, I will walk you through some of the best online universities for international students in the USA and Canada, scholarship opportunities available for 2026/2027, what you should check before applying, and how to avoid misleading "fully funded online university" advertisements.
Why Study Online in the USA or Canada?
Online education gives international students something traditional overseas study cannot always provide: flexibility.
You can potentially remain in your home country while studying for a degree from a North American institution. That means you may avoid international travel, accommodation expenses, and many of the costs associated with relocating abroad.
For working professionals, online study can be even more attractive. Instead of leaving your job for several years, you can organize your studies around your existing responsibilities.
The USA has an enormous online higher-education market, with universities offering programs in computer science, business, healthcare, engineering, psychology, education, data science, and many other disciplines. Canada also has established distance-learning institutions, although its online university landscape is smaller than that of the United States.
However, don't choose a university simply because its website says "online." Accreditation, program recognition, tuition, student support, and the exact qualification you receive all matter.
1. Arizona State University Online
Arizona State University is one of the strongest options to investigate if you want a broad selection of online programs.
ASU Online currently offers hundreds of online programs across undergraduate and graduate education. Its online catalogue includes fields such as business, engineering, technology, psychology, sustainability, healthcare, and computer science. ASU says international students can study online from outside the United States and receive the same university diploma as students earning their degree on campus.
That distinction is important. Some students worry that an online degree will have "online" printed on the diploma. ASU states that its online graduates receive a diploma from Arizona State University and that the diploma and transcripts do not identify the degree as an online qualification. AASU Online
Scholarships at ASU Online
ASU offers scholarship opportunities for eligible online students. Its current scholarship information says scholarships can be merit- or need-based, and international students may apply for scholarships even though they generally do not qualify for U.S. federal or state financial aid.
For 2026, ASU also highlights an online scholarship process in which eligible admitted students can be automatically considered after submitting the required financial-aid information. International students should carefully check whether a particular award is actually open to them because scholarship eligibility varies.
For someone interested in online computer science, business, technology, or data-related programs, ASU is worth putting high on the research list.
2. University of the People
If affordability is your biggest concern, University of the People deserves serious attention.
University of the People, commonly called UoPeople, is a U.S.-based institution offering programs entirely online. Its model is designed around low-cost education and scholarship assistance.
The university currently promotes scholarships that can help students cover assessment fees. Its scholarship information explains that students generally apply after admission, and successful awards are credited toward eligible assessment fees rather than being paid as cash. University of the People
For students from developing countries, UoPeople can be particularly interesting because some scholarship initiatives specifically target learners who might otherwise struggle to afford higher education.
For example, a current UoPeople promotional program identifies Nigeria among the countries whose eligible residents may qualify for a full scholarship for a first undergraduate degree, subject to the program's conditions. University of the People
That makes UoPeople one of the more interesting options for students searching for a low-cost online bachelor's degree in the USA.
Still, applicants should carefully review the exact degree, accreditation status, fees that remain after scholarships, admission requirements, and whether the qualification will be recognized for their intended career or further study.
3. University of Florida Online
The University of Florida is another university international students can investigate when comparing online undergraduate education in the United States.
UF Online offers bachelor's degree pathways, and international applicants have specific admission requirements. The university states that international applicants must demonstrate academic English proficiency through one of its accepted routes. University of Florida Online
The advantage of choosing a large research university is that you are not simply looking for a random online college. You are studying through an established institution with broader academic resources.
However, scholarship availability for international online students can differ from the financial aid available to U.S. students. Therefore, always check the current award's eligibility instead of assuming that every scholarship listed on a university's financial-aid page is available internationally.
4. Penn State World Campus
Pennsylvania State University, through Penn State World Campus, is another established name in online higher education.
It has a long history of distance education and offers online programs across areas such as business, technology, engineering, education, healthcare, and related disciplines.
For international students, the biggest attraction is the ability to earn a Penn State qualification without necessarily relocating to the United States.
Before applying, however, compare total programme tuition, available scholarships, transfer-credit policies, and whether your chosen programme is designed for students living outside the U.S.
5. Athabasca University
Moving north to Canada, Athabasca University is one of the most recognizable Canadian institutions associated with distance and online education.
Athabasca is particularly interesting for students who need flexibility. Its model is built around distance education, making it different from a conventional university that simply moved some classes online.
The university also provides resources for students pursuing awards and scholarships. In September 2026, Athabasca announced an online webinar specifically focused on helping graduate students write stronger scholarship and award applications.
If you are searching for a Canadian online university, especially for graduate-level education, Athabasca is worth investigating.
6. Royal Roads University
Royal Roads University is another Canadian institution with substantial online and blended learning options.
Royal Roads is particularly well known for programs designed around professional and applied education. This can make it attractive to working professionals who want to improve their qualifications without completely stepping away from their careers.
The university also has a financial-aid and awards system covering scholarships, bursaries, research funding, and other forms of financial support.
International applicants should check the specific program's delivery format because not every program will necessarily be 100% online.
7. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is another Canadian university worth researching, particularly for students interested in scholarships.
The university currently advertises substantial international scholarships for eligible undergraduate students studying in English. For students beginning in Winter 2026 or later, its International English Admission Scholarship is listed at $7,500 per term, potentially reaching $60,000 over a four-year degree for eligible students who meet the conditions. It also lists a $10,000 International English Academic Excellence Scholarship for qualifying students.
There is an important catch, though: these awards are associated with eligible undergraduate programmes and should not automatically be interpreted as scholarships for every online programme.
That is why you should always check the delivery mode before applying. A university can offer excellent scholarships while a particular programme is delivered on campus rather than online.
8. York University
York University is another Canadian university with significant scholarship opportunities for international students.
For Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 undergraduate admission, York states that international applicants can automatically be considered for entrance scholarships based on their admission average. The university lists awards ranging from $2,500 to $37,500, depending on the scholarship and eligibility criteria.
Again, students looking specifically for online education must check the individual program. Scholarship availability does not necessarily mean that every online program qualifies.
Scholarships for Online International Students: What You Need to Know
One of the biggest mistakes international students make is searching for "fully funded online scholarship USA" without checking what the scholarship actually covers.
A scholarship might cover:
Tuition fees
Course or assessment fees
A percentage of tuition
Books and learning materials
Living expenses
Research expenses
Travel
A fixed one-time amount
These are completely different forms of financial assistance.
For example, a scholarship that covers $5,000 of tuition is valuable, but it is not the same thing as a full scholarship covering your entire education.
Online students also need to understand that living-cost scholarships are often less relevant to fully online learners because they are not necessarily relocating to the country where the university is located.
Canada Government Scholarships for International Students
Canada also has government-backed scholarship programs, although not all are designed for students seeking a complete online degree.
For example, Canada's Study in Canada Scholarships program supports eligible international students through short-term exchange and study opportunities. For the 2026–2027 academic year, Global Affairs Canada announced funding for Canadian institutions to support international students coming to Canada for short-term studies or research. The program can include expenses such as airfare, health insurance, living expenses, and other eligible costs.
This is useful, but it should not be confused with a general scholarship that pays for an international student to complete an entire online bachelor's or master's degree from Canada.
What About Fully Funded Online Degrees?
This is where you need to be careful.
Search engines and social media are full of headlines such as "Study in Canada for Free," "100% Scholarship USA," or "Online Degree With Monthly Stipend."
Some opportunities are legitimate. Others are exaggerated.
A genuine scholarship should clearly identify:
The university or funding organisation.
The exact programme.
The eligibility requirements.
What the award covers.
The application deadline.
Whether international students are eligible.
Whether online students are eligible.
Whether the scholarship pays money directly to you or simply reduces your fees.
If you cannot find these details on the official university or scholarship provider website, be cautious.
Best Online Degrees for International Students in 2026/2027
Choosing the right university is only half the decision. Your field of study matters just as much.
If your objective is strong international career potential, consider programs such as
Computer Science
Computer science remains one of the most versatile choices. Online programs can cover software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, databases, cloud computing, and information systems.
Business Administration
An online business degree can work particularly well for people already employed. MBA and business programs may help professionals develop skills in management, finance, marketing, operations, and entrepreneurship.
Data Science
If you enjoy mathematics, statistics, and programming, data science can be an excellent option. Organizations across almost every sector increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is another field worth considering because businesses, governments, and financial institutions need professionals capable of protecting digital systems.
Public Health
Students interested in healthcare without becoming clinical practitioners can explore public health, health administration, epidemiology, and related areas.
Education
Online education degrees can be useful for teachers and professionals who want additional qualifications while continuing to work.
How to Choose the Best Online University
Don't simply choose the university with the biggest scholarship headline.
Instead, create a simple comparison table for your top five choices and examine:
Accreditation
Degree recognition
Total tuition
Scholarship value
Remaining fees
Programme duration
Online delivery format
Admission requirements
English-language requirements
Transfer-credit policy
Exam arrangements
Student support
Career services
Reputation in your field
Recognition in your home country
The last point is especially important.
If you intend to use your online degree for immigration, professional licensing, government employment, or further education, confirm recognition requirements before paying tuition.
ASU, for example, specifically advises international students studying online to check with the relevant credentialing authority in the country where they intend to work. AASU Online
USA vs Canada: Which Is Better for Online Study?
There is no universal winner.
The USA generally offers a much larger selection of online degrees. Students can find thousands of programs across universities ranging from major research institutions to specialist online colleges.
The USA may be better for you if you want maximum program variety, particularly in technology, business, healthcare, and professional education.
Canada may be better for you if you prefer a Canadian institution, are interested in distance education, or are considering future Canadian academic or professional opportunities.
For scholarships, the answer depends heavily on your nationality, degree level, academic record, and specific university.
How to Apply for a Scholarship for 2026/2027
Start early.
First, choose your degree and shortlist universities. Then visit the official scholarship page for each institution.
Prepare the documents commonly requested by universities and scholarship providers, such as
Academic transcripts
Certificates
Passport or national identification
CV or résumé
Personal statement
Recommendation letters
English-language test results where required
Portfolio, where applicable
Research proposal for some postgraduate programmes
Don't use the same personal statement for every scholarship.
A strong application should explain why you need the opportunity, what you have achieved, what you plan to study, and how the qualification connects to your future goals.
Conclusion
The best online universities for international students in the USA and Canada for 2026/2027 are not necessarily the ones advertising the biggest discounts. The strongest choice is the institution that combines a recognized qualification, suitable online delivery, reasonable total cost, credible scholarship opportunities, and a program that actually supports your career goals.
In the USA, universities such as Arizona State University, the University of Florida, and Penn State are worth researching, while the University of the People stands out for students who place affordability at the top of their list. In Canada, Athabasca University and Royal Roads University are particularly relevant to distance and online learners, while institutions such as the University of Ottawa and York University offer significant scholarship opportunities that should be examined alongside individual program delivery.
Most importantly, don't rush because of a "100% funded" headline. Check the official rules, confirm that international and online students qualify, calculate the amount you will still have to pay, and verify that the degree will be recognized where you plan to work or continue your education. With careful research and an early application strategy, online study can give you access to a North American education without requiring you to relocate immediately—and a good scholarship can make that opportunity considerably more affordable.
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