University of the People, the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited US online university, officially opened its new academic year for more than 400 South African students last week.
UoPeople says it continues to see a growing increase in the numbers of applicants from South Africa so much so, in fact, that its head, President Shai Reshef, personally met with and welcomed these students as part of his visit in Africa.
UoPeople says its model has the potential to solve the issue of fees and access to higher education for South Africa, as well as Africa at large, and on a global scale is impacting millions of people who would otherwise be shut out of higher education.
“UoPeople is dedicated to opening access to quality, tuition-free higher education globally,” a spokesperson says. “According to UNESCO estimates, by 2025, there will be nearly 100-million young people seeking seats in universities that don’t exist. UoPeople positions itself as a crucial part of the solution to avoiding this missed opportunity for millions of would-be students. UoPeople’s goal is to democratise higher education, by opening the gates to all qualified students, regardless of financial, political, geographic, social or personal constraints. The university is open to all qualified applicants who have completed high school, are proficient in English, and have access to Internet. Associates and Bachelor’s Degrees are offered in Computer Science, Business Administration and Health Science, as well as an MBA.”
UoPeople has enrolled 10 000 students from over 200 countries and territories since 2009.