University of the People (Uopeople) The world's first tuition-free online University

(The post is based on my own experience as a student studying computer science at the University. therefore, it is not based on hear-say) This is for someone out there trying to advance their education

I know that this is too good to be true! A free University education in this day and age? Where every one has become a loan shark trying to squeeze the last buck out of every Jim and Jane. It is no further from the truth. Believe me there are people with the heart to give. The University of the People was founded by Shai Reshef in 2009 to try to help students from all over the world who have been disadvantaged by time and money for them to access Higher Education.  The university is a fully accredited online school for higher education by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), an authorized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The online platform was a way to offer affordable distance education to students across continents and time zones

How did I come to know about its existence? A friend of mine who was President of ebrain at the time posted a link on a forum I have subscribed to called ‘ebrain forum’ early in 2010. I didn’t think much about it but I said well what have I got to lose by submitting an application (extra information wouldn't do me any harm). I am also sure that a lot of people saw the link when it was posted but ignored. I eventually completed an online registration form and submitted all the requirements and soon after that left the country. One requirement was to submit a short write-up on why I thought I needed the education. I completely forgot about the application until when I was somewhere in Europe on official assignment that I found an email that my application was successful in the faculty of Computer Science. Well in my mind I said bring it on. What I thought at first was that I will find or see one of those curriculums I am familiar with, but God! I have been shocked by the curriculum standards they have adopted, the resource materials and the lecture methods comparable to any international standards. Yes it’s purely online but you don’t even feel it’s that way.  The university is up to date with the latest technology, research materials, teaching aids, laboratory methods and market trends. 

The university currently offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Business Administration at under graduate levels. At post graduate the school offers Master of Business Administration and from the last survey I participated in, it is in the process of starting Masters programs in Computer Science and other business related specializations.

May be you are asking what my greatest gain has been studying at the Uopoeple? Put simply ‘Information’ has been the goldmine. Gaining the most valuable up to date information has been like gaining access to the international currency. Believe me, information is the modern day product of the moment. He who has information has power.

Do not be fooled by the words ‘online’ and start to imagine it will be all theoretical. You will be shocked of the unimaginable practical sessions the virtual platform can offer.

Before you start arguing with me, Go find out for yourself at http://uopeople.edu/groups/tuition-free-online-degree

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