10 Free Online Masters Degree Programs

If you’re looking to level up your education without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place. Free online master’s degree programs are a fantastic way to gain advanced knowledge and skills, all from the comfort of home and without the hefty price tag. While truly free programs can be tricky to find, there are some amazing options out there that offer tuition-free or low-cost opportunities, often through scholarships, open education platforms, or unique institutional offerings. I’ve rounded up a list of about 10 programs that either provide free education or come pretty close with minimal costs, so let’s dive in!

List of Free Online Masters Degree Programs

1. University of the People: Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

University of the People is a game-changer for affordable education. This fully online, accredited university offers a tuition-free MBA. You’ll cover business fundamentals like leadership and finance, though there are small assessment fees per course (around $120-$240). It’s perfect if you’re aiming for a career boost in the business world. Program Link

2. The Open Buddhist University: Master’s Level Buddhist Studies

If you’re into Buddhist philosophy and practice, The Open Buddhist University offers free, self-paced courses that can build toward a master’s-level understanding. It’s not a formal degree, but the content is rich and comprehensive; think of it as an open-source education in Buddhism. Program Link

3. Stanford University: Master’s in Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies (POLS)

Stanford’s Graduate School of Education occasionally offers tuition-free pathways through its POLS program, especially for those who secure full scholarships or fellowships. It’s competitive, but if you’re passionate about education policy, this could be a golden ticket. Check their site for funding details! Program Link

4. MIT OpenCourseWare: Master’s Level Coursework

MIT doesn’t offer a free master’s degree outright, but through OpenCourseWare, you can access graduate-level materials in fields like engineering or computer science for free. You won’t get a diploma, but you’ll gain top-tier knowledge to apply elsewhere. Program Link

5. Southern New Hampshire University: Master’s Programs with Scholarships

SNHU isn’t free upfront, but they’re known for generous scholarships that can cover full tuition for online master’s degrees in areas like education or psychology. It’s worth reaching out to their financial aid office to see if you qualify! Program Link

6. edX MicroMasters Programs: Various Fields

edX partners with top universities to offer MicroMasters programs that are free to audit (you pay only if you want a certificate). Fields range from data science to project management, and credits can sometimes transfer toward a full master’s. Program Link

7. University of Edinburgh: Master’s in Carbon Management (Scholarship-Based)

The University of Edinburgh offers an online Master’s in Carbon Management, and they provide full scholarships for exceptional candidates, especially from developing countries. It’s a great pick if you’re into sustainability. Program Link

8. Curtis Institute of Music: Master’s in Music (Full Tuition Scholarship)

For the musically inclined, Curtis offers a tuition-free Master’s in Music to all accepted students. It’s highly selective, but if you’re a talented performer, this could be your dream program. Program Link

9. International Space University: Master’s in Space Studies (Scholarship Option)

This unique program offers a Master’s in Space Studies, and they provide full scholarships to some students through partnerships and grants. It’s a cool option if you’re fascinated by space exploration! Program Link

10. Harvard Extension School: Master’s Liberal Arts (Low-Cost Option)

Okay, this one isn’t free, but Harvard Extension School offers a Master’s in Liberal Arts with a pay-per-course model that’s super affordable compared to traditional programs. Scholarships can bring costs even lower. Program Link

Free Online Master’s Degree in Asian Religious Studies

If Asian religious studies is your thing, fully free programs are rare, but there are some awesome resources to explore. The University of Colorado Boulder offers a dual MA in Religious Studies and Asian Languages through their graduate program, and while it’s not free outright, they provide funding like teaching assistantships that can cover tuition. It’s a deep dive into traditions like Hinduism and Buddhism with a focus on Asian cultures.

Another option is auditing courses through platforms like Coursera or edX, where universities like Yale offer free content on South Asian religions (check out their “South Asian Religions & Ecology” course). For a formal degree, you might need to pair free coursework with a scholarship-funded program. Program Link for CU Boulder

Free Online Master’s Degree in Buddhism

For Buddhism specifically, the Open Buddhist University stands out as a free, self-directed option. You can study texts, history, and practices at a master’s level without any tuition, just pure learning.

If you want a formal degree, the Institute of Buddhist Studies offers an MA in Buddhist Studies with scholarship opportunities that can make it nearly free. It blends academic rigor with flexibility, perfect for deepening your understanding of Buddhist thought. Another route is the University of South Wales’ MA in Buddhist Studies, which offers distance learning and partial scholarships to offset costs. Program Link