How to Get a Computer Science Degree for Free
Pursuing a computer science degree doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, with the right strategy and resources, you can earn a computer science degree entirely for free. Whether you’re a student with limited finances, a working professional aiming for a career shift, or someone passionate about programming, this guide shows you the exact steps to get a quality CS education without spending a dime.
1. Understand What “Free Degree” Really Means
Before diving in, it’s important to define what a “free degree” is. It typically falls under one of these categories:
- Fully funded scholarships for traditional universities
- Online accredited degrees offered at zero cost
- MOOC-based degree programs (Massive Open Online Courses)
- Employer-sponsored education programs
- Government-funded learning initiatives
Your goal is to identify which of these works best for your situation.
2. Apply for Scholarships and Grants
Many universities offer full-ride scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and even laptops or textbooks.
Where to look:
- University websites (especially their financial aid or computer science departments)
- National and international scholarship databases like [Scholarships.com], [Chegg], [DAAD], [Commonwealth Scholarships], or [Fulbright]
- Tech company grants – Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Facebook offer scholarships for computer science majors.
Tip: Focus on merit-based, need-based, and diversity scholarships specifically related to STEM or CS fields.
3. Choose Accredited Tuition-Free Universities
Some global institutions offer completely free computer science degrees, accredited and recognized by employers worldwide.
Top options include:
- University of the People (UoPeople)
A U.S.-based tuition-free, fully online university offering accredited computer science degrees. Students only pay small exam processing fees. Scholarships are available to waive even those. - Open University (UK)
Offers free access to many computing courses and certifications. While full degrees may have costs, many learners start here and transfer credits. - TU Munich (Germany)
Public universities in Germany offer free tuition, even for international students. You may need to cover living expenses, but the degree itself is free.
4. Leverage Online MOOC-Based Degrees
Leading institutions now offer online computer science degrees using platforms like edX and Coursera. These programs can be audited for free.
Examples:
- Harvard’s CS50x on edX
An excellent, foundational CS course available for free. - MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW)
Offers actual MIT computer science curriculum free to the public. You won’t earn a degree directly, but it’s an Ivy League CS education. - Coursera + University of London
Offers a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. While full access costs money, learners can audit most content for free. Scholarships are also available for full enrollment.
5. Transfer Credits from Free Online Courses
Some universities accept transfer credits from open learning platforms, allowing you to complete most of your degree for free and pay only for the last portion.
Strategy:
- Use platforms like Saylor Academy, Modern States, or StraighterLine to earn credit-recommended courses.
- Transfer them to a partner university that offers degree completion pathways.
This hybrid model helps you get a legitimate degree for a fraction of the cost – or free with aid.
6. Employer-Funded Education Programs
If you’re currently working or planning to start working soon, many companies offer education assistance or tuition reimbursement programs.
Examples:
- Amazon’s Career Choice Program
- Walmart’s Live Better U
- Google’s Career Certificates + Pathways
- Infosys and TCS (India-based IT firms) offer sponsored degrees through online partnerships
These programs let you study computer science for free while gaining work experience.
7. Use Public Libraries & Learning Centers
If access to the internet or devices is a barrier, leverage digital learning spaces offered by:
- Public libraries
- Community learning hubs
- Government-run digital centers (like CSCs in India)
These centers often provide free internet, devices, and even certified training in programming, IT, and data science.
8. Tap Into Government-Funded Courses and Skill Programs
Governments around the world promote technical education through free programs aimed at skilling youth.
Some examples:
- India: NPTEL, SWAYAM, PMGDISHA, NSDC programs
- USA: Federal Pell Grants, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
- UK: Skills Bootcamps & OpenLearn
Many of these programs offer structured computer science learning paths – some even award certificates or diplomas.
9. Learn from GitHub, YouTube & FreeCodeCamp
While not a replacement for a degree, project-based learning can help you build a job-ready portfolio, especially when combined with a self-paced learning path.
Top channels and sites:
- freeCodeCamp.org – Offers a full coding curriculum + certifications for free
- CS50 on YouTube – Harvard’s full CS curriculum
- GitHub – Explore open-source code, contribute, and learn hands-on
- GeeksforGeeks & LeetCode – Great for DSA and coding interview prep
You can document your progress on GitHub, LinkedIn, or a personal portfolio to show employers your skills – just like a traditional CS graduate would.
10. Stay Consistent & Treat It Like a Real Degree
If you’re pursuing a free CS degree through online or hybrid options, structure your learning:
- Follow a fixed schedule (e.g., 2 hours daily or 10 hours weekly)
- Choose a clear learning path (Intro to CS → Programming → Algorithms → Systems → Projects)
- Build real-world projects and upload them to GitHub
- Participate in online forums and communities for support (like Reddit’s r/learnprogramming or Stack Overflow)
Final Thoughts
Getting a computer science degree for free is not only possible – it’s becoming increasingly practical in 2025 and beyond. With online universities, MOOCs, scholarships, and employer-funded options, financial limitations are no longer a reason to delay your CS dreams.
Focus on credibility, consistency, and hands-on projects. Whether you want to become a developer, data scientist, or AI specialist, the free path to a CS degree is wide open – you just need to start walking it today.