Unprecedented Student Growth including thousands of refugees
(PRUnderground) September 4th, 2025
University of the People (UoPeople) is proud to announce a landmark achievement on day one of the fall semester with a record enrollment of more than 170,000 students from 213 countries and territories worldwide, marking a 24% increase in students in the past 2 years. This milestone reaffirms UoPeople’s mission to provide affordable, accessible higher education to learners everywhere, regardless of geographic, economic, or political barriers.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this growth is UoPeople’s leadership in enrolling refugees, with thousands of refugees currently studying at the University. Among them are more than 5,000 Afghan women who are bravely pursuing higher education despite severe restrictions and challenges in their home country.
“Education knows no borders, and the courage of our refugee students, especially Afghan women, embodies the transformative power of learning against all odds,” said Shai Reshef, President of University of the People. “We are honored to support these resilient students as they forge a better future for themselves and their communities.”
UoPeople’s commitment to refugee education, backed by scholarships and global partnerships with organizations including UNESCO, UNHCR, and UNICEF, has made it the largest university enrolling refugees globally. This record enrollment comes at a pivotal time following UoPeople’s full accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) earlier this year, further solidifying the university’s status as a leader in accessible, quality education.
“In 2025, we are proud to welcome the largest student body in our history, united by the belief that education is a fundamental right,” added Reshef. “This growth is a testament to the dedication of our students and the global community who share our vision of breaking down barriers to higher education.”
UoPeople continues to expand its impact by delivering career-centric programs that empower graduates to succeed at leading global companies such as Deloitte, Amazon, Apple, Pfizer, Google, Microsoft, and IBM. The university’s innovative approach remains a beacon of hope for learners worldwide seeking a path to academic and professional success.
About University of the People
UoPeople provides a unique and essential opportunity for qualified high school graduates to overcome financial, geographic, political, and personal barriers to attaining higher education. Our tuition-free model offers students an affordable solution to earn a quality degree with minimal fees, which are waived if a student cannot afford them. Founded in 2009 and accredited in 2014, UoPeople currently serves more than 170,000 students from 213 countries and territories
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Original Press Release.
