The IB has partnered with the University of the People (UoPeople) to award scholarships for educators around the globe to earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.
These scholarships represent a collaborative effort and commitment to address the global shortage of quality educators worldwide, which in turn guarantees access to quality education for more students.
Designed to elevate inspiring educators, the programme supports professionals who are shaping change in their communities, committed to continuous learning, and driven by the values of IB pedagogy.
Find out more about the UoPeople M.Ed. in Advanced Teaching.
Who should apply?
The IB UoPeople Scholarship aims to support new or emerging educators who have not yet earned a master’s degree in an education-related field and do not have access to affordable teacher education. The following fees will be covered for our scholarship recipients:
- M.Ed. course assessment fees (needed to complete the degree)
- Transfer credit fees (if applicable)
- English preparatory course (if applicable)
- Application fees
There is no requirement to pay an application fee when applying for the scholarship. IB scholarship recipients will have sufficient time to complete the registration process before the deadline, and UoPeople will waive the application fee. See scholarship terms and conditions.
Application requirements
All applications must include the following items to be reviewed:
- Application form. Applicants will need to submit a completed application form on Submittable
- Updated resume in English
- A 3-minute video pitch (detailed instructions will be provided within the online application once it opens)
- Research paper (detailed instructions will be provided within the online application once it opens)
- Professional letter of recommendation
Late applications will not be considered. The application deadline is based on your local time as displayed on Submittable on the closing day.
Please see frequently asked questions below. For further questions about scholarships, please email us.
The 2026 scholarship application process will open between 4 - 24 May 2026
Listen to the IB’s official podcast episode to learn more about the scholarship process and the master’s programme, directly from a scholarship awardee.
IB Voice | Conversation with IB UoP Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree Scholarship Recipient
Timeline
| IB UoP Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree Calendar 2026 | |
| 04 May 2026 | Application opens |
| 24 May 2026 | Application closes |
| 24 May 2026 | Deadline for professional letter of recommendation |
| July 2026 | IB scholarship recipients announced |
| July 2026 | Online webinar for IB scholarship recipients |
| Aug 2026 | UoP admissions deadline |
| 3 September 2026 | First day of Term 1 |
Frequently asked questions
I have already started my M.Ed. at UoPeople. Can I still apply?
Unfortunately, not. The scholarship is only open to students who have not yet earned credit toward the M.Ed. at UoPeople.
Where can I access the interview questions?
The interview questions are included in the application form and will become accessible once the application opens.
I have a master’s degree in a field other than education. Can I still apply?
Yes, you may apply if you have a master’s degree in a field not related to Education.
I do not have an undergraduate degree. Can I still apply?
Unfortunately, not. A bachelor’s degree is a requirement to be admitted to any master’s degree programme.
What is required for the letter of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation should be from a previous or current supervisor and should be signed and include the contact information of the recommender. Letters should be submitted directly from the author to the application portal. We will not accept documents submitted directly by the applicant, nor will we accept recommendation letters after the application deadline.
What is the University of the People (UoPeople)?
UoPeople is a tuition-free, non-profit, fully online American university offering accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degree options to students in 194 countries.Programmes are developed using volunteer curriculum developers and instructors.
What is the UoPeople Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree?
The tuition-free online Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree is available to applicants worldwide. Successful students will receive a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching with specializations at two levels: the primary and middle school level, and the secondary school level. Both specializations share nine core courses and one capstone course, but each have two of their own specialized core courses as well as one elective. Students are required to complete 13 courses, which includes core courses and electives, and a capstone project. UoPeople also offers a 16-course version of the M.Ed., which includes both the primary and secondary specializations.
What role does the IB play in the M.Ed. degree and why?
The IB provided a funding contribution to support the development and launch of the M.Ed. degree opportunity and works with IB World Schools to raise awareness of the degree. UoPeople believes that access to education plays a key role in strengthening fundamental freedoms, as well as promoting world peace and global economic development. The M.Ed. will help address the worldwide shortage of high-quality teachers.
What are the criteria for acceptance to pursue the M.Ed. degree?
Applicants of the M.Ed. program need to be 18 years of age or older. In addition, applicants need to have a Bachelor’s degree from a US accredited institution or an equivalent degree from an accredited international institution, and be proficient in the English language. See UoPeople’s website for more on admission requirements.
Is the M.Ed. degree accredited and internationally recognized?
UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an accrediting agency. The M.Ed. degree does not award a teaching certification.
How long does the degree take to complete?
UoPeople notes that the degree can be completed in less than a year. For some students, it may take 2-3 years. The course list can be found in the University Catalog, or on the UoPeople website.
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