It’s no longer unusual for students to take some or all of their college classes online. Technological advancements have helped create convenient new ways to get a college education without ever stepping into a classroom.

Now, Shai Reshef, an entrepreneur from Israel, has decided to take the online education experience to the next level: by making it free.

Reshef has created a new online education institution called the University of the People, scheduled to open in April 2009. His goal is to take advantage of the Internet’s wide availability and ease of use. Reshef believes that students all over the world, at all financial levels should have accessible, affordable education options.

That old adage about a free lunch may be coming to mind right now. But the University of the People truly is tuition-free. Students only pay nominal fees to enroll in the university and to register for examinations, and UoP’s instructors and administrators volunteer their time and expertise. All the required learning materials and tests are accessible online, making a college education available wherever there is an Internet connection to be found.

The university’s enrollment fee will cost between $15 and $50, and exam registration fees would be between $10 and $100. Reshef structured the pricing this way to reach out to poorer students. Therefore, students from poorer countries pay lower fees, while students from wealthier countries pay more.

The UoP is in its most beginning stage of operation, but two programs will be offered when the university opens this April. Students can choose to pursue:

• A bachelor degree in Business Administration
• A bachelor degree in Computer Science

Check out the University of the People at http://www.uopeople.com/. The gates of higher education might be opening up for everyone – no matter their income bracket – very soon!