Affordable & Shortest Online PhD and Doctoral Programs 2025-2026

In search of accredited but cheap online PhD Program, a shortest doctoral degree, or a doctorate without a dissertation?  Then here is good news for you as many top universities around the world are offering accredited and cheapest online doctorate programs tailored as per requirements and needs of working professionals.  

 

Looking for Quick PhD, a cheap and fast Online DBA or quick DRPH program, these universities are giving you the opportunity to earn accredited doctorate online faster at a lower cost. Here at muft.com we will not only guide you to how to choose the best and Cheap Online PhD or Doctorate Program but also help you in finding and enrolling the best University and Program matching your requirements and needs. 

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about In-Expensive and shortest PhD/Doctorate Programs Online

We divided our Faq Section in categories so you can find your required answer fast and easy.

 

Program Basics & Accreditation 

Q: Why choose a PhD or Doctorate program online? 

Online doctoral programs are especially designed for busy professionals offering them flexibility, affordability as well accelerated formats providing opportunity to complete a cheapest and fastest PhD Online from any accredited university around the world. 
 

Q: What is the difference between a PhD and a doctorate? 

PhD is more of a research-based degree on the other hand Doctorate Programs (DBA, EdD, DrPH) more focus on applied knowledge. Both degree programs are prestigious but serve different purposes. 

 

Q: Are online doctoral programs accredited and employer-accepted? 
Yes —If you enroll in university that is accredited by recognized bodies for example HLC, DEAC, or QAA (UK), then these degree programs are accepted globally. 

 

Affordability & Scholarships 

Q: Are online doctoral programs affordable and cheap? 
 

Yes! Most of the Online Doctoral Programs are not only affordable and cheap but also accredited, as many universities around the world offers tuition fee as low as US$ 5.000/Year or less. This is not all there are some Universities who are offering tuition free Online PhD or Doctorate Programs or offering different financial programs like installments, scholarships or grants. 

 

Q:  Are there scholarship programs available for online PhD students? 

 
Yes, the scholarship and grants also available for Online PhD students, and you can apply for university grants, non-profit scholarships or Federal/Govt Fellowship Programs. 

 

Q: What are the cheapest online PhD programs worldwide? 
 

There are plenty of Options available in term of Cheapest Online PhD programs worldwide, some of the most renowned and accredited names are:  

  • University of the People (USA) – Tuition-free 
  • Atlantic International University – Low-cost, flexible 
  • EUCLID University – Affordable global options 
  • Open University (UK) – Competitive tuition + aid 

 

Q: Which countries offer the cheapest PhDs? 

 

  • Germany – Free tuition 
  • India & South Africa – Very low-cost 
  • Norway – Free for international students 

 

Duration & Fast-Track Options 

Q: Can I earn an online PhD quickly? 

 
Yes — Most of the renowned and accredited Universities around the world are offering accelerated PhD programs can be completed in just 2–3 years. 

 

Q: What’s the shortest online doctoral program? 

Again, there are plenty of universities around the world are offering shortest online doctoral programs, some of them are: 
 

  • Capella (USA) – FlexPath (2–3 years) 
  • Walden (USA) – Fast-track options 
  • UK institutions – 2-year PhDs in select fields 

 

Q: Which country offers the shortest PhD programs? 

Universities around the world are offering fast-track PhD Program but countries like the UK, USA and Netherlands are known for shortest PhD programs in both Online and Hybrid Formats with degree completion timeline of 2-3 Years. 
 

Dissertation-Free & Free PhD Options 

Q: Are there online doctorate programs without a dissertation? 

Yes, Different universities around the world are offering Online PhD or Doctorate Programs without a no-dissertation options specially in options like DBA, EdD and DrPH often offers no dissertation alternatives using capstone Projects. 
 

Q: Are there free online PhD programs? 

Yes, there are some accredited Institutions around the world are offering tuition free Online PhD or Doctorate Programs for example: 
 

  • University of the People 
  • German public universities 
  • Norwegian universities 

 

Q: How do I get a fully funded online PhD? 
 

There are different options to apply for fully funded Online PhD like: 

  • Apply to universities with assistantships 
  • Choose tuition-free countries 
  • Find scholarships & grants for online students 
  • Enroll in cheapest PhD online programs under $10,000 total cost 

Country-Wise Guide to Cheapest & Fastest Online PhD & Doctorate Programs 2025-2026

🇬🇧 United Kingdom 

  • Duration: 2–3 years 
  • Highlights: Structured, research-intensive, shortest PhD programs online 
  • Examples: University of Essex Online, Open University 

 

🇩🇪 Germany 

  • Duration: 3–4 years 
  • Highlights: Tuition-free, globally recognized 
  • Examples: LMU Munich, University of Hamburg 

 

🇳🇴 Norway 

  • Duration: 3–4 years 
  • Highlights: Free PhDs, open to all students 
  • Examples: University of Oslo, NTNU 

 

🇳🇱 Netherlands 

  • Duration: 3–4 years 
  • Highlights: Funded PhDs, English-taught, highly ranked 
  • Examples: Leiden, Utrecht, University of Amsterdam 

 

🇮🇳 India 

  • Duration: 3–5 years 
  • Highlights: Extremely affordable, English instruction 
  • Examples: IGNOU, Amity University Online 

 

🇿🇦 South Africa 

  • Duration: 3–5 years 
  • Highlights: Low-cost tuition, international acceptability 
  • Examples: UNISA, University of Cape Town 

 

🇺🇸 USA (Online) 

  • Duration: 2–3 years (accelerated) 
  • Highlights: Fastest online PhD programs, no dissertation options 
  • Examples: Capella, Walden, Liberty University 

 

In-Demand Accredited Affordable PhD/ Doctorate Programs Online

If you are in search of accredited and affordable PhD programs online, then you are in luck as many accredited Online colleges and Universities around the world are offering most affordable Online PhD programs which are not only affordable but also fast to complete. 

For your convenience and review we mentioned some of the most in demand and popular doctorate degree programs offered by most affordable and accredited universities around the world. For more options and Cheap and Short PhD Online programs you can visit our Program Page. 

 

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Online 

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is one of the most popular programs which is a more research-intensive degree with specialization in different fields like Business, Engineering, and Psychology.  This Doctorate Program Online is tailored to develop expertise in required field of interest through advanced research. 

Most Affordable and Cheapest Universities Offering PhD Online 

University 

Country 

Program  

Tuition Cost 

Accreditation 

Walden University

  

USA 

Various Programs 

Varies 

hlcommission.org 

Universidade Aberta 

Portugal 

Various Programs 

Varies 

uab.pt 

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) Online 

An online option to earn Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) Degree can be the best choice for those professionals who want to acquire top most knowledge in business strategy, leadership and management.  Online PhD in business or DBA Online are tailored to provide working professionals to achieve top level of academic qualification fast and quick with affordability. 

 Cheapest and Accredited Online Colleges and Universities Offering DBA Online 

University 

Country 

Program  

Tuition Cost 

Accreditation 

 

Capella University 

 

USA 

DBA Online 

Varies 

acbsp.org 

Hellenic Open University 

Greece 

Online DBA 

Varies 

hqaa.gr 

 

 Doctor of Education (EdD)/ PhD in Education Online 

The Doctor of Education (EdD) online programs are designed to offer the opportunity to educators, and administrators to acquire the leadership roles in education policy, administration or in curriculum development. Most of the best and accredited Online Universities and Colleges also offering Short PhD programs online offering the opportunity to working professionals to earn their Online PhD/Doctorate in the field of education quick and fast. In addition, there are some Doctor of Education (EdD) which do not have the requirement of dissertation. In simple words PhD Online without dissertation. 

Universities Offering Doctorate of Education (EdD) Online 

University 

Country 

Programs  

Tuition Cost 

Accreditation 

 

Fielding Graduate University 

 

USA 

EdD in Educational Leadership 

Varies 

wscuc.org 

 

University of the Philippines Open University 

 

Philippines 

EdD in Educational Leadership 

Varies 

ched.gov.ph 

 

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Online 

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a most advanced degree programs for the professionals in the nursing field, providing the opportunity to advance their career into the leadership roles in clinical or administrative settings. is a terminal degree for nursing professionals looking to advance into leadership roles in clinical or administrative settings. In addition, there are many Short PhD Online Programs or even accelerated MSN to DNP programs offering Nursing professionals to earn their doctorate degree quick and cheap. 

Universities Offering DNP Online 

University 

Country 

Programs  

Tuition Cost 

Accreditation 

 

University of Maryland Global Campus 

 

USA 

DNP in Nursing Practice 

Varies 

ccneaccreditation.org 

 

Hellenic Open University 

 

Greece 

DNP in Nursing Practice 

Varies 

uab.pt 

 

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Online 

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Online more emphasize on leadership and management in public health. This DrPH program Online offers extensive research-based knowledge and expertise in policy making and health care administration. Like other Online PhD Programs some universities also offering short online DrPH Programs so the professional can earn their doctorate in Public Health and Administration quick and fast with affordability. 

 

Universities Offering DrPH Online 

University 

Country 

Programs  

Tuition Cost 

Accreditation 

 

Capella University 

 

USA 

DrPH in Public Health 

Varies 

ceph.org 

 

Universidade Aberta 

 

Portugal 

DrPH in Public Health 

Varies 

hqaa.gr 

Please note that tuition costs vary by program and institution. For most accurate and up to date information you can visit our Universities Sections or also can visit respective university’s official website. 

 

General Requirements for Enrolling in Affordable PhD Programs Online

Though the requirements for enrolling in affordable PhD programs online vary from University to University or Field of Choice, but some general requirements may remain the same most of the times.

  1. Master’s Degree 
  2. Application Documents
  3. Standardized Test Scores:
  4. Dissertation Requirement:

     

Top Accredited Universities Offering Online PhD & Doctorate Degrees 2025-2026

Here you can find some of the most accredited Schools with Affordable and in-expensive Online PhD programs in 2025 from around the world even some reputed online universities offering tuition free doctorate programs online, please note there are many more which you check in our universities area or in your desired field of interest.

Universities from United States of America (USA) offering In-expensive and fast Online PhD Programs

University of Southern California (USC)


USC not only offers affordable but also the fastest PhD programs online. The best option for professionals looking for shortest doctoral programs or quickest PhD options online.


Walden University:

Walden University’s Online PhD is one of the most affordable and cheap option available, their in-expensive accredited online doctoral programs, include Public Health, Business, Education, and more. Want to explore more cheapest online PhD and doctorate degrees available then please visit our University and Program Section.

Capella University:

One name which every knows in Online Education field is Capella University, offers PhD Programs Online which are not only affordable but also provide liberty to complete your degree at your own pace.

University of Phoenix:

Leader in Schools with Online PhD programs, offers affordable and cheapest options in various fields like Business, Education, Health Care and Many more.

Northcentral University:

Another recognized University offering Online PhD degrees is Northcentral University, offering flexibility with affordability.

EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES:

Some of the Best European Universities offering Cheap and Fast PhD programs Online:


Here are some European universities offering affordable and tuition-free online PhD programs:

University of London, UK:

a well repute UK university offering in-expensive and fast online PhD programs in several fields, offering flexible programs with accessibility to a global network of researchers.
In addition, despite the cheap and affordable fee structure of Online Doctorate Programs.

University of London (UK)

University of London also offers some programs which are tuition free or with scholarship and funding facilities.

University of Edinburgh, UK:

Another university from United Kingdom (UK) University of Edinburgh (UK) also offers some Online Doctorate Programs which are tuition free and with different funding options.

University of Manchester UK:

University of Manchester United Kingdom (UK) is also offering some tuition free programs with scholarships and grants to make earning PhD degree online more affordable and cheaper.

University of Copenhagen- Denmark:

University of Copenhagen -Denmark  known and reputed name university of Copenhagen-Denmark offers strong research base Online PhD programs; to make online doctorate more cheap and affordable for the professionals it also offers tuition free options with scholarships and funding opportunities.

University of Vienna Austria:

also provide affordable online PhD with major emphasis on research and innovation. Some of the PhD online Programs of University of Vienna –Austria is tuition-free with scholarships and funding opportunities.

University of Warsaw- Poland:

This Polish university renowned for its high-quality education and in-expensive doctorate programs online.

University of Warsaw- Poland offers fast and cheap online PhD programs in various disciplines. In addition, it also offers tuition-free options with scholarships and funding opportunities.
The above-mentioned universities from around the world are offering most accredited, Cheap and Fast Online PhD programs.

If you need more specific information about any of these programs, you can check our University section or can reach the university official website directly.

How to Choose the Best Affordable Doctoral Program

To choose Cheap Online PhD program you must consider following guidelines before enrolling:

 

Accreditation

: is the most important factor you should consider; you have to do thorough research and make sure that the program you are enrolling in is accredited and accepted by a recognized body and the employers worldwide or at least in your country.

Cost:

is also important factor to look for, cause with little research you can find the best accredited Program of your choice in some of the renowned schools who are offering cheapest online PhD programs.

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Flexibility:

Flexibility is one of the main reasons why many Individuals choose Online Learning Platform so do thorough research and choose the Online doctoral program which allows you to study at your own pace.

Even if you want to complete your PhD online quickly than many online colleges for Online PhD also offering some fast-track programs.

Financial Aid:

Many Universities also offers financial aid or scholarships which can help you out in reducing cost of your studies and make your Online Doctorate Program more in-expensive, so again check different options before enrolling in any.