IGNOU Online Programmes for International Students 2026 – Complete Guide
Are you an international student looking to earn a UGC-approved Indian degree without leaving your country? Then IGNOU Online Programmes for International Students 2026 might be just the perfect fit for you.
With flexible learning, affordable fees, and globally accepted qualifications, IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) offers a wide range of online undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes for learners across the globe. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to get started — from course list and eligibility to registration and FAQs.
Can International Students Apply for IGNOU Online Programmes?
Yes! International students can absolutely apply for IGNOU’s online programmes for the January 2026 session. These courses are conducted 100% online through the IGNOU Online Admission Portal (Samarth), and accessible from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
🎓 Key Benefits:
- Study from your home country
- Affordable fee structure
- UGC-approved degrees
- No need to visit India
- Digital study material available 24/7
- No visa required for admission
Whether you live in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia-Pacific, or North America, IGNOU welcomes you to its online learning platform.
List of IGNOU Online Programmes for International Students 2026
Here’s a complete list of UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate level courses available to international learners via the online mode:
🔹 Undergraduate (UG) Programmes
| Programme Code | Programme Name |
|---|---|
| BAGOL | B.A. (General) in Odia |
| BAGSN | B.A. (General) in Sanskrit |
| BAPSH | B.A. (Political Science) |
| BAPCH | B.A. (Psychology) |
| BAEGH | B.A. (English Honours) |
| BAHIH | B.A. (History Honours) |
| BSCG | Bachelor of Science (General) |
| BCOMOL | B.Com. Online |
| BSWOL | BSW – Bachelor of Social Work (Online) |
🔹 Postgraduate (PG) Programmes
| Programme Code | Programme Name |
|---|---|
| MAAST | M.A. in Astrology |
| MAGPS | M.A. in Gandhi and Peace Studies |
| MAJMC | M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication |
| MAH | M.A. in History |
| MAHI | M.A. in Hindi |
| MPS | M.A. in Political Science |
| MSO | M.A. in Sociology |
| MEC | M.A. in Economics |
| MCOMOL | Master of Commerce |
| MBAOL | Master of Business Administration (Online) |
| MTTM | Master of Tourism and Travel Management |
| MEGOL | M.A. in English (Online) |
| MLIS | Master of Library and Information Science |
🔹 Diploma Programmes
| Programme Code | Programme Name |
|---|---|
| PGDSS | Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainability Science |
| PGDAW | Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare |
| PGDCSR | PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility |
| PGDESD | PG Diploma in Environment and Sustainable Development |
| PGDFSQM | PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management |
| PGDIPR | PG Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights |
| PGDJMC | PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication |
| PGDMW | PG Diploma in Mental Health |
| PGDPM | PG Diploma in Project Management |
| PGDWS | PG Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies |
| DTS | Diploma in Tourism Studies |
| DWED | Diploma in Women’s Empowerment and Development |
🔹 Certificate Programmes
| Programme Code | Programme Name |
|---|---|
| CNCC | Certificate in Nutrition and Childcare |
| CLIS | Certificate in Library and Information Science |
| CES | Certificate in Environmental Studies |
| CFN | Certificate in Food and Nutrition |
| CIB | Certificate in International Business |
| CTM | Certificate in Teaching of Mathematics |
You can also download the official course list PDF from IGNOU website at: https://www.ignou.ac.in
Eligibility Criteria for International Students
To apply for IGNOU Online Programmes, international students must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Educational Qualification: Should meet the minimum qualifications required for the chosen course (e.g., 10+2 for UG, graduation for PG).
- Medium of Instruction: Must be comfortable with either English or Hindi, depending on the programme.
- Documentation: Valid passport, academic certificates, passport-size photo, and signature (scanned copy).
Medium of Instruction
- Most online programmes are offered in English.
- Some UG and PG programmes are available in Hindi.
- You must select your preferred medium during the online application.
How to Apply for IGNOU Online Programmes – International Students
You can apply easily from anywhere in the world. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
🌐 Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the official international online portal:
👉 https://iop.ignouonline.ac.in - Click on “International Students” menu link at top and then click on “Apply Now”
- Fill Student Registration Form and Click on “Register” button.
- Upload required documents: passport, academic certificates, photo, and signature.
- Pay the application fee via international payment methods (credit card/debit card).
- Submit the form and download a copy for reference.
- After registration gets completed, save your Username and password for login.
📌 Note: Admission confirmation takes a few days after successful document verification.
IGNOU Online Programme Fee Structure for International Students
The fee for international students is higher than for Indian nationals and varies based on:
- Your region (SAARC / Non-SAARC / other)
- The programme selected (UG, PG, etc.)
For a detailed breakdown, check our blog on 👉 IGNOU Online Programme Fee Structure 2025 for International Students (coming soon).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, IGNOU is a UGC-recognized university. Its degrees are accepted in many countries for further studies and employment. However, recognition may vary by country.
Absolutely. The entire process—from application to study—is fully online.
No visa is required since you’ll study remotely.
Most online programmes include continuous assessment and online term-end exams. Check the programme structure for specific details.
Final Words
If you’re looking for flexible, affordable, and recognized higher education from India, IGNOU Online Programmes for International Students 2026 are a smart choice. Whether you want to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or short-term course, IGNOU offers quality education you can access anytime, anywhere.
👉 Don’t wait—admissions for the January 2026 session are now open.
Apply today and take your academic journey global with IGNOU!
