How to get financial assistance for edX courses
edX financial assistance can help eligible learners reduce the cost of verified courses. Explore eligibility requirements, how to apply for financial assistance, and next steps after receiving approval for aid.
By: Matt Whittle, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo
Last updated: September 29, 2026
Key takeaways
- edX offers financial assistance for eligible verified courses, with applications evaluated based on income, employment, and need.
- Learners can enroll in the audit track, apply for financial assistance, and upgrade to the verified track to earn a certificate upon successful completion.
- Students pursuing edX degree programs may qualify for federal aid like grants, loans, and work-study through FAFSA, depending on eligibility.
What is edX financial assistance?
edX financial assistance helps eligible learners reduce the cost of eligible verified courses. Students who demonstrate financial need and want to complete the paid-track option of a course — which provides a certificate upon completion — can benefit from receiving these discounts. After approval, they can upgrade to the verified track to access graded assessments and earn a certificate upon completion. Financial assistance is available for many, but not all, verified courses, so check course eligibility before applying.
Who is eligible for edX financial assistance?
Eligibility for edX financial assistance varies by course, but applications are generally evaluated based on factors such as:
- Income
- Financial need
- Employment status
What does edX financial assistance cover?
After eligible students receive approval for edX financial assistance, they can apply it to verified courses to reduce their enrollment costs. Keep the following notes in mind:
- Assistance covers up to an 80% reduction in fees for verified-track courses.
- Students unlock features like graded assignments to earn a certificate upon completion.
- Not every program accepts edX financial assistance.
- Each eligible course requires a separate application.
- Learners can only receive approval for up to five applications in a 12-month span.
My edX course gave me the technical skills to become a programmer. I created an app that my company now uses.
— Tyler Kresch, Entrepreneur | Santa Barbara, CA | CS50: Introduction to Computer Science
Before you apply
Use the following checklist as you prepare to apply:
- Check if your course accepts edX financial assistance.
- Gather information about your income, employment status, and financial need.
- Enroll in the free audit track for the class to develop a sense of the materials and coursework.
- While enrolled in the audit track, check the verified track deadline.
- If you've already applied for assistance with other classes, make sure you haven't hit the limit for eligible courses within the last 12 months.
How to apply for edX financial assistance
Applying for edX financial assistance only takes a few steps. The section below covers a typical application process for most edX students.
Confirm your course is eligible
Not every edX class qualifies for assistance. Before applying, visit your course's homepage to check if it accepts this discount. edX also features a list of courses that do not qualify.
Enroll in the audit track
Next, you can enroll in the audit track for your class. This option allows you to explore course materials for free as you continue the application process and wait for a decision.
Complete the application
After enrolling in the audit track, sign in to your edX account and complete the financial assistance application.
Submit one application per course
Assistance applies to each course, rather than to an entire program. If you're enrolled in multiple classes that qualify, you'll need to apply separately for each course within the program.
Wait for a decision
After submitting an application, edX will review your information and send a decision via email. It may take up to four weeks to receive approval.
What happens after you're approved?
After receiving approval, you can upgrade your audit track to the verified pathway at a reduced cost. Verified-track enrollment allows you to complete graded assignments and receive a certificate after completing the course. Be sure to upgrade before the verified-track enrollment deadline to avoid losing your discount.
Financial aid for degree programs
Degree programs offered through edX operate differently with regard to financial assistance. Unlike courses, degrees available via partner schools may qualify for federal financial aid sources like loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. To understand your eligibility for this type of aid, start by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and explore aid requirements with the school offering the degree through edX.