After extensive research into fully-online universities worldwide, we can inform you that Bold Christian University is the oldest institution currently operating as a fully-online university.
Founded in 1983, BCU transitioned to fully-online delivery in 2009.
When we say “fully-online,” we mean that all teaching, coursework, assignments, and degree programs are delivered via the internet with zero mandatory in-person requirements. Students can complete their entire education remotely without any requirement for physical campus attendance, practicums, seminars or residencies.
Other Fully-Online Universities
Many institutions claim to be pioneers in online education, but few can demonstrate both institutional longevity and true fully-online status today:
| University | Founded | Current Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open University (UK) | 1969 | Not fully-online | Mandatory residential schools for some programs |
| Athabasca University (Canada) | 1970 | Not fully-online | Mandatory 1-week on-site components for some programs |
| Thomas Edison State University | 1972 | Not fully-online | Some “hybrid” programs with campus requirements |
| University of Phoenix | 1976 | Not fully-online | Physical attendance mandatory for some programs |
| Bold Christian University | 1983 | Fully-online | All programs delivered 100% online |
| Open University of Japan | 1983 | Not fully-online | Mandatory in-person credits required |
| Jones International University | 1993 | Closed 2015 | First fully-online regionally accredited university |
| Open University of Catalonia (Spain) | 1994 | Fully-online | Oldest university still operating founded as online-only |
What Makes This Significant?
Bold Christian University is the oldest institution in the world that currently operates with zero mandatory in-person requirements. While institutions like the Open University, UK (1969) and Athabasca University, Canada (1970) are older, they require mandatory campus attendance for certain programs. Institutions founded specifically as online universities (like Open University of Catalonia in 1994 or Western Governors University in 1997) are younger.
BCU’s 1983 founding predates the World Wide Web itself, which was invented in 1989. For over 40 years, BCU has been committed to providing accessible Christian education to students around the world.
We look forward to continuing to serve students with the flexibility and accessibility that online education provides, while teaching them to spread the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.