7 Best Online Schools Africa: Affordable Quality Education Online

1. Africa Data School

Website: africadataschool.com
Programs: Offers intensive data science training, notably an 8-week Data Science & Machine Learning bootcamp covering Python, data analysis, visualization, and AI techniques. (The school’s tagline also hints at blockchain training in the pipeline.)
Tuition: Approximately $240 for the 8-week data science program​, making it an affordable option for acquiring in-demand data skills.

2. ALX (African Leadership X)

Website: alxafrica.com
Programs: A pan-African initiative offering career-focused programs entirely online. Flagship offerings include a 12-month Software Engineering program and shorter (typically 6-month) tracks in Data Analytics, Data Science, Cloud DevOps, and other tech/business skills. These programs are intensive and practical, often developed in partnership with industry (for example, the software engineering curriculum is powered by Holberton School content).
Tuition: Many ALX programs are sponsored by scholarships (e.g. through the MasterCard Foundation) so accepted students often pay minimal fees. The full value of the software engineering program is about $3,500 if self-funded, while shorter programs are around $1,500​. In practice, most students pay either a token registration fee or nothing at all if they receive the sponsorship.

3. Nexford University

Website: nexford.org
Programs: A next-generation online university offering accredited degree programs like the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and MBA entirely online. Nexford’s curriculum is competency-based, focusing on skills for global business and technology. They also offer shorter certificates in areas like data science, digital marketing, and product management.
Tuition: Nexford uses a monthly subscription model for tuition. Students pay roughly $90 USD per month for undergraduate programs and about $180 USD per month for graduate programs (MBA), allowing flexibility in pacing. For example, a full BBA degree can total around $3,000–$4,000 in tuition, while an MBA might total approximately $3,000 depending on how quickly the student progresses (costs are substantially lower than typical universities).

4. Unicaf University

Website: unicafuniversity.com
Programs: A Malawi-founded university network that operates online across Africa. Unicaf offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Students can enroll in Unicaf’s own accredited programs (such as B.Sc. in Computer Science, BBA, MBA, M.Ed., etc.) or earn degrees from partner universities in the UK, US, and Africa through online study. Fields include business, education, IT, law, public health, and more.
Tuition: Flexible and reduced tuition through a scholarship model – Unicaf typically grants up to 80% scholarships to African students. This brings down the cost of a degree dramatically (for example, an MBA that might cost tens of thousands elsewhere can end up costing only a few thousand USD through Unicaf’s subsidy). Students often pay in installments; an indicative cost might be on the order of $3,000–$6,000 for a complete degree (after the scholarship), depending on the program and partnership university.

5. Moringa School

Website: moringaschool.com
Programs: A Kenyan-founded coding bootcamp that now offers online tech training across Africa. Moringa’s main programs include Software Engineering (full-stack web and mobile development) and Data Science bootcamps, typically running for a few months of intensive, project-based learning. They also have shorter prep courses and specialized tracks (e.g. UX/UI design) to get beginners up to speed.
Tuition: Approx. $1,000–$1,500 for the flagship bootcamps. For instance, the Software Engineering immersive program (about 3-6 months) costs around this range in USD (paid in Kenyan Shillings). They offer financing options such as installment plans and have had income-sharing or scholarship opportunities to ensure talented students can attend.

6. University of South Africa (UNISA)

Website: unisa.ac.za
Programs: UNISA is the oldest and largest distance-learning institution in Africa, founded in South Africa. It offers hundreds of programs entirely through distance/online learning, from diplomas and bachelor’s degrees to postgraduate degrees (masters and PhDs). Fields of study range widely: Business, Law, Education, Arts & Humanities, Science, Agriculture, Engineering, and more. Students study through online materials, tutor support, and e-assessments (with occasional exam centers usage).
Tuition: Affordable public university fees. Costs vary by program and course load. As a guideline, a single undergraduate module might cost around $100–$150, and a full year of study could be roughly $1,000–$2,000 for South African residents (international students pay a bit more). A complete bachelor’s degree from UNISA can often be earned with total tuition in the low-thousands USD, making it an economical choice for higher education​africadataschool.com.

7. HyperionDev

Website: hyperiondev.com
Programs: A South African-founded online coding bootcamp platform that has expanded globally. HyperionDev offers mentor-led courses in Software Engineering, Data Science, and Full-Stack Web Development. The programs are self-paced online (typically 3-6 months long), but include 1-on-1 code review and support from mentors to simulate an in-person bootcamp experience. Graduates receive a certification and career support for job placement.
Tuition: Mid-range bootcamp pricing. The cost depends on the program and payment plan. Paying upfront for a 6-month bootcamp is around a few thousand dollars (approximately $3,000–$5,000 USD). They provide installment plans and periodic discounts or scholarships. (For example, a full-stack web development course might be advertised around $3,500 if paid in full, with higher total cost if using monthly payment plans.)