WorldQuant University, a not-for-profit institution, is making waves with its free online Master of Science in Financial Engineering (MScFE) program. Recent enrollment figures show more than 2,500 new students from 115 countries joined in October 2025. This marks nine straight quarters of growth since fall 2023, with total enrollment now exceeding 9,000 students worldwide. It’s now the largest program of its kind globally.
CEO John Endrud shared the news on LinkedIn. He expressed his excitement about the university’s mission to make education accessible to everyone. “When I joined two years ago, I was inspired by our goal: providing advanced quantitative and tech education for free to anyone capable,” he noted.
The MScFE program started in 2016. It combines finance, mathematics, data science, and technology to equip students for careers in areas like quantitative analysis and risk management. The program received accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission in 2021 and has seen its enrollment double each year since.
Endrud attributes this impressive growth to the university’s commitment to breaking down barriers in education. He stated, “We focus on offering quality, accessible programs that connect learners to opportunities.” The MScFE program features nine graduate-level courses along with a capstone project. Additionally, the university offers non-degree programs in data science, deep learning, and computer vision. To date, WorldQuant has helped over 30,000 learners from 150 countries.
The continuous rise in enrollment indicates that many professionals are seeking rigorous, industry-driven education without traditional obstacles. “The MScFE is the only completely free, globally accessible master’s-level finance program,” Endrud added.
Students from around the world are now connecting through the university’s online platform. On a message board, Hussein Amine Ayache, CEO of BYA Technologies, commented, “Being part of such a diverse and growing community is a fantastic opportunity. This record cohort shows how the program empowers professionals passionate about quantitative finance and data science.”
The story behind WorldQuant University is not just about numbers. It reflects a broader trend toward accessible education, especially in tech and finance. A recent survey by the Education Data Initiative found that 50% of students believe online education provides better flexibility and cost-effectiveness than traditional schools.
As Endrud concludes, every student’s success demonstrates the possibilities when opportunities expand. With contributions from the global community and dedicated staff, WorldQuant is helping redefine what higher education can look like. It’s clear: talent knows no borders, but opportunity often does.
For more insights on trends in online education, you can check resources from the Education Data Initiative.
