Shai Reshef

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Shai Reshef's achievements stand out for their global impact. He founded the first tuition-free online university, a feat that has enrolled over 170,000 students from nearly every country. His TED talk reached millions and sparked conversations about the future of higher education. The Yidan Prize, one of the largest in education, validated his model. His honorary degree from Brandeis University in 2026 further cemented his standing as a leader in educational innovation. These honors reflect not just his vision but his ability to turn an audacious idea into a functioning institution.

AwardsShai Reshef won the Yidan Prize for Educational Development in 2023, a prestigious global award honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to education. The prize, valued at $3.8 million, recognized his pioneering work in democratizing higher education. He also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Brandeis University in 2026.

Honours & Distinctions

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters

Brandeis University·2026

Awarded for his contributions to higher education.

Ashoka Fellowship

Ashoka

Recognized as a social entrepreneur.

Rankings & Lists

#37

Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business

Fast Company·2009

Magazine Covers

The New York Times

February 14, 2022

How Can This University Charge Nothing for Tuition?

The Christian Science Monitor

March 20, 2014

Shai Reshef is bringing the university to the people