Texas Diploma Program
💰 100% Tuition-Free
✅ TEA Approved
⏰ Self-Paced Learning
Want to earn your diploma totally online?
The Texas Diploma Program lets Texas residents under age 21 finish high school through a fully accredited, tuition-free program. With over 75 online classes that include NCAA-approved core courses and College Board-approved AP® courses, you'll get everything you need to graduate.
Why Choose the Texas Diploma Program
🕐 Learn Anywhere, Anytime
- Self-paced learning that adapts to your lifestyle
- Perfect for traveling families, athletes, and performers
- No attendance requirements or rigid class schedules
- Complete coursework on your schedule, anywhere with internet access
🚀 Future-Ready Education
- P-TECH Early College option for career acceleration
- Graduates accepted to top universities nationwide
- Military-friendly for service-connected families
- College and career counseling from day one
🎓 University-Quality Education
- 75+ courses w/ AP, honors, and dual credit options
- Curriculum designed by UT Austin education specialists
- Same diploma as traditional Texas high schools
- NCAA approved for student athletes
- Accredited by AdvancED/Cognia and Texas Education Agency
💬 Not Just Online Classes
- One-on-one academic counseling and college planning
- Special education and 504 accommodations available
- Dedicated teachers who know your child by name
- Parent resources to support your child's success
What Makes UT High School Different
🏛️ University of Texas Excellence
As part of The University of Texas at Austin, our programs offer:
- Curriculum designed by UT specialists and researchers
- Access to university resources and expertise
- The prestige and recognition of the UT name
📊 Proven Track Record
- More than 25 years of experience in online education
- Thousands of successful graduates
- Consistently high performance on state assessments and AP exams
- Texas Education Agency approval and AdvancED/Cognia accreditation
🤝 Personalized Support
- Individual academic counseling and career planning
- One-on-one tutoring available
- Student support specialists for unique needs
- Military-connected student support services
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the tuition-free Texas Diploma Program, students must meet the following requirements:
📚 Age & Academics
- Be under 21 years of age as of September 1 of the current school year
- Successfully completed 8th-grade coursework (or equivalent credit by exams)
- Have not already earned a high school diploma
🏠 Texas Residency
- Complete coursework in Texas
- Maintain permanent residency in Texas and provide proof of residency
- Military-connected students may qualify if they are dependents of U.S. military members, were previously enrolled in school in Texas and no longer reside in Texas due to military deployment or transfer
💻 Technology
- Computer or tablet with reliable internet access
- Webcam and microphone for proctored exams
- Note: UTHS does not provide computers or technology
Getting Started
Ready to begin your journey with UT High School? Here's how to get started:
2. Complete the Orientation
Both student and parent must complete our online orientation course (approximately 45 minutes) to learn about online learning expectations and UTHS policies.
3. Submit Your Application
- Create a Skyward account
- Complete the enrollment application
- Upload required documents
- Pay any applicable registration fees
Join 6,000+ students who choose UT High School for a better way to learn
Applying for a Diploma Program
Getting started on a full-time diploma program is simple. Here's your path to becoming a UT High School student.
1. 🎥 View Webinars or Attend Virtual Office Hours
Learn more about our programs through virtual information sessions. See information above under Learn More.
2. 📄 Gather the Required Documents
Collect transcripts, immunization records, and other required paperwork. Details about specific documentation requirements are provided during the enrollment process.
3. 💻 Complete Online Learning Course
Students and parents take an online learning course in Canvas.
4. ✍️ Submit Application
Complete the application form in Skyward and upload documents.
5. ✅ Await Acceptance
Please wait to receive an official acceptance notification into the UTHS-TX Diploma Program before withdrawing your student from their current school. Admission is not guaranteed until you receive formal confirmation from UTHS, and students should remain enrolled in their current school until acceptance is finalized.
Learn More
Getting started is simple. Here's your path to becoming a UT High School student.
Watch the Pre-recorded Informational Webinar
These introductory webinars covers what you need to know about our Texas Diploma Program, including curriculum overview, application process, student support services, and answers to frequently asked questions. These programs are perfect for families who want to learn at their own pace.
Texas Diploma Program
Watch → Texas Diploma Webinar (25 mins)
Explore → Full-Time Virtual School for Texas Residents
Join Monday Live Webinars
For Prospective Students and Parents
5:30-6:30 p.m. (Central Time)
Join our live sessions to hear directly from UTHS staff, ask questions in real-time, and connect with other prospective families.
Join Live Session (Microsoft Teams)
Fall Semester
Monday, August 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2025
Monday, September 8 and 15, 2025
Spring Semester
Monday, January 5, 12, and 26, 2026
Monday, April 20 and 27, 2026
Monday, May 4, 11, and 18, 2026
Summer
Monday, July 13, 20, and 27, 2026
Join Tuesday Office Hours
For Prospective Students and Parents
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Central Time)
Get your questions answered in real time during our informal office hours. Drop in any time during the session - no appointment needed!
Drop In Now (Microsoft Teams)
Fall Semester
Every Tuesday from August 5-October 28, 2025
Spring Semester
Every Tuesday January 6-February 24, 2026
April 21-May 19, 2026
Summer
Every Tuesday June 2 - July 28, 2026
Ready to Get Started?
After attending webinars and/or office hours, visit the Enrollment page and choose your program to begin your application.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help you take the next step in your educational journey.
Phone: (512) 232-5000
Email: edservices@austin.utexas.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Texas Diploma Program really tuition-free?
Yes! As a Texas public school district, the Texas Diploma Program is fully funded by the state of Texas for eligible Texas residents. There are no tuition costs for fall and spring semesters. Note that summer courses do have tuition fees of $260-275 per semester course.
How does online learning work?
Our courses are delivered through Canvas, a user-friendly learning management system used by colleges, universities, and corporations worldwide. It's the same system that University of Texas students use. You'll complete assignments, interact with instructors, and take exams online. Courses are self-paced, meaning you can work when it fits your schedule, but all work must be completed within semester deadlines.
Will my credits transfer?
Yes! UTHS is fully accredited, so credits earned through our programs are transferable to other accredited schools. If you're taking courses to supplement another school program, we recommend confirming with your home school's counselor before enrolling. UTHS students take the Texas STAAR exams just like other Texas public school students.
Is this considered homeschooling?
UTHS is an accredited public school district with the Texas Education Agency. Students enrolled in our full-time diploma programs are considered public school students and not homeschooled students. However, many homeschooled students do take UTHS Independent Courses to supplement their homeschool program.
What technology do I need?
You'll need to provide your own personal device with reliable internet access, a webcam, and a microphone. UTHS does not provide electronic equipment to students and families. Most courses can be completed using a standard web browser. Some courses may require additional software or materials, which will be specified in the course description.
How much time will I need to commit each week?
Most students spend 5-7 hours per week per course. Full-time students typically take 6-7 courses per semester, requiring approximately 30-40 hours weekly of focused study time.
What are the criteria for military-connected students?
UTHS allows military-connected students in grades 9-12 to continue their Texas public school education remotely in an online high school after an active military parent transfers or deploys and the student must move out of Texas.
What Dual Credit options are available for students?
Dual credit options are available exclusively to diploma program students. Through UTHS and the University of Texas University Extension program (UEX), eligible students can earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. Students must receive their counselor's approval and take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA).
Will my student receive a "real" high school diploma?
Absolutely! UT High School is a fully accredited public school district. Graduates receive an official Texas high school diploma that is recognized by colleges, universities, employers, and the military.