News

Effort will expand academic offering, support, and access to in-demand skills in AI, quantitative finance, and beyond

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 1, 2026)—As it celebrates 10 years of transforming access to higher education, WorldQuant University (WQU) today announced the launch of its first-ever fundraising campaign, Horizon 2036: Accelerating Global Impact Together, a bold initiative to expand opportunity for learners worldwide and propel the institution toward serving over 100,000 learners by 2036.

The campaign marks a pivotal moment for the accredited, not-for-profit university, which has demonstrated that world-class online education can be delivered globally and tuition-free. Since its founding in 2015 and the launch of its first academic program in 2016, WorldQuant University has reached more than 30,000 learners in over 150 countries.

Alumni surveys show sustained impact: 38% of master's graduates report income increases and 95% express satisfaction with outcomes; 49% of lab completers report career changes; and 43% of all respondents report increased earnings and expanded professional opportunities. Funds raised through Horizon 2036 will go directly to advancing WorldQuant University’s mission and accelerate its impact through expanded academic offerings, increased learner and alumni support, and greater access to skills relevant for in-demand careers in artificial intelligence, quantitative finance, and other sectors.

“Ten years ago, our founder, Igor Tulchinsky, set out to prove that exceptional education could be accessible and affordable at a global scale,” said John Endrud, CEO, WorldQuant University. “What began as an ambitious experiment has become a thriving international learning community. WorldQuant University enables learners to earn advanced credentials while remaining in their communities and applying their skills to local challenges.”

Horizon 2036 comes amid growing global demand for flexible, career-relevant education. Enrollment in WorldQuant University’s flagship Master of Science in Financial Engineering program increased 82 percent and certificate completions increased 78 percent from 2024 to 2025. As WorldQuant University enters its second decade, Horizon 2036 represents more than a fundraising campaign. It is a commitment to expanding access to opportunity worldwide, empowering future innovators, and proving that geography and financial circumstance should never determine who can learn, grow, and contribute to the world.

“We have built a remarkable community united by the belief that education changes lives,” said Gbemi Disu, Senior Vice President, Global Partner Development, who will lead the Horizon 2036 campaign. “Everywhere I travel, I meet learners whose careers, families, and communities have been transformed through WorldQuant University. Horizon 2036 invites those who believe in our mission to help extend that impact to thousands more learners over the next decade.”

Horizon 2036 also provides alumni, supporters and partners with a meaningful opportunity to invest in the next generation of global talent.

Donations can be made online at www.wqu.edu/donate.

About WorldQuant University
WQU is a not-for-profit institution dedicated to the conviction: “Talent is global, opportunity is not.” ® Offering free online education in advanced technical and quantitative fields, WQU empowers learners with industry-driven curricula and expert faculty to develop in-demand, future-ready skills. Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, WQU is committed to making quality, rigorous education accessible worldwide.

Watch on YouTube
Horizon 2036: Accelerating Global Impact Together (0:55)