In this comprehensive guide we have compiled a list of the best free online courses and certificates that you can pursue at your leisure. In today’s world, receiving good quality education has become so much easier and quicker than it was ever before.
Thanks to the evolution of world wide web many universities have shifted from their conventional way of teaching to online teaching with incredible success. Online education has become so common now that students have started attending their regular teaching classes from their PCs and laptops.
Leveraging the technology of web video conferencing the effectiveness of class interaction and student collaboration has become nearly equal to doing it physically. Especially for students who are doing jobs and cannot find the time to go to their colleges regularly, this has become a very popular way of earning their degrees.
List of Free Online Courses and Certificates
Table of Contents
We have taken one step further to share the courses and certifications that are completely free. There are so many paid courses available on the Internet on almost any topic that you can think of. But finding the ones that are free can be a hectic task. But that’s exactly why we’re here, right? To make sure that you get free online courses that are as good as the paid ones. We have divided the courses into categories according to different areas of study including:
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Accounting / Finance
- Human Resources (HR)
- Medical Sciences
- Bonus Courses
Below are brief descriptions on every course and details on how you can enroll and get started:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CS50 Introduction to Computer Science
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: Harvard University
This is an entry level course with no per-requisites and it will teach you the fundamentals of Computer Science with basic knowledge of programming. If you want to become a Software developer or Web developer, this course is a must for you. The course will cover topics including Algorithms, basic data structures and object oriented programming. It will also consist of some assignments and projects. Click Here to Enroll
Developing Android Apps (New Android Fundamentals)
Prerequisites: 1 year of Programming experience in any object oriented programming language
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: Google
This is an intermediate level course that teaches you the basic of android development and advanced to intermediate level programming in Java. In this step-by-step course you will be working with the instructor to develop a Cloud based android application. The course will also teach you the best practices of mobile development. The course involved video lectures along with interactive quizzes. Click here to Enroll
Free Splunk Course (Fundamentals)
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: Splunk
Splunk is the world’s leading SIEM solution and log management solution with great features that every Network / System administration needs. They have a complete certification track that takes you from the beginner level to expert.
Splunk is offering free training courses that covers the fundamentals. In this course you will learn Search and Navigation, getting statistics from data, creating alerts, reports and dashboards. You will also learn about Splunk’s datasets features in detail. Click here to EnrollWeb Development and Web Design Certifications from FreeCodeCamp
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: FreeCodeCamp
FreeCodeCamp is a goldmine for those seeking to learn Web development and Basic Web design. It’s a learn-by-doing platform that consists of beginner to advanced level challenges. You learn by completing small bit-sized tasks. Once you complete a specific course path, you will get a free certificate of completion. FreeCodeCamp offers various learning paths including Responsive Web Design, Javascript Algorithms and Data structures, Front End Libraries etc. Click here to Enroll
Content Marketing Course (HubSpot)
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: HubSpot
Content Marketing is an in-demand field right now with a lot of jobs and freelancing opportunities. The content industry has really kicked-off after the launch of new social media platforms and the advancements in blockchain industry.
HubSpot has created an amazingly detailed course on content marketing with over 6 hours of video content, 12 lessons and multiple quizzes. After you complete this course you will receive a free certificate of completion. The course also teaches you how to make your content SEO friendly. Click Here to Enroll
Artificial Intelligence Course by Google
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: Google with University of Helsinki and Reaktor
Elements of AI is a free online course being offered by Google in partnership with University of Helsinki. The course is specifically tailored for those who don’t come from a technical background and want to build a career in Artificial Intelligence. The course consists of 6 modules that you need to complete before giving the final exam. If you pass the final exam by completing 90% of the exercises, you will get a free certificate. There’s a Part-2 for the course if you want to dig deeper and get into the programming aspect of AI. Click here to Enroll
Microsoft Office Training Center (Multiple Courses)
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: Microsoft
Whether your are an IT professional, an accountant, a doctor or a clerk, you will always need Microsoft office products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) to manage and edit your data. For this purpose we decided to share this amazing opportunity to get familiar with all their products by watching detailed video lessons created by Microsoft itself! Yes, you can now become an MS Office guru for free and showoff your amazing skills to your colleagues and make them jealous. Click here to Enroll
Introduction to Digital Currencies
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: University of Nicosia
You won’t find such an amazing course on Digital currencies elsewhere. University of Nicosia has developed this great course on the basics of Digital currencies that gives you a detailed introduction on blockchain and cryptocurrencies. You will also learn about how the transactions take place on blockchain and how Bitcoins are acquired, stores and secured. After this course, you will have a good understanding of Decentralized finance, DeFi ecosystem and its elements.
There will be a final quiz after the video tutorials and you will receive a certificate of completion if you pass it. Click here to Enroll
RELATED: 8 FREE Web Development Courses and Certifications
Digital Marketing Certification by Google
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: Google
For all those who want to become expert at online marketing and skyrocket their online business then this course is a real game changer for you. Google is offering this free online marketing certification to all. Incredible right? It will not only enable you to learn digital marketing skills for your business but will also add an awesome badge to your CV if you’re looking for a similar job. Whether we deserve it or not we gotta take advantage of this opportunity. Click here to Enroll
Bachelors in Computer Science (Online Degree)
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: University of People
Wait what? Tuition-Free online Bachelors Degree? Yes! it’s true. University of People (accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission) is offering an online Bachelor’s degree in Computer Sciences. Being accredited in the United States means the degree should be recognized in all countries. University of California Berkley even offers transferring the whole degree to their university for top performing students. How amazing is that. Just to make it clear, it is a tuition-free degree. There is a $60 admission fee and $100 per exam fee involved. So you will still need to invest in a little of your savings account to earn the degree. Click here to Enroll
Cisco Certified Network Associate by Charles Sturt University
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: Charles Sturt University
Do you want to build a career as a Network Engineer or Network Administrator perhaps? Well you’re in luck because Charles Sturt University is offering a free Cisco CCNA training course with free certification. In this course you will be able to learn almost all topics covered in CCNA curriculum including configuring and troubleshooting LAN and WAN environments. Click here to Enroll
Oracle Database and SQL Boot camp
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: Oracle
Want to learn how Oracle database and SQL works and want to become the master of Databases? This amazing free 12-week Boot camp created by Oracle should give you a great start. The course will teach you how to build databases from scratch. You will learn the proper ways of designing tables, data modeling, joins, aggregators, views, insert delete and update functions and much more. They will also grant you a free certificate of completion at the end of the course. Click here to Enroll
ENGINEERING
Robotics
Prerequisites: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Basic knowledge of Computer Programming
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: Columbia University
This course is for all those engineers or to-be engineers who want to step their game up and develop expertise in robotics. Remember, this is an advanced level course and it requires you to have some background knowledge of Linear Algebra, Calculus and Basic programming skills. The course will teach you how to represent 2D and 3D spatial relationships, manipulate robotic arms, program mobile robots and develop future applications for robots. Click here to Enroll
Introduction to Aeronautical Engineering
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: Delft University of Technology
If you’re looking to make your career as an Aeronautical engineer then this might be the best deal for you. Delft university of technology has created this amazing course for those who are willing to pursue aeronautical engineering degrees. This course will give you a detailed introduction to aerodynamics and will progress to more advanced details. You will also learn about how flight performance is measures. So fasten your seat belt and signup for this opportunity. Click here to Enroll
Safety and Chemical Engineering Education Certificate Program (SAChE)
Prerequisites: Background in Chemical Engineering
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: Center for Chemical Process Safety
Process Safety is one of the most the most important aspects of Chemical Engineering. The Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) has taken this great initiative to train potential chemical engineers worldwide through their online certification.
You will not only learn about the Safety measures involved in Chemical processes but also the consequences and how to deal with them. Just imagine the value this free course will give to your CV and career. The course involved 3 main curriculum with some additional classes. Click here to Enroll
Interactive 3D Graphics
Prerequisites: Basic programming skills
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: AutoDesk
This is probably the coolest skill that every engineer would love to learn: creating stunning interactive 3D graphics. AutoDesk already had it in their mind and that’s why they have developed this free course for all of you to get your hands into 3D graphics. This course will start with the basic principles of 3D computer graphics and work you through meshes, transforms, materials, cameras and animation. The course will go on for about 2 months if you’re on average pace. There will also be interactive quizzes and exams. Click here to Enroll
Google SketchUp for 3D Modeling
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: yes
Course Creator: Google
If you are not familiar with Google SketchUp, it is a software developed by Google for 3D modelling. It is used by architects, mechanical and civil engineers and graphic designers to produce 3d models and animations. Google has created a free certification course for all who want to develop their skills in 3D modeling and animation. This is an introductory to expert level course that does not require you to have any background skills. The course will involve a final assessment and those who pass it will receive a free certificate from Google. Click here to Enroll
ACCOUNTS / FINANCE
ACCA-X (Multiple Courses)
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: ACCA, Edx and Epigeum
ACCA-X is an online study program created by ACCA, edx and Epigeum to help students learn ACCA courses globally. They are offering 2 subjects for free in their program namely, Introduction to Finance and Management Accounting and Intermediate Financial and Management Accounting. Other advanced courses are offered in very affordable prices. Of course if you like the free 2 courses you can decide if you want to spend some money on further advanced courses or not. All to-be accountants should take advantage of this golden opportunity. Click here to Enroll
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: University of Pennsylvania
If you are new to the realm of Accounting and Finance and are looking for something to get started with then this course created by the University of Pennsylvania should give you a kick-start. However, there are two options to take this course: Either purchase the course and participate in the quizzes / exams and get a certificate on completion OR take the course for free by learning through video lectures and leaving without a certificate. Coursera offers the opportunity to enroll for free if you can’t afford the fee. Click here to Enroll
Diploma in Accounting – Advanced Controls and Transactions
Prerequisites: Basic Business Know how
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: Global Text Project
If you’re looking to specialize in Business and Accounting then this free diploma with free exam and certificate will get you rolling. In this course you will get in-depth knowledge about transactions, controls and processes that are used to record transactions in business. This will not only enable you to take the lead among your fellow accountants but will also be a valuable addition to your CV. Click here to Enroll
QuickBooks Pro
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: Simon Sez IT
This might be a real eye-opener for all accountants and Book keepers out there. If you don’t already know, Quickbooks is one of a leading software used for accounting and book keeping. If you have good command on it then you might not be too far from getting your dream job. The problem is Quickbooks courses are training can be really expensive and those who don’t have a decent income will think twice before pursuing them. But don’t worry we’ve got it covered because we have found this free 2-hour course for you guys. Click here to Enroll
Bachelors of Science in Business Administration (Online Degree)
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: University of People
This online degree is being offered by University of people (accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission) for students from all around the world, completely tuition-free. However, there is a $60 admission free and $100 exam fee (each course) involved. It is unsure whether the degree will be accepted in all countries but since it’s accredited with a government institution it should be accepted anywhere. University of California also recognizes this degree and allows outstanding students to transfer their credits. Click here to Enroll
HUMAN RESOURCES (HR)
Preparing to Manage Human Resources
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota has created a free course for students who want to pursue their careers in the Human Resources. In the recent years HR has become a very important part of the corporate sector. Research shows that companies who focus on HR along with their other primary objectives have more satisfied employees and their retention periods are much higher compared with other companies. This course will teach you how to effectively manage your most important organizational assets i-e employees. Click here to Enroll
Human Resources Management Short Course
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: eLearning College
In case you’re wondering yes, there is a course on Human Resources that can earn you a free certificate of achievement as well. This particular HR course from eLearning college has gained a lot of popularity because it covers almost all aspects of HR management including staff recruitment, development and performance management. The course will also involve quizzes and assessments and if you’re able to clear the final assessment you will get a free certificate of achievement. Cool right? Click here to Enroll
Diploma in Human Resources
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: Alison
You can also pursue a free diploma in Human Resources to make your CV shine. Alison is offering this free online diploma in HR management that will allow you to study their curriculum, take quizzes and exams and earn a free certification. This diploma will teach you the essentials of HR management skills. You will also learn about different cultures and ethics in this course. If you want to be good at HR you might as well know how to deal with everyone, no matter what country or race they belong to. Click here to Enroll
MEDICAL SCIENCES
Free Health Care courses from POLHN
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: POLHN with WHO
WHO (World Health Organization) has started this great initiative known as “POLHN” that allows you to get access to some amazing online Health care related courses for free. They have a huge number of trainings related to Food safety, Preventing HIV, Nutrition, Physical activity and other serious disease management courses.
It’s literally a goldmine for healthcare professionals and newbies who want to make a difference. The best part is you receive a certificate of completion at the end. Click here to Enroll
Online Medical Terminology Course
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: Des Moines University
For all to-be doctors and health care professionals this course is an amazing opportunity for you to get familiar with all medical terminology that you will come across your entire careers. That’s right, you can impress all your fellow colleagues and students while you’re starting your medical studies. This course has been designed by Des Moines University and is completely free to take. However, if your want a certificate of participation at the end of the course then you will have to invest $99 to get it. Click here to Enroll
CPR / AED Certification Course
Prerequisites: Basic Healthcare know how
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: National CPR Foundation
This might be one of the most useful courses you will do in your entire careers because it prepares for the worst of the situations that you can encounter. This certification course is free to take and in this course you will learn how to perform CPR the right way on children and adults both. You will also learn about Fibrillation and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The good news is, after giving the exam and completing this course you will receive a free digital certificate and a free PVC / Vinyl wallet card in your mail. Click here to Enroll
Fundamentals of Clinical Trials
Prerequisites: Background in bio-statistics and epidemiology
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: Harvard University
You all must have heard about clinical trials right? How medicines are first gone through different phases of clinical trials before they can get approved by FDA. Well this course will teach you how clinical trials actually take place. You will learn about the scientific, statistical and ethical aspects of clinical trials research. This course is created by Harvard university so there is no reason why you shouldn’t be taking it. Click here to Enroll
BONUS COURSES
The Architectural Imagination
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: Yes
Course Creator: Harvard University
If you’re new to the field of Architecture you might want to take this free course created by Harvard University. This course will teach you the fundamentals of architecture by diving deep into the important buildings and designs from our history. This course doesn’t require you to have any kind of knowledge about architecture. The only things required are passion and curiosity. Click here to Enroll
Inside IELTS: Preparing for the Test with Experts
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: University of Cambridge
Always dreamed about doing IELTS but have no idea where to start? This free IELTS preparation course will get you off the mark. The best part is, you will be learning from the best instructors of the Cambridge University for a duration of 5 weeks. This is an incredible offer for students who want to travel to different countries for study or work. Heck! You can just take this course to improve your English. You can also get a certificate of completion or participation for a little price. Click here to Enroll
Law for Non-Lawyers
Prerequisites: None
Free Certificate: No
Course Creator: MONASH University
We’re not lawyers but we all want to know how the law works right. Whether we like it or not we want to know all the rules and regulations to make sure we don’t step on the wrong side of the road right? Well this free course is meant for all of us. This is a 4 week long course which will teach you how exactly law works, the legal principles, rights and responsibilities. Click here to Enroll
So here’s all the awesome free online courses and certifications we could find for you guys. Let us know if you know about other free opportunities so we can include it in the list. For now just enroll into as may courses as you want and become gurus in your fields of study. Thank us by sharing the knowledge further.
Is there any free course related to life science or any medical techniques.
Yes, there are many courses available in Life sciences. You could browse these links:
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/life-sciences/
http://freecourses.iimra.com/category/biology-medicine/
Is there any online course to become a data scientist after you have a Bachelor of Science degree?
Yes, you can check this course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/data-science-course#%20
And here is a great apprenticeship opportunity in Data science. You will be given to work on a project and upon completion they may hire you: Here’s the link:
http://www.datasciencecentral.com/group/data-science-apprenticeship/forum/topics/our-data-science-apprenticeship-is-now-live
this is a awesome post, thank you.
You’re welcome
Wow very helpful. Are there any courses on environmental science (hazardous waste management)? I want to do that as a soft skill since I want to ultimately change career paths.
Lucky for you there are 2 awesome certifications related to environmental sciences:
https://alison.com/course/Diploma-in-Environmental-Science
https://www.earth.illinois.edu/students/online_cert_overview
amazing list. Thank you
You’re welcome 🙂
Awesome list, thanks a lot !! Are there any higher level course on Business Development ? I already have a phD degree and postdoctoral experience. I am looking to steer my career to business development of lab products and technologies.
You could look into this free diploma: https://alison.com/course/Diploma-in-Business-Management-Entrepreneurship
Wow, Thanks for this post
You’re welcome 🙂
Is there anything available for either polymer chemists or biochemists? I already have a B.S. in Biochemistry and I am currently working on my M.S. in Polymer Chemistry. Thanks!
There courses might be helpful for you:
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/science/chemistry/introduction-polymers/content-section-0
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/chemical-engineering/10-569-synthesis-of-polymers-fall-2006/
Sir can u please give me more links in which i can learn and get certified for free . I need courses related to computer science branch in engineering stream.
We have shared a number of CS and Engineering related certifications in this article. Kindly go through them in thoroughly.
You can check out this website that provides free online courses.
https://alison.com/
i have been through those courses and earned certificates . i am searching for more sir. It would be good if you help me in providing more courses.
Please recommend for me one course that you have earned certificate for me .
AWESOME AND HELPFUL POSTS!
Dear Admin,
How can i get free certificate courses for administrative and business ?
Thanks a trillion.
You can check out this free diploma for Business Development and Entrepreneurship.
https://alison.com/course/Diploma-in-Business-Management-Entrepreneurship
The course related to The Architectural Imagination by Harvard University is not a free certificate. Only the course itself.
Nice article, though! I iwll take part in Google Course. Thanks!
Thank you for clearing that up 🙂
Good overview. I would like to add one proposal to information technology list, something that may be interesting for web developers:
http://www.javascriptinstitute.org/javascript-certification
This is great!!!! But is there a COMMUNICATIONS course I could take for free too?
If you’re talking about Business communications then yes, there’s a free course for you here: https://alison.com/course/diploma-in-business-communication-skills
How will i get my certificate after successful completion ?
Sometimes when you finish they will tell you to pay for the certificates yet it was initially free . Help!
Which course are you pursuing exactly. Some of the courses mentioned in the guide offer free certificates and some don’t.
Is there any course related to biochemistry or cell biology with free certification
You’re in luck because they is a free Biochemistry course that’s going to start in June 2018. Here’s the link: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/biochemistry
do you know if the 29. funtamentals of clinical trials from harvard gives free certificate?
“Free certificate” my ass. A certificate “of completion” is not worth the cost of the paper it is laser-printed on.
i have tried all most all the sites all most want me to pay for the certificate of completion, is there any where i can get without payyyying
Not really. We have clearly mentioned about the free and paid certificates against each course.
Is there any course related to executive assistant, personal assistant, secretarial, office management, all general administrative task with free certification
Hi. Yes, actually there is a course in Management that is free and offers a free certificate as well. Here’s the link: https://www.oxfordhomestudy.com/courses/online-management-courses/free-online-certificate-courses-in-management
Is there any free online courses related to Child care or Child management?
Yes, absolutely. You can take advantage of these free courses:
https://www.carecourses.com/PublicPages/Home.aspx
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/education-development/childhood-youth/introduction-child-psychology/content-section-0?active-tab=description-tab
I am interested in upcoming courses.
Can I get a free Masters degree course in geography?
Hi. You could check this out: http://www.openuniversity.edu/courses
I really appreciate the work you have done, you explained everything in such an amazing and simple way.
Thank you for the encouragement.
Hi, is there other courses available that offers free certification related to Accounting/Finance? Great post though! Thanks for this
Thanks. You might want to check this one out: https://www.coursera.org/learn/wharton-finance
Is there any course related to Soil science or soil biology with free certification
Luckily, there is one: https://www.edx.org/course/sustainable-soil-management-soil-for-life#!
Is there any ciurse in Logistics andTransport management with free certificate
You’re in luck because DistanceReady is offering a great certification program on Logistics and Procurement for free. Here’s the link: https://www.disasterready.org/procurement-logistics-certificate
Any free certificate in horticulture?
Yes, actually there is one being offered by Oregon State University. Here’s the link: https://workspace.oregonstate.edu/course/free-intro-to-oregon-master-gardener-program?hsLang=en
It does not look as if the Amazon cert is free anymore. The Cert exam is external to Amazon now.
Thank you very much for your help. Any Computer or Laptop Repair course with certificat?
Yes, actually there is a free PC hardware repair course offered by Open Learning Initiative. You can easily create a free account and enroll for that course. Here’s the URL: https://oli.cmu.edu/courses/pc-hardware-open-free/
Thank you for sharing this information
Is there any course in Astronomy or Entrepreneurship?
We will look it up and update it 🙂
Thank you so much for all of the detailed information!
thank you so much for your valuable information i really enjoyed please share more
I have just finished Cisco CCNA and passed but how can I download the certificate? When I click on the download link only the .php files is been downloaded
I would suggest you contact them and inquire about the certificate and its process. Here, https://itmasters.edu.au/contacts/