Course Platforms

Autumn is the perfect time to pick up new skills, and free online courses make it easier than ever. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just curious, we've compiled 15 free-ish platforms where you can learn and even earn certificates. Let’s get started!

A popular platform offering courses, specializations, and degrees from top universities (e.g., Stanford, Yale) and companies (Google, IBM). Many courses are free to audit, but certificates typically require payment. You can also apply for fee waivers to access some paid courses and get certificates for free.

Website: coursera.org

A Brazilian platform offering free courses in a variety of fields with free certificates upon completion. It’s aimed at making education accessible.

Website: cursa.app/en

Offers a vast library of video courses on business, technology, and creative skills. It’s integrated with LinkedIn, where you can add completed course certifications directly to your profile.

Website: linkedin.com/learning

A platform founded by Harvard and MIT offering a wide range of university-level courses. Many courses are free to audit, but certificates and full access usually require payment.

Website: edx.org

Offers specialized compliance and regulatory training, often used by companies for employee development. It focuses on high-quality, up-to-date training in specific industries.

Website: training.safetyculture.com

An online learning platform offering a variety of courses from leading universities and organizations. Some are free, but certificates and full access to materials require payment.

Website: futurelearn.com

Provides a selection of free and paid courses in various fields, from business to public health, all taught by Harvard faculty.

Website: online-learning.harvard.edu

A UN initiative offering free courses focused on climate change, environmental policies, and sustainability. Certificates are available upon completion.

Website: unccelearn.org

Offers free online courses on human rights, ethics, law, and social justice issues, developed by the Council of Europe.

Website: help.elearning.ext.coe.int

Focused on climate change adaptation and resilience, this platform offers courses on how to deal with the effects of climate change. Courses are aimed at professionals in related fields.

Website: careclimatechange.org

A free platform providing courses on nature conservation, sustainable development, and biodiversity. Developed by the UN Development Programme.

Website: learningfornature.org

A learning platform focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering free courses and resources for both individuals and organizations.

Website: unsdglearn.org

A free platform run by The Open University offering a wide range of courses in subjects like health, education, and history. No fees or subscriptions.

Website: open.edu/openlearn

Focused on upskilling in the tech and business sectors, upGrad offers certifications and degrees in collaboration with global universities. While many programs are paid, some are free.

Website: upgrad.com

A nonprofit platform that teaches coding through free lessons and projects. It covers web development, data science, and machine learning, and provides certifications.

Website: freecodecamp.org