What types of free courses are available online?

There are a wide variety of free courses available online across numerous fields and subjects. These include courses in programming , digital marketing , business management , generative AI , and data science . Learners can also find free courses in creative fields such as graphic design , music production , and writing . Additionally, there are free courses covering personal development topics like time management , communication skills , and emotional intelligence . Many of these courses are offered by prestigious universities and institutions, providing high-quality education at no cost.

How can I choose the right free course for my learning goals?

Choosing the right free course depends on your current knowledge level and learning objectives. Begin by identifying the specific skills or knowledge you want to acquire. Look for courses that match your interests and career goals. Review course content, instructor credentials, and learner feedback to ensure the quality of the course.

What career benefits can I gain from taking free courses?

Taking free courses can offer numerous career benefits, including skill enhancement, career advancement, and increased employability. By acquiring new skills or improving existing ones, you can stay competitive in your field and open up opportunities for promotions or new job roles. Free courses can also help you explore new career paths or interests without financial investment. Additionally, completing free courses from reputable institutions can add value to your resume and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development to potential employers.

Free Programming Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Free Programming Course Catalog

IBM
Python for Data Science, AI & Development
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Automation, Web Scraping, Python Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export, Scripting, Data Structures, Data Processing, Data Collection, Application Programming Interface (API), Pandas (Python Package), Programming Principles, NumPy, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
40K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Toronto
Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Debugging, Software Documentation, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Software Design, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Data Structures, File Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of California San Diego
Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Programming Principles, Computational Thinking, Analysis
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Computational Thinking, Software Installation, Development Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
231K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
DeepLearning.AI
AI Python for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Intelligence, Jupyter, Python Programming, Data Analysis, OpenAI, Application Development, Generative AI, Scripting, Programming Principles, Automation, Computer Programming, Application Programming Interface (API), Development Environment, Debugging, Data Structures
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
60 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Vanderbilt University
Introduction to Programming with MATLAB
Skills you'll gain: Matlab, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Debugging, Mathematical Software, Data Manipulation, Computer Science, Algorithms, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Linear Algebra, Engineering Calculations, Graphing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Introduction to Data Science in Python
Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Jupyter, NumPy, Data Manipulation, Data Science, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Cleansing, Data Import/Export, Probability & Statistics, Python Programming, Programming Principles
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
27K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Introduction to Software Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Development Environment, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Software Design, Programming Principles, Unified Modeling Language, Agile Methodology, Software Development, Scrum (Software Development), Web Development, Cloud Development, Integrated Development Environments, Application Development, Back-End Web Development, Front-End Web Development, Computer Programming, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Python for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Data Processing, Relational Databases, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Network Protocols, Databases, Web Services, Restful API, Programming Principles, Data Cleansing, Data Structures, Data Storytelling, Data Collection, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Data Manipulation, Development Environment, Computational Thinking
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
277K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
IBM IT Scrum Master
Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Agile Software Development, User Story, Sprint Retrospectives, Agile Methodology, DevOps, Kanban Principles, Development Environment, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Hardware, Agile Project Management, Software Architecture, Software Design, Sprint Planning, Cloud Computing, Backlogs, Cloud-Native Computing, Programming Principles, Scrum (Software Development)
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
8.6K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Programming with Python and Java
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Object Oriented Design, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis, Unit Testing, Pandas (Python Package), Java Programming, Eclipse (Software), Data Structures, Data Science, Data Cleansing, Debugging, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Visualization Software, Integrated Development Environments, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Google
Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Cybersecurity, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Scripting, Automation, File Management, Data Structures
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks