In today’s fast-paced world, learning new skills online has never been easier. Platforms like Coursera and edX offer thousands of courses, allowing you to study online at your own pace and also earn credentials that can boost your career. While these courses are completely free to access, some may charge a small fee if you want an official certificate. Therefore, in this guide, we’ve compiled a list of 100 free online courses with certificates from Coursera and edX, covering a wide range of topics from Business and Data Science to Arts, Humanities, and Health. Whether you’re exploring new skills or deepening your expertise, this comprehensive list makes it simple to find the right course for you.
About Coursera and edX: Leading Platforms for Online Learning
Online learning has transformed the way we gain knowledge, offering flexibility, accessibility and a wealth of high-quality free online courses with certificates from top institutions. Among them, Coursera and edX are two of the most popular platforms trusted by millions of learners worldwide
- Coursera was founded in 2012 by Stanford professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller. It partners with leading universities and organizations to offer courses, professional certificates, and specializations. While many courses are free to audit, verified certificates are available for a fee.
- edX was launched in 2012 by Harvard University and MIT to make high-quality education accessible globally. It offers courses from prestigious universities and institutions. Learners can access course materials for free, with an option to earn verified certificates for a small cost.
So, these platforms make it easy to study online, explore new skills, and enhance your career prospects.
Top 100 Free Coursera Courses with Certificates
Coursera offers a wide variety of free online courses with certificates from leading universities and institutions, making it easy to study online and learn at your own pace. Moreover, these courses cover diverse topics and levels, giving you the opportunity to gain new skills from top educators worldwide.
Important Note: While all of these courses can be accessed for free in “audit mode”, Coursera now charges a fee if you want to receive the official certificate of completion. The free audit option still allows you to watch lectures, read materials, and participate in discussions — but graded assignments and certificates are available only with the paid upgrade.
1. STEM & Technology
2. Business, Finance & Management
3. Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
4. Health, Environment & Lifestyle
100 Free edX Courses with Certificates
edX is a leading online learning platform offering high-quality courses from top universities and institutions worldwide. Many courses are available for free in “audit mode”, which allows you to access lectures, readings, and discussion forums at no cost.
Important Note: If you want to receive the verified certificate of completion, edX charges a fee. The free audit track still gives you full access to the learning materials, but graded assignments and official certificates are part of the paid upgrade.
These free online courses with certificates span a wide range of topics and levels, allowing you to explore new skills or deepen your knowledge in your favorite subjects.
1. Technology & Data
2. Business, Economics & Finance
3. Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
4. Health, Environment & Lifestyle
How to Choose the Right Course
Selecting the appropriate course depends on your career goals, interests, and current skill level. When exploring free online courses with certificates, it’s important to choose wisely to maximize your learning experience. Consider the following steps:
- Identify Your Goals: Determine what skills or knowledge you wish to acquire.
- Assess Your Current Level: Choose courses that match your current understanding of the subject.
- Review Course Content: Ensure the course covers topics relevant to your goals.
- Check Duration and Commitment: Select courses that fit into your schedule and time commitments.
- Consider Certification: If a certificate is important, verify if it’s available and the associated cost.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the wealth of free online courses with certificates on Coursera and edX opens doors to personal growth, skill development, and career advancement. With courses spanning dozens of disciplines, learners can tailor their education to their unique goals and interests. While certificates may sometimes require a fee, the knowledge and experience gained are invaluable—and financial aid options make recognition accessible to many. By taking the next step and enrolling in free online courses with certificates that resonate with your aspirations, you can turn curiosity into expertise and transform your learning journey into tangible achievements. And if you need help to choose one, just ask our AI assistant for personalized suggestions.