Find free online courses that help you learn new things and upskill for free (or nearly free).
Have you ever wanted to explore romantic poetry, learn nutritional science, pick up computer coding, or understand contract law? Many of these subjects—and thousands more—are available online for free through courses offered by reputable universities and institutions.
Embracing lifelong learning is one of the most valuable habits you can develop, and today it’s easier than ever to start. This article highlights where to find high-quality free or low-cost online courses, beginning with MOOCs—Massive Open Online Courses.
MOOCs cover a wide range of topics, from biology and computer science to history and language study. Although many of these courses do not provide formal accreditation, they deliver real knowledge and practical skills that can enhance your career and personal growth.
Research shows that completing MOOCs can bring career benefits even when no certificate is issued. The key, however, is to complete the course. Completion rates for free online courses tend to be low—often around 10%—because people assume there’s no consequence to not finishing. But the real value comes from committing time and effort to study.
As Earl Nightingale has suggested, one hour of focused study per day can transform your expertise over time. That hour could be spent listening to a podcast, reading a book, or completing a free online course. To gain the most from MOOCs, enrol with purpose and schedule regular study time.
10 PLACES TO FIND FREE OPEN ONLINE COURSES
1. OPEN 2 STUDY
Open2Study, run by Open Universities Australia, provides free courses from Australian universities and private education providers. The courses are short and accessible, making them a good starting point for new subjects.
2. FUTURELEARN
FutureLearn partners with British and Australian universities and cultural institutions like museums and film schools. It offers diverse short courses and professional programs that are easy to fit around work and life.
3. COURSERA
Coursera is one of the largest MOOC platforms, collaborating with universities and organizations worldwide. It offers a broad array of free courses across many disciplines, often with the option to purchase a verified certificate.
4. edX
Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX hosts courses from top universities and institutions. You can study everything from humanities to professional technical skills, with many courses available for free audit.
5. KHAN ACADEMY
Khan Academy provides free lessons in core academic subjects and test preparation, plus partnerships that bring specialized content like space science. Its structured lessons and practice tools are ideal for learners of all ages.
6. ALISON
Alison focuses on workplace and career-oriented courses created by subject matter experts, including content from organizations such as Google and the World Health Organization. Many courses are free, and Alison also offers certificates for successful completion.
7. OPEN CULTURE
Open Culture aggregates free courses from universities worldwide and includes resources not always easy to find elsewhere. It also offers free ebooks, audiobooks, textbooks, movies, and language lessons—useful for self-directed learners.
8. ACADEMIC EARTH
Academic Earth curates quality courses from universities and organizes them by subject. The site is designed to help learners discover top-tier educational content across disciplines.
9. UDEMY
Udemy hosts a vast selection of courses on practical skills, hobbies, and professional development. While not all Udemy courses are free, many are low-cost and frequently discounted, making it easy to find affordable, focused training.
10. TED-ED
Ted-Ed provides engaging educational videos and lessons aimed at high school and university-age learners. If you enjoy TED Talks, TED-Ed is a great way to expand your understanding with concise, well-produced lessons.
If the volume of information feels overwhelming, consider using a learning curator like LessonPaths. It lets you build or follow curated lesson playlists that combine articles, videos, and courses into a coherent learning path, so you can approach a topic step by step.
The internet offers a remarkable treasure chest of learning opportunities. With intention and consistent effort, you can access high-quality instruction from respected institutions, gain practical skills, and broaden your knowledge—all from home and often at no cost.