Free Computer Courses
Looking for good-quality but free computing courses? Here’s a quick guide to top providers like Coursera, edX, Udacity, and ALISON. Find out how to access free courses, whether you need to sign up, and when certificates might require payment.
Coursera
coursera.org | Free online computer science courses | University style
Coursera offers many free courses, but payment is required for certificates. You can fully access course materials, including video lectures and readings, without cost. However, to submit assignments, take graded quizzes, or earn a certificate, you need to upgrade to a paid option. Signing up is necessary, and you can audit most courses for free by selecting this option during enrollment.
A Crash Course in Data Science | Advanced Algorithms and Complexity | Advanced Data Structures in Java | Algorithmic Thinking | Algorithmic Toolbox | Algorithms for DNA Sequencing | Algorithms on Graphs and Trees | Algorithms on Strings | Algorithms | Algorithms: Design and Analysis | Analysis of Algorithms | Approximation Algorithms | Artificial Intelligence Planning | Automata | Big Data Science | Big Data and Cloud Computing | Bioconductor for Genomic Data Science | Bioinformatics Algorithms | Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies | Building a Data Science Team | Cloud Computing Concepts | Computer Networks | Computer Security | Computer Vision: The Fundamentals | Cryptography | Data Analysis | Data Structures | Data Visualization | Exploratory Data Analysis | Hadoop Platform and Application Framework | Introduction to Big Data | Introduction to Data Science | Machine Learning | Mining Massive Datasets | Neural Networks for Machine Learning | Practical Machine Learning | Python for Genomic Data Science | R Programming | Statistical Inference | Text Mining and Analytics
edX
edx.org | Free online computer science courses | University style
edX allows users to enroll in courses for free, providing full access to course content such as videos and readings. However, to gain a verified certificate, you must pay a fee. You can audit courses without certificates or participate fully in graded assignments and projects with a paid option. Account creation is required to access content.
Artificial Intelligence | Autonomous Mobile Robots | Computer Graphics | CS For All: Introduction to Computer Science and Python Programming | Data Science and Machine Learning Essentials | Data Structures and Algorithm Design | Foundations of Data Analysis | How to Code: Systematic Program Design | Introduction to Computer Science | Introduction to Python for Data Science | Introduction to Linux | Learning From Data | Machine Learning for Data Science and Analytics | Scalable Machine Learning | Statistical Thinking for Data Science and Analytics | The Beauty and Joy of Computing
Udacity
Udacity.com | Free online computer science courses | Self-paced
Udacity offers both paid programs (nanodegrees) and free standalone courses. Free courses provide access to all learning materials, including videos and exercises, but do not include project reviews, mentorship, or certificates. No payment is required to enroll in free courses, but an account is necessary.
Advanced Operating Systems | Applied Cryptography | Artificial Intelligence for Robotics | Computer Networking | Data Analysis with R | Data Visualization and D3.js | Deep Learning | High Performance Computer Architecture | Intro to Algorithms | Intro to Artificial Intelligence | Intro to Computer Science | Intro to Data Science | Intro to Machine Learning | Introduction to Operating Systems | Linux Command Line Basics | Machine Learning | Reinforcement Learning | Software Architecture & Design
ALISON
alison.com | Digital literacy and IT skills | Free self-paced short courses
ALISON offers entirely free access to courses, including all course materials. However, if you want a certificate or diploma to show completion, you need to purchase one. Courses cover various subjects and are available without any time limits. A free account is required to track progress and access the course content.
Introduction to Computer Science | Introduction to Programming with Python | Introduction to Information Technology | Introduction to Cloud Computing | How the Internet Works | Web Page Design Using HTML5 and CSS3 | WordPress – Blogging on the Web | Google Analytics | Network Security | Systems Engineering | JavaScript and jQuery | C Programming | Microsoft Digital Literacy | Microsoft Office | Screen Capture Tools | Touch Typing Training
Free Options for Online Computer Studies
Free online computer courses come in a huge range. As well as picking a subject, you can choose a teaching and learning method.
Many of the best IT courses online are available in audit mode for free, meaning you can browse through a course without paying. The drawback is that you generally miss out on assessments and a certificate of completion.
University-style courses
University-style courses are online versions of the kinds of computer science units you can study at university. They have start and end dates. Providers such as Coursera and edX deliver free computer courses from institutions such as the University of California and University of Washington.
Self-paced modules
Self-paced modules are also available through providers such as Udacity. With self-paced courses, you work through material according to your own timetable.
Free short courses
Free short courses are a good option for quickly picking up some practical IT skills. They are self paced and allow you to quickly learn what you need to know. ALISON has a large number of basic computing courses.
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