115 Free Online Courses You Need To Take in 2026

Online education is a great alternative to on-campus study programmes. Not only do they provide with the possibility to follow courses from the comfort of your home, these online courses are especially designed for self-study and personalized to fit the needs of students.

From beginner to advanced level courses, here’s a list of some of the most recommended free online education sites:

SEE ALSO: 5 Easy Ways to Sell Your Course Online

Table of Contents

1. Beginner Courses
2. Intermediate
3. Advanced
4. Tips on Taking Online Courses

Beginner (30)

1. Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML and CSS
Duke University via Coursera

2. Introduction to CSS3
University of Michigan via Coursera

3. Usable Security
University of Maryland, College Park via Coursera

4. Introduction to Web Development
University of California, Davis via Coursera

5. Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
University of Toronto via Coursera

6. Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris (Project-Centered Course)
Hebrew University of Jerusalem via Coursera

7. Internet History, Technology, and Security
University of Michigan via Coursera

8. Creative Programming for Digital Media & Mobile Apps
University of London International Programmes via Coursera

9. An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1)
Rice University via Coursera

10. Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
University of Michigan via Coursera

11. Introduction to Computer Science
Harvard University via edX

12. Intro to Computer Science
University of Virginia via Udacity

13. Introduction to Programming with MATLAB
Vanderbilt University via Coursera

14. An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 2)
Rice University via Coursera

15. Introduction to HTML5
University of Michigan via Coursera

16. Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code
University of Toronto via Coursera

17. How To Create a Website in a Weekend! (Project-Centered Course)
State University of New York via Coursera

18. HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

19. Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems
University of California, Irvine via Coursera

20. Python Programming: A Concise Introduction
Wesleyan University via Coursera

21. CODAPPS: Coding mobile apps for entrepreneurs
EMLYON Business School via Coursera

22. How to Code: Simple Data
The University of British Columbia via edX

23. Intro to Java Programming
San Jose State University via Udacity

24. DB: Introduction to Databases
Stanford University via Stanford OpenEdx

25. Ruby on Rails: An Introduction
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

26. Introduction to Cyber Security
The Open University via FutureLearn

27. Cyber Security: Protecting Yourself and Your Data
IEEE via edX

28. HTML, CSS and JavaScript
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology via Coursera

29. Programming Basics
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay via edX

30. Java Programming Basics
via Udacity

Intermediate (30)

1. Principles of Computing (Part 1)
Rice University via Coursera

2. Principles of Computing (Part 2)
Rice University via Coursera

3. A Crash Course in Data Science
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

4. R Programming
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

5. The Data Scientist’s Toolbox
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

6. Getting and Cleaning Data
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

7. Exploratory Data Analysis
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

8. Practical Machine Learning
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

9. Machine Learning
Stanford University via Coursera

10. Programming Languages Part A ,
University of Washington via Coursera

11. Python Data Structures
University of Michigan via Coursera

12. Using Python to Access Web Data
University of Michigan via Coursera

13. Using Databases with Python
University of Michigan via Coursera

14. Object Oriented Programming in Java
University of California, San Diego via Coursera

15. Hadoop Platform and Application Framework
University of California, San Diego via Coursera

16. Concurrent Programming in Erlang
University of Kent via FutureLearn
3rd Apr, 2017

17. Statistical Inference
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

18. Regression Models
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

19. Reproducible Research
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

20. Algorithmic Toolbox
University of California, San Diego via Coursera

21. Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software
Duke University via Coursera

22. AngularJS: Advanced Framework Techniques
Microsoft via edX

23. Introduction to DevOps
Microsoft via edX

24. C++ For C Programmers, Part B
University of California, Santa Cruz via Coursera
3rd Apr, 2017

25. Android App Components — Intents, Activities, and Broadcast Receivers
Vanderbilt University via Coursera

26. Global Warming II: Create Your Own Models in Python
The University of Chicago via Coursera

27. Data Science in Real Life
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

28. Algorithmic Thinking (Part 1)
Rice University via Coursera

29. Software Security
University of Maryland, College Park via Coursera

30. Machine Learning
Stanford University via Coursera

Advanced (55)

1. Machine Learning Foundations: A Case Study Approach
University of Washington via Coursera

2. Machine Learning: Regression
University of Washington via Coursera

3. Machine Learning: Classification
University of Washington via Coursera

4. Developing Data Products
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

5. Machine Learning: Clustering & Retrieval
University of Washington via Coursera

6. Text Mining and Analytics
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign via Coursera

7. Cluster Analysis in Data Mining
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign via Coursera

8. Machine Learning for Data Analysis
Wesleyan University via Coursera

9. Applied Plotting, Charting & Data Representation in Python
University of Michigan via Coursera

10. Nearest Neighbor Collaborative Filtering
University of Minnesota via Coursera

11. Practical Predictive Analytics: Models and Methods
University of Washington via Coursera

12. Command Line Tools for Genomic Data Science
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

13. Data Mining: Theories and Algorithms for Tackling Big Data
Tsinghua University via edX

14. Regression Modeling in Practice
Wesleyan University via Coursera

15. Google Cloud Platform Big Data and Machine Learning Fundamentals
Google Cloud via Coursera

16. Basic Data Descriptors, Statistical Distributions, & Application to Business Decisions
Rice University via Coursera

17. Information Security: Context and Introduction
University of London International Programmes via Coursera

18. Parallel programming
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne via Coursera

19. Bioconductor for Genomic Data Science
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

20. Genome Sequencing (Bioinformatics II)
University of California, San Diego via Coursera

21. Modeling Discrete Optimization
University of Melbourne via Coursera

22. Machine Learning With Big Data
University of California, San Diego via Coursera

23. Relational Database Support for Data Warehouses
University of Colorado System via Coursera

24. Probabilistic Graphical Models 2: Inference
Stanford University via Coursera

25. Pattern Discovery in Data Mining
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign via Coursera

26. Algorithms for DNA Sequencing
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

27. Genomic Data Science and Clustering (Bioinformatics V)
University of California, San Diego via Coursera

28. Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I)
University of California, San Diego via Coursera

29. Basic Modeling for Discrete Optimization
University of Melbourne via Coursera

30. System Validation (2): Model process behaviour
EIT Digital via Coursera

31. Introduction to Recommender Systems: Non-Personalized and Content-Based
University of Minnesota via Coursera

32. Discrete Mathematics
Shanghai Jiao Tong University via Coursera

33. Advanced Modeling for Discrete Optimization
University of Melbourne via Coursera

34. Hardware Security
University of Maryland, College Park via Coursera

35. Big Data, Genes, and Medicine
State University of New York via Coursera

36. Computational Neuroscience
University of Washington via Coursera

37. Graph Analytics for Big Data
University of California, San Diego via Coursera

38. Cloud Computing Applications, Part 2: Big Data and Applications in the Cloud
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign via Coursera

39. Molecular Evolution (Bioinformatics IV)
University of California, San Diego via Coursera

40. Comparing Genes, Proteins, and Genomes (Bioinformatics III)
University of California, San Diego via Coursera

41. Finding Mutations in DNA and Proteins (Bioinformatics VI)
University of California, San Diego via Coursera

42. Big Data Analysis with Scala and Spark
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne via Coursera

43. Recommender Systems: Evaluation and Metrics
University of Minnesota via Coursera

44. Quantitative Formal Modeling and Worst-Case Performance Analysis
EIT Digital via Coursera

45. Neural Networks for Machine Learning
University of Toronto via Coursera

46. Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies
Princeton University via Coursera

47. Big Data Science with the BD2K-LINCS Data Coordination and Integration Center
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai via Coursera

48. Embedded Hardware and Operating Systems
EIT Digital via Coursera

49. System Validation: Automata and behavioural equivalences
EIT Digital via Coursera

50. Advanced Linear Models for Data Science 1: Least Squares
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

51. Hands-on Text Mining and Analytics
Yonsei University via Coursera

52. System Validation (3): Requirements by modal formulas
EIT Digital via Coursera

53. Probabilistic Graphical Models 1: Representation
Stanford University via Coursera

54. Matrix Factorization and Advanced Techniques
University of Minnesota via Coursera

55. Applied Machine Learning in Python
University of Michigan via Coursera

SEE ALSO: Learning Excel Online: Top 20 Resources for Excel Training

Tips on Taking Online Courses

With millions of learners around the worlds and thousands of online courses available, online learning has become a learning trend that transcends learners of all ages. These courses are offered by leading universities and partners.

Here are some tips to be successful in taking an online course:

1. Define what motivates you
Ask yourself, why do you want to pursue this course? After defining your motivation or purpose for taking the course, make sure it’s a strong reason to keep you going. Identify your reasons for taking the course and the goals you’d like to accomplish. Do you want to learn a new skill? Do you want to advance your career? Or do you simply just want to learn something new?

With online courses, you can achieve all that. You just have to be strong-willed and motivated to keep going with the classes. New skills and knowledge can help take your career to another level.

2. Set goals
It’s important to always set a goal. A manageable goal is even better so you can keep track of small achievements that will eventually lead to bigger ones with time and effort. It will be easier to complete small tasks than big ones. One benefit of online courses is that they’re self-paced. It depends on the learner how she or she will manage his time to finish the courses.

Set goals at your own pace and make sure you still have time for other things that matter.

3. Peer Classes
You can always take a course with your friend to keep you motivated. You can help each other finish the course and also learn together. You can study together for the exams and talk about your thoughts about the lessons or modules. It’s important to feel motivated and do what you feel enhances your learning experience.

4. Study at your most convenient place
With online courses, you can learn anywhere – from your office desk, at home, or even in the library. You can access courses anytime, and anywhere. If you find it easier to study in a secluded place with no music or contact with other people, feel free to do it. Determine your most efficient study time and place, and take the course during that time. If you want to change your learning environment, you can always go out and study while at the park, at a coffee shop, or at home, while listening to music.

5. Share your journey
Sharing your journey reminds you why you started in the first place. Share your progress in your course and stay motivated, You can share it with your friends and recommend an online course which you think will benefit them. It’s important to also sacrifice something to gain something better. You may be paying for a certificate but when you think about all the benefits you can get, it becomes an investment.

6. Understand the online learning process
Online courses are not an easier way to learn. It can be as hard as courses you will take from universities. It is just a more convenient one. You need to manage your time and dedicate it to learning. Commitment is the first thing you need.

7. Internet Access
Last but not the least, you need to ensure that you have the right means of technology to pursue this course. A reliable internet connection is essential. What if your computer crashes while working on your course assignment? You should have a Plan B. You can use cloud storage such as Dropbox or Google Documents so you can work from home or from your smartphone or tablet just in case a technical glitch happens.

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By محمد جلال (May, 2017) |