17 Best Websites for Free Online Courses in 2025 (With Certificates)
Looking for the best websites for free online courses in 2025 that also offer certificates? You’re not alone. Whether you’re upskilling for your career, adding to your resume, or learning for fun, the right platform can give you expert knowledge without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ll explore 17 reliable websites offering high-quality, free online courses with certificates and at the end of this guide, you’ll have multiple platforms you can visit to gain knowledge or share with your colleagues.
Why Free Online Courses Matter More Than Ever
With tuition costs rising globally and remote work becoming the norm, online learning is no longer a luxury. It’s a competitive edge. Platforms now partner with top universities, employers, and government agencies to offer world-class education.
Disclaimer: Some platforms offer the course content for free but may charge for the certificate. Always check the terms before enrolling.
1. Coursera
Best for: University-level content from top schools like Stanford and Yale
Offers free courses in business, computer science, health, and more. You can audit classes for free or pay for a certificate.
Popular Course: “The Science of Well-Being” by Yale University
Certificate Option: Yes (paid)
2. edX
Best for: Harvard, MIT, and Ivy League content
edX allows you to access lectures and readings from prestigious universities. You can upgrade to get graded assignments and certificates.
Popular Course: “CS50: Introduction to Computer Science” by Harvard
Certificate Option: Yes (paid)
3. LinkedIn Learning
Best for: Business, creative, and tech skills tied to your LinkedIn profile
Free one-month trial available. Courses are integrated with job-seeking tools.
Popular Course: “Time Management Fundamentals”
Certificate Option: Yes
4. Google Digital Garage
Best for: Beginners in digital marketing and career development
Google’s platform offers dozens of free courses—many created in collaboration with government and university partners.
Popular Course: “Fundamentals of Digital Marketing” (free certificate included)
Certificate Option: Yes (free)
5. Khan Academy
Best for: High school and college prep
Non-profit platform offering free academic tutorials in math, science, and finance.
Popular Course: “AP Calculus”
Certificate Option: No
6. Alison
Best for: Vocational skills and workplace certifications
100% free courses with free certificates in many cases. Some advanced diplomas require payment.
Popular Course: “Diploma in Project Management”
Certificate Option: Yes (free and paid)
7. Udemy Free Courses
Best for: Short, skill-specific courses in tech, business, and hobbies
Udemy has thousands of free courses taught by independent instructors.
Popular Course: “Productivity and Time Management for the Overwhelmed”
Certificate Option: Yes (free, varies by course)
8. Harvard Online Learning
Best for: Ivy League exposure without tuition
Offers a mix of free and paid courses. Great for those who want elite academic material.
Popular Course: “Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking”
Certificate Option: Yes (paid)
9. MIT OpenCourseWare
Best for: Engineering, computer science, and physics
All materials are completely free and open to the public.
Popular Course: “Linear Algebra”
Certificate Option: No
10. FutureLearn
Best for: Courses from UK universities
Offers hundreds of free courses from schools like King’s College London and Coventry University.
Popular Course: “Understanding IELTS”
Certificate Option: Yes (paid upgrade)
11. Skillshare (Free Access via Trial)
Best for: Creatives—writing, design, video editing
Free 1-month trial grants access to all content. Designed for creators.
Popular Course: “YouTube Success: Script, Shoot & Edit”
Certificate Option: No
12. Codecademy (Free Tier)
Best for: Coding and programming skills
Free interactive lessons in Python, JavaScript, HTML, and more.
Popular Course: “Learn Python 3”
Certificate Option: Yes (Pro version only)
13. OpenLearn by The Open University
Best for: Flexible self-paced learning
Over 1,000 free courses in everything from health to history.
Popular Course: “Leadership and Followership”
Certificate Option: Yes (free)
14. Stanford Online
Best for: Advanced learners and researchers
Stanford University’s digital portal includes public access to select lectures and professional programs.
Popular Course: “Machine Learning”
Certificate Option: Yes (select courses)
15. IBM SkillsBuild
Best for: Career readiness and technology-focused learning
IBM offers free certifications in cybersecurity, AI, and soft skills.
Popular Course: “Introduction to Cybersecurity”
Certificate Option: Yes (free)
16. Microsoft Learn
Best for: Cloud computing, Microsoft Azure, and software certifications
Free training paths tied directly to in-demand tech careers.
Popular Course: “Azure Fundamentals”
Certificate Option: Yes (free, exam fees apply for certification)
17. HubSpot Academy
Best for: Marketing, sales, and business growth skills
Great resource for small business owners and marketers.
Popular Course: “Inbound Marketing Certification”
Certificate Option: Yes (free)
Final Tips to Maximize Your Learning
- Focus on platforms offering shareable certificates that can be added to LinkedIn
- Track your progress in a spreadsheet with course links, completion dates, and certificate download info
- Combine courses into learning paths (e.g., Digital Marketing + SEO + Google Analytics)
Conclusion
These 17 websites for free online courses in 2025 give you access to world-class knowledge without needing to pay for a degree. Whether you’re upgrading your skills to land a remote job or preparing for further education, this list covers something for everyone.
