What free courses are available on Coursera?

Coursera offers thousands of free courses across topics like data science , business , health , computer science , personal development , and more. While you can explore lectures and course content at no cost, some features—like assessments and certificates—may require payment.

Can I earn a certificate from a free Coursera course?

Yes, but certificates are typically not included in the free version of a course. To earn a certificate, you’ll usually need to pay for the course or apply financial aid if available. You can still learn all the material for free through audit mode.

How do I enroll in a course for free on Coursera?

To start a course for free, choose the “Audit the course” or “Enroll for free” option during sign-up. This lets you access video lectures and some assignments without payment. Look for courses labeled as “Free” or those that offer a free audit option.

What’s the difference between auditing a course and paying for one on Coursera?

Auditing a course gives you free access to the learning materials, like videos and reading content. Paying for a course unlocks graded assignments, assessments, and a certificate upon completion—which may be useful for showcasing your skills or professional development.

Are free Coursera courses from top universities?

Yes, many free courses are taught by instructors from top institutions like Stanford , Yale , University of Pennsylvania , and companies like IBM . These courses offer an accessible way to learn from leading educators and professionals around the world.

Free Computer Programming Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Free Computer Programming Course Catalog

IBM
Python for Data Science, AI & Development
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Automation, Web Scraping, Python Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export, Scripting, Data Structures, Data Processing, Data Collection, Application Programming Interface (API), Pandas (Python Package), Programming Principles, NumPy, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
41K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Python Basics
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Data Structures, Scripting Languages, Computer Programming, Development Environment, Computer Graphics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Toronto
Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Debugging, Software Documentation, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Data Structures, File Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Introduction to Software Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Development Environment, Software Engineering, Software Development Tools, Software Development Methodologies, Software Architecture, Software Design, Programming Principles, Unified Modeling Language, Agile Methodology, Software Development, Scrum (Software Development), Application Development, Back-End Web Development, Front-End Web Development, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Git (Version Control System)
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google
Crash Course on Python
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Scripting, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Data Structures, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging, Development Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
39K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Meta
Programming in Python
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Unit Testing, Test Driven Development (TDD), Programming Principles, Software Testing, Data Structures, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Development Environment, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
DeepLearning.AI
AI Python for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Large Language Modeling, Prompt Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Jupyter, Python Programming, Data Analysis, ChatGPT, Application Development, Generative AI, Scripting, Automation, Computer Programming, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
99 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Ball State University
Introduction to Programming
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Natural Language Processing, Data Science, Scripting, NumPy, Debugging, Data Manipulation
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
28 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Software Installation, Development Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
231K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Python for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Data Processing, Relational Databases, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Network Protocols, Databases, Web Services, Restful API, Data Modeling, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Data Collection, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Data Import/Export, Software Installation
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
277K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Introduction to Computer Vision and Image Processing
Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Analysis, Artificial Neural Networks, IBM Cloud, Keras (Neural Network Library), Cloud Applications, Deep Learning, Tensorflow, Visualization (Computer Graphics), PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Computer Programming, Application Deployment, Augmented Reality, Machine Learning, Data Processing
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Programming with Python and Java
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Object Oriented Design, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis, Unit Testing, Pandas (Python Package), Eclipse (Software), Data Structures, Data Cleansing, Debugging, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Visualization Software, Software Testing, Integrated Development Environments, Program Development, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months