Here are some highly regarded platforms offering free online courses with certificates. I will provide a brief overview and links to explore further.
1. Coursera
Coursera offers many free courses from universities like Stanford and Yale. You can access full courses and obtain certificates upon completion. Some courses are free to audit, while others have paid options for certificates.
- Website: Coursera Free Courses
- Certificates: Available for free in some courses
2. edX
edX offers free courses from top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Berkeley. While the courses are free, you have the option to purchase verified certificates.
- Website: edX Free Courses
- Certificates: Verified certificates are paid, but course content is free.
3. Alison
Alison provides free online courses across various topics including business, technology, and health. Certificates are available for free courses, though a small fee may apply for diplomas and degrees.
- Website: Alison Free Courses
- Certificates: Free digital certificates
4. FutureLearn
FutureLearn offers free courses from leading universities and institutions. While the courses are free, you must upgrade to receive a certificate.
- Website: FutureLearn Free Courses
- Certificates: Paid certificate upgrades
5. Google Skillshop
Google Skillshop offers free certification courses in Google Ads, Analytics, and more. It’s a good platform for digital marketing and tech skills.
- Website: Google Skillshop
- Certificates: Free Google certifications
6. LinkedIn Learning (Free via Libraries)
LinkedIn Learning offers various free courses through library memberships, and some universities and organizations offer it for free. Certificates can be added to your LinkedIn profile.
- Website: LinkedIn Learning Free Access
- Certificates: Free with access
7. Udemy Free Courses
Udemy has a range of free courses across all fields. The courses are often shorter, and while certificates are available, some may require payment.
- Website: Udemy Free Courses
- Certificates: Paid for most courses, free in some cases
8. OpenLearn by The Open University
OpenLearn offers free courses in various disciplines, including science, arts, and technology. Free certificates of participation are available.
- Website: OpenLearn Free Courses
- Certificates: Free certificates of participation
9. HubSpot Academy
HubSpot Academy offers free courses in marketing, sales, and customer service. All courses come with certification upon completion.
- Website: HubSpot Academy
- Certificates: Free certifications
10. MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT’s OpenCourseWare provides free courses across various fields. While no certificates are provided, the learning materials are comprehensive and highly valuable.
- Website: MIT OpenCourseWare
- Certificates: Not available
11. Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers free educational courses ranging from elementary to high school, as well as courses in subjects like economics, computer programming, and more.
- Website: Khan Academy
- Certificates: Not available
12. Harvard University Online Learning
Harvard offers free online courses in a variety of subjects. Some courses are free to audit, with a fee for certification.
- Website: Harvard University Free Courses
- Certificates: Paid for most courses
13. Saylor Academy
Saylor Academy offers free courses that cover college-level subjects, and you can receive a free certificate upon completion.
- Website: Saylor Academy
- Certificates: Free certificates
14. Open2Study
Open2Study, backed by Australian universities, offers free courses with free certificates upon completion.
- Website: Open2Study
- Certificates: Free certificates
15. Microsoft Learn
Microsoft Learn provides free training in Microsoft products, and you can earn badges and certifications to add to your profile.
- Website: Microsoft Learn
- Certificates: Free badges and certifications
16. IBM Training
IBM offers free courses and certification programs in data science, AI, and more through its SkillsBuild program.
- Website: IBM Training
- Certificates: Free certifications
17. AWS Training
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers free training and certification in cloud computing.
- Website: AWS Training
- Certificates: Paid certifications
18. Codeacademy
Codeacademy offers a wide range of free coding courses, with paid options for certificates and pro features.
- Website: Codeacademy
- Certificates: Paid with pro features
19. Udacity Free Courses
Udacity offers free courses in data science, programming, and AI, but certificates are only available with paid courses.
- Website: Udacity Free Courses
- Certificates: Paid with nano degree programs
20. Stanford Online
Stanford University offers free online courses across a wide range of topics. Some courses offer paid certifications.
- Website: Stanford Online
- Certificates: Paid certifications
21. Class Central
Class Central aggregates free courses from universities and platforms like Coursera, edX, and more.
- Website: Class Central Free Courses
- Certificates: Varies based on the platform
22. Oxford Home Study
Oxford Home Study offers a variety of free online courses with free certificates of completion.
- Website: Oxford Home Study
- Certificates: Free certificates
23. Simplilearn Free Resources
Simplilearn offers some free learning paths and free certificates in tech fields.
- Website: Simplilearn Free Resources
- Certificates: Available for paid courses, some free certificates
24. European Innovation Academy
The EIA offers free online training in entrepreneurship and innovation with certificate options.
- Website: EIA Courses
- Certificates: Free with completion
25. Pluralsight Free Learning
Pluralsight offers free access to its tech courses with regular free learning days and trials.
- Website: Pluralsight Free Courses
- Certificates: Available for premium members
26. OpenSAP
OpenSAP offers free training in SAP software with free certificates.
- Website: OpenSAP
- Certificates: Free certifications
27. Skillshare (Free Trial)
Skillshare offers a 30-day free trial where you can access thousands of courses. However, certificates are not provided.
- Website: Skillshare Free Trial
- Certificates: Not available
28. TCS iON Digital Learning Hub
TCS offers a variety of free courses in business and tech skills, with free certificates of completion.
- Website: TCS iON Free Courses
- Certificates: Free certifications
29. HP LIFE
HP LIFE offers free courses on business and IT skills with certificates of completion.
- Website: HP LIFE Courses
- Certificates: Free certificates
30. LearnDigital with Google
Google's LearnDigital platform offers free courses in digital marketing, career development, and data.
- Website: Google LearnDigital
- Certificates: Free certificates
These platforms are ideal for building skills in various fields. Most provide certificates at no or minimal cost.