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.

Top Free Courses - Learn Free Online

Find the Best Free Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to Power Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Electronic Systems, Electrical Engineering, Basic Electrical Systems, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Power, Electronic Components, Simulations, Applied Mathematics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics 101 - Forces and Kinematics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Physics, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Algebra, Calculus, Physical Science, Applied Mathematics, Trigonometry
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
176 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Digital Signal Processing 1: Basic Concepts and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Digital Communications, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Programming Principles, Engineering Analysis, Electronics, Telecommunications, Advanced Mathematics, Algorithms, Linear Algebra, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Mathematical Modeling, Computational Logic, Applied Mathematics
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
623 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
The Finite Element Method for Problems in Physics
Skills you'll gain: Finite Element Methods, Differential Equations, Engineering Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Advanced Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Linear Algebra, C++ (Programming Language), Calculus, Open Source Technology
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
551 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Algebra: Elementary to Advanced - Equations & Inequalities
Skills you'll gain: Algebra, Arithmetic, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Graphing, Probability & Statistics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
587 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)
Computers, Waves, Simulations: A Practical Introduction to Numerical Methods using Python
Skills you'll gain: Finite Element Methods, Numerical Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Jupyter, Differential Equations, Applied Mathematics, NumPy, Mathematical Modeling, Distributed Computing, Python Programming, Mechanics, Vibrations, Linear Algebra, Simulations
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
386 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Columbia University
Term-Structure and Credit Derivatives
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Mortgage Loans, Securities (Finance), Credit Risk, Futures Exchange, Financial Modeling, Risk Modeling, Financial Market, Actuarial Science, Mathematical Modeling, Financial Trading, Securities Trading, Applied Mathematics, Investment Banking, Microsoft Excel, Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
59 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Quantum Mechanics for Engineers
Skills you'll gain: Estimation, Linear Algebra, Physics, Mechanics, Engineering Calculations, Probability, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Differential Equations, Physical Science
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
98 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Image and Video Processing: From Mars to Hollywood with a Stop at the Hospital
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Computer Vision, Digital Communications, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Medical Imaging, Applied Mathematics, Spatial Analysis, Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Matlab, Mathematical Modeling, Algorithms, Probability Distribution
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Electrodynamics
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Basic Electrical Systems, Electronic Components, Electrical Systems, Differential Equations, Physics, Engineering Analysis, Integral Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Scientific Visualization, Engineering Calculations, Calculus, Electronic Systems, Mechanics, Electronics, Energy and Utilities, Mathematical Modeling, Linear Algebra
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
949 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Equivalent Circuit Cell Model Simulation
Skills you'll gain: Simulations, Mathematical Modeling, Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, Electronic Components, Matlab, Electrical Systems, Engineering Calculations, Laboratory Testing, Applied Mathematics, Data Analysis Software
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
547 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad de los Andes
Fundamentos de estadística aplicada
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Methods, Data Analysis, Regression Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Probability Distribution, Applied Mathematics, Statistical Inference
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
134 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months