17 Online Courses That Still Offer Free Certificates in 2023

In the last decade, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have revolutionized education by making high-quality learning experiences accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Many of the world‘s top universities now offer MOOCs, allowing learners to study a wide range of subjects at their own pace, often for free.

As a full-stack developer, I‘m a strong believer in the power of lifelong learning. In our fast-paced industry, continually developing new skills is essential to stay relevant and advance your career. MOOCs are an incredibly valuable resource for this kind of ongoing learning and upskilling.

In the early days of MOOCs, most courses came with a free certificate of completion. However, as the platforms grew and looked for ways to monetize, many switched to a paid model for verified certificates.

While paid certificates have become the norm, there are still a number of excellent free online courses that offer free certificates. I‘ve compiled a list of 17 such courses, spanning a range of subjects relevant to developers and technical professionals.

These courses come from respected institutions like Harvard, MIT, Stanford and more. They provide a way to gain valuable skills and knowledge, with a free credential to verify your achievement.

So if you‘re ready to start learning, read on for 17 online courses you can take for free, with a free certificate to add to your resume or portfolio.

1. Machine Learning – Stanford University (Coursera)

Machine learning is one of the hottest skills in the tech industry today. This course from Stanford provides a broad introduction to the field, covering the most effective machine learning techniques and gaining practice implementing them.

You‘ll learn about:

• Supervised learning (parametric/non-parametric algorithms, support vector machines, kernels, neural networks)
• Unsupervised learning (clustering, dimensionality reduction, recommender systems, deep learning)
• Best practices in machine learning (bias/variance theory, innovation process in machine learning and AI)

The course is taught by Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera and one of the foremost experts in machine learning. Over 4 million people have enrolled in the course, making it one of the most popular MOOCs ever.

While the course is free to take, the certificate previously came at a cost. However, Coursera has recently made the certificate available for free as well, making this an even more appealing opportunity to gain a valuable credential in this in-demand field.

2. Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python – MIT (edX)

Python is one of the most popular programming languages, loved by developers for its simplicity and versatility. It‘s widely used in a variety of applications, from web development to data analysis to artificial intelligence.

This beginner-friendly course from MIT will teach you the fundamentals of computer science and programming in Python. You‘ll learn about:

• Computational thinking
• Data structures
• Algorithms
• Testing and debugging
• An introduction to data science

By the end of the course, you‘ll have a solid foundation in computational thinking and be able to write programs to solve complex problems. Over 1 million students have already taken the course.

The course is part of the MITx MicroMasters program in Computer Science, but you can take it for free on its own. If you pay for the verified track, you‘ll receive a certificate upon completion. But you can also earn a free honor code certificate if you achieve a passing grade.

3. Understanding IELTS – British Council (FutureLearn)

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world‘s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. A high IELTS score is often a requirement for non-native English speakers to study or work in English-speaking countries.

This free course from the British Council, the co-creators of the IELTS test, will help you prepare for the test with confidence. The 6-week program covers each section of the test:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

You‘ll learn about the format and features of each section, and get valuable tips and practice to help you achieve your target band score.

The course is completely free, including the digital certificate of completion. Over 440,000 students have already benefitted from the course in their IELTS preparation.

4. Learning How to Learn – UC San Diego (Coursera)

As a developer, learning effectively is one of the most important skills you can cultivate. This course teaches research-backed techniques to help you master tough subjects and skills.

You‘ll learn about:

• The two modes of thinking and how they affect learning
• Techniques for dealing with procrastination
• Memory techniques to help you retain key ideas
• How sleep affects learning
• Best practices for studying and test-taking

The course draws on neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and educational research to provide a comprehensive guide to effective learning. Over 3 million students have already benefitted from the course.

Like the Machine Learning course, this one is free to take but previously charged for the certificate. Coursera has now made the certificate available for free as well.

5. Project Management – Alison

Project management is a critical skill in many industries, including tech. This free course from Alison provides a comprehensive introduction to the field.

You‘ll learn about:

• Key project management methodologies (PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile)
• The project life cycle
• Project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and closing
• Risk management
• Effective communication in projects

The self-paced course takes 6-10 hours to complete. To earn the free certificate, you‘ll need to score 80% or higher across the course assessments.

Project management skills are highly valued in the tech industry, where many roles involve leading and coordinating complex projects. This course provides a solid foundation to build upon.

6. CS50‘s Introduction to Computer Science – Harvard University (edX)

Harvard‘s introductory computer science course is one of the most popular and highly-regarded MOOCs. The course teaches you how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently, skills fundamental to success as a developer.

Topics covered include:

• Algorithms and data structures
• Encapsulation, abstraction, and data structures
• Resource management
• Security
• Software engineering
• Web development

The course is taught by David Malan, a Professor of Computer Science at Harvard. It‘s designed for learners with or without prior programming experience.

The 12-week course is free to take, with a free certificate of completion available upon achieving a passing score. Over 2 million people have taken CS50, launching countless careers in tech.

7. Financial Markets – Yale University (Open Yale Courses)

While not directly related to coding, a solid understanding of financial markets is valuable for many roles in the tech industry. This free course from Yale provides a comprehensive overview.

Taught by renowned economist Robert Shiller, the course covers key topics like:

• Risk management and behavioral finance
• The stock market
• The housing market
• Regulation of financial markets
• Monetary policy
• Public finance

You‘ll gain a deeper understanding of how the economy works and how financial markets and institutions operate. This knowledge can be particularly useful for developers working in fintech, blockchain, or building financial applications.

The course includes video lectures, exams, and a free completion certificate. Over 170,000 students have already benefitted from this insightful introduction to finance.

8. Developing Apps for iOS (CS193P) – Stanford University

iOS app development is a highly sought-after skill in the mobile-first era. This free course from Stanford will teach you how to build apps for iPhones and iPads using Swift and the iOS SDK.

The comprehensive course covers topics like:

• Swift programming fundamentals
• iOS UI frameworks
• Networking
• Persistence
• Animations and Gestures
• Multi-threading

You‘ll complete several practical projects throughout the course to build your iOS development skills. The course assumes prior programming experience.

While the course is free, Stanford also provides a free statement of accomplishment to those who successfully complete the course and build functional iOS apps. It‘s a great way to demonstrate your iOS development chops.

9. Probability & Statistics – Carnegie Mellon University (Open Learning Initiative)

A solid grasp of probability and statistics is important for many areas of computer science, especially data science and machine learning. This rigorous course from Carnegie Mellon provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject.

You‘ll learn about:

• Probability theory
• Random variables and distributions
• Statistical inference
• Regression analysis
• Applications of probability and statistics

The course is based on Carnegie Mellon‘s successful Introduction to Probability and Statistics course taught on campus. It‘s a challenging course, but one that will give you a strong foundation in this important field.

The self-paced course is free, with a graded final exam. Passing the exam earns you a free certificate of completion to verify your achievement.

10. Business Administration – Saylor Academy

As a developer, understanding business fundamentals can help you better understand the context and objectives of the organizations you work for. This free course from Saylor Academy provides a broad introduction to business administration.

Topics covered include:

• Economic systems
• Business ethics and social responsibility
• Entrepreneurship
• Marketing
• Accounting and finance
• Operations and supply chain management

The course takes about 148 hours to complete, making it one of the more comprehensive offerings on this list. You‘ll need to pass a final exam with a grade of 70% or higher to earn the free certificate of completion.

Business skills are highly transferable and can help you succeed in a variety of roles, from developer to product manager to CTO.

11. Health Science – University of the People

The intersection of health and technology is a rapidly growing field, with exciting applications in areas like personalized medicine, health monitoring wearables, and AI-assisted diagnosis.

This free health science course from University of the People provides an introduction to key health topics like:

• Human biology
• Healthcare systems
• Disease prevention
• Nutrition
• Current issues in health

As a developer, this knowledge can help you create more effective health and wellness applications, or collaborate with healthcare professionals on innovative projects.

The 9-week course includes weekly readings, discussion forums, and assignments. Passing all graded work and exams earns you a free certificate of completion.

12. Starting with Psychology – The Open University (OpenLearn)

Psychology, the science of the mind and behavior, has many applications in the world of technology. Understanding how people think, learn, and interact with digital products is key to designing effective user experiences.

This free introductory psychology course from The Open University covers major topics like:

• Cognitive psychology
• Biological psychology
• Social psychology
• Developmental psychology

You‘ll learn about classic experiments and case studies that demonstrate key psychological principles, and how these apply to real-world situations.

The self-paced course takes about 20 hours to complete. Successful completion earns you a free statement of participation from The Open University.

13. Strategic Management – Open Universities Australia (Open2Study)

As you advance in your career as a developer, you may take on more strategic roles in setting the direction and priorities of your team or organization. This free course teaches practical skills for developing and implementing effective strategies.

You‘ll learn about:

• The strategic management process
• Environmental analysis
• Strategy formulation
• Strategy implementation
• Strategic leadership

The course takes a practical, case-based approach to illustrate key concepts. You‘ll complete the course with a toolkit of techniques for strategic analysis and decision-making.

The 4-week course requires 2-4 hours of study per week. Achieve an overall score of 60% or higher to earn a free Certificate of Achievement.

14. Principles of Microeconomics – Marginal Revolution University

Microeconomics, the study of how individuals and firms make decisions in a world of scarcity, underlies much of how the business world operates. This free course teaches the fundamental principles of microeconomics in an engaging, accessible way.

Topics covered include:

• Supply and demand
• Elasticity
• Market structures
• Externalities and public goods
• Factor markets
• International trade

The course is taught through a series of short, animated videos, making complex concepts easy to understand. Interactive practice questions reinforce your learning.

The self-paced course takes 4-6 weeks to complete. You can pay for a certificate, but a free certificate of completion is also available.

As a developer, understanding economic principles can help you make more informed decisions, whether you‘re choosing a career path, negotiating a salary, or making a case for a project‘s ROI.

15. Programming in C++ – Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (NPTEL)

C++ is a powerful, general-purpose programming language used for everything from system software to game development. This course from IIT Kharagpur provides a thorough introduction to programming in C++.

You‘ll learn about:

• C++ syntax and semantics
• Data types, variables, and constants
• Control structures
• Functions and recursion
• Arrays and pointers
• Classes and objects
• Inheritance and polymorphism
• Templates and exceptions
• The Standard Template Library (STL)

The 12-week course includes video lectures, quizzes, and programming assignments. It‘s a rigorous introduction to C++ from one of India‘s top technical universities.

Passing the course earns you a free certificate from NPTEL, demonstrating your C++ programming skills.

16. Understanding Fashion – Institut Français de la Mode (FutureLearn)

The world of fashion is increasingly influenced by technology, from AI-powered fashion design to virtual try-on experiences to blockchain authentication of luxury goods.

This free course from the prestigious Institut Français de la Mode provides an insider‘s perspective on the fashion industry.

You‘ll learn about:

• The history of fashion
• Key fashion theories and concepts
• The structure of the fashion industry
• The role of designers, brands, and retailers
• The impact of globalization and technology on fashion

The 4-week course requires about 4 hours of study per week. It‘s taught by leading fashion academics and practitioners.

Successful completion of the course earns you a free digital Certificate of Achievement. It‘s a unique addition to your portfolio, demonstrating your understanding of this influential global industry.

17. The Science of Happiness – UC Berkeley (edX)

While not directly related to coding, research shows that happiness and emotional well-being are key factors in productivity, creativity, and success. This popular course from UC Berkeley teaches practical strategies for living a more fulfilling life.

Drawing on research in psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science, you‘ll learn about:

• The science of happiness and positive psychology
• Practices for increasing happiness and well-being
• The role of social connections, kindness, and gratitude in happiness
• Mindfulness and mental habits of happiness

The self-paced course takes about 11 weeks, with 4-5 hours of study per week. It‘s an enlightening exploration of what it means to live a good life.

You can earn a verified certificate for a fee, but a free honor code certificate is also available upon completing the course.

Conclusion: Keep Learning, Keep Growing

We‘re fortunate to live in a time where high-quality education is more accessible than ever. These 17 courses, offering free certificates from respected institutions, are just a sample of the incredible learning opportunities available online.

As developers and tech professionals, we have a responsibility to keep learning and growing throughout our careers. The skills we learn today may be obsolete in a few years, replaced by new technologies and best practices.

MOOCs offer a flexible, affordable way to continually upskill and expand our knowledge. And while certificates aren‘t everything, they serve as a record of our achievements and a signal of our commitment to learning.

So my challenge to you is to make learning a habit. Choose a course that interests you and commit to completing it. Then choose another. And another. Over time, you‘ll be amazed at how much you can learn and how far you can grow.

And remember, while paid certificates often come with additional benefits, the real value is in the knowledge and skills you gain. These free courses and certificates provide an incredible opportunity to learn from the best, at no cost.

So what are you waiting for? Start learning today, and keep growing for a lifetime.