Free online courses from edX

Learn anything — at any time, from anywhere — with free online courses from edX. Gain in-demand skills from world-renowned institutions to advance or begin your career.

Benefits of free online courses

Learn on your schedule

Complete lessons at a pace that fits your busy schedule so you can balance work, life, and education.

Explore various subjects for personal and professional growth

Ever wanted to learn about artificial intelligence (AI), business, public health, or computer science? There's an edX course for that.

Save money on your education

Take online courses for free — and earn valuable credentials like professional certificates without breaking the bank.

Why edX?

edX has connected over 86 million learners from around the world with high-quality online education from world-renowned institutions. Some of our top schools and partners include:

Harvard University
MIT
Cornell University
University of Hong Kong
Google
IBM
Microsoft
Meta

In addition to earning certificates from some of the world's best universities and organizations, edX learners can complete lessons on their own schedule. edX courses feature structured but flexible deadlines and assessments — so you can fit upskilling into your busy life.

edX courses are free to audit, which means you can enroll in a course for $0. If you want unlimited lifetime access to course materials, assessments, and an official certificate to showcase your course completion, you can upgrade to paid access.

Explore everything edX has to offer

If you need a more robust education to take the next step in your career, consider enrolling in a program instead of, or bundled with, a single course. Through edX, you can:

Earn a degree

Earn your bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree completely online to prepare for your dream career, whether you're just getting started or pursuing a more advanced role. Explore our:

Obtain a certificate

Enroll in a professional certificate program to learn career-critical skills in your field and showcase your proficiencies with a formal, shareable credential. Browse our online certificate programs and plan the next step in your career.

Advance your career

If you aspire to become a subject matter expert and enhance your leadership skills, consider enrolling in an executive education program. These expert-led programs are ideal for those who lead projects, teams, and/or organizations.

"I've always been interested in technology but never learned to code. I changed my career thanks to edX."

— David Lechon | Python Intern | Munich, Germany | Harvardx CS50x, MITx 6.00x

How to choose the right free online course

Start by assessing your personal interests and professional goals.
Browse our expansive catalog categorized by subject, skill level, and learning outcomes.
Use our search and filter tools to narrow down options that align with your aspirations.
Explore our course descriptions, which provide detailed information, including syllabi and prerequisites, to guide your selection.

Free online courses vs. verified certificates for edX courses

Our free online courses deliver the same rigorous education and relevant learning outcomes as their paid counterparts. Each course is developed with the expertise and curriculum standards of top-tier educational institutions and industry professionals to ensure a robust and comprehensive learning experience.

Verified certificates provide:

Access to graded assignments and exams.
Unlimited access to course materials.
A university or industry certificate upon course completion.
The ability to stack related courses into a professional certificate program, which comes with a professional certificate upon completion.

Frequently asked questions about free online edX courses

Is edX actually free?

Yes, you can audit an edX course for free, which allows you to:

Access course materials for as long as the course is active (usually a period of 4-12 weeks).
Learn about the course topic without investing in an official credential.
Determine if the course content aligns with your educational goals.

You can upgrade your course access to the verified certificate track, which starts at $50, depending on the course.

Are edX courses taken seriously?

Yes. edX courses are rigorous, relevant, and credible — qualities that employers value when considering a candidate's educational background. Additionally, edX school partners offer the same accredited education online as they do in person.

Where can I take online courses for free?

edX is a premier destination for free online courses with the option to upgrade your access and earn a certificate. It offers top-tier learning without any cost. Courses are designed for both personal enrichment and professional advancement. Explore a vast range of subjects, from arts to sciences.

Whether you want to polish your STEM skills, become a social worker, or learn business fundamentals, you can find the right free online course for you.

Are there free online courses with certificates offered on edX?

edX's free online courses do not come with certificates. Most edX courses can be viewed in their entirety for free, but certificates are not awarded unless you enroll in the paid verified certificate track, which provides unlimited access to the course material and a certificate when you complete the course.

What skills can I learn online for free?

The edX platform offers a wide range of courses in various subjects, from computer science and Python programming to leadership and management. Whatever you want to learn, there's an edX course for you. Whether you're starting a new hobby or pursuing a career change, our free online courses are stepping stones to success.

What kinds of support does edX offer to learners who are taking courses online for free?

When you enroll in a free online course from edX, you gain access to a robust online community where you can exchange knowledge and experiences with peers globally. In addition, we provide resources like edX's Learner Help Center, where you can troubleshoot problems and answer questions. Further assistance is also available through the support team upon request.

Is there a limit on how many free courses online I can take?

At edX, we believe in the power of limitless learning. That's why we proudly offer an extensive range of free online courses without any cap on the number of classes you can enroll in. Our diverse course catalog is designed to encourage continuous learning and personal growth, enabling you to take as many courses as you desire to meet your educational objectives.