Learn English online
Strengthen your English language and communication skills with flexible university online courses on edX. Earn industry-recognized certificates to support your career.
Top-rated online English courses with certificates
Why learn English online with edX
Earn a certificate backed by top universities
Complete online courses offered by institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, and UC Berkeley, and earn a verified certificate.
Take English classes tailored to your needs
Study with short, self-paced courses that require no live sessions and offer mobile-friendly access for learning anytime, including nights or weekends.
Develop career-focused language skills
Improve your business communication, develop sector-specific language skills, or learn English as a second language with courses designed for learners of all ages and levels.
Browse online English Certificates
Find new interests and advance your career opportunities
Stand out in your field
Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.
Learn at your own pace
On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.
Earn a valuable credential
Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.
Certificates
Tips for beginner English learners
If you're new to learning English or returning after a break, start by setting clear goals and building study habits you can maintain.
- Assess your level and goals. Decide why you're learning English — for work, study, travel, or daily communication — and choose courses that match your needs.
- Practice consistently. After your online English classes, commit to daily quizzes, vocabulary flashcards, short writing prompts, or five-minute speaking exercises to gain confidence.
- Rotate all four skills. Plan reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities each week, using news articles, podcasts, journal entries, and conversation partners.
- Turn your world into an English lab. Switch your devices' language to English. Watch shows with subtitles, and follow English-speaking creators.
- Ask for input. Seek feedback on pronunciation and grammar from instructors or peers. Then tweak your study plan accordingly.
Find the right online English course for your goals
On edX, you can choose from university-led online English courses and programs that support different learning goals and experiences, whether you're:
- A native speaker building specialized skills, such as academic writing or professional communication.
- A non-native English learner progressing from beginner to advanced proficiency levels.
- Preparing for standardized tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Seeking flexible and affordable options that allow you to learn at your own pace.
Earn TEFL certification to teach English worldwide
TEFL is a certification exam for individuals seeking to teach English abroad or online. edX offers courses and a 120-hour TEFL Certification Professional Certificate program that prepares you for the exam. The curriculum covers teaching methodology, classroom management, and online instruction.
You can take these prep courses individually or complete the professional certificate program and save 10% on additional edX courses with certificates to further your training.
Compare English courses and certificates online
Find the English learning option on edX that matches your goals, timeline, and budget.
| Program type | Who is it best for? | Typical duration | Cost range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course | Learners seeking short, targeted English lessons for academic writing, conversational fluency, business, communication, or exam prep | 2-6 weeks | Free to audit, with an optional certificate upgrade for a fee |
| Professional Certificate | Learners who want an in-depth, multi-course credential, whether preparing for TEFL, strengthening ESL communication, or mastering business and tech-focused English | 8-12 months | Starting at $500 |
| Executive Education | Professionals seeking instructor-led, cohort-based leadership communication training in writing, speaking, presenting, and persuasive messaging | 6-20+ weeks | Starting at $2,500 |
What's the difference between professional certificates and certifications?
A professional certificate demonstrates that you have completed a structured program on edX and developed practical skills in a specific subject.
A certification is different: It's an industry-recognized credential earned by passing a formal exam, usually administered by a professional body or government agency.
Turn your English language skills into career opportunities
Earning a degree or advancing your English skills may lead to diverse job opportunities.
Below are some career options that require at least a bachelor's degree, including salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Editors
Editors review and improve written content for accuracy and clarity. They may work in publishing, media, or corporate communications, advancing from roles like writer or content creator. Editors often contribute to content strategy and team management.
Median annual salary (2024): $75,260
Editors
Editors review and improve written content for accuracy and clarity. They may work in publishing, media, or corporate communications, advancing from roles like writer or content creator. Editors often contribute to content strategy and team management.
Median annual salary (2024): $75,260
Enroll in an online English course and start learning today
Gain the confidence and the speaking, writing, and reading skills you need to succeed in work and life.
- Take an online English course to build foundational or specialized skills in just weeks.
- Explore edX Professional Certificate programs for in-depth study and industry-recognized credentials.
- Gain leadership communication skills with edX Executive Education programs.