Posted by In today’s world, online education has become an essential part of learning. With the advent of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), anyone can learn new skills and acquire knowledge from the comfort of their own home. Moreover, the emergence of free online courses with printable certificates has made it possible for people to enhance their resumes and improve their chances of getting hired. This blog post presents a comprehensive list of the 35 best free online courses with printable certificates from some of the world’s top universities.
Overview of Online Education & MOOCs
Over the past ten years, online education has become a wildly popular type of distance learning. Millions of people worldwide now have access to top-notch education from renowned universities and institutions thanks to MOOCs.
Access to course materials, such as video lectures, readings, and quizzes, is typically free with MOOCs. Working professionals and students can balance their work and learning because online courses allow them to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
While prestigious Ivy League schools like Harvard may only be open to the wealthy, it will do you a world of good to learn that some of these top schools like Harvard and MIT also provide MOOCs platforms where they offer online courses for free.
PS: Some of these courses allow you to get certified in niche areas so you can show competence in your job. Albeit, while these courses are free, the certificates are paid for.
Can You Apply for Free Online Specialty Courses?
You can, indeed! Anyone who wants to learn new skills or expand their knowledge in a particular field can take advantage of free online specialty courses. These programs are made to give students the abilities they need to succeed in their chosen fields of study.
Additionally, because these courses are typically self-paced, students can work at their own pace. Free online specialty courses are provided by some of the top universities in the world, and students who successfully complete the program can print out a certificate.
List of the 35 Best Free Online Courses With Printable Certificates
Did you know that you can study for free, top courses in data analytics, economics and finance, artificial intelligence, and so more? These 35 best free online courses have printable certificates that you can learn:
- Harvard University CS50 Introduction to Computer Science
- Stanford University Machine Learning
- MIT Introduction to Computer Science & Programming
- Yale University The Science of Well-being
- Duke University Behavioural Economics & Psychology
- University of Michigan Python for Everybody
- John Hopkins University Data Science Specialization
- University of Pennsylvania Modern & Contemporary American Poetry
- University of London Introduction to Forensic Science
- University of Washington Data Visualization With Tableau
- University of California Berkeley Foundations of Data Science
- Columbia University Machine Learning for Data Science
- University of Colorado Boulder Graphic Design Academy
- University of Texas at Austin Foundations of Data Analysis
- University of Adelaide Cyberwar Surveillance & Security
- University of California San Diego Learning How to Learn
- Georgia Institute of Technology Introduction to Computing in Python
- University of Virginia Introduction to Programming With Java
- University of Copenhagen Constitutional Struggles in the Muslim World
- University of Edinburgh Artificial Intelligence Planning
- University of Queensland Making Sense of Climate Science Denial
- University of California Irvine Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning
- University of Helsinki Elements of Artificial Intelligence
- University of British Columbia How to Code: Simple Data
- University of California Davis Introduction to Wine
- University of Maryland College Park Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- University of Alberta Indigenous Canada
- University of California Santa Cruz The Holocaust: The Destruction
- University of Michigan Leading People and Teams
- University of Arizona Astronomy: Exploring Time & Space
- University of California Santa Barbara The Power of Economics
- University of Cape Town What is a Mind?
- University of Tokyo Introduction to Deep Learning
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Marketing in a Digital World
- University of California San Francisco Health Informatics in the Cloud.
35 Best Free Online Courses With Printable Certificates
1. Harvard University CS50 Introduction to Computer Science
Beginners who want to learn the basics of computer science should take Harvard University’s CS50 Introduction to Computer Science course. Algorithms, data structures, and programming languages like Python and C are just a few of the topics covered in the course.
Students can progress through the course material at their own pace because it is self-paced. To help you remember what you’ve learned, the course also has problem sets and final projects.
2. Stanford University Machine Learning
For those interested in machine learning and artificial intelligence, Stanford University’s Machine Learning course is a great choice. Deep learning, unsupervised learning, and supervised learning are among the topics covered in the course. Students can go at their own pace through the course material because it is self-paced. Assignments and quizzes are also included in the course to help students strengthen their knowledge.
3. MIT Introduction to Computer Science & Programming
The best course on the internet for beginners who want to learn computer science and programming is the Introduction to Computer Science & Programming course by MIT. Algorithms, data structures, and Python programming are some of the subjects covered in the course. Students can move through the material at their own pace in this self-paced course. To assess your understanding, the course also has problem sets and exams.
4. Yale University The Science of Well-being
Anyone interested in enhancing their general well-being should take Yale University’s The Science of Well-being course. The psychology of happiness, the effects of social connections, and methods for living a more fulfilling life are some of the topics covered in the course.
Students can go at their own pace through the course material because it is self-paced. In order to help students apply what they have learned, the course also includes exercises that are practical.
5. Duke University Behavioural Economics & Psychology
Anyone interested in the nexus between psychology and economics should take the Behavioural Economics and Psychology course at Duke University. Topics like decision-making, motivation, and self-control are covered in the course. Students may progress through the material at their own pace because the course is self-paced. To help students put the knowledge they have learned into practice, the course also has quizzes and homework.
6. University of Michigan Python for Everybody
If you have an interest in learning the Python programming language should consider taking the Python for Everybody course at the University of Michigan. Variables, conditional statements, loops, and functions are some of the topics covered in the course.
Students can go at their own pace through the course material because it is self-paced. Assignments and quizzes are also included in the course to help students refresh their knowledge.
7. John Hopkins University Data Science Specialization
For those with an interest in data science, the Data Science Specialization at John Hopkins University is a great course. Data visualization, statistical inference, and machine learning are some of the subjects covered in the course.
Students can progress through the course material at their own pace because it is self-paced. Projects and quizzes are also included in the course to help students strengthen their knowledge.
8. The University of Pennsylvania’s Modern & Contemporary American Poetry
The Modern & Contemporary American Poetry course at the University of Pennsylvania is a fantastic option for you if you enjoy reading and modern literature. It is a short course that takes about 35 hours to complete and can be taken by anyone. Some core topics in the “ModPo” course include the study of works from communist poets, proto-modernists, and modernist poems.
You will also get to understand how trends in poetry work. If you have plans to become a poet sometime or you’re just an appreciator of poetry art, this is one course you must not miss.
9. University of Strathclyde’s Introduction to Forensic Science
If you like true crime or are thinking about a career in forensics, this course from the University of Strathclyde Glasgow’s Introduction to Forensic Science is a great place to start. The free course is available on FutureLearn and it aims to introduce you to modern forensic science and how scientific approaches are used to evaluate evidence types. The key areas of focus on evidence types in this course are:
- DNA
- Firearms
- Impression evidence, and
- Drug abuse
If you’re keen on beginning your career in forensic science (or have already started), or you have a side flame for the science due to your love for solving murder and crime puzzles, then this course is one that will stimulate that part of your Sherlock Holmes’ brain.
10. University of Washington’s Data Visualization With Tableau Course
Everybody knows that in today’s data-driven world, the ability to effectively communicate data is more important than ever. In this University of Washington data visualization course, you’ll learn how to create interactive dashboards and tell engaging stories with data using Tableau, a popular data visualization tool. You’ll have a portfolio of visualizations by the end of the course to show prospective employers.
11. University of California Berkeley Foundations of Data Science
Data science is a rapidly expanding field that offers countless opportunities. You will learn about the fundamental ideas of data science, such as probability, statistics, and machine learning, in this UC Berkeley course.
Additionally, you’ll gain practical experience using tools like Python and Jupyter notebooks and working with actual data sets. No prior knowledge is required because the course is meant for complete beginners.
12. Columbia University Machine Learning for Data Science
Teaching machines to learn from data and make predictions is the focus of the data science subfield of machine learning. You’ll learn the fundamentals of machine learning, such as regression, classification, and clustering, in this Columbia University Machine Learning for Data Science course.
Additionally, you’ll gain practical experience using well-known machine learning tools like TensorFlow and Scikit-Learn. The intended audience for the course is intermediate learners with some background in programming.
13. University of Colorado Boulder Graphic Design Academy
Everything from websites to advertisements needs good design. You’ll learn the fundamentals of graphic design in this course from the University of Colorado Boulder, including color theory, typography, and composition.
Additionally, you’ll gain practical experience making your own designs using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Beginners without any prior design experience will benefit greatly from the course.
14. University of Texas at Austin Foundations of Data Analysis
In today’s data-driven world, the ability to analyze data is essential. You’ll learn the fundamentals of data analysis in this course from the University of Texas at Austin, including data cleaning, visualization, and statistical inference.
Additionally, you’ll gain practical experience using applications like R and Excel to work with actual data sets. The course is intended for people who have never done any data analysis before.
15. University of Adelaide Cyberwar Surveillance & Security
Cyber attacks pose a significant threat as our lives become more digital. You’ll discover the fundamentals of cyber security, such as encryption, network security, and cybercrime, in this course from the University of Adelaide.
Additionally, you’ll learn about the moral and legal concerns related to cyber security. Anyone interested in cyber security, from beginners to experts, can take the course.
16. University of California San Diego Learning How to Learn
The University of California San Diego offers a free online course called Learning How to Learn that instructs students on how to learn more efficiently. The course covers subjects like note-taking strategies, procrastination avoidance, and memory tricks. Anyone who wants to develop better study habits and learn more effectively should take this course.
17. Georgia Institute of Technology Introduction to Computing in Python
If you’re interested in learning how to code, the Introduction to Computing in Python is a fantastic place to start. This free online course from the Georgia Institute of Technology teaches students the basics of Python programming.
Variables, loops, functions, and other topics will be covered with the students. By the end of the course, students will be proficient in Python programming and be able to create simple programs on their own.
18. University of Virginia Introduction to Programming With Java
Java is a popular programming language that is used for everything from financial systems to mobile apps. If you’re interested in learning Java, a great free online course to start with is Introduction to Programming with Java.
The introduction and crux of learning the java programming language is the core content contained in this program. So, by the time you complete this course, you will have written your own Java programs, and possibly build a capstone project that can fit into your portfolio.
19. University of Copenhagen Constitutional Struggles in the Muslim World
The University of Copenhagen’s Constitutional Struggles in the Muslim World course explores the constitutional issues that confront nations with a majority of Muslims. Human rights, the role of religion in politics, and democracy in the Muslim world are just a few of the subjects covered in this course. Anyone interested in politics or current events should take this course.
20. University of Edinburgh Artificial Intelligence Planning
The field of artificial intelligence is expanding quickly and has the potential to transform a wide range of industries. The University of Edinburgh’s Artificial Intelligence Planning course is a great place to start if you’re interested in learning more about AI.
Planning with incomplete information, search algorithms, and decision theory are some of the subjects covered in the course. Students will have a solid understanding of how AI planning functions by the end of the course.
21. University of Queensland Making Sense of Climate Science Denial
One of the biggest problems facing our planet right now is climate change, but sadly, many people continue to reject it. The University of Queensland’s Making Sense of Climate Science Denial explores the science of climate change as well as the justifications put forth by climate change skeptics.
Anyone who wants to learn more about climate change and effective communication techniques should take this course.
22. University of California Irvine Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning
Everyone should be able to manage their personal finances, but sadly, this is not a subject that is covered in school. Budgeting, investing, and retirement planning are just a few of the topics covered in the excellent free online course Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning from the University of California, Irvine. Students will have a solid understanding of how to effectively manage their own finances by the end of the course.
23. University of Helsinki Elements of Artificial Intelligence
Elements of Artificial Intelligence is a free online course provided by the University of Helsinki. The field of artificial intelligence is introduced in this course, which also covers topics like natural language processing, neural networks, and machine learning.
It is not necessary to have any prior programming or computer science knowledge for the course because it is geared toward beginners. You will have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of AI and its applications by the end of the course.
24. University of British Columbia How to Code: Simple Data
How to Code: Simple Data is a free online course provided by the University of British Columbia. You will learn how to code using the beginner-friendly programming language Racket in this course.
Variables, functions, and conditionals are just a few of the programming fundamentals that are covered in the course. You’ll be able to create straightforward Racket programs by the end of the course and have a solid grasp of programming concepts.
25. University of California Davis – Introduction to Wine
The University of California Davis offers a free online course called Introduction to Wine. With a focus on topics like grape varieties, wine regions, and wine production, this course serves as an introduction to the world of wine.
There is no prerequisite for the course, which is geared toward beginners. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to appreciate and enjoy wine more because you’ll have a firm understanding of the fundamentals of wine.
26. University of Maryland College Park’s Free Course Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Cybersecurity Fundamentals is a specialization course that is offered by the University of Maryland, College Park. The course is available on Coursera and takes approximately 8 months to complete. It contains five courses crucial to cybersecurity, viz;
- Usable Security
- Software Security
- Cryptography
- Hardware Security
- And a cybersecurity capstone project where students get to build a software system that intends to be secure as well as try to expose how other students’ software is insecure, trying to find faults in them.
If you are a complete newbie, then this is a good course for you if you want to learn cybersecurity. The course costs about $39 via a Coursera subscription. But financial aid is also available. You can apply for this and study the course for free if you get selected.
27. University of Alberta Indigenous Canada
The University of Alberta’s course on Indigenous Canada is one unique course that aims to put the history and culture of Canada back into focus. It contains twelve lessons that take you through a deep dive how into the complexities and experiences the indigenous peoples of Canada’s face, and how the local indigenous-settler relations took place, making the nation one of the most diverse in the world.
This course is free but like most others on this list, you will have to pay for your certificate. It is recommended for students who love history and native studies.
28. University of California Santa Cruz – The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry
The University of California, Santa Cruz offers a free online course that explains the history behind The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry. The “Holocaust,” to the uninitiated, was a dark period in history where over six million European Jews were slaughtered. All that transpired and the aftermath of it is brilliantly captured and thoroughly examined in this course, which touches on issues like the rise of the Nazis to power, and the concentration camps.
If you’re curious about learning about history, especially a dark one like this, then this could be useful knowledge that takes a glimpse of the dark state of our world during the Nazi revolt.
29. University of Michigan’s Free Course On Leading People and Teams
The University of Michigan offers a free online course on how to manage teams and lead people whether as an actual leader, or team player. It contains five courses and takes up to 20 weeks to complete, and is only one of the huge course catalogs offered by UMich that are dedicated to teaching students soft skills like communication, time management, creativity, leadership, and people skills.
This is a recommended course if you are looking to have a solid understanding of leadership principles and people management, and be able to apply them to your own life and professional endeavors.
30. University of Arizona’s Astronomy: Exploring Time & Space Course
Astronomy: Exploring Time & Space is a free online course available from the University of Arizona. This course offers an introduction to astronomy, covering subjects like the solar system, stars, and galaxies.
31. University of California Santa Barbara’s Course On The Power of Economics
The University of California, Santa Barbara offers a course called The Power of Economics that teaches the basic ideas of economics. Supply and demand, market equilibrium, and governmental market intervention are some of the subjects covered in the course. You will have a firm understanding of how the economy functions and the resources economists employ to study economic issues by the end of the course.
The course is self-paced, allowing you to finish it at your own pace. Upon completion, you will also receive a printable certificate. No prior knowledge of economics is necessary because the course is designed for beginners.
32. University of Cape Town – What is a Mind?
The University of Cape Town offers a course called What is a Mind? that focuses on the nature of the mind and how it interacts with the brain. Perception, consciousness, memory, and emotions are some of the subjects covered in the course. You will have a better understanding of the human mind and the intricate processes that underlie our thoughts and behaviors by the end of the course.
The course is self-paced, and when it is finished, a printable certificate is provided. It is intended for anyone who is interested in how the mind functions, regardless of academic background.
33. University of Tokyo – Introduction to Deep Learning
The University of Tokyo’s Introduction to Deep Learning covers the fundamentals of this branch of machine learning that entails teaching artificial neural networks to spot patterns in data. Convolutional neural networks, backpropagation, and neural networks in general are some of the topics covered in the course.
You will have a thorough understanding of deep learning principles and potential applications by the end of the course.
The course is self-paced, and when it is finished, a printable certificate is provided. It is intended for anyone with an interest in artificial intelligence or machine learning, though some familiarity with basic programming is advised.
34. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Marketing in a Digital World
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Marketing Champaign’s in a Digital World course teaches the fundamentals of marketing in the digital age. Search engine optimization, social media marketing, and content marketing are among the subjects covered in the course. You will have a thorough understanding of how to use digital marketing tools to connect with your target market and expand your company by the end of the course.
The course is self-paced, and when it is finished, a printable certificate is provided. It is intended for business owners, marketers, and anyone else who is curious about learning how to use digital marketing to market their goods or services.
35. University of California San Francisco – Health Informatics in the Cloud
The University of California San Francisco’s Health Informatics in the Cloud course introduces students to the fundamentals of health informatics, a discipline that deals with the gathering, storing, and application of health data to enhance patient care. Data security, telemedicine, and electronic health records are some of the topics covered in the course. You will have a firm understanding of how health informatics functions and the potential advantages it may provide by the end of the course.
The course is self-paced, and when it is finished, a printable certificate is provided. Healthcare experts, researchers, and anyone else interested in learning more about health informatics are the target audience.
FAQs About Free Online Courses With Printable Certificates
What is the best free online certificate course?
There are so many valuable MOOCs offering highly-rated free online courses online. Deciding on which course is best for you will depend on your choice; where you are at in your career and where you want to get ahead.
Which website is best for online certification courses?
Again, this isn’t a subjective answer. There are many valuable online certification courses. But depending on your preferred specialization, this is how we recommend platforms for you:
- For general tech courses — Coursera, Codeacademy, FreeCodeCamp, Udemy,, DataCamp, etc.
- For Machine Learning and Data Science — Kaggle, Coursera, edX, Udacity, etc.
- For business and MBAs — Tekedia Institute, Nexford, etc.
- For 3D Animation, Modeling & VFX — LinkedIn Learning.
- For entrepreneurship diplomas — Alison
- For open courses — FutureLearn, OpenLearn, etc.
Are free online course certifications valuable?
Yes, certifications from free online courses are valuable. They showcase your skills and competence to your employer and prove why you may be a good fit for a job. Some of these courses are free but their certificates are paid for.
Can you put free online courses on your CV?
Yes, if it is relevant to the job you are applying to, then it is imperative that you have online courses on your CV. For example, a person who is applying for a job as a Safety Engineer must be able to show their certificates where they’ve taken any safety or HSE-related course.
Are these certificates awarded for free?
While all the courses in this article are free, most of them offer certificates that you must pay for before you can get them. However, these certificates are valuable; if you can pay for them, then by all means do.
Recommended for You
If you like this article, then you will equally love these:
- Best Free Online Computer Courses With Certificates
- List of the Best Free Online Universities
- Best Free Diploma Courses With Certificates
- Best Online Courses for Teens.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, free online courses with printable certificates are a great way to learn new skills and gain knowledge. However, it’s essential to do your research and make sure you are using a reputable platform that offers high-quality courses.
Additionally, it’s important to understand that these certificates may or may not be recognized by employers, so it’s crucial to do your due diligence and research the industry you’re interested in. With the right approach, these courses can be a valuable tool in advancing your career and achieving your goals.