If you happen to be between the ages of thirteen and nineteen and are seeking an educational opportunity to help shape your future, you need not look any further than our list of the best free online courses for teens.
Notably, these free online courses offer a great opportunity for teens to explore and gain knowledge, providing a wide variety of courses for every interest. From business to science, making it an ideal resource for teens to broaden their horizons. As the world becomes more digital, online learning has become a simple and convenient way to do so.
As a result, teens can explore topics they are interested in and gain the skills they need to thrive in the future. Thus, we have compiled a list of the top 35 free online courses for teens aged 13 to 19 that cater to various interests.
Our comprehensive list has something for everyone, whether you want to improve your coding skills, brush up on your business knowledge, or learn a new language. Moreover, since all of these courses are free, you can benefit from them without breaking the bank.
Best Free Online Platforms for Teens to Learn Anything
The world has changed so much today; I mean, 13-year-olds now own gadgets and tablet phones today, and have access to the internet. If you think back to two decades ago, this wasn’t the case. While the technology impact of this is laudable, it offers teenagers the opportunity to learn a lot of things on the internet that they may not be exposed to in school. And this puts them way ahead of their ages.
If you’re a 13 – 19-year-old teenager, or a parent reading this, distance learning is possible. What’s more, you can learn a range of things like business, entrepreneurship, writing, coding, graphic design, marketing, sales, 3D animation, and more online for free. The following are the top free online MOOCs available today; some of them, however, offer their services at a price, but let you access quality education materials for free only for a limited time.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a free educational website that offers courses in a wide range of subjects, from math and science to languages and art.
Best for Learning: Math, science, computing, history, art history, K-14, and test preparation, including SAT, Praxis, and LSAT content.
MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare is a MOOC (massive open online courses) platform provided by the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the best schools in the world. The courses provided on the website are great for anyone looking to gain knowledge in the computer science area but lacks enough funding to go to a proper college yet. It is also an ideal option for supplemental knowledge.
For Learning: Introductory to intermediate computer science, Machine Learning and Data Science, Macroeconomics and Microeconomics, Financial Analysis, Statistics and Probability, Math, Quantum Physics, and more.
Coursera
Coursera is a platform that offers free courses from top universities around the world. You can access courses on a variety of topics, including business, economics, and computer science.
Coursera partners with top global universities to provide courses in various aspects that students can take advantage of. There are only two ways students and teens can learn for free on Coursera:
- They offer financial aid on some of their courses; you can apply for those and get access to learn for free,
- or you can choose to audit a particular course on the platform — but this means that you won’t get the certificate after learning unless you pay for it.
Best for: Computer Science courses, financial modeling, writing, marketing, and a host of other digital skills.
edX
edX, like Coursera, is a platform that provides free online courses from top universities. You can explore topics from programming to engineering to psychology and more.
Best for: Computer Science, business and business analytics, writing, design, and more.
Udemy
Udemy is a great resource for online courses. You can find courses on a variety of topics, from web development and design to entrepreneurship. Udemy, however, is not entirely free. But quality courses are being offered for free on the platform.
Also, you can get coupon codes from websites like discudemy to get courses on Udemy for free.
Best for: Programming
FutureLearn
FutureLearn is a platform that offers courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. The good thing about FutureLearn is that it is a generalist platform, offering everything from mental health courses to language courses, and they are mostly short courses that can be completed in a few weeks.
Best for: Business, UX Design, and more.
Free Code Camp
Free Code Camp is a great resource for learning how to code from scratch. It offers pathway courses in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more.
Best for: Learning how to code as a beginner.
Code Academy
Code Academy is another great resource for learning to code. You can access courses on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Ruby, and more.
Best for Data Analytics
Alison
Alison is a fantastic platform for free online courses. IT and programming courses, as well as business and marketing courses, are available.
Harvard MOOC
Harvard Online MOOCs provide free courses on a wide range of topics, from art and design to IT and engineering.
Google Digital Garage
Google Digital Garage provides free online courses on a variety of topics ranging from digital marketing and SEO to web development and design.
Best for Digital Marketing for beginners.
Plural Sight
Pluralsight is an excellent resource for learning to code. HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other courses are available.
For Learning: Software development, IT operations, data, and more.
Skillshare
Skillshare is an excellent website for finding free online courses. Courses on topics ranging from photography and design to business and marketing are available. When you register on Skillshare, you get to access any course on the website for free for one month, and you’ll also be eligible for a discount on your first subscription.
Best for: Photography, Pro-create, Digital Artistry, Freelancing, Entrepreneurship, etc.
ed2go
Ed2go is a fantastic site for finding free online courses. Courses on topics ranging from web development and programming to finance and accounting can be found.
OpenLearn
OpenLearn is an excellent site for finding free online courses. Courses on a wide range of topics are available, from business and finance to health and social care.
Saylor Academy
Saylor Academy offers free online courses in a variety of topics, from business and economics to history and philosophy.
List of the Best Free Online Courses for Teens (In 35 Different Categories)
Now that you are aware of several platforms where you can acquire knowledge through free online courses, it’s time to explore the extent to which you can benefit from them. To that end, we have compiled a list of 35 skill areas that pique the interest of teens today, along with courses that you can start taking to gain the necessary knowledge and expertise. This list covers a wide range of topics, including coding, machine learning, and business, amongst others, and is packed with the most in-demand skills that are capturing the attention of teenagers everywhere. Therefore, we encourage you to peruse the list below and find out more about these exciting opportunities to enrich your knowledge and enhance your skill set.
1. Learn to Code
Teens are very interested in coding these days, and children as young as 5 start coding and learning how to play with programming languages. If you’re a teenager that fits this description, then you’ll love these recommendations.
You’ll learn the fundamentals of coding as well as how to create your apps in these courses.
- Code Week: Teens Get Coding! — OpenSAP
- Code Week: Teaching Programming to Young Leaders — OpenSAP
2. Web Design and Development
Learn the fundamentals of web design and development while creating your websites.
Our recommended courses include:
3. Financial Literacy
Learn how to make informed financial decisions.
- Financial Literacy for Teens — Udemy
- The Fundamentals of Business — Smartly
4. Introduction to Statistics
Learn the fundamentals of statistical analysis and data interpretation.
- Introduction to Statistics — Udacity
- Introduction to Statistics (Audit) — Stanford Online via Coursera
5. Digital Marketing
Gain an understanding of the world of digital marketing and learn how to promote your own brand.
- Build Your Web Presence — Google Digital Garage
- Viral Marketing and How to Create Contagious Content — Coursera
- Google Fundamentals of Digital Marketing & E-commerce — Coursera
6. Entrepreneurship
Discover how to launch your own company and become a successful entrepreneur.
- How to Build a Startup — Udacity
7. Machine Learning
Learn the fundamentals of machine learning as well as how to create algorithms.
- Machine Learning by Andrew Ng — Coursera
- Practical Machine Learning with Scikit
- Learn Keras: Building 4 Deep Learning Applications — Udemy
- What is Machine Learning — Udemy Free Course
- Learn Machine Learning Algorithms, Software, Deep Learning
8. Computer Science
Learn about the fundamentals of computer science and how to create software.
- CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science — Harvard University
- Introduction to Computer Science and Programming — MIT Online
- Computer Science 101 — Stanford University via edX
- Computer Science: Programming With a Purpose — Princeton University via Coursera
- Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals Specialization — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign via Coursera
9. Python Programming
Learn the fundamentals of Python programming and create your programs.
- Intro to Python — Udacity
- Intro to Python — W3Schools
- Python for Everybody — Coursera
- 100 Days of Code — Angela Yu on Udemy (not free but worth mentioning)
10. Adobe Photoshop
Master the basics of Adobe Photoshop and create stunning artwork.
- Photoshop for Beginners — Envato Tuts+ [YouTube]
- Photoshop Fundamentals — Udemy
11. Video Production
Learn the fundamentals of video production while creating professional videos.
12. Digital Photography
Learn the fundamentals of digital photography and how to take stunning photographs.
- Stanford’s Digital Photography Course
- An Introduction to Photography by Karl Taylor Education
- Intermediate Digital Photography by Alison
13. Public Speaking
Learn how to be a confident public speaker.
- Communication Skills – Persuasion & Motivation by Alison
- Conquering the Fear of Public Speaking — Udemy
14. Social Media Marketing
Understand the basics of social media marketing.
- Free Social Media Analytics for Beginners by Quintly
- Social Media Marketing Course — HubSpot Academy
15. 3D Animation
Create 3D animations while learning the fundamentals of 3D modeling.
- Learn Whiteboard 3D Animations With Videoscribe — Udemy
- Hand-Painted Tile Textures in Blender 2.7x — Udemy
16. Graphic Design
Learn the fundamentals of animation and graphic design while creating your own artwork.
- Graphic Design Course — HubSpot Academy
17. Language Courses
What if you’re interested in learning a new language as a teenager? These are resources for you:
- SPANISH: Basic Spanish 1: Getting Started by Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
- ALL OTHER LANGUAGES: Learn on Duolingo using a gamified approach to learning
18. Business Fundamentals
Learn the fundamentals of business and develop the skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur.
- Business Fundamentals: Project Management — FutureLearn
19. Game Design
Create your own games and learn the fundamentals of game design.
- Visual Storytelling for Film & Video Game — Kadenze
- Harvard’s CS50 Introduction to Game Development
- Creating Video Games by MIT OCW
20. Cybersecurity
Gain a working knowledge of cybersecurity and learn how to protect yourself online.
- Cybersecurity Full Course — Simplilearn [YouTube]
- Introduction to Cybersecurity FutureLearn — FutureLearn
21. Data Science
Understand the fundamentals of data science and how to interpret data.
- Intro to Data Science — Udacity
- Data Science Free Course for Beginners — Simplilearn
22. Content Writing
Learn how to write engaging content and how to create content for the web.
- Content Marketing Certification — HubSpot Academy
- Introduction to Digital Humanities — Harvard University via edX
- Grow With Words: Writing & Editing — Coursera
23. Search Engine Optimization
Discover the fundamentals of SEO and how to optimize your website.
24. Digital Art
Learn the fundamentals of digital art and create stunning artwork.
- Artistic Digital Portrait Painting — Udemy
- Level 1 Painting Tutorial — Udemy
25. Economics
Understand the fundamentals of economics and learn how to make sound economic decisions.
- The Power of Macroeconomics: Economic Principles in the Real World by University of California
- MIT Microeconomics
- Yale Financial Markets
26. Audio Production
Learn how to record and mix audio as well as the fundamentals of audio production.
27. Music Production
Learn the fundamentals of music production and create your music.
- Music Production Specialization — Coursera
28. Robotics
Learn the fundamentals of robotics and how to construct robots.
- University of Pennsylvania Robotics Specialization
- Columbia University Robotics
- Robotics Process Automation
29. Java Programming
Learn the fundamentals of Java programming and create your applications.
30. Blockchain
Learn about the fundamentals of blockchain and how to build distributed applications.
- Blockchain Specialization Course by University of Buffalo — Coursera
- Blockchain Foundations for Developers by IBM — Coursera
31. Mobile App Development
Learn the fundamentals of mobile app development and create your own applications.
- Creating a Great User Experience for Mobile Apps — FutureLearn
- Build Your Very First iOS App — edX
32. UX Design
Understand the fundamentals of UX design and discover how to create user-friendly interfaces.
33. Mental Health Awareness Courses
As teens, you get to interact with a bunch of kids your age, every day. It is important to learn people skills that help you get along, and help other children with needs; as well as learn how to take care of your mental health.
- Young People & Mental Health — FutureLearn
- Community Organizing for Social Justice — Coursera
- ADHD: Everyday Strategies for Elementary Students — Coursera
- Injury Prevention for Children and Teens — edX
- Volunteering in the Classroom: Planning and Organizing Practical STEM Activities — FutureLearn
- Youth Mental Health: Helping Young People With Anxiety
- Bullying 101: Beyond Common Sense — iversity
- Caring for Vulnerable Children — FutureLearn
- Building Character Through Youth Social Action — FutureLearn
34. Digital Drawing
Master the fundamentals of digital drawing to create stunning artwork.
35. Productivity Classes
As teenagers, it is also that you take courses online that supercharge your productivity and thinking. These are our recommended courses online:
- Learning How to Learn — Coursera
- Creative Thinking: Techniques & Tools for Success — Coursera
- The Science of Well-being — Coursera
- The Science of Happiness — edX
- How to Organise Your Workflow to Maximizing Productivity by Ali Abdaal — Skillshare
- Essentials of Youth Policy by Canvas Network
- The Science of Training Young Athletes — Coursera
FAQs About Online Courses for Teens
- What do students like most about online learning?
From multiple surveys and opinions we found on the internet, the reason, as we understand, why students prefer learning online is because of the freedom and flexibility this option provides. Even from a personal standpoint, I prefer learning online to in-person classes (if it can be helped) because of the cost of commuting fees it saves me, and the self-paced courses that let me complete them in my own free time.
2. What to expect from online schooling?
Most online courses out there offer value—whether little or by a great margin. Some of the courses in this article are for beginners, while others may be for intermediate learners. In all, these are all courses that contain video lectures, quizzes, assignments, discussion forums, and other resources that aid online learning.
Do these free online courses for teens offer certificates?
Some of these free online courses for teens offer certificates for free; while others require you to pay money to obtain them after you must have completed all the requirements leading to it. If it is something you or your parents can afford, it is advisable to pay for the certificates so you can show your competence in any skill path you choose.
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Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, it is worth noting that there is a broad selection of free online courses available for teens aged 13 to 19, all of which present an excellent opportunity for teenagers to supplement their traditional education, explore their interests, and acquire valuable skills that will be beneficial in the future.
Moreover, this list of the top 35 free online courses enables teens to identify the course that best suits their needs without incurring any expenses. However, the education issue today is no longer merely about access, but relevance. Nevertheless, we believe that we have furnished you with the necessary information you require to pursue a successful career in any field of your choice. We wish you the best of luck!