Whether you’re a high school graduate waiting for university to start, a university student looking to boost your CV, or a working adult hoping to upskill without breaking the bank—free online courses are one of the smartest, most accessible ways to invest in yourself in 2025. But with thousands of platforms out there, knowing where to start (and which ones are actually worth your time) can be overwhelming.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve rounded up some of the best platforms where students can enrol in free online courses in 2025—covering everything from digital marketing to coding, entrepreneurship to AI and more.
These platforms are accessible, flexible and packed with quality content from global experts and top universities—and many even offer certificates you can proudly add to your CV or LinkedIn profile.
Table of Contents
Why Free Online Courses Are Worth It
Before we dive into where to go, let’s talk about why this matters—especially to students.
- It builds your CV: Whether you’re applying for a job, an internship or a bursary, showing that you’ve taken the initiative to learn on your own makes a strong impression.
- It helps you stay competitive: With unemployment levels still high and industries shifting rapidly, online learning can give you the edge in high-demand fields like tech, finance and digital communications.
- It’s affordable: No transport costs. No textbooks. No tuition fees. Just data, time and many platforms now let you download lessons for offline use.
- It gives you flexibility: Whether you’re juggling a part-time job or family commitments, you can learn at your own pace, from anywhere.
So where can you start?
Coursera
Coursera is one of the biggest names in the online learning world—and for good reason. It partners with top universities like the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) as well as companies like Google to offer university-grade learning for free.
While some courses require payment for certificates, you can still audit most courses for free—meaning you get access to all the learning content without paying a cent.
What’s great for students in 2025:
- Wide range of job-relevant skills: from digital marketing to business writing, cybersecurity, coding, data science and project management.
- University-affiliated certificates (if you choose to upgrade).
- You can learn on mobile, with the Coursera app, which is useful if you’re on limited data.
Pro tip: If you’re job-hunting, check out Coursera’s free Google Career Certificates, which focus on real-world skills for entry-level roles.
Eager to find more online courses as a student? Then check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Free Online Courses in South Africa.
edX
If you’ve ever dreamed of studying at a prestigious university, edX lets you do just that, virtually. Like Coursera, you can access course content for free and only pay if you want a certificate.
Ideal for those who are academically curious or want to explore more advanced topics like international relations, economics, AI ethics or environmental science.
Why it’s great for South Africans:
- Courses from some of the most respected universities in the world.
- Perfect for learners who plan to study abroad or apply for postgraduate programmes later.
- Topics relevant to South Africa’s challenges, like climate justice, education reform and global health.
Udemy
Unlike academic platforms, Udemy is geared toward practical, short-form learning. You’ll find instructors from all over the world (including South Africa) offering tutorials on everything from web design and app development to Canva hacks, Excel spreadsheets, and side hustles.
While many courses are paid, Udemy offers thousands of free ones too—just use the filter “Free” when browsing.
What makes it useful:
- Bite-sized, practical skills that can help you launch a small business, freelance, or pick up a new tech tool.
- No deadlines or schedules—100% self-paced learning.
- Affordable if you decide to buy a course later, with frequent discounts.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn offers free courses from institutions like the University of Cape Town (UCT), Wits University, and global universities such as King’s College London. Their courses often have a social impact focus, exploring topics like decolonisation, gender equity, climate change and social entrepreneurship.
What sets FutureLearn apart:
- Local context: Many courses are tailored for the African continent.
- You can access course materials for free for a limited time (usually 4–6 weeks).
- Courses often include community discussions, so you can learn alongside peers around the world.
Digital Skills for Africa
Digital Skills for Africa offers free, short courses on everything from digital marketing and CV writing to coding basics and remote working. It’s 100% free and available in multiple languages.
Why it’s a great fit for SA students:
- Designed for Africans entering the job market or starting small businesses.
- Highly practical and easy to follow.
- Most courses take under 10 hours to complete—and many come with certificates.
This is a great place to start if you’ve never done online learning before.
Alison
Alison is one of the oldest free learning platforms in the world and offers free certificates for completed courses (though you may need to pay for physical ones or diploma upgrades).
The platform covers a huge range of topics—from health and safety to tourism, business English, caregiving and basic coding.
What we love about Alison:
- Low data usage: Good for mobile learners with limited access to Wi-Fi.
- Certifications are available immediately after completion.
- Skills can be filtered by career path, like teacher, IT specialist or HR admin.
LinkedIn Learning
While LinkedIn Learning is usually paid, certain South African universities, such as the University of the Free State (UFS), offer free access if you have a student card. You can also trial one free month to see if you like it. The courses are polished, professional and focused on business, tech, and leadership skills.
Benefits:
- Learn skills that directly improve your LinkedIn profile.
- Great for learning Excel, email etiquette, conflict management, and leadership.
- Track your progress and showcase badges on your CV or job profile.
How to Choose the Right Course for You
With so many options, the hardest part is deciding where to begin. Here’s how to find a course that matches your goals:
Start by asking:
- What do I want to use this skill for? (Job? Side hustle? School?)
- Do I prefer video lessons, quizzes or reading?
- Do I need a certificate for my CV?
Then, browse two or three platforms from the list above and start with a short course (1–2 hours) to test the waters.
And remember, learning online is a skill in itself—so go easy on yourself. Even completing one short course puts you ahead of the curve.
Final Thoughts on Finding Free Online Courses
The future belongs to those who keep learning—and thanks to free online courses, you don’t need a huge budget or fancy equipment to start. Whether you’re improving your skills for a job, exploring a new interest or building your side hustle, the tools are already at your fingertips.
Take advantage of the opportunities in 2025, start with just one course, and watch your confidence and career grow. The world’s best teachers are now just a click away—and your next learning breakthrough might be, too.
Need Funding for Your Studies? Fundi Can Help
While online courses are great for upskilling, you might still need help funding formal university or college studies. That’s where Fundi comes in. If you’re planning to study full-time and need help covering your tuition, accommodation or learning materials, Fundi offers student loans that are flexible and reliable.
Keen to find out if you qualify for a Fundi study loan? Then be sure to try out the Fundi Loan Calculator and start your educational journey today.
