Free online courses are a great way to gain new skills, learn more about a topic or amp up your study game. If you’re looking for free online courses in South Africa, then we’ve got good news!
There are plenty of free online courses you can do right at your own university. Whether you’re studying from your dorm or your favourite spot on campus, here are the top 5 universities offering free online courses in South Africa:
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University of Cape Town (UCT) Free Online Courses
Rated as the best university in South Africa by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), the University of Cape Town (UCT) offers free online courses to students through its Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED) platform.
On the CHED platform, UCT offers a couple of courses that are hosted by online educational platforms Coursera and FutureLearn. You can find the following awesome courses on the CHED platform:
Becoming a Changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation
Are you eager to create a positive impact in the world? The “Becoming a Changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation” course is a free 6-week course by Coursera that is designed for anyone who wants to make a difference.
It doesn’t matter if you’re already familiar with social innovation and social entrepreneurship, part of an organisation aiming to boost its social impact or just beginning your journey—this course is for you!
Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries
The “Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries” course is not just any ordinary course; it presents a compelling challenge that will make you think deeply about how you can lift societies out of poverty while also doing your part to tackle greenhouse gas emissions.
Throughout the course, you’ll get a chance to explore the experiences of five amazing countries—Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and South Africa.
By examining successful strategies for both economic progress and climate change mitigation, you’ll be able to envision a brighter and more sustainable future for the global community.
Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by medical papers filled with confusing terms like “confidence interval” or “p-value,” fear not! The “Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics” course is designed just for you.
As a medical student preparing to embark on your own research journey, understanding statistical analysis and results is vital for your confidence and success.
It’s important for you to grasp these concepts, which is why the “Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics” course offers a user-friendly introduction to interpreting common statistical ideas without drowning you in complex math formulas.
University of Johannesburg (UJ) Free Online Courses
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is situated in the heart of Gauteng and has been ranked among the best universities globally multiple times! Not only is UJ an impeccable university, but it also has a pretty decent line-up of free online courses that you can peruse and enroll in, such as the courses listed below:
Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR 2023
If the idea of a digital-first future filled with intelligent Artificial Intelligence (AI) and logically-based algorithms actively excites you, then the “Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR 2023” course is for you!
From 4IR and automation to real-world applications, the “Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR 2023” course will show you exactly what AI means in today’s society, as well as its applications and implications for the future of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Financial Literacy: Be Money Wise 2023 (2nd Intake)
Struggling to keep track of your finances? The “Financial Literacy: Be Money Wise 2023” course can definitely help! The programme is designed to teach you how to manage your money, which will ultimately allow you to make better financial decisions.
Remember, financial literacy is a lifelong skill that will not only help you during emergencies but will also enhance your future and everyday life.What are you waiting for? Be money-wise and enrol now!
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Free Online Courses
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is renowned for its top-quality research facilities and offers an array of programmes in a variety of fields. UKZN is also one of the largest in South Africa, home to five main campuses in both Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
However, students also have the option of studying remotely by completing one of UKZN’s free online courses.
You’re convinced and eager to study, right?! Here are some of the online courses you can study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN):
Visionary Leadership — The Role of Cultural Intelligence
In order to be an effective leader, you’ve got to activate your Cultural Intelligence (or CQ for short). CQ leaders are incredibly mindful, particularly of their behaviour, and are skilled at self-reflection—two major skills you’ll be learning once you take the “Visionary Leadership—The Role of Cultural Intelligence” course.
Achieve your goal of becoming a multicultural leader and take this course today!
IBM Digital Skills Training
Get synced to all things digital with the “IBM Digital Skills Training” course at UKZN. This course hones in on all things digital literacy and will give you the tools you need to succeed at work and at university.
Don’t wait, start your digital training today!
Free Digital Courses From Google
Nothing says digital learning like “Free Digital Courses From Google.” These courses are jam-packed with all the tips, tricks and tools marketers need to navigate the digital universe.
From Data Analytics and Google Ads to UX Design and Digital Marketing, there’s a free online course for everyone. Why wait?
Stellenbosch University (Maties) Free Online Courses
Not only is Stellenbosch University (Maties) located in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, but it also has the highest student success rate in the country. Kind of wants you to complete an online course there, doesn’t it?
Let’s see what free online courses Stellenbosch University (Maties) has to offer:
Data Science Principles
Get a sense of what data science is all about with the “Data Science Principles” course at Stellenbosch University (Maties). This course gives you an overview of a math-free introduction to everything data science entails, including prediction, causality, data wrangling, privacy and ethics.
Introduction to Human Resources (HR) Leadership and HR Management Strategies
The “Introduction to Human Resources (HR) Leadership and HR Management Strategies” course offers profound knowledge and guidance from academic and scholar Dr Jacques Pienaar, a lecturer in Industrial Psychology at Stellenbosch University (Maties).
In this course, you’ll be able to explore issues such as ‘ethics and governance’, ‘HR risk management’ and ‘digital HR strategy’. The course is ideal for anyone who wishes to improve their understanding of HR management strategies and who would like to develop their HR leadership skills.
Futurism and Business: Dealing with Complexity
Do you strive to be a business leader in this future-driven world? If you answered “yes”, then the “Futurism and Business: Dealing with Complexity” course was made for you.
Thinking about the future is a vital skill for every business leader, which is why this course teaches you the skills you’ll need to navigate uncertainties, anticipate industry trends and make strategic decisions that drive sustainable growth and success for your business.
Not only does this course teach you how to prepare for future trends but you’ll also learn some practical skills that will show you how to predict them. Ready to learn?
University of South Africa (UNISA)
The University of South Africa (UNISA) has made it its mission to foster diversity and multiculturalism with its free online language courses! Learn one of five official South African languages with UNISA and show off your language skills at university.
Choose from any one of the following five languages, namely:
- Northern Sotho
- Tswana
- Zulu
- Southern Sotho
- Xhosa
Each course will teach you the basics of the language, and includes a number of categories, including, but not limited to: greetings, numbers, days, seasons, weather, shopping and more!
You can learn more about UNISA’s “Learn to Speak an African Language” course by visiting the UNISA website.
Fund Your Studies with Fundi
Look, online courses are great. But the real upskilling comes with a diploma or a degree. If you’re looking to study at a college or apply for university, then you may be in need of some funding. Luckily, Fundi can help!
Fundi covers a multitude of educational fees, including everything from tuition costs to study devices. Take a look at the Fundi Loan Calculator to see if you qualify today!
