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Research suggests that remote work isn’t going anywhere. By 2030, there will be over 90 million remote job positions. The demand for remote skills will increase, so increasing your skills now will benefit you later on. But choosing between countless online courses promising to teach you about side hustles or career development is overwhelming.
This article provides a clear guide to the best free online course platforms you can trust. They’re worth the time and money you’ll need to invest and increase your knowledge.
Coursera is one of the best online learning platforms where you can take or even create and sell online courses. You’ll find online courses on professional growth, career change, creative topics, technology, data science, and more. Some of the top universities offer online courses for remote students on this platform.
You can get professional certificates and online degrees to prove you’ve completed the lessons. If you’re interested in pursuing online education, focus on finding programs that offer certifications, since not all lessons will provide you with that.
Best for: Learners who want credentials backed by universities and employers.
Typical pricing: Many courses are available for free. You can purchase individual courses or get a monthly subscription. Coursera Plus (subscription for most courses) costs $59/month or about $399/year.
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Udemy is an industry leader among online course platforms. It offers a wide variety of courses in computer science, web development, digital marketing, e-commerce, and more. The platform is affordable and easy to use, so even beginner remote students can use it.
You can learn how to make money without a degree as an Udemy alumnus, as seen on their website, and have successfully launched careers in technology, marketing, business development, and more. It’s a good choice for people who need resources to improve as professionals on their own terms.
What you’ll find: A huge library of topic-specific courses from individual instructors across nearly every skill.
Best for: Learners who need a niche skill right away and want to pick from many subjects.
Pricing: Courses vary, often heavily discounted to $10–$20, though list prices can be $100+
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If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to university degrees, edX offers a wide variety of online courses, based on the curriculum of college education, at a fraction of the price. It offers extensive lessons on practical skills like website programming, marketing, business analytics, and more.
Students can find programs backed by top universities, so you can be sure of the great quality you’ll receive in the course. Each course is well-curated and focuses on practical tasks to get you ready for your career.
What you’ll find: University-level courses, micro-credentials, professional certificate tracks, and XSeries.
Best for: Learners looking for university-style rigor without full degree expenses.
Pricing: Many “audit” versions are free; verified tracks may cost $50–$300, depending on the subject
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Khan Academy is a free learning platform that focuses on beginners and current students to support their development. You’ll find online courses on school subjects like math, sciences, technology, and more. This learning platform helps you get top education without setting foot in a classroom.
The best part is that every online course is free of charge. Khan Academy is dedicated to providing the necessary education to children and students around the globe. Select one of the programs on their learning platform and get started.
What you’ll find: Free instruction in foundational topics, such as math, sciences, and early career skills.
Best for: Beginners, students, or those strengthening core foundations.
Pricing: 100% free
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MasterClass is an online learning platform that focuses on getting famous tutors who are professionals in their field. For example, you can watch an online course from Bill and Hillary Clinton. It’s a good choice for people who prefer to watch interview-style online courses and respect the expertise of well-known speakers.
Learners can dive into the world of business, writing, creative topics, professional networking, machine learning, and more. It’s not like other platforms – MasterClass offers engaging content about the subjects taught by famous professionals.
What you’ll find: Courses taught by well-known celebrities.
Best for: Inspiration, creativity, and learning from highly visible experts.
Pricing: $15–$23/month (annual subscription)
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Skillshare is an online learning platform full of creative online courses like design, writing, marketing, painting, branding, communication, and more. Most of the courses focus on real-life practice, so you’ll get to finish a project during your learning. It can also teach you how to make money in college via side hustles.
However, you’ll need a membership to get the courses. Once you pay, hundreds of resources become available for your development.
What you’ll find: Creative, entrepreneurial, and side-hustle courses.
Best for: Learners who want to improve creative knowledge.
Pricing: Membership ~$16/month or discounted annual rate
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360Training is an online learning platform that focuses on vocational education. You can get certified courses in health and safety, environmental safety, real estate, and more.
For example, you can get a real estate licence once you complete your learning. Such licences are required to open up your own business or start working for a real estate company. The learning platform provides you with government-backed and compliant certifications.
What you’ll find: Professional certification courses, compliance training, and vocational instruction (e.g., OSHA, real estate, food safety).
Best for: Learners needing specific licensing or compliance credentials.
Pricing: Varies based on the industry and course; often $30–$300+
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FutureLearn is an online learning platform featuring courses from top universities worldwide. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education without the hefty price tag or time commitment, the learning platform offers you the perfect way to join an interactive course.
What you’ll find: University courses, microcredentials, short online programs.
Best for: Learners who want social learning and discussion-based courses.
Pricing: Many free options; paid upgrades for certificates and extended access
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CareerFoundry offers career-changing courses with a focus on job guarantees. This online learning platform covers courses on UX, web coding, data analysis, marketing, and more. Learning online on CareerFoundry allows you to switch careers without quitting your job.
Simply pick a course you’re interested in, register, pay, and start learning. Before long, you’ll be ready to switch industries without sacrificing your financial situation.
What you’ll find: Bootcamps for UX, web dev, data analytics, and design with mentor guidance.
Best for: Career changers wanting one-to-one mentorship and portfolio work.
Pricing: For example, the UX design program is ~$7,500–$7,900 USD
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Mindvalley is an online learning platform that provides self-improvement learning. It includes courses on mindfulness, personal growth, and wellness. While it won’t skyrocket you in the business industry, these things are crucial for a sustainable and happy life. So, if you’re struggling to find meaning, give Mindvalley’s online courses a try.
What you’ll find: Personal growth, mindset, wellness, and self-development courses.
Best for: Learners focusing on personal growth, soft skills, mindfulness, and life transformation.
Pricing: Subscription (~$499/year or monthly model)
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Here’s a practical guide you can use to pick platforms that won’t let you down:
Also, if you’re a student looking to make money before picking a career path, you should consider getting a side hustle or setting up a passive income stream. You can do it with the help of passive income apps like Honeygain. Earn money online by renting your unused internet bandwidth and get around $20 per month without lifting a finger.
