Lifelong learning is important for all professionals to grow and succeed in their careers. And today, it’s easier and more affordable to do than ever before.
Whether you’re looking to make a career change, reach the next level in your industry, or just expand your knowledge, there are tons of effective, high-quality options to support your professional growth.
Here are 20 amazing low-cost (or free) online learning platforms to try out today.
20 Free Online Learning Platforms
From coding to cooking, math to management—there’s an online platform out there for you.
To help you cut through the clutter and find reputable ways to learn online, the Launch team has rounded up 20 of our favorite options.
These platforms range in their offerings, and many have free and affordable price points, making continuous learning for career advancement accessible to anyone.
Online Learning for Technical Skills
These virtual learning resources for professionals offer certificates or credentialed programs in technical skill areas. They are ideal for upskilling or career pivots in which you need to demonstrate knowledge and ability. Here are seven options to check out:
1. Coursera
Coursera offers thousands of courses and programs from leading post-secondary schools; areas of study include project management, data science, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and more.
How to join: Take a single course, certificate program, or online Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Cost: Ranges from free coursework to degree programs costing thousands of dollars.
2. EdX
Similar to Coursera, EdX offers coursework from universities and colleges on computer science, data management, project management, coding, computer programming, and many other professional industries.
How to join: Similar to Coursera, learners can take anything from a single course to a full degree program on EdX from reputable post-secondary schools.
Cost: Ranges from free coursework to degree programs costing thousands of dollars.
3. Khan Academy
Primarily geared toward academic learning, Khan Academy offers robust courses and tutorials in areas of math, science, programming, and more. Suitable to all ages and levels, including grade school, university, and career development.
How to join: Choose between standalone tutorials and videos or choose learning paths with defined areas of study.
Cost: Free.
5. Codecademy
Learn coding from scratch or improve your skills and knowledge by taking single courses on specific topics of following a skill or career-path program. You can earn certificates for your accomplishments. Besides coding languages, Codecademy also offers courses on subjects like cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, machine learning, and more.
How to join: Choose between standalone tutorials and videos or choose learning paths with defined areas of study.
Cost: Three plan tiers—Basic is free, Plus is $14.99/month, and Pro is $19.99/month.
6. Udemy
Udemy offers a wide range of technical courses, including Python, Excel, web development, and more. There are plans designed for either individual learning or organizations and teams that want to implement new skills.
How to join: Learn from standalone coursework or follow a defined certificate program.
Cost: Personal plans start at $16.57/month and include unlimited learning. You can also purchase individual courses for $19.99-$199.00.
7. MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare offers free courses with interactive content from leading post-secondary institution MIT. You can access free lecture notes, exams, and videos from MIT without being registered at the school. Topics include everything from environment and sustainability to technical subjects, humanities, and art.
How to join: Browse and use coursework and materials at your own pace. There’s no sign-up, registration, or course start and end dates.
Cost: Free.
8. Treehouse
Learn AI, data science, and more at your own pace in an interactive hands-on learning environment. Popular programs include front-end development, full-stack JavaScript, data analysis, UX design, and Python.
How to join: Choose individual courses or longer programs to learn new skills.
Cost: Four membership tiers, starting at $25/month for access to coursework. Upgrade to $49/month for career-focused talks and supplemental coding content.
Online Learning for Creative Skills
Whether pursuing creative skills for work or pleasure, there are some great learning platforms that can help you. Here are four options to level up your creative skills:
1. Skillshare
Skillshare has a library of thousands of courses from creative professionals, focusing on skills like graphic design, photography, and creative writing. Almost anyone can become a Skillshare creator, meaning you can learn from other creative people who are passionate about their work.
How to join: Take individual courses or choose sequential classes to meet a specific learning goal.
Cost: A limited selection of classes are free, but there are membership options for both individuals and teams that provide full access.
2. Adobe Creative Cloud Tutorials
Grow in your skills and knowledge through tutorials for Adobe’s suite of creative software, including Photoshop, Lightroom, Acrobat, Adobe Express, and more.
How to join: Adobe’s learning library has thousands of video tutorials and articles, some as short as 3-4 minutes to make learning available in bite-size pieces.
Cost: Adobe Creative Cloud tutorials are available with your purchase of Adobe applications, with prices starting at $19.99/month and varying based on the app.
3. YouTube
Perhaps one of the original online learning platforms out there, YouTube is a wealth of knowledge and information. There are channels like The Futur for design and DSLRGuide for videography can help you build skills and knowledge in creative fields. While there are many credentialed professionals creating content on YouTube, it is not a vetted platform—learners are responsible for finding accurate information when searching on the platform.
How to join: With its huge library of content and powerful search engine, you can find just about anything you want on YouTube. Follow and favorite channels that appeal to you so you can keep up with new content.
Cost: Free; YouTube premium is $13.99/month and offers ad-free and offline options, which may support learning goals.
4. MasterClass
MasterClass allows you to learn from the best. Professionals, experts, and celebrity figures offer courses on their area of expertise—you can learn to write with Malcolm Gladwell or cook with Gordon Ramsey. These high-quality video lessons are engaging and easy to follow.
How to join: Sign up for a class, which includes pre-recorded video content. Most courses are between 1-3 hours long.
Cost: Various membership tiers starting at $10.00/month.
Online Learning for Business and Management Skills
Managers, leaders, and business owners can all benefit from improving their skills and knowledge. Here are four online learning platforms that help build business and management skills:
1. LinkedIn Learning
Formerly called “Lynda,” LinkedIn’s learning platform offers courses in leadership, project management, and business strategy. As it’s connected to your LinkedIn profile, it can provide tailored recommendations for your career path.
How to join: You can activate LinkedIn Learning by joining LinkedIn Premium for less than $20.00/month.
Cost: LinkedIn offers Premium membership options for individuals and teams, starting at $20.00/month.
2. Google Digital Garage
Digital marketing and business communication courses are designed to help you grow or pivot your career or reach business aspirations. Free live webinars are categorized into career, business, and skill-based learning.
How to join: Live webinars are available to everyone—sign up and join one that interests you.
Cost: Free
3. Harvard Online Learning
Harvard Online Learning offers free and low-cost courses, programs, and webinars from Harvard University. Popular areas of study include business, art and design, humanities, mathematics, and more.
How to join: Courses are live and start on specific dates; select and enroll in what interests you.
Cost: Courses range from free to thousands of dollars.
4. Alison
Alison offers free courses in business, entrepreneurship, management, and more with certificate and diploma options. They also offer a mental health assessment and workplace personality assessment for you to build stronger self-awareness.
How to join: Choose from specific coursework to certificate and diploma programs.
Cost: Free.
Online Learning for Personal Development
Lifelong growth doesn’t have to be aimed at a career move—it can be personal growth, too. Focusing on yourself will increase health and well-being which improves every part of your life, including relationships and career. Here are five online learning platforms for personal development:
1. TED-Ed
TED-Ed is the educational branch of TED, the popular movement that shares ideas, philosophies, inventions, and more to transform the way we think and live. While primarily aimed at youth, TED-Ed boasts a broad library of engaging and educational videos on a range of topics for personal growth such as motivation, health and well-being, and habits.
How to join: Explore thousands of standalone video lessons or themed collections for free.
Cost: Free
2. Duolingo
With bite-sized, gamified lessons, Duolingo is an interactive and engaging app for language learning. Duolingo is an app that motivates you to keep learning through research-backed learning methods.
How to join: Download the mobile app, choose the language you want to learn, and test your starting level. From there, you’ll work up through the levels and reach higher proficiency.
Cost: Free version available, or membership and paid options for individuals, schools, businesses, and more. There are also in-app purchases available.
3. Mind Tools
With over 3000 resources, Mind Tools offers a broad selection of essential life and career skills like leadership, time management, and problem-solving. Their library includes podcasts, videos, articles, and more—all on demand.
How to join: Choose resources on demand that suit your learning goals.
Cost: Limited resources are available for free, or become a paid member and access everything.
4. FutureLearn
FutureLearn has an extensive library of resources and courses on public speaking, time management, and other personal development areas.
How to join: Choose from short courses, microcredentials, or online degrees.
Cost: Unlimited access costs $349.99/year.
5. Mindvalley
Mindvalley is committed to helping you live to your full potential. It offers courses and lessons directed to mindset growth and new ideas, such as manifesting dreams, making a positive impact, or improving relationships.
How to join: Start by taking the self-assessment to see what programs and courses fit your needs and goals. Then, download the app and select from thousands of courses, videos, and programs.
Cost: Monthly membership starts at $99.00/month
Best Practices for Online Learning
Before diving into the list of online learning platforms, a note on some best practices to follow.
Because of the huge variety of options, it’s important to start by taking time to understand what you’re hoping to get from it:
- What are your goals?
- What do you want to learn?
- Are there any requirements to consider?
Here are some things to think about when choosing a free online learning platform:
- Credentials: Various platforms offer credentialed courses, while others do not. Consider whether having a certificate or other recognition is important to you.
- Duration: Some free online learning platforms offer one-off videos or short courses you can complete in an afternoon, whereas others take months or years. Make sure you know what you can and want to commit to.
- Difficulty: Online courses range from beginner to advanced and appeal to students and professionals alike. Make sure you review the material and who the intended audience is so you are choosing something in line with your current capabilities and knowledge.
- Interaction: Do you want to interact with others or prefer to go at it solo? Some courses are videos to watch independently, while others offer live classes, participation, group projects, and other interactive elements. Consider what works for you and choose accordingly.
After considering these characteristics, you can choose the best online learning platform to reach your goals.
It’s also important to think about how you will build learning into your professional routine:
- Will you take time off?
- Chip away at it on evenings and weekends?
- Dedicate your lunch breaks to learning?
- Allocate a chunk of your workday to professional development?
Consider what will fit into your schedule and what’s realistic for you at this point. Then, talk to relevant people—your manager, colleagues, family members, partner—about your goals with this learning path. This helps create accountability towards your goals and ensures you have support to pursue the course or program you’ve chosen.
Once you’ve completed your coursework, make sure you leverage it properly. Here are some ideas:
- Add credentials to your LinkedIn profile and resume.
- Network through online learning communities. You can start with other participants in your course to build up a network.
- Talk to your manager or colleagues about what you’ve learned and how you can apply it at work. If your upskilling endeavor means a new position or a raise, advocate for yourself.
Online learning is popular and prolific today—for good reason. Not only are there tons of platforms and options to choose from, but the skills you can learn can transform your life and career.
So, which one are you going to start with?
At Launch Workplaces, you’ll be surrounded by a diverse professional community where you can network, learn new skills, and share your own. Contact us today and book a tour of your nearest Launch Workplaces.
