10 Universities That Are Offering Free Online Courses for Students

If you want to make your CV stand out and gain an advantage over other job applicants, taking free online courses is a great way to achieve this. These courses not only enhance your resume but also serve as a great icebreaker during job interviews and a fun way to spend your free time. By taking advantage of free online courses with certificates, you can set yourself apart from other candidates.

Choosing the right online course can be overwhelming, with so many reputable higher education schools now offering free courses online. To help you, we have put together a list of some of the most popular free online courses from some of the world's best educational institutions. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list, but it provides an overview of the various universities that offer online learning opportunities.

Top 10 Universities That Are Offering Free Online Courses

1. Harvard University

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, is globally recognized as one of the best educational institutions. With over 600 online courses available, a few of them are free. Taking free online courses from Harvard University can set you apart from other candidates. These courses cover a variety of subjects such as computer science, programming, finance, human resources, and social sciences.

Here are some free online courses from Harvard University that come with certificates:

• Introduction to game development

• Nonprofit financial stewardship webinar

• Introduction to computer science

2. University of California

The University of California in Berkeley provides an extensive range of courses covering various subjects such as healthcare, social science, computer science, programming, and more. There are also specific free online courses to improve soft skills such as presentation, business communication, and interview skills. Students can also apply for free online courses offered by foreign universities and earn certificates, which can be a valuable asset during job interviews.

Below are some free online courses with certificates offered by the University of California:

• Science of happiness

• Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies

• Blockchain technology

3. Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology has been a top choice for free online courses since 2012, and millions have taken advantage of their offerings to enhance their resumes. The Institute provides courses in diverse fields such as data analytics, soft skills, programming, and business management, among others.

Here are some free online courses offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology:

• Supply chain principles

• Innovation leadership

• Data analytics in business

4. Michigan State University

Michigan State University, one of the largest universities in the US, offers a range of free online courses that come with certificates. Students can take advantage of these courses to enhance their CVs and increase their chances of being selected for job interviews. The courses cover various topics such as journalism, game management, filmmaking, and business management, among others.

Here are some free online courses offered by Michigan State University:

• Art for game specialization

• Become a journalist

• How to start your business specialization

5. Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore

IIM Bangalore, one of India’s premier educational institutes, offers free online courses in business management, soft skills, finance, marketing, and other subjects. These courses are among the best in India and can serve as great discussion starters during job interviews. IIM Bangalore has also developed Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and Master’s programs in various disciplines, aiming to spread high-quality digital learning.

Here are some free online courses offered by IIM Bangalore:

• Customer relationship management

• Innovation and IT management

• Strategy and sustainable enterprises

6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT is considered one of the best universities in the world, ranking first in the QS World University Rankings 2022. It offers a range of free online courses with certificates that are ideal for those interested in engineering and data-related topics. These courses cover subjects such as statistics, economics, data analysis, engineering, and programming, and can help students enhance their CVs.

Here are some free online courses offered by MIT:

• Making books

• Number theory

• Microeconomic theory and public policy

7. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong Institution of Science and Technology is a leading research university that focuses on advancing technology, science, engineering, business management, and statistics through education. Its free online courses are a great way for students to expand their knowledge and improve their performance in the real world. These courses can also help students enhance their CVs.

Here are some free online courses offered by the Hong Kong Institution of Science and Technology:

• Introduction to Java programming

• Foundations of data analytics

• English for doing business in Asia

8. California Institute for Arts

The California Institute for Arts is a renowned global institute for the arts, ranked 20th for Arts and Design in the QS World University Rankings. It offers free online courses for those interested in the arts, which can help boost their resumes and impress interviewers. These courses cover a variety of topics, such as design language, game design, and freelancing business planning.

Here are a few of the free online courses with certificates offered by the California Institute for Arts:

• Language of design

• Introduction to game design

• Plan a successful freelancing business

9. Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta

IIM Calcutta is a leading educational institution in India, offering free online courses in business management, finance, marketing, and soft skills. Its free online courses are top-notch and can be a great addition to your CV. Some of the free online courses offered by IIM Calcutta are Supply Chain Analytics and Management Science.

10. École Polytechnique

École Polytechnique is a renowned institute in France that offers free online courses to students, covering subjects like science, technology, and research. These courses are available in both English and French and can help students enhance their knowledge and skills. Some of the free online courses offered by École Polytechnique include Introduction to Probability, How to Write a Scientific Paper, and From Particles to Stars.

Conclusion

Taking free online courses is an excellent way to enhance your CV and impress interviewers with your knowledge and skills. It also enhances your chances of getting admission to your dream institute. Virtual internships are another effective way to improve your resume and stand out from other applicants. IPD Campus provides one-on-one counselling sessions to help you learn more about such opportunities and take advantage of them.