Where Can I Do Short Courses for Free? A Welcoming Guide to Grow Your Skills
Discover top platforms where you can do free short courses online in South Africa. Learn new skills, earn certificates and boost your career.
Are you eager to build new skills—whether for work, personal growth, or just curiosity—but concerned about costs? You’re in the right place. This easy-to-follow guide highlights free short courses from credible platforms.
Why Free Short Courses Are Powerful
- No stress about cost: You can start building skills from day one.
- Boost your resume: Certificates—even free ones—can impress employers.
- Flexible learning: Study at your own pace, around your schedule.
- Tangible value: Gain real-world skills—from digital marketing to cybersecurity—that you can apply immediately.
Top Places to Find Free Short Courses with Certificates
1. UNISA Free Online Short Courses
South Africa’s largest distance-learning institution offers around 50 short courses in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, digital workplace skills, teaching with technology, entrepreneurship, and more. Courses usually last 4 to 8 weeks and come with a certificate on completion.
2. FutureLearn—Global Expertise, Local Relevance
Partnering with international and South African universities, FutureLearn offers short courses (typically 2–4 weeks), such as “Climate Change Adaptation in Africa” and “Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Communities.” Access is free, with optional paid certificates.
3. Coursera—Top Universities at Zero Cost
You can audit most courses for free on Coursera, including those tailored to South African learners. Popular topics include entrepreneurship, development, and technology. Certificates may require financial aid or payment, but learning is completely free.
4. Alison—Free Learning with Instant Certificates
Alison offers thousands of free courses in areas like business management, IT, health, and language learning. Basic certificates are free, with optional paid versions for print or digital download.
5. Google Digital Skills for Africa
These courses provide professional digital training—like online marketing, career development, and coding—designed for African learners. All courses are 100% free and include a certificate from Google upon completion.
6. EduCourse—Locally Relevant Learning
This South African-based platform offers free short courses in Microsoft Office, business admin, customer service, and digital marketing. Courses are practical, easy to follow, and offer free digital certificates.
7. Skills Portal—Courses for SA Industries
With free courses in customer service, basic project management, and finance, Skills Portal is built around South Africa’s job market. Ideal for students, job seekers, and small businesses.
8. LinkedIn Learning—Free with Public Access
LinkedIn Learning offers premium-quality short courses in tech, business, and creative fields. You can access these courses for free using library memberships or through a one-month trial.
9. Oxford Home Study Centre
This UK-based platform offers free entry-level courses in subjects like business, marketing, and hotel management. While advanced content requires payment, beginner-level courses with certificates are completely free.
What Learners Are Saying
“ALX Software Engineering course… it was free back when I did it… you will come out a different person.”
“I did a course on UX/UI design and frontend dev… Got a junior designer role… now I’m personally way happier.”
These real-world experiences highlight how free courses can lead to career breakthroughs, personal growth, and even job opportunities.
Choosing Courses That Match Your Goals
| Goal | Best Platforms to Consider |
|---|---|
| Build new digital skills | Google Digital Skills for Africa, Coursera, FutureLearn |
| Upgrade office or admin tools | EduCourse, Skills Portal, Alison |
| Deepen or shift career path | UNISA, Coursera, FutureLearn |
| Learn a new business skill | Oxford Home Study, Alison, Google |
Tips for Using These Free Courses Effectively
- Match courses to your goals: Don’t just enroll—choose ones that align with your career or personal growth.
- Save your certificates: Keep proof of completion to add to your CV or LinkedIn profile.
- Practice what you learn: Apply new skills in small projects or freelance tasks to build experience.
- Set a routine: Make a plan to complete the course in a manageable time frame.
- Join study groups: Learning is easier (and more fun) when shared with others—online or locally.
Final Thoughts: Free Learning That Empowers You
Free short courses are more than just a cost-saving option—they’re a doorway to new possibilities. Whether you want to gain confidence, apply for a job, or start your own business, there’s something here for you.
Take the first step today. Choose one course, commit to learning, and see where it takes you. Whether it’s 4 hours or 4 weeks, free education is your tool to grow—no matter where you are in life.
