Online Training is now considered the easiest mode of learning new skills, most organizations now refer to this method to train their staff on certain skills, while students take online courses to learn new skills. Online training is simply a part of E-learning, distance learning via computer-based facilities that provide content for students to enhance the learning process. Massive open online courses(MOOCs) are available on different learning platforms.
There are several online courses available for students and workers, these include: Teaching courses, Language courses, Business courses, courses on personal and character development, skills training, leadership and communication skills training, Programming, Arts and Design, all of these can be accessed and completed on the internet from the comfort of your own home. Although most of these courses are not always available for free, most platforms will require you to pay for the certificate or the course itself.
List of Universities that Offers Free Online Training Courses.
There are several platforms where you have to pay before you can have access to online courses, some universities will also require you to pay for these courses and the certificates. Here is a list of renowned universities that offers free training and certificate.
Universities that offer free online training courses with certificates
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
About the Institution
MIT is a leading institution in the field of technology, with over 30 research centers across 5 schools and 1 school. The institution has a diverse multidisciplinary program in science, humanities, arts, social science, engineering, and management, these courses are open to undergraduate and graduate students. MIT is known for excellence.
Their Online Courses
MIT is one of the top institutions in the world and a top public research institution offering free online training courses. It was founded in 1861. It partners with reputable online websites like Coursera, and Udacity. It offers undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate and professional courses thereby giving an individual a career opportunity. There are courses on computer science, psychology, cyber security, health, and web development. You can enroll in online courses for free such as;
- Introduction to Human Behavioral Genetics
- Introduction to user interface Design
- Statistical Molecular Dynamics
2. Harvard University
About the Institution
Harvard is one of the oldest and most reputable universities worldwide, it was established in the year 1636. Harvard University is home to over 35,000 students from all over the world. The University is well-known for its high academic standards and has a strong chain of alumni who are forerunners in various fields. Harvard University offers academic studies at every level for students all over the world.
Their Online Course
Harvard University offers a wide range of courses; Art and design, Business, Computer science, Education and training, Health and Medicine, Humanities, and Mathematics. Harvard Online courses are accessed via edX founded in 2012. The courses are free with a small fee to obtain a verified certificate. It provides the best opportunity for students, teachers, professionals, experts, and Doctors to study courses of their choice. It creates an outstanding opportunity to obtain Harvard certification which gives you an edge in your career. The following courses are available online for free;
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Introduction to Game Development
- Systemic Approaches to Policy Design
- The Health Effects of Climate Change
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python
3. King’s College London
About the Institution
King’s College is one of the top academic research universities in the world, KCL is located right in the center of London. It was founded in 1829 and was one of the founding colleges of the University of London. King’s College London is committed to the societal benefit of information, learning, and understanding advancement. They rank among the top 10 UK universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings, 2021).
Their Online Course
The College partners with future learn to offer free online courses with certificates after completing the course. Although free certificates are only given for a few courses.
- Basic English 1
- Basic English 2
- Introduction to Business Management
- Introduction to Nursing
4. University of Toronto Free Online Courses
About the Institution
University of Toronto, Canada was founded in 1827. Aside from being a top-notch research university, it is one of the best universities in Canada. They are proud to have a long history of helping to reshape society through their creative staff, students, alumni, and supporters. The Institution serves as a starting point for advancement, innovation, and discovery, producing data and solutions that have a real-world impact.
Their Online Course
The University has evolved into a leading institution that offers free online training courses, U of T has made a couple of massive open online courses (MOOCs) accessible on e-learning platforms edX and Coursera, just like the majority of the greatest universities in the world, including University of London, Michigan, Harvard, John Hopkins, Stanford, University of Toronto, etc. Free Online Training Courses that you can take for free on Coursera include:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Bioinformatic Methods I
- Introduction To Swift Programming
- Behavioral Economics in Action
5. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
About the Institution
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a renowned worldwide research university that excels in humanities and social science as well as science, technology, and business. HKUST fosters interdisciplinary studies and offers holistic education, producing graduates who are trailblazers, have a strong sense of entrepreneurship, are creative thinkers, and have the necessary skills to succeed in the knowledge-based economy.
As a leading international institution with close relationships with influential figures throughout the world, HKUST has many connections to Mainland China and strives to become a center of cutting-edge knowledge and scientific discovery. In the QS Asian University Rankings for 2011 and 2012, HKUST was named Asia’s top university for the second consecutive year.
Their Online Course
HKUST in partnership with edX offers free online courses to enable learners to study and build innovative and relevant skills. Some of their free courses are available in the following subjects:
- Architecture
- Design
- Art & Culture
- Health & Safety
- Education & Teacher
- Economics & Finance
- Food & Nutrition
- History
- Biology & Life Sciences
6. University of Tasmania Free Online Courses
About the Institution
University of Tasmania offers over 20,000 students a creative and engaging atmosphere to learn. Through student exchanges and multicultural campus life, students have the chance to participate in an international learning experience. Beyond the student experience, the university’s community is supported through relationships with other organizations. The scope, vision, and quality of the UTAS program and research are international while nevertheless retaining a distinctively Tasmanian identity.
Their Online Course
This is one of the best universities in Australia. It provides a creative e-learning environment, The course help develop professional skills and you can obtain free certification at the end of the session. It offers a range of free online courses which includes;
- Preventing Dementia
- Understanding Dementia
- Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
- Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
7. University of Helsinki Free Online Courses
About the Institution
University of Helsinki, Finland can be regarded as one of the oldest and largest universities in Finland. The University has contributed to the community through its center of science and thinking, they believe their knowledgeable contribution solves the major problems that affect the whole society. This is considered one of the best in the world. The University of Helsinki has four research themes that focus on the general well-being of the people and the environment. The themes are a humane and fair world, well-being for humans and the environment, Sustainability of the planet, and A universe of opportunities and innovations.
Their Online Course
University of Helsinki Finland has been in operation since 1640, and it’s the largest university in Finland. It offers free online courses with certificates. These courses are computer-based courses free and open for all. They are:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Java Programming
- Cyber security
- Basics of programming
- Understanding Different Diets: the Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, and Okinawa
8. University of California Free Online Courses
About the Institution
University of California, Berkeley started with a group of academic pioneers in 1868. The institution was born out of the state’s vision of a university that the future generation can benefit from. This great university offers over 300-degree programs to students worldwide, with 184 academic departments and programs. The University is committed to excellence.
Their Online Course
University of California, Berkeley MOOCs are open to learners for free using the edX Platform. BerkeleyX encourages the creation and international dissemination of online learning initiatives. UC Berkeley has offered over 100 courses to millions of students from various countries since joining the edX partnership in 2012. Professional Certificates, Micro Masters, and Massive Open Online Courses are available through this platform. Some of the courses are:
- Data Science
- English Literature Composition 1-3
- Effective Business Writing
- Marketing Analytics
- Academic and Business Writing
- Writing for Social Media
9. Michigan State University Free Online Courses
About the Institution
For over 150 years, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with extraordinary zeal. As one of the leading research institution in the world, MSU develop talents with knowledge and creates long-lasting ties to address urgent global issues. The Institution offers learners the opportunity to change their lives in over 200 programs across 17 accredited colleges.
Their Online Course
MSU is part of the top 70 universities in the world that provides students with the ability to earn a degree certificate online from anywhere in the world. Michigan State University MOOCs can be taken on Coursera and edX. They offer free courses in the following categories:
- Social science
- Humanities
- Art and Culture
- Business
- Health and Society
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Education
- Engineering
10. Georgia Institute of Technology
About the Institution
Georgia Institute of Technology popularly referred to as George Tech was established in 1885, it is a public institution located in Atlanta. In the 2022 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, it ranked #38.
Their Online Course
Georgia Institute of Technology is a pioneer in Online education, the institution offered its first MOOCs in 2012 and has recorded over 3 million enrollment in over 30 courses in Engineering, Computing, and ESL. These courses are administered online through edX, Coursera, and Udacity. George Tech Massive Open Online Course provides access to a variety of free courses and programs. They include courses from the following study areas:
- Business
- Data Analytics in Business (DL 003MM)
- Computing
- Engineering
- ESL (English as a second language)
- Management
- Mathematics
- Supply Chains and Logistics
Popular Online Training Platforms
The Universities on this list deliver their free online training through some platforms, although several pieces of training and courses are not free on these platforms. These Universities have collaborated with them to enable their learners to take their courses for free online. Some of them are:
- Edx: edX is a popular platform where several best universities refer their students to take their courses for free. Over 100 best universities use this learning platform, some of them are Harvard University, MIT, Berkeley; the University of California, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Oxford, and Boston University. edX has over 3000 courses and training online.
- Coursera: Coursera is another platform that collaborates with prestigious universities and top companies throughout the world to deliver free online courses and training. They include; Stanford University, Harvard University, University of Toronto, University of London, John Hopkins University, and other top international universities.
- FutureLearn: This platform is also connected with the best universities, learners who register with the university can learn free online courses with them. FutureLearn is one of the best platforms, you can learn directly from university professors and build connections with other learners like yourself. The University of Michigan, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of York are some of the best Universities you can get free online training courses on FutureLearn.
Conclusion
The duration of a specific online training course is available on the official University website where you can as well enroll in a free online training course. Online certificates are valuable networking and career opportunity. You can expand your knowledge and unlock your potential and explore a lifetime of opportunities with an online certification.