That’s a solid list of free courses from Google, IBM and other leading institutions. These cover AI, Data, IT, Cybersecurity, UX, Web Dev, and more – basically the hottest career-ready skills. Here’s a quick organized breakdown for you (so it’s easier to pick based on your goals) –
Data, AI and Machine Learning
IBM Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL Specialization → Enroll
DeepLearning.AI AI for Everyone → Enroll
Google AI Essentials Specialization → Enroll
Google Cloud Introduction to Generative AI → Enroll
IBM Generative AI for Data Analysts Specialization → Enroll
IBM Generative AI for Data Engineers Specialization → Enroll
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate → Enroll
Google Advanced Data Analytics Capstone → Enroll
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate → Enroll
Stanford Online DeepLearning.AI Machine Learning Specialization → Enroll
DeepLearning.AI Deep Learning Specialization → Enroll
Google Prompting Essentials Specialization → Enroll
Vanderbilt University Prompt Engineering Specialization → Enroll
Vanderbilt University Generative AI Automation Specialization → Enroll
AWS DeepLearning.AI Generative AI with Large Language Models → Enroll
IBM Python for Data Science, AI and Development → Enroll
University of Colorado The Structured Query Language → Enroll
A couple more Free & Beginner-Friendly AI Courses (With Certificate Details)
| AI Course Name | Skills Covered & Practical Learning | Certification Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence – Great Learning Academy | Covers core AI concepts including neural networks, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision. Includes interactive lessons, quizzes, and self-paced learning via MyGreatLearning. | Course content is free. Certificate of completion is available, but a fee is required to download the certificate. | Beginners exploring AI fundamentals |
| Free AI Courses – Great Learning | A wide collection of AI, machine learning, NLP, and deep learning courses with practical exposure to industry-relevant tools and concepts. | Courses are advertised as free with certificates. Some certificates are fully free, while others may involve a nominal fee – check each course page. | Learners seeking multiple AI skill paths |
| Infosys Springboard – AI & Generative AI Courses | Offers structured learning paths in AI and Generative AI, including hands-on labs, real-world projects, and skill assessments. | 100% free learning and certification, supported by Infosys. No hidden costs. | Students & professionals seeking free certified AI training |
Business, Marketing and Management
Macquarie University Excel Skills for Business Specialization → Enroll
Google Foundations of Project Management → Enroll
Google Project Management Professional Certificate → Enroll
Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce Professional Certificate → Enroll
Coursera Navigating Generative AI: A CEO Playbook → Enroll
Illinois Leading Teams: Developing as a Leader → Enroll
IT, Cybersecurity and Support
Google IT Support Professional Certificate → Enroll
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate → Enroll
Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate → Enroll
IBM Generative AI for Cybersecurity Professionals Specialization → Enroll
Google Cloud Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure → Enroll
Design and User Experience
Google UX Design Professional Certificate → Enroll
Web Development
University of Michigan Web Applications for Everybody Specialization → Enroll
IBM Introduction to Web Development with HTML, CSS, JavaScript → Enroll
Programming
Google Get Started with Python → Enroll
Google Crash Course on Python → Enroll
University of Michigan Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) → Enroll
IBM Python for Data Science, AI & Development → Enroll
Google Data Analysis with R Programming → Enroll
Software Development
IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate → Enroll
IBM Front-End Developer Professional Certificate → Enroll
IBM Back-End Development Professional Certificate → Enroll
IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate → Enroll
Many of these are hosted on Coursera, where you can learn for free with the audit option.
What Does It Mean to Audit a Coursera Course?
Auditing a Coursera course lets you learn for free – with access to video lectures, readings, and most materials – but without graded work or a certificate. It’s ideal if you want to explore a subject without financial commitment.
What You Get When You Audit
Free Access
Watch all video lectures and read course content at no cost.
Subject Exploration
Test out a topic before investing in the paid version.
Self-Paced Learning
Learn at your own convenience without deadlines.
What You Don’t Get When You Audit
No Graded Assignments
You can’t submit assessments or get instructor feedback.
No Certificate
Completion won’t earn you a shareable certificate.
Limited Support
No access to hands-on projects, peer review, or community forums.
How to Get the Paid Benefits
Upgrade Anytime
Switch to the paid version to unlock graded work, projects, and certification.
Save Progress
Your audit progress and grades (if any quizzes are unlocked) will be saved when you upgrade.
Earn a Certificate
Paying gives you official proof of completion to add to your CV, LinkedIn, or portfolio.
Pro Tip: If cost is a barrier, Coursera also offers Financial Aid for many courses, letting you earn certificates for free if approved.
How to Audit a Coursera Course (Step-by-Step Guide)
Auditing a course on Coursera allows you to learn for free while skipping the paid features like certificates and graded work. Here’s how you can do it –
Step 1: Find the Course
Go to coursera.org.
Search for the course you’re interested in (e.g., “Google Data Analytics” or “Python for Everybody”).
Step 2: Open the Course Page
Click on the course title.
You’ll land on the course overview page, where Coursera usually highlights the paid version with a “Enroll for Free” button.
Step 3: Choose Audit the Course
Click Enroll for Free.
A popup will appear with subscription details.
Look for “Audit the course” or “Full course, no certificate” (usually in small text under the main options).
Select this option.
Step 4: Start Learning
Video lectures.
Reading materials.
Some practice quizzes (depends on the course).
You can now learn at your own pace – completely free.
Step 5: Upgrade Anytime (Optional)
If you want graded assignments, peer reviews, or a certificate, you can upgrade to the paid version anytime.
Progress from your audit will be saved, so you don’t lose what you’ve already completed.
If you want the certificate but can’t afford the course, apply for Coursera’s Financial Aid (you’ll find the link on the course page under the “Enroll” button). Approval usually takes about 15 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Google and IBM courses on Coursera really free?
Yes, you can audit most Google and IBM courses on Coursera for free. This gives you access to video lectures and readings, but without graded assignments or certificates.
What does it mean to audit a Coursera course?
Auditing a Coursera course means you can learn the content for free. You’ll get access to lectures, readings, and some practice quizzes, but you won’t receive a certificate or graded feedback unless you upgrade.
Can I earn a certificate for free from Google or IBM courses?
Certificates usually require payment, but Coursera offers Financial Aid for many courses. If approved, you can complete the course and earn a certificate at no cost.
Which free Google courses are best for 2026?
Some of the top free Google courses in 2026 include –
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Google Data Analytics
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Google Cybersecurity
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Google UX Design
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Google Introduction to Generative AI
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Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce
Are these free courses good for getting a job?
Yes. Many of these Google and IBM courses teach in-demand, career-ready skills in AI, data analytics, IT, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. While certificates help, the skills you gain are the most valuable for job applications.
