The University of California (UC) system includes some of the best public universities in the world. Several UC campuses offer free online courses on edX and Coursera, so anyone, anywhere, can learn from UC professors at their own pace.
You can study the course materials for free (called "auditing"). If you want a certificate to add to your CV or LinkedIn, you can pay for one, or apply for financial aid on Coursera.
12 free online courses from UC universities
UC Berkeley (on edX)
- The Science of Happiness: learn research-backed ways to build a happier, more meaningful life.
- How to Write an Essay: improve your academic writing, from planning to editing. Useful for scholarship essays!
- Foundations of Data Science: an introduction to data analysis and programming with Python.
- Blockchain Technology: understand how blockchain works and how it's used.
- Effective Business Writing: write clear, professional emails, reports and documents.
👉 See all UC Berkeley courses on edX
UC San Diego (on Coursera)
- Learning How to Learn: one of the world's most popular online courses, with proven techniques to study smarter.
- Data Structures and Algorithms: build strong programming and problem-solving skills.
- Object Oriented Programming in Java: learn Java through hands-on projects.
👉 See all UC San Diego courses on Coursera
UC Irvine (on Coursera)
- Academic English: Writing: improve your English writing for university study.
- Project Management: learn how to start, plan and manage projects successfully.
👉 See all UC Irvine courses on Coursera
UC Davis (on Coursera)
- SQL for Data Science: learn SQL, one of the most in-demand data skills.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): create maps and analyse spatial data.
👉 See all UC Davis courses on Coursera
Benefits
- Free to learn: audit the course materials at no cost
- Self-paced: study whenever it suits you
- Taught by University of California professors
- Optional certificates to add to your CV, LinkedIn or scholarship applications
- Financial aid on Coursera for learners who can't afford the certificate fee
Who can join
- Everyone, from any country
- No application or deadline
- You only need an internet connection and a free edX or Coursera account
How to enrol
- Open the course page on edX or Coursera using the links above.
- Create a free account or sign in.
- Choose to audit the course for free. On Coursera, look for the "Audit" option. On edX, choose the free track.
- Want a certificate? Pay for the verified track, or on Coursera click "Financial aid available" and complete the short application. It usually takes about two weeks to be approved.
Tips
- Pick one or two courses and finish them, rather than starting many at once.
- Set a weekly study schedule and stick to it.
- Add your certificates to your CV. They show scholarship committees that you're motivated to learn.
- Courses are free on the official platforms. Never pay a third party to "register" you for a free course.