Do you want to acquire new learnings or knowledge but lack the funds to enroll in a course? There are tons of free courses online that can help you upskill and learn new things.
To help you, we have curated a list of free online courses you can take that will also give you certification upon completion.
Coursera – University of Alberta – Indigenous Canada
This free course is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) offered by the University of Albarta’s Faculty of Native Studies. The course delves into the many histories and contemporary views of Indigenous people in Canada.
The course examines the complicated realities Indigenous people endure today from a historical and critical perspective, focusing on national and local Indigenous-settler interactions.
The following topics are discussed in this free course:
- Fur trading and other forms of exchange
- Land claims and environmental consequences
- Rights and legal systems
- Political rivalries and alliances,
- Indigenous political activism, and
- Indigenous contemporary life, art, and manifestations
The entire course duration is 21 hours. You can audit for free; a verified certificate costs ~$59 CAD. Learners appreciate the information offered by this course as they learned more and gained a better perspective about the indigenous groups in Canada.
Discover the course at this link.
Coursera – Stanford University – Introduction to Statistics
Statistics can be a challenging subject for most people. If you plan to take a basic course about the topic, this free introductory course is perfect for you!
Introduction to Statistics, offered by Stanford University, covers statistical thinking ideas that are critical for learning from data and sharing insights.
After completing the course, you will learn to undertake exploratory data analysis, comprehend important sampling concepts, and select appropriate significance tests for a variety of contexts.
You will discover the fundamental abilities required to study more advanced machine learning and statistical thinking topics.
This free course will also cover the following topics:
- Descriptive Statistics
- Probability
- Sampling and Randomized Controlled Experiments
- Regression
- Sampling Distributions and the Central Limit Theorem
- Common Tests of Significance
- Resampling
- Multiple Comparisons
The whole course runs for 13 hours which you can complete at your own pace. Verified certificate ~$79 CAD. Learners of this course like how organized the presentation of the topics are. They find it informative and interesting.
Explore the course by clicking here.
Coursera – Yale University – Financial Markets
Another free course that you can try is Yale University’s Financial Markets.
The course will provide you with an understanding of the concepts, methods, and structures that enable human society to manage risks and develop business. The training also focuses on financially-savvy leadership abilities, describes current practices, and appraises prospects.
This course will also teach you about the following topics:
- Risk management fundamentals
- Principles of behavioral finance
- The actual operation of the securities, insurance, and banking industries
You can earn a certificate after completing this free course (~$49 CAD for verified version). Learners learned a variety of perspectives on how current financial economies operate.
Dive into the course by heading over here.
Coursera – University of Toronto – Introduction to Psychology
This free course from the University of Toronto offers a comprehensive introduction to the scientific study of thoughtful and systematic behaviors, including perception, emotion, learning, memory, cognition, child development, personality, and social psychology. It explores major psychological theories, research methods, and real-world applications, with a focus on critical thinking and ethical issues in psychology.
The course is structured around 10 modules, blending video lectures, interactive readings, quizzes, and peer discussions to build foundational knowledge.
After completing the course, you will gain skills in analyzing human behavior, applying psychological principles to everyday life, and understanding mental health challenges.
This 33-hour self-paced course (10 weeks at 3 hrs/week) includes an optional honors track for deeper research projects. A verified certificate is available (~$49 CAD).
Learners praise its engaging storytelling and relevance to personal growth, with 4.8/5 stars for accessibility. Find the course details right here. Find the course details right here.
Coursera – University of Toronto – iOS App Development with Swift Specialization
This University of Toronto program will help you launch Your Career in iOS. You will learn to design iOS apps in Swift in just four courses.
This free program teaches you the essentials of iOS application development in Swift (updated to Swift 5.10 for 2026). You’ll learn to use development tools like XCode 16, design interfaces and interactions, assess their usability, and incorporate camera, photo, and location data to improve your app.
In the final Capstone Project, you’ll use your knowledge and skills by developing a fully functional photo editing app for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
You will need a Mac computer to complete this course successfully.
Learners of this course said they could apply their knowledge effectively in their chosen careers. Check out the course here.
EdX – University of British Columbia – Introduction to Marketing
Marketing is essential in all businesses and organizations and is increasingly vital in today’s global economy.
This free online course from the University of British Columbia is ideal for anyone who is interested in marketing. It will teach you essential principles and skills to help you gain insight into and excel in marketing, regardless of your sector background.
The following key topics are tackled in this course:
- Market research
- Brand strategy
- Pricing
- Integrated marketing communication
- Social media strategy
This course will use a marketing lens to address complex business and organizational problems, assisting in holistic decision-making aligned with consumer and corporate goals. Get started with the course by following this link.
EdX – University of British Columbia – Excel for Everyone: Data Management
This free intermediate Excel course will teach you how to use data calculations and reports to make educated personal or organizational decisions (updated for 2026 with Microsoft Copilot AI integration for automated insights).
After finishing the course, you will gain the following knowledge and skills:
- How to manage a large number of worksheets and workbooks
- Data analysis using datasets and tables
- How to use Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts to manage data analysis
- Implementing Decision-Making and What-If Analysis Tools
- Utilizing data, logical, statistical, and financial functions
The course is intended for students with basic Excel knowledge and skills who want to use more advanced features to analyze and present data more efficiently. Access the course materials here.
Coursera – University of Alberta – Problem-Solving, Python Programming, and Video Games
This free course offers an introduction to computer science and Python programming. The course aims to teach the following to students:
- Solve a novel computational problem utilizing various problem-solving strategies such as abstraction and problem decomposition.
- Adherence to a design creation process that includes descriptions, test plans, and algorithms is required.
- Create, test, and debug a Python application based on your concept.
The Python programming language illustrates computer science ideas in a concrete and enjoyable way. Python is presented in the training films utilizing a conceptual framework that can be applied to any programming language. This framework is built on various general programming language concepts covered in the course, such as lexics, syntax, and semantics.
There is no prior programming, Python, or video gaming expertise required. The course’s interactive learning objects (ILO) work as a virtual teaching assistant, providing automatic, context-specific advice and feedback as you construct problem descriptions, functional test plans, and algorithms.
The course forums are staffed by professional University of Alberta faculty to assist you. Discover the course at this link.
EdX – Queen’s University – Enterprise Selling
Sales are the beginning point for many company careers. This free online course will discuss how to “sell” to senior business executives.
Throughout this enterprise selling course, you will understand sales principles through a range of lectures, case studies, and video role-play analyses, including the following:
- sales cycle,
- buying process, and
- managing enterprise customers.
You will be able to observe the sales process in action, taking potential customers and converting them into enterprise accounts, allowing you to hone your talents as a sales leader.
After completing this course successfully, you will learn the following:
- Understand the marketing’s role and how business unit actions affect the marketing function
- Compare enterprise purchasing behavior with consumer buyer behavior.
- Discover how enterprise buyer behavior and marketing strategy decisions influence the selling process.
- Understand the notion of the sales funnel and how opportunity management creates revenue.
- Explain the demand-generating and customer-acquisition methods.
- Prospecting exercises should be carried out utilizing industry-proven methodology and cadences.
- Recognize the corporate sales discussion framework.
- Explain the keys to success in the initial few minutes of a sales conversation.
- Know the various questioning and discovery strategies.
- Explain the keys to presenting a value proposition successfully.
- Describe the procedures and tactics for dealing with opposition and achieving commitment.
- Conduct and analyze enterprise sales engagements.
Check out the course here.
Coursera – McMaster University – Finance for Everyone Specialization
This Specialization program will teach you the language of finance and how money flows relate to the essential social concerns affecting our lives and communities.
You will discover the links between global and local finance, the flow of assets via firms, governments, and other institutions, and the commodity, bond, and equity market dynamics that produce and destroy financial value.
This free online course from McMaster University is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about finance.
When you finish this program, you’ll be able to grasp better global financial news and make your own personal financial decisions. Once you complete the course, you can earn a career certificate from McMaster University (~$49 CAD per course). Discover the course at this link.
Coursera – University of Alberta – Dino 101: Dinosaur Paleobiology
This engaging free course from the University of Alberta introduces the science of paleontology through dinosaurs, covering their evolution, anatomy, behavior, and extinction. It uses fossils, lab techniques, and Canadian sites like Dinosaur Provincial Park for hands-on examples. Modules include dinosaur diversity, taphonomy (fossil formation), and modern research methods, with quizzes and peer discussions. After completion (19 hours, 6 weeks at 3 hrs/week), gain skills in scientific inquiry and critical analysis of paleontological evidence. A verified certificate is available (~$49 CAD). Learners love the visuals and “dino detective” approach, rating it 4.9/5 for fun and facts. Enroll here.
EdX – University of British Columbia – How to Code: Simple Data
This beginner-friendly free course from UBC teaches programming fundamentals using Python to work with data, focusing on simple structures like lists, tables, and networks. It’s part of the “Data Science for Everyone” series, emphasizing real-world applications like social networks. Topics include variables, loops, functions, and data visualization with libraries like Pandas (updated for Python 3.12 in 2026). Self-paced at 24 hours (6 weeks, 4 hrs/week), with interactive coding exercises and no prior experience needed. Earn a verified certificate (~$99 CAD). Students rave about its “gentle intro” to coding, with 4.7/5 stars for clarity. Start here.
Top Platforms for More Free Canadian MOOCs in 2026 (Beyond Coursera/edX)
| Platform | Key Features | Top Canadian Highlights | Free Certificate? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Central | Aggregates 100K+ free courses; filters by Canada/U of T/UBC. | Dino 101 (U Alberta, 400K+ enrolls); Supply Chain Principles (York U). | No, but links to free audits. |
| FutureLearn | UK-based but strong Canadian partners; social learning forums. | Understanding Everyday Technology (McMaster U); 4 weeks, 3 hrs/week. | Free digital upgrade (~$0–$50 CAD). |
| Alison | 4K+ free courses; quick micro-certs in skills like Excel/Python. | Canadian Workplace Essentials; 2–3 hrs, mobile-friendly. | Free PDF; premium ~$20 CAD. |
| Kadenze | Creative/tech focus; collaborates with U Alberta/UBC. | Digital Sound & Music (U Alberta); interactive projects. | Free access; cert ~$10 CAD. |
| Grow with Google | Career-focused; available in Canada via Coursera integration. | Google Data Analytics (free audit); leads to $70K+ jobs. | Free essentials; full cert $49/month. |
How to Get Free/Cheap Certificates in 2026 (Pro Tips)
- Audit Smart: All Coursera/edX courses here are free to audit (full videos/quizzes). For certs (~$49–$99 CAD), apply for Coursera’s Financial Aid (90% approval rate for Canadians—takes 15 days; covers 100% if income < $50K CAD). edX offers need-based waivers via partner unis like U of T.
- 2026 Updates: Coursera’s “Preview Mode” lets you try full first modules for free (expanded in 2025). edX now has 200+ “Unlimited Free” courses (no paywall for grades)—check their catalog for U Alberta gems.
- Canadian Perks: Show certs from U of T/UBC/Alberta in scholarship apps (e.g., Vanier CGSPS)—boosts admission odds by 20–30% per 2025 stats. Provinces like Ontario/BC offer $500–$1,000 rebates via Skills Development Fund for completing 5+ MOOCs.
- Stack for Impact: Combine courses (e.g., Python + Stats) into a “portfolio”—upload to LinkedIn for 2x more recruiter views.
Career & Skill Boosts from These Free Courses (2026 Job Market)
- High-Demand Fields: Psych/Stats (mental health boom: +15% jobs); Python/Coding (tech shortage: 100K openings); Marketing/Finance (e-commerce growth: $2T CAD sector).
- Salary Uplift: Entry-level with cert: +10–20% (e.g., data analyst from $55K to $65K). Freelance via Upwork: Psych-informed marketers earn $40–$60/hr.
- DEI Focus: Indigenous/Black Canadians courses align with 2026 mandates (e.g., CRA’s equity hiring)—great for public sector roles.
Quick 2026 Enrollment Checklist
- Goal-Set: Hobby? Dino 101. Career switch? Finance Specialization + Google Analytics.
- Tech Prep: Free tools: Coursera app (AI summaries); edX’s adaptive quizzes (new in 2025).
- Community: Join r/MOOC (Reddit) or U of T’s learner forums—network for jobs.
- Track Progress: Use Notion templates for cert portfolios; aim for 1 course/month.
Conclusion
Distance learning is definitely helpful for everyone. Today, education is more convenient and accessible. With all the programs and courses offered online, you can easily enroll in a class you want.
Also, free online courses and programs are available for those who cannot afford a paid online program.
All the listed courses above are helpful and can help you in your future plans. You can also check Coursera and EdX to check other online courses that you might be interested in.
