Top 10 Websites to Learn Skills for Free This Year

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the ability to continuously learn and adapt is invaluable. With technology advancing at a breakneck pace and industries transforming overnight, staying relevant requires more than just traditional education.

Fortunately, the internet has democratized learning, offering countless opportunities to acquire new skills without financial burden.

In this article, you will discover the top 10 websites where you can learn a wide array of skills for free this year. Enjoy!

Our Selection Criteria

To curate this list, we applied stringent criteria to ensure only the best platforms were cut. The factors considered include:

• User Experience: An intuitive and user-friendly interface to facilitate seamless learning.
• Course Diversity: A wide range of courses covering various subjects and skills.
• Certification Options: Availability of certificates upon course completion to add value to your resume.
• Community Engagement: Active forums and communities for peer support and networking.

List of Top Websites to Learn New Skills for Free

• Coursera
• edX
• LinkedIn Learning
• Khan Academy
• Udemy
• Skillshare
• Alison
• Udacity
• Academic Earth
• Codeacademy
• Duolingo
• freeCodeCamp
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Pluralsight
• Stanford Online
• TED
• CreativeLive
• FutureLearn
• United Nations General Assembly
• Google Developers
• Instructables
• iTunes U
• Codecademy
• Memrise

1. Coursera

Coursera collaborates with top universities and organizations worldwide to offer courses, specializations, and degrees.

• Unique Features: Offers courses from institutions like Stanford and Yale.
• Popular Courses: Machine Learning by Stanford University, Data Science by Johns Hopkins University.
• User Testimonials: Users praise its high-quality content and the credibility of courses.

2. edX

Founded by Harvard and MIT, edX offers university-level courses across various disciplines.

• Unique Features: Provides varied learning paths including MicroMasters programs.
• Popular Courses: Introduction to Computer Science by Harvard, The Science of Happiness by Berkeley.
• User Testimonials: Appreciated for its rigorous academic approach and comprehensive materials.

3. Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers free courses primarily in mathematics and science but also covers arts and humanities.

• Unique Features: Interactive exercises and personalized learning dashboard.
• Popular Courses: Algebra, Physics, History of Art.
• User Testimonials: Celebrated for its simplicity and effectiveness, especially in K-12 education.

4. Udemy

Udemy provides a marketplace for learning and teaching online, with extensive course variety.

• Unique Features: User-generated content, allowing experts to create and share courses.
• Popular Courses: Web Development, Personal Development, Business Fundamentals.
• User Testimonials: Users value the affordability and wide selection of topics.

5. Codecademy

Specializing in coding and programming, Codecademy offers interactive coding lessons.

• Unique Features: Hands-on approach with real-time coding feedback.
• Popular Courses: Python, JavaScript, HTML & CSS.
• User Testimonials: Highly recommended for beginners due to its practical exercises.

6. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning Previously known as Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning offers video courses taught by industry experts.

• Unique Features: Integration with LinkedIn profiles for skill showcasing.
• Popular Courses: Leadership Skills, Digital Marketing, Software Development.
• User Testimonials: Praised for professional production quality and insightful courses.

7. MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT OpenCourseWare is yet another useful website that provides free access to MIT’s course materials.

• Unique Features: High-caliber content directly from MIT’s classrooms.
• Popular Courses: Introduction to Computer Science, Principles of Microeconomics.
• User Testimonials: Valued for offering access to world-class education for free.

8. FutureLearn

FutureLearn offers courses from leading universities and cultural institutions across the globe.

• Unique Features: Emphasis on social learning with community discussions.
• Popular Courses: Understanding Anxiety, Depression and CBT, Introduction to Cyber Security.
• User Testimonials: Users appreciate the interactive and collaborative learning experience.

9. Harvard Online Learning

Harvard’s online platform provides courses in various subjects, leveraging the expertise of its faculty.

• Unique Features: Direct content from one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
• Popular Courses: The Health Effects of Climate Change, Data Science: R Basics.
• User Testimonials: Known for its rigorous and intellectually stimulating courses.

10. OpenLearn

OpenLearn offers free educational resources from The Open University.

• Unique Features: Wide range of topics and detailed course content.
• Popular Courses: Forensic Psychology, Managing My Money.
• User Testimonials: Commended for its comprehensive and accessible content.

Real-World Success Stories

John Doe: A Career Transformation

John used Coursera to learn data science while working full-time. Within a year, he transitioned to a data analyst role, significantly boosting his career prospects.

Jane Smith: From Hobby to Profession

Jane, an artist, turned to Khan Academy to learn the basics of programming. She now integrates digital tools into her art, opening new avenues for creativity and income.

How to Get Started

Taking the first step towards learning on these platforms is straightforward:

1. Select a Platform: Choose a website that aligns best with your learning goals.
2. Sign Up: Register for an account using your email or social media credentials.
3. Browse Courses: Explore the course catalog and select those that interest you.
4. Enroll: Click on the course and enroll. Many platforms allow you to start learning immediately.
5. Engage: Participate in forums, complete exercises, and interact with instructors.
6. Complete and Certify: Finish the course and earn a certificate to showcase your new skills.

Conclusion

Continuous learning is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity in our fast-paced, ever-changing world. With these top 10 websites, acquiring new skills has never been more accessible. Whether you’re a student, working professional, or lifelong learner, these platforms offer invaluable resources to help you thrive.

I hope this list of free Websites will help you achieve new skills in your career path. Now I would like to hear from you. Did I miss anything? Share your views in the comment section below.