In today’s fast-paced digital world, coding skills are no longer just for software engineers — they’ve become essential for professionals across industries. Whether you’re dreaming of a tech career, looking to build your app, or simply curious about websites and algorithms, this is the time you can learn or unlearn and re-learn without spending bucks.
Some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including MIT, Harvard, and Stanford, are offering these free online coding courses that anyone can access from anywhere. Here’s a list of the free programming courses available on multiple platforms like edX, Google, and Microsoft. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to sharpen your skills, there’s something here for everyone.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Our first course is ‘Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python,’ offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This programme from MIT is perfect for those with little or no programming experience. It introduces the fundamentals of computer science using Python, covering problem-solving, algorithmic thinking, and basic computational concepts. It can be your ideal pick if you’re starting your programming journey. This instructor-led course takes just nine weeks to complete, but if you want to earn a certificate, you will have to spend some bucks.
Interested? Then head to this link–edx.org/learn/computer-science/massachusetts-institute-of-technology-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-using-python?index=product&queryId=9e4e2f8191e43ea54a659d356824cffe&position=3
Google’s Python Class
Google’s Python Class is a free, self‑paced course created by Nick Parlante and used internally at Google, designed for learners with minimal programming experience. It combines written lessons, lecture videos, and a comprehensive set of hands‑on exercises, guiding you from basic concepts like variables, strings, and lists to more advanced topics such as file I/O, regular expressions, and network utilities.
Whether you’re familiar with simple control flow or just know the basics of an “if” statement, this course offers a well‑rounded introduction to Python that’s both thorough and accessible. You can learn more about the course from here: developers.google.com/edu/python
University of Michigan
Let’s move to our next coding course at the University of Michigan. The title of this course says it all: ‘Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)’. Designed for beginners, this course helps candidates get a hands-on approach to learning Python, one of the most in-demand languages today. It focuses on the basics of programming and problem-solving without overloading you with complex mathematics. The best thing about this course is that it is self-paced and can be completed within 7 weeks.
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Want to know more? Here is the link to get all the answers: edx.org/learn/python/the-university-of-michigan-programming-for-everybody-getting-started-with-python?index=product&queryId=9e4e2f8191e43ea54a659d356824cffe&position=5
Microsoft Python Coding
Microsoft’s Begin Python Coding in Minecraft with MakeCode and Azure Notebooks is a beginner‑level learning module designed for educators and curious learners to integrate Python programming. The course has eight self‑paced units, where participants explore key features of Minecraft’s Code Builder, learn Python syntax and debugging, and apply their skills using both MakeCode Python and Azure Notebooks. No prior coding knowledge is required.
Want to know more head to this: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/begin-python-coding-minecraft-makecode-azure-notebooks
Stanford University
Our third course is by Stanford University, R Programming Fundamentals. If you’re curious about data analysis and statistical computing, this course introduces you to R — a powerful language for data science. Stanford’s online program covers R programming basics, data handling, and simple analysis techniques. Ideal for anyone interested in analytics or academic research.
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To know more about this course, visit: edx.org/learn/r-programming/stanford-university-r-programming-fundamentals index=product&queryId=9e4e2f8191e43ea54a659d356824cffe&position=9
Dartmouth College and Institut Mines-Télécom
If you’re keen to learn how computers operate at a deeper level, consider C Programming: Language Foundations, offered by Dartmouth College and Institut Mines-Télécom. This course teaches the core principles of C programming, a language still vital for system software, operating systems, and embedded systems. It can be a great starting point for learners wanting to understand computer operations and memory management.
Here’s the link for you to know more about it: edx.org/learn/c-programming/dartmouth-college-c-programming-language-foundations?index=product&queryId=9e4e2f8191e43ea54a659d356824cffe&position=15
Harvard University
Harvard University’s highly popular CS50’s Introduction to Programming with Python is another excellent course for beginners. Part of the prestigious CS50 series, this programme dives into Python while teaching essential programming concepts like loops, conditions, functions, and more. It offers practice problems and real-world projects to help learners gain hands-on experience.
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Dive in to know more: edx.org/learn/python/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-programming-with-python?index=product&queryId=9e4e2f8191e43ea54a659d356824cffe&position=1
Learn JAVA by Microsoft
Microsoft’s Introduction to Java on Azure is a beginner-level module in Java which is designed to help developers understand how to build, deploy, and scale Java applications using Azure. Spread across eight units, the course covers common Java frameworks (such as Spring, Jakarta EE, and Quarkus), walks learners through different Azure deployment options—from App Service and Container Apps to Kubernetes, serverless functions, and Azure Spring Apps—and demonstrates a sample Java application deployment. This is a self-paced and hands-on module.
Know more here: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/intro-to-java-azure/
University of Chicago
For educators, parents, or anyone interested in teaching coding to children, UChicagoX’s Teaching Coding in Grades 5-8 with Scratch Encore offers a fun and interactive way to introduce computational thinking. Using Scratch Encore, a visual programming platform designed for young learners, this course guides participants through teaching strategies and lesson plans aimed at students in grades 5 to 8.
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More information here: edx.org/learn/teacher-training/university-of-chicago-teaching-coding-in-grades-5-8-with-scratch-encore?index=product&queryId=eb275768eb03d73af0923c5fdc1fa8ab&position=35
IIT Bombay
Last but not least, for those looking for a solid introduction to programming concepts without diving into a specific language, IITBombayX’s Programming Basics can be an excellent choice. Offered by one of India’s premier technical institutes, this course introduces core programming ideas and gradually transitions into practical exercises, preparing learners for more advanced topics.
Learn more: edx.org/learn/computer-programming/iitbombay-programming-basics?index=product&queryId=eb275768eb03d73af0923c5fdc1fa8ab&position=42
These free courses from renowned universities not only offer high-quality education but also give learners the flexibility to study at their own pace. So why wait? Pick a course, sign up, and start coding today — for free. You can thank us later.
