More than a decade has passed since a few Stanford professors decided to offer their courses online for free. These later became known as MOOCs, for Massive Open Online Courses, and 2012 became the “Year of the MOOC.”
Since then, the online course offering has continued to grow, to the point that it can be hard to navigate at times. In this article, I’ve leveraged Class Central‘s database of over 200K courses, as well as course enrollment numbers, to build a list of the 100 most popular online courses of the year.
Methodology
I built this list following a well defined methodology:
First, I went through the Class Central database and made a list of all the courses that were offered for the first time ever in 2023, on the four platforms below. There were 4300 such courses.
Then, I wrote scrapers to collect enrollment numbers across four major online course platforms: Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, and Swayam. These platforms show how many students are enrolled in each of their courses.
Finally, I sorted the courses according to their enrollment number and truncated the list to keep only the 100 most popular courses.
Combined, the platforms considered accrued over 7.3M enrollments for courses launched in 2023. The 100 most popular courses account for a whopping 4.8M of them.
Some interesting numbers about this year’s list: about 25% of the courses were created by Google, and about 20% of them cover ChatGPT and more generally generative AI.
If a Coursera course grabs your attention, you might want to read our guide: How to Sign up for Coursera Courses for Free.
More Courses
If you don’t find what you need in the course list below, browse Class Central‘s catalog of over 200k courses or visit our thematic collections:
- Massive List of Thousands of Free Certificates & Badges
- 9000 Free Courses from Tech Giants: Google, Microsoft, Amazon
- 1700 Coursera Courses Still Completely Free
- 1000+ Open University Free Certificates
- Harvard Computer Science Courses with Free Certificate
You can find all the Class Central free certificate articles here.
Most Popular Free Online Courses (2024 Edition)
Foundations of Cybersecurity
Google via Coursera
This is the first course in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. These courses will equip you with the skills you need to prepare for an entry-level cybersecurity job.
Business Analytics with Excel: Elementary to Advanced
Johns Hopkins University via Coursera
A leader in a data driven world requires the knowledge of both data-related (statistical) methods and of appropriate models to use that data. This Business Analytics class focuses on the latter: it introduces students to analytical frameworks used for decision making though Excel modeling.
★★★★★ (1 rating)
Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
Vanderbilt University via Coursera
ChatGPT and other large language models are going to be more important in your life and business than your smartphone, if you use them right.
★★★★★ (2 ratings)
Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks
Google via Coursera
In this course, you will take a deeper dive on how cybersecurity professionals use frameworks and controls to protect business operations.
Generative AI with Large Language Models
DeepLearning.AI via Coursera
In Generative AI with Large Language Models (LLMs), you’ll learn the fundamentals of how generative AI works, and how to deploy it in real-world applications.
Introduction to Generative AI
Google Cloud via Coursera
This is an introductory level microlearning course aimed at explaining what Generative AI is, how it is used, and how it differs from traditional machine learning methods. It also covers Google Tools to help you develop your own Gen AI apps.
★★★★★ (1 rating)
Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security
Google via Coursera
In this course, you will explore how networks connect multiple devices and allow them to communicate.
Leadership Skills
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad via Coursera
Welcome to the Leadership Skills course! In our increasingly complex world, understanding the practice of leadership is critical.
The Science of Well-Being for Teens
Yale University via Coursera
A recent survey found that 37% of teens say they have poor mental health. This 6-week course aims to curb this mental health crisis by bringing together the best insights from Dr. Laurie Santos’ popular Yale course Psychology and the Good Life.
Google Cybersecurity
Google via Coursera
Prepare for a new career in the high-growth field of cybersecurity, no degree or experience required.
Generative AI for Everyone
DeepLearning.AI via Coursera
Instructed by AI pioneer Andrew Ng, Generative AI for Everyone offers his unique perspective on empowering you and your work with generative AI. Andrew will guide you through how generative AI works and what it can (and can’t) do.
Computer Graphics
via edX
Learn to create images of 3D scenes in both real-time and with realistic ray tracing in this introductory computer graphics course.
Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL
Google via Coursera
In this course, you will explore computing skills that you’ll use on-the-job as a cybersecurity analyst. First, you’ll practice using Linux, an operating system commonly used by cybersecurity professionals.
CS50’s Introduction to Cybersecurity
Harvard University via edX
An introduction to cybersecurity for technical and non-technical audiences alike.
Full-Stack Web Development with React
via Coursera
Learn front-end and hybrid mobile development, with server-side support, for implementing a multi-platform solution.
Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities
Google via Coursera
In this course, you will explore the concepts of assets, threats, and vulnerabilities. First, you’ll build an understanding of how assets are classified. Next, you will become familiar with common threats and vulnerabilities, and the security controls used by organizations to protect valuable information and mitigate risk.
Foundations of Data Science
Google via Coursera
This is the first of seven courses in the Google Advanced Data Analytics Certificate, which will help develop the skills needed to apply for more advanced data professional roles, such as an entry-level data scientist or advanced-level data analyst.
Pre-MBA Statistics
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad via Coursera
Welcome to the Pre-MBA Statistics course! By the end of this course, you will be able to describe how statistics can be used to summarize, analyze, and interpret data.
Linear Algebra for Machine Learning and Data Science
DeepLearning.AI via Coursera
Mathematics for Machine Learning and Data science is a foundational online program created in by DeepLearning.AI and taught by Luis Serrano. This beginner-friendly program is where you’ll master the fundamental mathematics toolkit of machine learning.
Sound the Alarm: Detection and Response
Google via Coursera
In this course, you will focus on incident detection and response. You’ll define a security incident and explain the incident response lifecycle, including the roles and responsibilities of incident response teams.
Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python
Google via Coursera
In this course, you will be introduced to the Python programming language and apply it in a cybersecurity setting to automate tasks. You’ll start by focusing on foundational Python programming concepts, including data types, variables, conditional statements, and iterative statements.
Put It to Work: Prepare for Cybersecurity Jobs
Google via Coursera
In this course, you will focus on making decisions and escalating incidents to stakeholders. You’ll develop the communication and collaboration skills needed to inform and influence stakeholders within an organization.
Preparing Data for Analysis with Microsoft Excel
Microsoft via Coursera
In this course, you’ll learn how to make use of Excel in business scenarios for data analysis. You’ll also learn how to utilize formulas and functions for data analysis.
Foundations of Business Intelligence
Google via Coursera
This is the first of three courses in the Google Business Intelligence Certificate, which will help develop the skills needed to apply for entry-level roles as a business intelligence (BI) professional.
Get Started with Python
Google via Coursera
The Python programming language is a powerful tool for data analysis. In this course, you’ll learn the basic concepts of Python programming and how data professionals use Python on the job.
Operations Management: Organization and Analysis
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign via Coursera
In this course, you will learn about the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations.
Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact
University of London International Programmes via Coursera
Individuals have a great capacity for vocal expression but most people haven’t had the opportunity to explore and develop it.
Connected Leadership
Yale University via Coursera
This course is designed to maximize your ability to create change at the individual, team and system levels.
Operations Management: Quality and Supply Chain
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign via Coursera
In this course you will focus on process improvement. You will learn how to set organizational priorities for continuous process improvement, how to execute process improvement projects, and how to sustain the initiative for continuous improvements.
Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems and Security
Microsoft via Coursera
If you’re interested in a cybersecurity career but don’t know where to start, you’ve arrived at the right place!
From Excel to Power BI
Knowledge Accelerators via Coursera
Are you using Excel to manage, analyze, and visualize your data? Would you like to do more? Perhaps you’ve considered Power BI as an alternative, but have been intimidated by the idea of working in an advanced environment.
Introduction to ChatGPT
via edX
This course provides a practical introduction to ChatGPT, from signing up to mastering its advanced features.
Cyber Security and Privacy
Indian Institute of Technology Madras via Swayam
This course introduces to management students the concepts, technologies, practices and challenges associated with cybersecurity as applied in organizations.
★★★★★ (1 rating)
Google Advanced Data Analytics
Google via Coursera
Get professional training designed by Google and take the next step in your career with advanced data analytics skills. There are over 144,000 open jobs in advanced data analytics and the median salary for entry-level roles is $118,000.
Calculus for Machine Learning and Data Science
DeepLearning.AI via Coursera
After completing this course, learners will be able to analytically optimize different types of functions commonly used in machine learning using properties of derivatives and gradients.
Probability & Statistics for Machine Learning & Data Science
DeepLearning.AI via Coursera
After completing this course, learners will be able to describe and quantify the uncertainty inherent in predictions made by machine learning models, using the concepts of probability, random variables, and probability distributions.
Introduction to Digital Advertising
University of Colorado Boulder via Coursera
The digital advertising landscape is complex. There are many different types of ads, including: display, video, audio, sponsored, native, social media and search. Consumer data and the ad tech that action on that data are both ubiquitous and complicated.
Google Cloud Computing Foundations
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur via Swayam
The Google Cloud Computing Foundations course aims to provide a detailed overview of concepts covering cloud basics, big data, and machine learning and where and how the Google Cloud Platform fits in.
Go Beyond the Numbers: Translate Data into Insights
Google via Coursera
In this course, you’ll learn how to find the story within data and tell that story in a compelling way. You’ll discover how data professionals use storytelling to better understand their data and communicate key insights to teammates and stakeholders.
Introduction to Aerodynamics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Discover the basic fluid dynamic concepts behind aircraft analysis and design.
CS50’s Introduction to Databases with SQL
Harvard University via edX
An introduction to databases using a language called SQL.
Fundamentos del marketing digital y comercio electrónico
Google via Coursera
Este es el primero de los siete cursos del Certificado de Carrera de Google en Marketing Digital y Comercio Electrónico, que te brindará las habilidades que necesitas para acceder a puestos de marketing digital y comercio electrónico de nivel inicial.
The Power of Statistics
Google via Coursera
In this course, you’ll discover how data professionals use statistics to analyze data and gain important insights. You’ll explore key concepts such as descriptive and inferential statistics, probability, sampling, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing.
Equity Stock Market
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore via Swayam
Equity stock markets are perhaps the most vibrant and ‘visible’ of all financial markets around the world under the broad spectrum of participants and the volume and value of transactions traded in these markets.
Introduction to Project Management
IBM via Coursera
Project management is a booming field with many opportunities for those with the appropriate skills. This course is designed for anyone interested in starting a career in this field and provides a comprehensive introduction to project management.
Using JavaScript and JSON in Django
University of Michigan via Coursera
In this final course, we’ll look at the JavaScript language and how it supports the Object-Oriented pattern, with a focus on the unique aspects of JavaScript’s approach to OO.
Google Business Intelligence
Google via Coursera
Get professional training designed by Google and take the next step in your career with advanced skills in the high-growth field of business intelligence.
Narrative Economics
Yale University via Coursera
This course, Narrative Economics, is relatively short and proposes a simple concept: we need to incorporate the contagion of narratives into our economic theory.
★★★★☆ (1 rating)
Foundation of Data Science
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore via Swayam
At the end of this course, you will be able to describe the role of probability theory, optimization and linear algebra in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
The Path to Insights: Data Models and Pipelines
Google via Coursera
In this course, you’ll explore data modeling and how databases are designed. Then you’ll learn about extract, transform, load (ETL) processes that extract data from source systems, transform it into formats that enable analysis, and drive business processes and goals.
Talent Acquisition
HRCI via Coursera
This course focuses on all aspects of the talent acquisition process. You will learn how to forecast workforce needs, source and recruit talented candidates, and hire and onboard new employees.
The Nuts and Bolts of Machine Learning
Google via Coursera
In this course, you’ll learn about machine learning, which uses algorithms and statistics to teach computer systems to discover patterns in data.
Harnessing the Power of Data with Power BI
Microsoft via Coursera
In this course, you’ll learn about the role of a data analyst and the main stages involved in the data analysis process with a focus on applying them using Microsoft Power BI.
Regression Analysis: Simplify Complex Data Relationships
Google via Coursera
In this course, you’ll practice modeling variable relationships. You’ll learn about different methods of data modeling and how to use them to approach business problems.
ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis
Vanderbilt University via Coursera
ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis is going to transform tasks by helping amplify your productivity and supporting your creativity. ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis can help you augment your intelligence and automate tasks.
Google Advanced Data Analytics Capstone
Google via Coursera
During this capstone project, you’ll use your new skills and knowledge to develop data-driven insights for a specific business problem.
Decisions, Decisions: Dashboards and Reports
Google via Coursera
In this course, you’ll apply your understanding of stakeholder needs, plan and create BI visuals, and design reporting tools, including dashboards.
Introduction to Large Language Models
Google Cloud via Coursera
This is an introductory level micro-learning course that explores what large language models (LLM) are, the use cases where they can be utilized, and how you can use prompt tuning to enhance LLM performance.
ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers
DeepLearning.AI via Coursera
Go beyond the chat box. Use API access to leverage LLMs into your own applications, and learn to build a custom chatbot.
HRM Strategy Execution
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore via Swayam
The course is an introduction to Human Resource Management. The course aims to help participants to gain an appreciation for the significance of Human Resource Management as a strategic tool in organizations.
Fundamentos de la ciberseguridad
Google via Coursera
En este primer curso del Certificado de Ciberseguridad de Google conocerás el mundo de la ciberseguridad a través de un plan de estudios interactivo, desarrollado por Google.
Prompt Engineering and Advanced ChatGPT
via edX
Welcome to Advanced ChatGPT! This course is designed to teach advanced techniques in ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI.
★★★★☆ (1 rating)
Extract, Transform and Load Data in Power BI
Microsoft via Coursera
In this course, you will learn the process of Extract, Transform and Load or ETL. You will identify how to collect data from and configure multiple sources in Power BI and prepare and clean data using Power Query.
Large Language Models: Application through Production
Databricks via edX
This course is aimed at developers, data scientists, and engineers looking to build LLM-centric applications with the latest and most popular frameworks. By the end of this course, you will have built an end-to-end LLM workflow that is ready for production!
Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst
Microsoft via Coursera
Through a mix of videos, assessments, and hands-on activities, you’ll learn cybersecurity concepts and how they apply to a business environment, discuss threat mitigation strategies from an enterprise perspective, apply effective cybersecurity policy measures within an Azure environment.
Marketing Management
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore via Swayam
Marketing is everything a company does to acquire customers and maintain a relationship with them. Marketing starts with understanding consumer’s preferences for products and services and attempts to satisfy their different wants and needs in a profitable manner.
AI in Marketing
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee via Swayam
To develop an understanding of application of Al in marketing management and familiarize students with changes brought in traditional marketing activities due to AI and ethical concerns raised by Al adoption.
Machine Learning And Deep Learning – Fundamentals And Applications
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati via Swayam
In this course we will start with traditional Machine Learning approaches, e.g. Bayesian Classification, Multilayer Perceptron etc. and then move to modern Deep Learning architectures like Convolutional Neural Networks, Autoencoders etc.
Data Modeling in Power BI
Microsoft via Coursera
In this course, you’ll learn how to use Power BI to create and maintain relationships in a data model and form a model using multiple Schemas.
Science in Art: The Chemistry of Art Materials and Conservation
Trinity College via edX
Learn the chemistry behind the visual arts, and how an understanding of art’s material properties helps preserve our cultural heritage.
Search and Display Advertising
University of Colorado Boulder via Coursera
Consumers search for virtually everything. This includes the things that small businesses do, from restaurants to bespoke products.
Operation Management
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore via Swayam
Have you ever wondered about the right methods to improve productivity, configure your supply chain or address the demand on hand?
Data Analysis and Visualization with Power BI
Microsoft via Coursera
In this course, you will learn report design and formatting in Power BI, which offers extraordinary visuals for building reports and dashboards. Additionally, you will learn how to use report navigation to tell a compelling, data-driven story in Power BI.
VLSI Design Flow: RTL to GDS
Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi via Swayam
This course covers the entire RTL to GDS VLSI design flow, going through various stages of logic synthesis, verification, physical design, and testing.
Software Testing (IIITB)
NPTEL via Swayam
This course will cover various techniques for test case design, as used for testing of software artifacts including requirements, design and code.
ChatGPT Teach-Out
University of Michigan via Coursera
This Teach-Out introduces learners to artificial intelligence and explains how large language models and chatbots like ChatGPT work.
Introduction to Networking and Cloud Computing
Microsoft via Coursera
This course forms part of a series of courses that offers a good starting point for a career in cybersecurity. This is also a great way to prepare for the Microsoft SC-900 exam.
Build AI Apps with ChatGPT, Dall-E, and GPT-4
Scrimba via Coursera
By the end of this course, you’ll know how to use the OpenAI API to add mind-blowing AI features to your apps.
Learning for a Sustainable Future
University of Edinburgh via Coursera
Climate change, gender equality, health, social equity, and inclusion are issues that affect us all, impacting human well-being and economic stability. How to live a sustainable life affects – and connects – us all.
How to Create Video for Online Courses
University of Edinburgh via Coursera
Increasingly, as education pivots online, educators are looking to filmmaking as a way of creating new and exciting content.
Learn React
Scrimba via Coursera
The ultimate React 101 – the perfect starting point for any React beginner. Learn the basics of modern React by solving 140+ interactive coding challenges and building eight fun projects.
★★★★★ (1 rating)
WhatsApp Business Platform for Developers
Meta via Coursera
Are you interested in learning how the WhatsApp Business Platform can help businesses achieve better audience engagement and customer support?
Business To Business Marketing (B2B)
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee via Swayam
Business to Business Marketing (B2B) has been one of the most discussed topics in marketing. It involves all kinds of industries be it manufacturing or service oriented ones.
Learning for a Sustainable Future: Live at COP28
University of Edinburgh via Coursera
This two-week course, which runs in parallel with the COP28 conference, offers you an opportunity to examine what COP28 is, why it’s important and reflect on how you can add your voice to the call for collective action for a sustainable future.
Foreign Exchange market
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore via Swayam
Explain the structure and functioning of foreign exchange markets.
Digital Transformation: Theory and Applications
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad via Swayam
This course discusses Digital Transformation, and how students, managers, and executives may plan, lead and benefit from the assimilation of digital technologies.
Introduction to Business Analytics
Tableau via Coursera
The Introduction to Business Analytics teaches you the foundational skills in Tableau and business analytics.
Digital Media for Health Outcomes, English
Yale University via Coursera
The Digital Media for Health Outcomes (DMHO) course will train health communication professionals to leverage social and behavioral insights to design, implement and evaluate health communications online.
Application Security for Developers and DevOps Professionals
IBM via Coursera
How vulnerable are your applications to security risks and threats? This course will help you identify vulnerabilities and monitor the health of your applications and systems.
Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics
Siemens via Coursera
If you’re reading this, you’re likely interested in exploring applied computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using the Simcenter STAR-CCM+ software or another CFD tool. This course can be a first step in improving your job performance and furthering your career or educational trajectory.
Software Testing (IITKGP)
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur via Swayam
Over the years program several testing techniques have developed and tools have become available. Also, testing has been acknowledged as the primary technique for ensuring software reliability.
Transformando la educación con IA: ChatGPT
Galileo University via edX
Descubre cómo la inteligencia artificial, especialmente el modelo de lenguaje ChatGPT, puede ser utilizado para potenciar el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje.
★★★★★ (287 ratings)
AI and Public Health
DeepLearning.AI via Coursera
The AI for Good course is designed to introduce learners to the concept of using artificial intelligence to address social and environmental issues.
Analog VLSI Design
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur via Swayam
This course is aimed at introducing analog circuits from the perspective of designing amplifiers in an integrated circuit using MOS transistors.
Advanced Algorithmic Trading And Portfolio Management
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur via Swayam
Over the next few decades, machine-learning (ML) and AI will play a crucial role in different aspects of financial ecosystem from managing assets, assessing risks and providing investment advice.
English Lower Intermediate B1.1
University of Naples Federico II via Coursera
Welcome. This is the first of our 2 courses in English to take you to a B1 level of competence. English is the most important international language for the workplace and for study.
Building Systems with the ChatGPT API
DeepLearning.AI via Coursera
In Building Systems With The ChatGPT API, you will learn how to automate complex workflows using chain calls to a large language model. Unlock new development capabilities and improve your efficiency in this brand new short course.
Vivre avec le TDAH à travers les âges
University of Geneva via Coursera
Qu’est-ce que le TDAH? Quels sont les défis qui l’accompagnent? Que vous soyez une personne concernée par des troubles du déficit de l’attention, un-e proche ou un-e professionnel-le, ce MOOC vous offrira une compréhension de ce qu’est le TDAH.
GenAI for Everyone
Fractal Analytics via Coursera
By the end of this course, you will be able to discuss the fundamentals of GenAI, discuss some of the applications of GenAI in daily life, such as virtual assistants, chatbots, and personalized recommendations.
Python Essentials for MLOps
Duke University via Coursera
Python Essentials for MLOps (Machine Learning Operations) is a course designed to provide learners with the fundamental Python skills needed to succeed in an MLOps role.
Automation Business Analysis – Concepts and Principles
UiPath via Coursera
Change is inevitable and so are the digital disruptions in every industry. What’s important from a business perspective is to align and adapt to such digital disruptions.
