Best Free Online Courses for IT Skills in 2026
Want to learn tech skills without spending cash?
1. Coding & Computer Science Basics
Harvard’s CS50 Courses (via edX or Harvard Online):
The CS50 series from Harvard? Super respected and totally free! You can check out all the lectures, assignments, and tests without paying a dime. (Certificates cost dough, though.) Check these out:
- CS50’s Intro to Computer Science – Covers the basics: programming, how stuff is organized in computers, and how to solve problems.
- CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript – Learn how to build websites using things like Django, APIs, and databases.
- CS50’s Intro to AI with Python – Get the lowdown on artificial intelligence using Python.
These courses let you learn at your speed and are awesome if you want to get comfy with coding and build a solid computer science background.
Codecademy — Hands-On Coding
Codecademy is super popular for learning to code. They have free lessons in Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, SQL, etc. You learn by actually doing coding exercises and building stuff—great if you’re just starting.
Exercism — Coding Practice with a Mentor
Exercism is free and open-source. It has tons of coding challenges in all sorts of languages, from beginner to expert. The cool thing? Volunteers give you feedback on your code. It’s perfect for getting better faster than just following tutorials.
2. Web & Full-Stack Development
freeCodeCamp
freeCodeCamp is a great way to learn real-world web development. They have a complete curriculum where you build projects to learn:
- Making Websites That Look Good on Any Device (HTML & CSS)
- JavaScript Algorithms & Data Structures
- Front End stuff
- Back End stuff
You also get certificates and build stuff for your portfolio, which is key if you want to be a full-stack developer.
The Odin Project
The Odin Project is a free guide to becoming a full-stack web developer. It covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, Node.js, and Ruby on Rails. It’s especially good if you’re learning on your own and want a structured way to learn by doing projects.
3. Data, AI & Machine Learning
Google Prompting Essentials (AI & Prompt Engineering)
Knowing how to use AI is super important these days. Google’s course teaches you how to work with AI, from writing prompts to using it in the real world. It mixes learning the ideas with actually doing stuff.
Anthropic’s AI Fluency Course
This is a short course on working with AI and figuring out if it’s doing a good job, which is something you need to know as AI gets used more at work.
IIT Madras AI Courses (via Swayam Plus)
If you want to get deeper into the theory, IIT Madras has free AI and machine learning courses. They include AI/ML with Python and even classes that mix AI with other subjects like physics and business. They’re great if you want a more technical job.
4. Cloud Computing & IT Support
Microsoft Learn
Microsoft has a bunch of free stuff on its learning site about Azure, cloud computing, and IT. If you finish these, you can get certificates like Azure Fundamentals, which is great if you want a job working with the cloud.
Google Digital Garage
Google offers free courses on things like data analysis, search engines, and cloud stuff. A lot of them are good for beginners and give you a certificate when you finish.
5. Cybersecurity & Networking
Cisco Free Networking Courses
Cisco has courses that teach you the basics of networking, setting things up, and security. They’re a good starting place if you want to work in network engineering or cybersecurity. Some even help you get certified.
Community & Independent Resources
Places like freeCodeCamp and Udemy sometimes have free courses (or courses with coupons) about cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and so on. The certificates might be different, but the content is good for learning the basics.
6. Digital Skills, Tools & Professional Development
Alison
Alison has free courses, but you might have to pay a bit for the certificates. They cover things like IT management, software, and networking. It’s a good place to learn more about computers.
GCFGlobal (GCFLearnFree)
If you’re new to computers, GCFGlobal has free tutorials on basic stuff like using Microsoft Office, the internet, and other important tech skills. You don’t even have to sign up.
Udemy Free Courses
Udemy often has free courses (or coupons) on IT skills like Python, ISO standards, app development, and more. The courses change, so check back often.
Tips for Free Courses
- Start with the basics!
- Make a portfolio. Show off your project.
- Keep learning. Tech changes fast.
- Certificates. They matter.
Summary
Now is a great time to learn IT skills without spending money. You can find courses from universities and tech companies that cover all sorts of things like programming, AI, cloud computing, networking, cybersecurity, and digital tools. Whether you’re just starting out or want a better tech job, these courses can help you learn.