5 Awesome Free Online Courses from International Universities

5 Free online courses from international universities

Here are 5 awesome online courses from international universities. You can do them from South Africa. Some of these courses offer certificates and also paid ones which require you to pay a fee for certification.

Either way, world know international universities like Havard, Yale and more have courses that can help you gain skills in any field you want. Eg, if you are interested in IT, Harvard free IT online courses might be the one for you.

Without wasting anymore time, let us have a look at top 5 international universities offering free online courses for anyone in the world.

1. CS50: Introduction to Computer Science (Harvard University)

 A famous starter programming/computer science course by Harvard, often called CS50x. It introduces basic ideas like algorithms, data structures, web development, etc.

You don’t need to have coded before. They even show you languages like C, Python, SQL, JavaScript + CSS/HTML. You’ll learn how computers think, not just how to write code. Another good altinative are these 10 Free online courses offered by Alison, have a look at them since they also offer diploma courses.

It’s about 11–12 weeks if you follow a schedule, but since it’s self‑paced, you can take longer or faster. It’s intense sometimes.

• Certificate: You can audit it (do all the work, access videos etc.) for free. If you want a verified certificate, there’s usually a fee.

It’s perfect if you want to learn how the tech stuff works under the hood. Even if you end up not becoming a coder, the logic, problem‑solving, thinking skills are great.

2. Open Yale Courses

Yale makes some of its undergraduate courses available online for free (video/audio lectures, transcripts, readings, assignments etc.) via Open Yale Courses.

They have tons – psychology, history, art, classics, even ecology, depending on course.

Also no registration required in many cases. You just watch lectures, download readings, follow the syllabus on your own. It’s more like auditing a class than enrolling.

• Certificate: Nope. Because it’s more “free content” than a formal course. Useful for learning but not sure you can get proof that employers would accept.

 If you like just watching professors teach, reading interesting stuff, exploring ideas (history, psychology, etc). It’s very flexible—no pressure of deadlines in many cases.

3. The Science of Well‑Being” (Yale, via Coursera)

This is a course by Yale that focuses on happiness, mental health, habits, and what people have found (through psychological research) makes us happier or more fulfilled. 

You will learn how your mind works in terms of expectations/happiness, habit‑forming, what social science says about being more satisfied, practical exercises to try.

Usually around 10 weeks, with a few hours per week. Very doable even if you’re busy with school. For those interested in fields like caregiving, here’s a list of 5 best training providers for care giver courses in South Africa.

• Certificate: The course content can be accessed free; to get a certificate, usually you pay. But even without the certificate it’s still super valuable.

Because being happier is something we all want. Also, this is good if you ever feel stressed (from school or life), or want to understand why people behave the way they do.

4. IBM SkillsBuild

 IBM’s platform offering free tech‑ and workplace‑skill courses (AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analysis etc.), especially aimed at people who might not get access easily. 

Technical stuff (e.g. AI basics, machine learning intro, cybersecurity) and also “soft skills” like working in teams, communication, career preparation.

• Certificate: Yes, you can earn IBM digital credentials. If you complete modules, some credentials are recognized in the market.

Tech and digital skills are super useful here too. If you want to work in tech, or just strengthen your resume, IBM’s stuff looks solid and globally respected. If you are living in South Africa, it might be to look at 4 best courses that are on demand in South Africa to have more broad options.

5. Free courses via “Study UK / FutureLearn” (UK universities + British Council)

These are simply Programs for international students offered by UK universities & British Council via FutureLearn. Example topics: preparing to study in the UK, managing wellbeing, preparing for work, etc.

If you’re interested in studying abroad or just want global exposure: how UK universities teach, how to adapt to life in another country, how to write a good CV, interview skills. Also, personal skills (stress, identity, wellbeing).

• Certificate: Usually you can earn a digital certificate (sometimes for a small fee), depending on the course. But content is free.

Well these courses are good for skills that help you in life or school, especially if you ever think of studying in the UK or want to understand how international universities work. Also, improving your English / CV skills pays off everywhere.

Conclusion

So there you go—five free courses (or platforms that give free courses) from some of the best universities in the world. And yes, you can do them from South Africa. It’s not just for people in big cities or rich schools. If you’ve got an internet connection and curiosity, you can learn a ton.