Short ProgrammeWorldwideFree
Harvard Free Online Courses 2026 (Self-Paced, Open to Everyone)
Apply NowProgram Overview
Harvard University offers a catalogue of free online courses that anyone can take. When this page was checked, the catalogue listed 128 free courses across subjects such as business, computer science, data science, education, health and medicine, humanities, mathematics, programming, science and social sciences.
There is no application and no deadline. You choose a course in the catalogue and enrol on the platform it links to. Courses are free to study, and some offer a paid certificate if you want one. This page was last checked against the official website on 5 October 2026.
Checked on 8 October 2026: Harvard's catalogue lists these courses as free to audit, and they are self-paced and open to everyone. A verified certificate is optional and paid; on edX it starts at around 50 US dollars.
Key Information
Host Country
Worldwide
Funding Type
Free
English Requirement
Varies — check program requirements
Eligible Nations
Open to everyone
Category
Free
Applications Open
Open all year
Status
Accepting Applications
Scholarship Benefits
Free access to the courses listed in the free catalogue
Study online at your own pace for most courses
A paid certificate is optional on some courses
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to anyone with an internet connection
- No application or entry requirement for most courses
- Check the level of each course: introductory, intermediate or advanced
How Applications Are Evaluated
Each scholarship provider uses its own selection criteria. Applicants should review the official scholarship guidelines for the specific criteria used to evaluate applications.
Required Documents
None. You only need an account on the course platform
How to Apply
1
Open Harvard's free course catalogue
2
Filter by subject and level
3
Choose a course and follow the link to enrol
4
Create a free account on the course platform and start learning
Ready to Submit?
Ensure you have reviewed all requirements and gathered your documents before starting the application.
Official Application WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
It varies by program and by your previous education. Some providers accept other English tests, and some waive the test if your earlier degree was taught in English. Check the official program requirements before you apply.
There is no single deadline. Dates are set by each university, office or vacancy, so check the official website for the date that applies to you.
Most universities allow you to apply with a "Hope Certificate" or provisional transcript if you are in your final semester, provided you graduate before the intake starts.
This varies by university. Many fully funded scholarships cover or waive application fees, but some may still require an initial processing fee. Refer to the official guidelines.
For PhD and some Master's programs, securing an acceptance letter from a professor is often mandatory. For undergraduate programs, it is usually not required.
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