Harvard University does list free online courses, and anyone can start one. But this is not a scholarship and there is nothing to apply for. The courses are open and self-paced, with no deadline and no selection. The learning is free to audit; a verified certificate usually costs money, and that is the point most social posts leave out.
Before you share the poster or the "free certificate" posts:
- "Free certificates" is only half true. Harvard Online marks its courses "Free*": the course content is free to audit, but a verified certificate normally carries a fee that differs by course. Check the price on the course page before you start.
- The exception is CS50. Harvard's CS50x offers a free certificate of completion as well as a paid verified one, and the course page explains the difference.
- This is not a scholarship. There is no application, no selection and no funding. You simply enrol.
- Use Harvard's own page. The "apply link" going around points to a third-party blog. The official free catalogue is on Harvard Online.
Harvard Free Online Courses at a Glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Where | Online, through Harvard Online (the university's professional and lifelong learning arm) |
| How many | Over a hundred free courses are listed in the catalogue |
| Subjects | Art and design, business, computer science, data science, education, health and medicine, humanities, mathematics, programming, science, social sciences and theology |
| Cost to learn | Free to audit |
| Certificate | Usually a paid verified certificate; CS50x also has a free one |
| Deadline | None; courses are self-paced |
| Application | None; you create an account and enrol |
Who Can Take These Courses?
The catalogue shows no country limit, and the courses are taught in English. In practice there are two things to check. First, each course sets its own background: some are for beginners and some assume earlier study or programming skills. Second, US sanctions rules can stop learners in some countries from using US-based learning platforms, so check the platform's terms for your country before you build a study plan around a course.
No IELTS or other English test is asked for when you enrol on a free course. You do need enough English to follow lectures and readings, so read the course description first.
How Do I Enrol?
- Open the free course catalogue on Harvard Online and filter by subject.
- Read the course page: the length, the weekly time commitment, the prerequisites and the certificate price.
- Create a free account and enrol in the free (audit) option.
- Study at your own pace. Decide on the paid certificate only if you need proof of completion.
Is a Harvard Certificate Worth Paying For?
It depends on what you need it for. A certificate shows that you finished a course; it is not a Harvard degree and does not make you a Harvard student. Learners often add it to a CV or a LinkedIn profile, and employers weigh it by the skills you can show. If you only want the knowledge, audit the course for free. If you need a record to show an employer or a scholarship panel, compare the certificate fee with the benefit, and remember that a free CS50 certificate may be enough for a programming CV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Harvard's online courses really free?
The learning is free to audit. Harvard Online marks these courses "Free*" because a verified certificate usually costs money.
Do I get a free certificate?
For most courses, no; the verified certificate has a fee that varies by course. CS50x offers a free certificate of completion as well as a paid verified one.
Is this a Harvard scholarship?
No. There is no application, no selection and no funding. You enrol in an open online course.
Is there a deadline?
No. The courses are self-paced and online, so you can start any time. Some paid or cohort programmes elsewhere on Harvard Online do have dates, so read the course page.
Can international students enrol?
The catalogue shows no country limit, but US sanctions rules can restrict some countries. Check the platform's terms for yours.
Do I need IELTS?
No English test is asked for when you enrol on a free course, but you need enough English to follow the lectures.
Which subjects can I study?
Art and design, business, computer science, data science, education, health and medicine, humanities, mathematics, programming, science, social sciences and theology.
Will this get me into Harvard?
No. Free online courses are separate from admission to Harvard, and completing one does not give you a place or a scholarship.
Related Scholarship Guides
- Yale University Scholarship — need-based aid and PhD funding at another Ivy League university.
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship — a fully funded undergraduate award in Canada.
Official Links
JobGader is not part of Harvard University. This guide was checked against Harvard Online and the CS50 pages on 8 October 2026. Course lists, prices and certificate options change, so confirm them on Harvard's official pages before you enrol.
Ready to apply?
You apply on Harvard University (Harvard Online)’s own website. Check the dates and requirements there before you submit, as they can change after this guide was written.
