The best Harvard University courses you can take online for free

We're on a mission to find the best free courses from the biggest institutions in the world.
By Joseph Green  on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
Boy opening door with backpack
Credit: Pexels

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from Harvard University are available for free on edX. Learn about Python programming, machine learning, and much more for free.


We're on a massive tour of the biggest and best educational institutions in the world. We're not just checking out the facilities. We're seeking out online courses that students can take for free.

The latest stop on this tour is Harvard University. This famous school is offering a wide range of free online courses on edX. You can learn about everything from Python programming to machine learning without leaving your home. If you want to receive a verified certificate, you have the option to pay a small fee. If you don't, there's no pressure to pay anything at all.

As of March 9, some of the best online courses from Harvard University are available for free on edX. We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of the best courses this week:

A lot of the courses hosted by edX are not exactly beginner friendly, so you really need to do your research before enrolling. We wouldn't want you to be completely overwhelmed before you've even got going. These courses are for students looking to pursue a real passion, rather than starting out on a new journey of learning.

Mashable Deals
Want more hand-picked deals in your inbox?
Sign up for Mashable's daily Deals newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

Secure access to the best free online courses from Harvard University.

Topics Careers

Photo of Joseph Green
Joseph Green
Global Shopping Editor

Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming services, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.

Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.


Recommended For You
Get this AI-powered resume writing tool for 77% off — now £31.91 for life
woman creating resume on tablet


Price drop alert: Get Windows 11 Pro and MS Office Pro 2021 for £56
Laptop open showing Microsoft suite of products


How to watch the 2024 Giro d’Italia online for free
Pink Jersey, Team UAE's Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar

More in Life

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 12
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 12
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 11
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 11
a phone displaying Wordle

How to watch the 2024 Women’s FA Cup Final online for free
Manchester United's Lucia Garcia celebrates scoring
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!