You’ve likely heard that learning is a lifelong pursuit. But when you try to pick up a new ability, the journey to mastery can become pricey. Whether it’s buying equipment, paying for classes, or getting coached by an expert, the initial cost of learning in-demand skills often creates a real obstacle.
If you want to gain new skills for a job change or pursue a craft you’ve always admired, there are ways to learn for free if you know where to look. From self-paced online lessons to hands-on workshops that develop creative talents, many resources let you learn new things at little to no cost.
9 Sites to Learn a New Skill for Free
These platforms may not provide graded coursework, but they offer tools and content to learn online or explore a new hobby at your own speed.
- YouTube
- Khan Academy
- TED
- Skillshare
- Duolingo
- Grow Google
- HubSpot Academy
- Codecademy
- Alison
1. Learn Anything on YouTube
There’s a reason YouTube is a go-to learning hub for younger generations and a favorite social platform. From DIY guides on home improvement and crafts to primer videos on advanced scientific ideas, YouTube has content for virtually every interest. Check out some well-known educational channels:
If you want practical how-tos like refinishing furniture or learning piano, YouTube is an excellent starting point because it’s free. You can stream unlimited videos without creating an account.
2. Get Taught at Khan Academy
Khan Academy began when Sal Khan recorded lessons for his cousin to learn math and science. It has since evolved into a major educational resource online. Its catalog of free lessons covers K–12 topics, SAT prep, AP classes and even essential life subjects such as financial literacy and developing a growth mindset.
3. Broaden Your Perspective With TED
Inspired by the popular TED Talks featuring industry leaders, TED provides free materials and short online modules. These brief sessions, often under an hour, give quick introductions to subjects like data science or social media strategy.
4. Find Creative Motivation on Skillshare
Want to tap into your creative side? Skillshare is geared toward creators, offering hands-on classes in graphic design, photography, creative writing, art, music and more.
The drawback is that free access is limited: you’ll get a seven-day trial before the platform charges about $13.99 per month to continue accessing most classes.
5. Learn Languages With Duolingo
Learning a language for free might sound too good to be true, but Duolingo’s half-billion users show it’s possible. Duolingo has around 100 courses in 40 languages and even offers fee waivers for low-income students taking the English proficiency exam.
6. Get a Free Certificate From Grow Google
Google is more than a search engine. Grow Google provides no-cost lessons in high-demand digital skills. If you’re serious about boosting your résumé, Google Digital Garage has free certificate programs in areas like cybersecurity and project management.
7. Discover Free Training at HubSpot Academy
HubSpot Academy is another solid option for free upskilling. You can earn certificates online by taking HubSpot’s free classes on topics such as content marketing, business writing, web design and project management.
8. Build Technical Skills at Codecademy
Coding and other tech skills are highly prized by employers. Start a programming path with courses in JavaScript, HTML and more at Codecademy. The platform has a short free trial, a free tier, and paid annual plans with student-friendly pricing.
9. Advance Your Career With Alison
Alison helps you study for the job you want, not just the one you have. You can set up an account and explore more than 5,000 free courses on subjects including business, management, healthcare and beyond.
Where to Find Free Online College Courses
Interested in learning from leading universities? You can access high-quality, no-cost courses from top institutions online.
Coursera
Coursera is a useful place to sample course content from well-known colleges. Some free offerings come from prestigious schools like Yale and Princeton. Coursera also connects learners with low-cost pathways to degrees or professional certificates.
edX
edX partners with more than 160 universities, including Stanford, MIT, Harvard and UC Berkeley, providing over 4,000 online courses in fields such as computer science, business, data science, languages, humanities and engineering. You can audit many courses for free, though you’ll need to pay if you want credit or graded assignments.
Stanford Online
Stanford University’s platform includes a free course section where you can explore many topics at no cost. These self-paced courses span a broad range from health topics to engineering.
Open Yale Courses
Yale University also offers open-access courses you can attend for free. The subjects cover diverse areas of knowledge, from philosophy classes on mortality to economics courses on developing financial markets.
6 Steps to Pick Up New Skills for Free or Cheap
Maybe you promised yourself you’d learn to skydive or knit this year, or perhaps you’re returning to study so you can turn a passion into a profession. Either way, many low-cost or free options exist to get hands-on practice through local groups and businesses.
1. Begin With Community College
Community colleges are excellent for testing out a new academic direction without spending a fortune on a full program. They can also connect you with local entrepreneurs and business leaders.
2. Volunteer
Volunteering is a practical way to invest your time and gain experience. If you want to learn a new skill, volunteer with an organization where you can contribute and learn on the job. In return for your time, you’ll receive practical, real-world experience.
3. Explore Continuing Education Programs
Continuing education comes in many forms and is typically run by school districts, trade schools, community colleges or universities. Start by searching municipal or county websites, because local governments often subsidize these programs.
4. Join a Makerspace
If you want to learn welding or create book sculptures for craft fairs, a Makerspace can give you access to tools, equipment, instruction and affordable workshops.
5. Look for Local Workshops
Picking up a hobby—or a career skill—is often as simple as finding an inexpensive local workshop on a community events calendar. You might enroll in painting or pottery classes through artist groups, or take parenting workshops and first aid certification classes offered by city agencies.
6. Ask a Local Business
It may seem obvious, but don’t hesitate to ask a nearby business that specializes in the skill you want to learn. Local ski areas provide free lessons, craft stores host painting sessions, and hardware chains run furniture-building classes. These free offers are often a way for businesses to cultivate long-term customers.
How Much Can You Earn by Learning a New Skill?
If you’re aiming to make extra income via a side hustle or to earn a promotion by upskilling, it can be tricky to know what’s worthwhile. The best route to boosting your earnings is to learn skills employers are actively seeking or pursue a high-demand side gig.
Alex Moran is a former senior staff writer at Savinly.
