After thorough research, our team has come up with 13 best free Udemy courses from various categories like Development, Business, IT & Software, to Lifestyle, and Music.
There are 100.000+ online courses on Udemy, which are categorized into: paid and free. If you’re interested in paid classes, check out these most popular Udemy courses. Free classes are a bit easier to choose as you’re not gonna lose any money. Still, how do you pick the best ones when there are thousands available?
Well, that’s why we decided to compile this list of 13 best free Udemy courses.
1. Best Free Development Course on Udemy:
Java Tutorial for Complete Beginners
Length: 16 hours
Total students: 1.079.000+
Includes: 5 articles, 4 downloadable resources
Created by: John Purcell
If you recall, the most popular paid course on Udemy is Complete Python Bootcamp: Go from Zero to Hero in Python 3 by Jose Portilla. The course is currently housing 602.000+ students, a massive number.
If that surprises you, prepare to be astonished.
This Java tutorial by John Purcell has been studied by one million plus learners from around the world. Ergo, it has become the most enrolled and the best free course in the Udemy platform.
The course teaches you all about the Java programming language. It has good examples to explain the usage of the syntax of Java. The instructor’s teaching style is very engaging and the presentation format makes it easy to grasp the concepts.
However, the course hasn’t been updated for a while. Therefore, you should only consider this course as the basic building block before moving to something more advanced.
John has an amazing taste for detail, I feel that explaining the material as though it were to a toddler minimizes the number of grey areas present after each tutorial. Additionally, I appreciate how the material is explained simply without making it any simpler. My notes are super detailed and could easily guide me through a concept without the immediate need for an IDE. Keep on keeping on!
Cyril Junior Dim
2. Best Free Teaching & Academics Course on Udemy:
How to Improve Your Video Quality: Official Udemy Course
Length: 30 hours
Total students: 492.000+
Includes: 4 articles, 4 downloadable resources
Created by: Udemy Instructor Team
This is one in the series of official courses offered by the Udemy Instructor Team. It is part of the “Filming” track of Udemy’s Official Instructor Education Program and is highly recommended for all Udemy instructors, new and experienced alike.
This class goes over what a great video looks and sounds like. You’ll be speaking the exact same language as the Udemy Review Team. You’ll learn what good and bad audio and video look like and how to actually identify specific problems to diagnose and fix your own videos.
Some of the topics that go into recognizing great videos include:
- Identifying and fixing common audio/video issues
- Giving and getting video feedback
By the end of this official guide, you’ll have learned valuable skills to perfect your own videos.
Yeah, it’s outstanding. You guys worked really hard, to make all this easy to understand for everybody. Though I know many of these concepts but still taking the course so that I produce quality content in all aspects. The course is really good.
Aaron AZ
3. Best Free Business Course on Udemy:
Deep Learning Prerequisites: The Numpy Stack in Python
Length: 3.5 hours
Total students: 164.000+
Created by: Lazy Programmer Inc.
When people enroll in a deep learning or data science course, they usually run a risk of being left behind because they don’t know enough about the Numpy stack to turn those concepts into code.
This course is designed to remove that obstacle. It shows you how to do things in the Numpy stack that are frequently needed in deep learning and data science.
- Numpy. Numpy forms the basis for everything else. The central object in Numpy is the Numpy array, on which you can do various operations.
- Pandas. Pandas does a lot of things under the hood, which makes your life easier because you then don’t need to code those things manually.
- Scipy. Spicy is like an add-on library to Numpy. Whereas Numpy provides basic building blocks, like vectors, matrices, and operations on them, Scipy uses those general building blocks to do specific things.
For this course to make sense, you first need some knowledge about:
- linear algebra
- probability
- Python coding
- why things like a dot product, matrix inversion, and Gaussian probability distributions are useful and what they can be used for
Really nice course, I already got hooked to continue with the more advanced deep learning material by Lazy Programmer. Although I have worked with most of the libraries discussed here before, I learned new aspects and did profit from taking the course. Highly recommended.
Thomas Kerbl
4. Best Free Finance & Accounting Course on Udemy:
Stock Market Investing for Beginners
Length: 1.5 hours
Total students: 143.000+
Includes: 2 articles
Created by: John Ducas
Finance & Accounting is a relatively new category on Udemy. It originated from the wider branch Business. The most popular free course on Finance & Accounting is one to help you emerge in the trendy stock market.
The stock market refers to public markets that exist for issuing, buying and selling stocks that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter.
Corporate Finance Institute
An efficiently functioning stock market is considered critical to economic development, as it gives companies the ability to quickly access capital from the public.
This course is all about introducing you to the exciting world of the stock market, taking you from the very beginning of what a stock is to teaching you different investing strategies, like Fundamental and Technical analysis.
You will learn about the stock market, understand many of the complexities of the markets, have the confidence to begin investing virtual money and know how to talk about it.
I like to write down all my how to information and while you can of course rewind and replay, it goes through the points a little too quickly, especially where methodologies are used. That said, I’m only deducting half a star as it is really a minor point of personal preference. Otherwise a very good introduction to stocks.
Jason Conheeney
5. Best Free IT & Software Course on Udemy:
AWS Concepts
Length: 1.5 hours
Total students: 170.000+
Includes: 1 downloadable resource
Created by: Linux Academy, Thomas Haslett
After this free online tutorial, you’ll be able to answer these four questions about AWS:
- What is the cloud?
- What is AWS?
- Which are AWS’s core services?
- Why do we use AWS?
The goal of the course is to provide a simple yet conceptual introduction to the concepts of Cloud Computing, Amazon Web Services, and their core services. As this course is visual, there are no technical explanations or definitions to memorize.
When you are done with this course, you will have the conceptual foundation to move forward onto more advanced AWS courses. And by having the frame-of-reference understanding from this course, you’ll be more prepared to tackle the more complex technical concepts and terminology.
I felt like this was a fantastic layman’s explanation of AWS, which was exactly what I was looking for. I found the information to be interesting, the examples relevant and it was broken down in terms I could easily understand. I will be taking the next level course!
Lindsay Butterfield
6. Best Free Office Productivity Course on Udemy:
Useful Excel for Beginners
Length: 9.5 hours
Total students: 117.000+
Includes: 58 downloadable resources
Created by: ind zara
In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of Excel and become an effective user. As the course targets beginners, it has been developed to be very easy to follow. You will be working with data related to a book store in the exercises. The files are available for download and you can follow along with the videos while practicing.
The course covers the topics that you need to know to become a functional user. You can download the Table of Contents document from Chapter 1, to see all the topics the course will address.
The instructor uses Microsoft Excel 2010 for Windows in the videos. Even though Excel versions following 2007 have a different user interface, the concepts will still apply.
Implemented new formulas in my current worksheet which I’m not aware of. Improved new ways of data visualization. Understanding of why and how excel content is created . If you are picking up coding, I feel excel is a good start. Thank you Indzara!
Abdul Qayyum Bin Mohd Mazlan
7. Best Free Personal Development Course on Udemy:
7 Scientifically Proven Steps to Increase Your Influence
Length: 1.5 hours
Total students: 150.000+
Includes: 1 article, 1 downloadable resource
Created by: Vanessa Van Edwards, Science of People
Whether you are in the business world, dating situations, or the social scene, you have to master the impact you have on the world.
This free Udemy course provides a completely new way to think about how you interact with people and the impact you have on those around you. The instructor claim you can learn this method in seven basic steps. The goal is to make you more memorable, influential, and charismatic.
The teaching method can be summed up in three bullets:
- Heavily Science-Based
- Entertainment + Education = Edutainment
- Tactical and Actionable
Vanessa Van Edwards, the creator of the course attain a great sense of humor. This can be seen in the way she describes her seven steps of influence:
- Turn People On
- Be Emotionally Horny
- Let’s Get Physical
- Once Upon a Time…
- Get Naked
- Favor Me?
- Get Contagious
There is a ton of useful information in this course that is extremely useful. Vanessa’s presentation is engaging and makes her an excellent role model for anyone who wants to improve in this area. She shines as she delivers. One warning though – As you learn, and apply, and get results, you’re likely to become addicted…
Nicolaas Eichelsheim
8. Best Free Design Course on Udemy:
Introduction to Graphic Design
Length: 23 minutes
Total students: 151.000+
Includes: 1 article
Created by: Sean Berg
Design goes way beyond software. It is a process of construction and creativity. In some cases, it is the direct construction of an object without an explicit prior plan.
In this introductory course, you’ll learn the basics to create amazing and real designs without needing any sort of equipment or specific software. By understanding the process behind what real designers do and understand, you will also be able to see what makes good design and answer these following questions:
- Why is that logo appealing?
- Why does that poster grab my attention?
- How is it that I can understand that ad, even though nothing is written on it?
After participating in this course, you’ll finally understand more of design and gain the ability to see the world in a different way.
9. Best Free Marketing Course on Udemy:
SEO Tutorial for Beginners
Length: 44 minutes
Total students: 145.000+
Includes: 2 articles
Created by: Daragh Walsh
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is essential for business owners, web designers, and marketers. It is the core magnet for organic traffic.
Getting to the top of the search results is the goal of search engine optimization because the higher you appear in the search results, the more free traffic you’ll get. That equals more sales and more money in return.
If you don’t understand SEO and apply it to your business online, you’re missing out on massive amounts of free traffic from the search engines.
In this SEO tutorial for beginners by Daragh Walsh, you’ll learn about the three pillars of powerful SEO:
- Keyword Research: How to find keywords that attract potential visitors
- On-Page Optimisation: How to increase your site visibility in the search engines like Google
- Off-Page Optimization: How to build authority on your site using inbound and outbound links
The course was amazing. At the start i didn’t even know about SEO except the term But this course encourages me enough. I know the key strategies of SEO and Traffic building and the most important that the instructor also aware me about the black SEO offers that may result of blocking my website. Really helpful course in a short time, I say keep it up……
Muhammad Faisal Zia
10. Best Free Lifestyle Course on Udemy:
Drawing for Kids: Learn How to Draw Cartoons Step-by-Step
Length: 1 hour
Total students: 31.000+
Includes: 3 articles, 24 downloadable resources
Created by: Em Winn
Designed with beginners in mind, this drawing course is perfect for kids aged 5 to 10 years old. The teaching process used is a kid-tested, step-by-step method that will both inspire and delight your child into drawing action.
The process involves organizing shapes and lines together until a recognizable outcome (in this course, usually a cute cartoon animal) is achieved. Young artists may then apply the knowledge they gain through each lesson to create unique masterpieces of their own.
The Drawing for Kids course is designed to give young children the tools they need to begin their artistic journey into self-expression, reflection, and creative thinking.
Very good start for the beginner.i m really feel that is very easy to learn the simple drawing.These drawing gives confidence and passion to draw big picture.I m completely satisfied by your valuable teachings.I m impressed by your convincing teaching for the beginner.
Geess Light
11. Best Free Photography Course on Udemy:
Photography: Ditch Auto – Start Shooting in Manual
Length: 4.5 hours
Total students: 151.000+
Includes: 1 article, 1 downloadable resource
Created by: Jerad Hill
I used to own a DSLR Camera yet didn’t use it to its full potential. I knew that the scary Manual Mode holds a whole new level of customization which would result in better quality photos but never tried it. Terms like Shutter Speed and Aperture sounded way too confusing for me.
That’s when I came across this free online tutorial.
In this course, you’ll learn the basics of DSLR Photography and how to shoot in manual mode. The goal is to give you the tools so you can train your brain to think like a photographer. You will also know how to control your camera instead of leaving it up to Auto Mode and hoping for the best.
So far, the course is just over 4 hours in length. You can watch it in chunks or all at once. It is best to watch it with a camera in hand so you can pause and follow along with your camera.
Great course! The beginning was a bit boring, just going over some of the extreme basics, and I as a more experienced photographer skipped most of it. I came to learn how to adjust my shooting settings quickly and easily, and to phase my way out of using automatic modes. Oh, and did i mention its completely free to enroll??
Owen Sinkus
12. Best Free Health & Fitness Course on Udemy:
Free Weight Loss Course: Weight Loss Made Simple
Length: 1.5 hours
Total students: 49.000+
Includes: 3 articles, 2 downloadable resources
Created by: Jack Wilson
Losing weight can be one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do in your life. I’ve been there.
The biggest challenges I and many other people have to face are that we:
- are busy with work, business, job, or school
- don’t have time to cook or to go to the gym
- and we LOVE food!
This course is composed of only the simplest and most effective habits that you can seamlessly integrate into your life so that you can lose weight and keep it off for good this time.
It includes:
- How to lose weight by sleeping more and workout less
- How drinking cold water will help you lose weight
- One simple meal that will help you lose your first 20-40+ pounds
- How you can lower your stress and lose 10 pounds in a month
- How you can cook less, eat more, and lose weight
- Exactly how to naturally counteract your sweet tooth to lose weight successfully
- How you can lose weight and never have to count calories again
- Workout 2-4 hours per month at home, lose weight and get ripped
I really wish I could give this course more stars. It was so interesting, insightful and incredibly useful. Jack’s passion is so clear, and his enthusiasm so contagious- I recommend this course to everyone. Not only those looking to lose weight.
Lizette Dohmen
13. Best Free Music Course on Udemy:
Piano Lessons For Absolute Beginners
Length: 1 hour
Total students: 46.000+
Includes: 2 articles, 13 downloadable resources
Created by: Mantius Cazaubon
This beginner course will teach you how to play the piano and keyboard. It is for the complete beginner who wants to thoroughly understand the notes of the piano keyboard and music staff as well as basic scales and chords. You will learn to play the piano from scratch.
By the time you are through with the various lessons, you will understand the notes of the piano keyboard and music staff, know how to read notes. and have an excellent foundation in piano music.
Here’s a preview of what you will learn:
- The Notes of the White Keys
- 2 + 3 Black Keys Pattern
- The Notes of the Black Keys
- Sharps and Flats
- Half Steps and Whole Steps
- Piano Keyboard Layouts/Diagrams
- Middle C on Piano Keyboard
- How to Read Notes
- The Music Staff, Treble Clef and Bass Clef
- Ledger Lines
- Notes on the Keyboard and Staff
- Accidentals (Sharps and Flats) on the Music Staff
- How to Play Scales on Piano
- How to Play Basic Piano Chords
Well, thanks for the information in this lessons. I have never play piano before,I always wanted to play it,it doesn’t matter for what reason,i love it. I am hoping that i will able to go beyond not just having knowledge about it, but be able to assist others. Thank you.
Kabelo Koena
Select Your Favorite Course and Dive In
These aren’t the only best free Udemy classes, of course. You can also take a look at this more complete list of best free Udemy courses.
As all these classes are free, you can pretty much enroll in whatever you want to. One little perk is that, once you’re enrolled in a course, if that course somehow turns into a paid version, you can still access it in your dashboard.
These lists, no matter how useful, only serve as a guide to get you started. It’s up to you and your determination to get something out of the tutorials and make things happen.
So, select your favorite and dive in!