With AI gaining unprecedented prominence across the globe, the demand for understanding its inner workings has skyrocketed. The good news is that access to top-quality AI courses has never been more open. Universities are recognizing the importance of AI and data science, resulting in a significant increase in the number of institutions offering courses in these fields.
Nearly 75 universities were featured in the 2024 QS World University Rankings for data science and artificial intelligence, compared to just 20 in the previous year. This surge of interest in AI not only highlights the growing need to learn about it but also indicates a rising interest in teaching it.
But what does this mean for you? Whether you are already enrolled in a course or looking to broaden your horizons, there is an abundance of online courses available to help you upskill and stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field. This is particularly crucial as more and more jobs are incorporating AI into their daily operations. However, finding the perfect course that is both informative and affordable can be a challenge.
To assist you in your quest for knowledge, we have compiled a rundown of some of the best free AI courses currently available:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
MIT offers Patrick Winston’s 6.034 Artificial Intelligence course on its website. This self-paced course covers the basics of knowledge presentation, problem-solving, and learning methods for AI. It includes lectures, assignments, examinations, readings, tutorials, and demonstrations required to complete the course.
Learn more about the course here.
University of California, Davis (UCD):
UCD offers a course on ‘Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics’ through Coursera. This course explores the opportunities presented by big data and provides an understanding of how AI works. It offers the chance to interact with IBM Watson and focuses on natural language processing.
Learn more about the course here.
Harvard University:
Harvard offers several free AI courses covering a range of topics, from the basics of AI to its implications for business and policy. Their offerings include courses on data science, machine learning, Python, and even the fundamentals of TinyML.
Learn more about the courses here link to the courses.
Also read | Top 7 Python Interview Questions in 2025
Stanford University:
Stanford University Online presents the ‘Machine Learning Specialization’ course from the Stanford School of Engineering on Coursera. In this self-paced course, taught by Andrew Ng, you can learn about various aspects of machine learning, including multi-linear progression, logistic regression, neural networks, and clustering.
Learn more about the course here.
University of Washington:
The University of Washington offers a self-paced course on ‘Machine Learning Foundations: A Case Study Approach’ through Coursera. This 18-hour course covers machine learning, deep learning concepts, and a rundown on Python programming.
Learn more about the course here.
Georgia Institute of Technology:
Georgia Tech provides a short free course on artificial intelligence taught by Thad Starner, known for his work on wearable computing. This two-hour course delves into the fundamentals of classical search, machine learning, pattern learning, and probability. It is currently available on Udacity.
Learn more about the course here.
If you prefer learning from industry giants, several big-tech companies also offer free courses on the fundamentals of AI and machine learning:
Google:
Google offers a short course called ‘Google AI for Anyone.’ This two-hour-long self-paced course covers the fundamentals of AI, data learning, and machine learning, exploring their relationships with each other. It also provides an understanding of neural networks, AI ethics, and the applications and implications of poor data.
Learn more about the course here.
Intel:
Intel offers an eight-week course on ‘Introduction to AI.’ This comprehensive course traces the history of AI and its contemporary usage. However, prior knowledge of Python programming is required. It is aimed at students, industry professionals from diverse science fields, and developers.
Learn more about the course here.
IBM:
In partnership with Coursera, IBM offers an AI foundations course. This course covers the fundamentals of AI, with a special focus on generative AI and the usage of chatbots. It even includes a module on building AI-backed chatbots without programming. Similar to the UCD course, it provides access to IBM Watson and is accessible to those with little to no knowledge of AI.
Learn more about the course here.
Amazon Web Services (AWS):
AWS offers a free machine learning and AI course complete with a learning plan. This ten-hour self-paced course is designed for beginners, providing an introduction to the fundamentals of machine learning, key terminologies, and their applications in businesses. It also offers an introduction to Amazon SageMaker, their machine-learning platform.
Learn more about the course here.
These courses not only provide valuable knowledge but also empower you to enhance your skills and thrive in the dynamic world of AI. Stay ahead of the curve by enrolling in these free courses offered by prestigious institutions and industry leaders. Happy learning!
Also read | 5 Free AI Courses from Google to Supercharge Your Skills
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