• March 26, 2025

How to Get Coursera Plus For Free?

Coursera Plus is a subscription service that gives you unlimited access to thousands of courses, specializations, professional certificates, and guided projects. While Coursera Plus is designed as a paid membership, there are several legitimate strategies you can use to access its content for free—or at a significantly reduced cost—for a limited time. Below is a comprehensive guide, exploring all available options within Coursera’s policies and legal boundaries.


1. Take Advantage of the Official Free Trial

Coursera often offers a free trial period for Coursera Plus, which is the simplest and most straightforward way to experience all the benefits without immediately committing to a subscription. Here’s how you can get started:

  • Sign Up for a Free Trial:
    Visit the Coursera Plus page and check if a free trial is currently available. Coursera has in the past offered trials ranging from 7 to 14 days, allowing you to explore the entire catalog.
  • Enter Your Payment Information:
    Typically, you’ll need to provide a valid payment method. However, during the trial period, you won’t be charged as long as you cancel before the trial ends.
  • Plan Your Learning:
    Use the free trial period to enroll in multiple courses or complete a specialization that you’re interested in. Plan your schedule so that you can maximize your access during the trial period.
  • Remember to Cancel on Time:
    If you decide not to continue with the paid subscription, set a reminder to cancel the trial before it automatically converts into a paid subscription.

2. Look Out for Special Promotions and Discounts

Coursera periodically runs promotions that can offer significant discounts or even free access to Coursera Plus for a limited time. Keep an eye on these promotional opportunities by:

  • Subscribing to Newsletters:
    Sign up for Coursera’s newsletter to receive alerts on sales, limited-time offers, and special events that may include free trials or discounted subscriptions.
  • Following Social Media Channels:
    Follow Coursera on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Promotions are often announced through these channels.
  • Checking Deal Sites:
    Occasionally, third-party websites or deal aggregators may share verified coupon codes or special offers for Coursera Plus. Always ensure the source is legitimate before using any codes.

3. Leverage Institutional Access

Many universities, colleges, and even some employers have partnerships with Coursera. These institutions may provide free or discounted access to Coursera Plus for their students or employees. Consider the following:

  • University Partnerships:
    Some educational institutions have arrangements with Coursera that grant free access to their students. Check with your university’s career services or digital learning department to see if you qualify.
  • Employer Benefits:
    Likewise, some companies invest in professional development by providing employees with access to Coursera Plus. Ask your HR or learning and development department if such a benefit is available.
  • Library or Community Programs:
    In some regions, local libraries or community centers might partner with Coursera to offer free courses. It’s worth inquiring if there’s a local initiative that gives you access to premium educational content.

4. Apply for Financial Aid on Individual Courses

While this method doesn’t directly give you Coursera Plus, it’s a viable alternative if you’re interested in the content available through the subscription. Coursera offers financial aid for many individual courses:

  • Financial Aid Process:
    If a course you want to take is part of the Coursera Plus catalog, navigate to its course page and click on “Financial aid available.” Fill out the application form, which includes explaining your financial need and how the course will benefit your career or education.
  • Access to Course Content:
    Once your application is approved (which can take a few weeks), you can enroll in the course for free. Although you won’t get a Coursera Plus subscription per se, you’ll have access to the same content.
  • Consider Multiple Applications:
    If you’re interested in several courses, you can apply for financial aid on each one individually. This approach is especially helpful if you’re not ready to commit to a subscription but still want to build your skills.

5. Utilize Referral Programs and Other Offers

Occasionally, Coursera or associated partners run referral programs or other initiatives that reward you with subscription time:

  • Referral Bonuses:
    If you refer friends or colleagues to Coursera and they sign up, you might earn credits that can be applied toward a Coursera Plus subscription. Check your Coursera account dashboard or the help center for any available referral programs.
  • Seasonal Offers:
    Keep an eye on seasonal or holiday promotions where Coursera might extend free access or bonus periods for Coursera Plus as part of a broader marketing campaign.

6. Student and Educational Discounts

For those who are currently enrolled in an educational institution, Coursera sometimes offers special pricing or even free access for students:

  • Educational Verification:
    Use your student email to sign up for any available student discounts. Coursera’s partnership programs with educational institutions sometimes provide free access or reduced rates to students.
  • Look for Bundled Deals:
    Sometimes, Coursera offers bundled deals for students that include additional learning resources or certifications at a fraction of the cost of a regular Coursera Plus subscription.

Final Thoughts

While there is no permanent, fully free Coursera Plus subscription available for everyone, you can legally enjoy Coursera Plus content at no cost—or nearly free—for a limited time by leveraging free trials, promotions, institutional access, financial aid on individual courses, referral programs, and student discounts. These methods allow you to experience the benefits of Coursera Plus without immediately committing to the full cost.

Remember that these methods are subject to Coursera’s current policies and promotional schedules. It’s always a good idea to review the latest offers on Coursera’s website or contact their support if you have any questions about eligibility or the application process.

By planning strategically and taking advantage of the available opportunities, you can maximize your access to premium educational content and enhance your learning experience without breaking the bank.

Would you like more detailed guidance on any specific method or help navigating the Coursera platform?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *