Free Online Languages Courses
- 5 courses
- 5 free
- 2 with a free certificate
Sources: freeCodeCamp, Alison, Coursera, Udemy · Verified
Free language courses are plentiful for the most widely studied languages and thin for the rest. A typical beginner course builds vocabulary and basic grammar through short lessons with listening and speaking practice, moving from greetings and everyday situations toward longer reading and writing. Intermediate courses add grammar in depth, cultural context and preparation for recognised proficiency exams. Providers vary. National cultural institutes and public broadcasters publish free lessons without certificates. Universities offer language and culture courses on edX that are usually free to audit, with videos and exercises open and graded work and the certificate paid; access may lapse after the course length.
Non-profit and commercial platforms have self-paced language courses free in full, often with an optional paid certificate. App-based learning is a separate category that this site does not list as a course. When reading a syllabus, look for a stated level, ideally on the CEFR scale, for how speaking is practised, and for whether the course uses the target language from the start or teaches through English. Languages suit travellers, people with family or work ties to another country, students preparing for exchange or exams, and older learners who want a sustained mental challenge. The English page on this site is the equivalent for learners of English.
Filters
| # | Course | Provider | Cost | Certificate | Level | Duration | Open |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Step Korean First Step Korean is Yonsei University's elementary course in the Korean language, taught in English on Coursera. | Coursera | Free | PaidPaid certificate | Beginner | 2 weeks | |
| 2 | A2 English for Developers Certification (Beta) An English course written for software developers and pitched at the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Ref… | freeCodeCamp | Free | IncludedCertificate included | — | — | |
| 3 | B1 English for Developers Certification (Beta) The follow-on to freeCodeCamp's A2 course, written for developers and aligned with the B1 level of the Common Europea… | freeCodeCamp | Free | IncludedCertificate included | — | — | |
| 4 | Diploma in Basic English Grammar This diploma course covers the core of English grammar for learners who want to write and speak more accurately. | Alison | Free | PaidPaid certificate | Beginner | — | |
| 5 | FREE English Grammar Course An introductory grammar course centred on the parts of speech and the most important English verbs. | Udemy | Free | NoneNo certificate | Beginner | 2 hours |
Languages courses by provider
Questions about free languages courses
Which languages have the most free courses?
Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese and Japanese are well served. Less commonly taught languages have fewer full courses and more standalone lessons from institutes and broadcasters.
Can I reach fluency with free courses alone?
Courses take you a long way with grammar and vocabulary. Fluency needs conversation, and the courses that include speaking practice or pair you with other learners are the ones to favour.
Do free language courses offer certificates?
Some do, though university audit tracks charge for theirs. Recognised proficiency certificates such as DELE or DELF come from separate paid examinations that a course can only prepare you for.