Free AI Courses for Beginners: Learn AI Easily Now
Published: 26 Dec 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how we work, study, and live. From smart assistants to generative tools, AI is everywhere today. If you are new to this field and want to learn AI from scratch, many free AI courses for beginners can help you understand the basics step by step.
This detailed guide lists the most trusted and up-to-date AI courses available this year, all completely free to join.
Why You Should Learn AI
AI is now one of the most in-demand skills in the world.
Learning the basics of AI helps you:
- Understand how machines make smart decisions.
- Use AI tools in your daily work or studies.
- Build a career in data, programming, or automation.
- Keep up with the modern digital world.
You don’t need coding knowledge for most beginner courses. You can start right away and build your understanding slowly.
1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: University of Helsinki & MinnaLearn
This course gives a full introduction to AI in simple language. It teaches what AI is, what it can and cannot do, and how it affects our lives. The course uses real-world examples, so beginners easily understand each concept.
Platform: ElementsofAI.com
Duration: Around 30–40 hours
Certificate: Free (after completing all modules)
You Will Learn:
- Basic AI concepts and history
- How AI makes predictions
- Real-life uses of AI in business and society
- Ethical use of AI
Why You Should Take It:
This course is very famous and easy for beginners. It has been taken by more than 1 million learners worldwide. You learn theory and applications without coding.
2. AI for Everyone: DeepLearning.AI (Andrew Ng) on Coursera
This course explains AI in a non-technical way. You learn how AI impacts industries and jobs and how companies use AI systems. Andrew Ng, one of the most respected AI teachers, explains everything in very simple terms.
Platform: Coursera.org
Duration: 8–10 hours
Certificate: Optional (paid, but learning content is free)
You Will Learn:
- What AI can and cannot do
- AI’s role in business
- How AI changes career paths
- How to work with AI teams
Why You Should Take It:
It is one of the most beginner-friendly AI courses. It helps you understand the basic ideas of AI without needing any technical background.
3. Google AI Essentials
Google created this course to help beginners learn the basics of AI and its real uses in the workplace. It focuses on using AI tools safely and effectively.
Platform: Grow.Google/AI
Duration: About 10 hours
Certificate: Free digital certificate
You Will Learn:
- How AI works
- How to use AI tools to improve productivity
- How to write effective prompts for AI models
- How to identify and avoid AI mistakes
Why You Should Take It:
It’s free, short, and teaches you modern skills like prompt writing and safe AI use. It’s perfect for students and office workers who want to use AI in real tasks.
4. Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals: IBM SkillsBuild
IBM’s free AI course gives you a technical yet beginner-friendly understanding of AI systems. You also learn how chatbots and machine learning models work.
Platform: IBM SkillsBuild
Duration: 6–10 hours
Certificate: Free digital badge
You Will Learn:
- Core AI principles
- Machine learning basics
- Chatbots and automation
- AI ethics and real applications
Why You Should Take It:
You earn a verified IBM badge for free, which looks great on your LinkedIn profile. It’s ideal if you want a professional introduction to AI.
5. Artificial Intelligence for Beginners: Alison
This short course teaches you the foundation of AI and its practical uses. It explains AI’s history, branches, and everyday applications.
Platform: Alison.com
Duration: 4–6 hours
Certificate: Free (digital certificate after passing exam)
You Will Learn:
- Machine learning basics
- Computer vision
- Natural language processing
- AI in daily life
Why You Should Take It:
It’s a great choice if you want a quick start. You can finish it in one day and get a free certificate.
6. AI for Beginners: Microsoft
Microsoft created this course for students and beginners who want to go a little deeper. It covers basic Python, AI concepts, and real-world applications.
Platform: Microsoft GitHub
Duration: Self-paced (about 12 weeks)
Certificate: None, but 100% free
You Will Learn:
- Python basics for AI
- Machine learning models
- Computer vision and speech AI
- Ethical AI use
Why You Should Take It:
You get full access to lessons, labs, and projects completely free. It’s perfect for those who want to combine AI learning with coding practice.
7. Free AI Courses Collection: Great Learning Academy
This platform offers many short AI courses, including “Introduction to AI,” “Deep Learning for Beginners,” and “AI in Business.”
Platform: Great Learning
Duration: Varies (1–4 hours each)
Certificate: Free for all courses
You Will Learn:
- AI foundations
- Neural networks
- Deep learning concepts
- Real-world AI applications
Why You Should Take It:
You can pick multiple small courses according to your interest. Each includes a free certificate and lifetime access.
8. Learn AI Basics: LinkedIn Learning (Free Month Trial)
LinkedIn Learning offers an AI Basics path where you can access professional-level AI lessons free for the first month.
Platform: LinkedIn Learning
Duration: 6–8 hours
Certificate: Free during trial
You Will Learn:
- Key AI technologies
- AI in marketing and data
- Basic algorithms and automation tools
Why You Should Take It:
You can learn from expert instructors in an easy format and earn a certificate before the trial ends.
9. Intro to Artificial Intelligence: Udacity (Free Access)
This course gives an in-depth beginner’s understanding of how AI works behind the scenes. It covers search algorithms, probability, and real AI examples.
Platform: Udacity
Duration: 8–12 weeks
Certificate: Free access (certificate optional)
You Will Learn:
- AI problem-solving
- Machine reasoning
- Natural language processing
- Robotics fundamentals
Why You Should Take It:
Udacity offers real-world projects and hands-on learning that give you a strong AI foundation.
10. Elements of Generative AI: Google Cloud
This short course introduces you to the new world of Generative AI, the technology behind tools like ChatGPT and Bard.
Platform: Google Cloud Skills Boost
Duration: 4–5 hours
Certificate: Free
You Will Learn:
- What generative AI is
- How large language models work
- How to use text and image generation tools safely
Why You Should Take It:
It’s updated for this year and teaches the most relevant AI skills in a simple and easy way.
Suggested Learning Path for Beginners
Keep these steps in your mind:
- Start with a theory course like AI for Everyone or Google AI Essentials.
- Move to a basic technical course like IBM AI Fundamentals or Microsoft AI for Beginners.
- Add practical skills by exploring Generative AI or Great Learning’s short lessons.
- Apply your knowledge by using free tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude.
- Earn certificates and add them to your professional profiles.
Final Thoughts
In this guide, we have covered the best free AI courses for beginners that help you start your learning journey from zero. Each course listed here offers free access, clear explanations, and practical lessons that fit both students and professionals.
In this year, learning Artificial Intelligence has become easier and more important than ever. With free courses from top platforms like Google, IBM, Microsoft, Coursera, and Udacity, you can build strong AI knowledge without spending any money.
Start today with one course that matches your goal, whether you want to understand AI basics, use AI tools, or begin your coding journey. Step by step, you can gain real AI skills and prepare yourself for the digital future that is already here.
FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions related to the free artificial intelligence courses:
The best free AI course for beginners is Google AI Essentials because it is short, easy, and teaches real skills used in daily life. It explains AI tools, prompt writing, and safe AI use. You also get a free certificate after completing the course.
Yes, you can learn AI without coding. Many beginner courses like AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng and Introduction to AI by the University of Helsinki teach AI concepts in simple language. They explain how AI works and where it is used without using any programming.
Yes, free AI courses are very useful, especially for beginners. They help you understand basic AI ideas, tools, and terms without paying any fee. Some courses even give free certificates that you can add to your LinkedIn profile or resume.
Most free AI courses take between 5 to 20 hours to complete. Short courses like Google AI Essentials take only a few hours, while longer ones like Microsoft AI for Beginners may take a few weeks. You can study at your own speed because most of them are self-paced.
Yes, many free AI courses give digital certificates after completion. Platforms like Google Grow with AI, Alison, IBM SkillsBuild, and Great Learning offer certificates for free. You can use these certificates to show your new skills when applying for jobs or internships.
The IBM Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals course is best for students because it teaches real-world AI concepts with examples. It also gives a free IBM digital badge after finishing the course. Students can use this badge to boost their academic or career profile.
A single free AI course will not directly get you a job, but it gives you the basic skills needed to start. After learning the fundamentals, you can take advanced AI or data science courses to build your career path. These beginner courses act as the first step toward a future in AI.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
