

In a world of Big Data, companies need people who have the ability to analyze and reach conclusions from the reams of data they collect about customers. But data science extends far beyond the corporate. Any industry that uses data (i.e., practically all of them) needs data-minded people who can use the latest AI-driven tools to help them scour large datasets.
That’s where you come in. As a potential data scientist, you’ll enter an industry that’s experiencing enormous growth to the point where it will be worth $103 billion (approx. €96.37 billion) by 2027. That market growth translates into demand for talented data scientists, which is already seen today as Coresignal’s data – 8,000 available job postings across eight leading positions in the first five months of 2022 alone – demonstrates.
So, the benefits of earning a free data science certification are obvious – you’re entering a growing industry with huge demand that leads to a better salary. But you need to know which courses will help you break into that industry. This article highlights four of the best free data science courses around.
Top Four Free Data Science Courses
As wonderful as the word “free” may be to budget-conscious students, you still need to know that you’re getting something of value from your data science course. The following options deliver a stellar educational experience and leave you with a qualification that employers recognize.
An Introduction to Data Science (Udemy)
Every journey starts with a first step, and it’s crucial that you take the first step into data science with a course that covers the basics and lays a foundation on which you can build. An Introduction to Data Science does just that by teaching you what data science is and how it applies to the modern world.
That teaching starts with a history lesson that shows how interactions with data (and data collection methods) have evolved over the years. From there, you’ll learn how data science applies in modern industry and discover the difference between actual valuable data and the oodles of “noise” that are in datasets.
It’s a quick and easy course, weighing in at 43 minutes spread across six video lectures, so you don’t have to make a huge time commitment. It’s delivered online by a Google Certified Python Expert named Kumar Rajmani Bapat and is ideal for getting the basics of data science down before you move on to a more intensive or focused course.
But the focus on the basics is also the biggest issue with this course. Rather than showing you the techniques a data scientist uses, the course focuses on what data science is and offers a roadmap for getting into the industry. It’s more about “what” than “how,” which may make the course too rudimentary for people who already have some knowledge of the subject. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t one of those free data science courses with certificate, as you’ll need to pay for an Udemy subscription to get your hands on a certificate of completion. You can still watch the videos and complete the course for free, though.
Introduction to Data Science (SkillUP)
With a similar name to the above Udemy course, you’d be forgiven for assuming that SkillUP’s Introduction to Data Science program teaches the same stuff. Though the course is aimed squarely at beginners, it takes a more in-depth approach that makes it the ideal follow-up to Udemy’s offering.
You start with the basic spiel about what data science is and how it applies to modern industry. But from there, the course tips into actual application by demonstrating some of the best Python programming libraries to use in the field. You’ll also dig deep into the algorithms used in data science, with linear regression analysis, confusion matrices, and logistic regression all getting some time to shine.
Given this higher focus on the skills you’ll need to learn to become a data scientist, the course is longer than Udemy’s offering. It clocks in at seven hours of videos and tutorials, all of which you access online and work through at your own pace. The course also expects you to have a solid grasp of math and programming (some experience with Python is a must) so this isn’t ideal for complete beginners to computer science.
This is a data science free online course with certificate, though there is a caveat. SkillUP only provides 90 days of free access to the course. If you feel it will take longer than that to get through the seven hours of tutorials, you’ll need to enroll in a paid subscription. The best approach here is to only start the course when you’re confident that you can block out the time needed to wrap it up within 90 days.
IBM Data Science Professional Certificate (Coursera)
Aimed squarely at the career-focused individual, IBM’s data science course is all about building the skills that set you on the right path to a career in the field. It takes a more practical approach, starting you off with the fundamentals before pushing you into a project where you’ll work with a real-world dataset and publish a report that’s analyzed by stakeholders simulating what you’ll experience in the working world.
The good news is that you don’t need to know anything about data science to get started with the course. It holds your hand as you learn the basics of what data science is (including what a data scientist actually does) and teaches you about the tools and programming languages you’ll use in the field. Once you have a grasp on the fundamentals, you’ll learn how to analyze and visualize data, in addition to creating machine learning models using Python, before wrapping up with the previously mentioned project.
The IBM Data Science Professional Certificate is a more intensive course than the others on this list. It’s essentially a mini degree, requiring you to invest 10 hours per week for five months into your learning. However, the course is provided entirely online, allowing you to schedule that learning time as you see fit. You’ll work through 10 modules as part of the certificate.
That time commitment may be a downside for those who can’t put 10 hours per week into a course, though that downside is outweighed heavily by the fact that you come out with an IBM certification. Having one of the leading names in computing on your certificate is enough to make any employer sit up and take notice.
Data Analysis With Python (freeCodeCamp)
The Python programming language (along with SQL and a few others) underpins almost everything that the modern data scientist does. Data Analysis with Python takes that concept and runs with it by providing a course that digs into using Python to read, analyze, and visualize data.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the basics of both Python and data analysis, though the real highlight comes from the many libraries and tools the course introduces. You’ll use Seaborn, Numpy, Mayplotlib, and Pandas during the course. All of which are libraries used by professionals to extract and visualize data. The course wraps up with a series of five projects, each testing a different set of skills learned via the modules, with your certification coming after you’ve completed all five.
This is one of those free data science courses that’s entirely self-paced and there are no time constraints or commitments involved. Once you’ve signed up for freeCodeCamp, you can save your progress through the course at any point and return whenever you’re ready. Theoretically, this means you could start the course, save your progress, and then return to it months later, though that isn’t recommended if you want to keep the information fresh in your mind. All told, the course contains 37 modules, plus the five projects required for certification, making it one of the most in-depth Python courses around.
The focus on Python is great for those who are unfamiliar with the language, though it also creates some issues. Namely, this isn’t the right course for those who don’t understand data science fundamentals. It jumps straight into analyzing datasets using Python, so those who don’t really understand what datasets are or how they apply to the modern world should start with a more beginner-oriented course.
Tips for Choosing the Right Data Science Course
You get the same benefit from all of the listed data science online courses – free entry. But each course offers something different. Use these tips to determine which is the right choice for you:
- Assess your current skill level to pick a course that delivers what you need to know right now rather than a course that forces you to run before you can walk.
- Determine your learning goals so you can see how the course fits into your roadmap for becoming a data scientist.
- Consider the course’s format and duration as both will play a huge role in how you schedule your learning around your other commitments, be they work-related or personal.
- Look for courses that offer hands-on project work once you’ve moved beyond learning the basics of data science.
- Read reviews and testimonials from other students to see if people in your position get actual value from the course.
Start Your Journey With Free Data Science Courses Online
Every journey starts with a first step, and that first step could take you into a career that has massive potential for growth if you opt for the data science path. The four courses listed here each offer something different, from exploring the basics of what data science is to digging deep into the programming tools you’ll use to conduct data analysis and visualization. Completing one of the four sets you on the right path, though completing all four gives you a solid grounding (and a set of certifications) that make you immensely attractive to employers.
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During the Open Institute of Technology’s (OPIT) 2025 graduation day, the OPIT team interviewed graduating student Irene about her experience with the MSc in Applied Data Science and AI. The interview focused on how Irene juggled working full-time with her study commitments and the value of the final Capstone project, which is part of all OPIT’s master’s programs.
Irene, a senior developer at ReActive, said she chose to study at OPIT to update her skills for the current and future job market.
OPIT’s MSc in Applied Data Science and AI
In her interview, Irene said she appreciated how OPIT’s course did not focus purely on the hard mathematics behind technologies such as AI and cloud computing, but also on how these technologies can be applied to real business challenges.
She said she appreciated how the course gave her the skills to explain to stakeholders with limited technical knowledge how technology can be leveraged to solve business problems, but it also equipped her to engage with technical teams using their language and jargon. These skills help graduates bridge the gap between management and technology to drive innovation and transformation.
Irene chose to continue working full-time while studying and appreciated how her course advisor helped her plan her study workload around her work commitments “down to the minute” so that she never missed a deadline or was overcome by excessive stress.
She said she would recommend the program to people at any stage in their career who want to adapt to the current job market. She also praised the international nature of the program, in terms of both the faculty and the cohort, as working beyond borders promises to be another major business trend in the coming years.
Capstone Project
Irene described the most fulfilling part of the program as the final Capstone project, which allowed her to apply what she had learned to a real-life challenge.
The Capstone Project and Dissertation, also called the MSc Thesis, is a significant project aimed at consolidating skills acquired during the program through a long-term research project.
Students, with the help of an OPIT supervisor, develop and realize a project proposal as part of the final term of their master’s journey, investigating methodological and practical aspects in program domains. Internships with industrial partners to deliver the project are encouraged and facilitated by OPIT’s staff.
The Capstone project allows students to demonstrate their mastery of their field and the skills they’ve learned when talking to employers as part of the hiring process.
Capstone Project: AI Meets Art
Irene’s Capstone project, “Call Me VasarAI: An AI-Powered Framework for Artwork Recognition and Storytelling,” focused on using AI to bridge the gap between art and artificial intelligence over time, enhancing meaning through contextualization. She developed an AI-powered platform that allows users to upload a work of art and discover the style (e.g. Expressionism), the name of the artist, and a description of the artwork within an art historical context.
Irene commented on how her supervisor helped her fine-tune her ideas into a stronger project and offered continuous guidance throughout the process with weekly progress updates. After defending her thesis in January, she noted how the examiners did not just assess her work but guided her on what could be next.
Other Example Capstone Projects
Irene’s success is just one example of a completed OPIT Capstone project. Below are further examples of both successful projects and projects currently underway.
Elina delivered her Capstone project on predictive modeling of natural disasters using data science and machine learning techniques to analyze global trends in natural disasters and their relationships with climate change-related and socio-economic factors.
According to Elina: “This hands-on experience has reinforced my theoretical and practical abilities in data science and AI. I appreciate the versatility of these skills, which are valuable across many domains. This project has been challenging yet rewarding, showcasing the real-world impact of my academic learning and the interdisciplinary nature of data science and AI.”
For his Capstone project, Musa worked on finding the optimal pipeline to fine-tune a language learning model (LLM) based on the specific language and model, considering EU laws on technological topics such as GDPR, DSA, DME, and the AI Act, which are translated into several languages.
Musa stated: “This Capstone project topic aligns perfectly with my initial interests when applying to OPIT. I am deeply committed to developing a pipeline in the field of EU law, an area that has not been extensively explored yet.”
Tamas worked with industry partner Solergy on his Capstone project, working with generative AI to supercharge lead generation, boost SEO performance, and deliver data-driven marketing insights in the realm of renewable energy.
OPIT’s Master’s Courses
All of OPIT’s master’s courses include a final Capstone project to be completed over one 13-week term in the 90 ECTS program and over two terms in the 120 ECTS program.
The MSc in Digital Business and Innovation is designed for professionals who want to drive digital innovation in both established companies and new digital-native contexts. It covers digital business foundations and the applications of new technologies in business contexts. It emphasizes the use of AI to drive innovation and covers digital entrepreneurship, digital product management, and growth hacking.
The MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence combines technical expertise with a focus on the ethical implications of modern AI. It focuses on real-world applications in areas like natural language processing and industry automation, with a focus on sustainable AI systems and environmental impact.
The MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity prepares students to fulfill the market need for versatile cybersecurity solutions, emphasizing hands-on experience and soft-skills development.
The MSc in Applied Data Science and AI focuses on the intersection between management and technology. It covers the underlying fundamentals, methodologies and tools needed to solve real-life business problems that can be approached using data science and AI.

In May 2025, Greta Maiocchi, Head of Marketing and Administration at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), went online with Stefania Tabi, OPIT Career Services Counselor, to discuss how OPIT helps students translate their studies into a career.
You can access OPIT Career Services throughout your course of study to help with making the transition from student to professional. Stefania specifically discussed what companies and businesses are looking for and how OPIT Career Services can help you stand out and find a desirable career with your degree.
What Companies Want
OPIT degrees are tailored to a wide range of individuals, with bachelor’s degrees for those looking to establish a career and master’s degrees for experienced professionals hoping to elevate their skills to meet the current market demand.
OPIT’s degrees establish the foundation of the key technological skills that are set to reshape industries shortly, in particular artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Stefania shared how companies recruiting tech talent are looking for three types of skills:
- Builders – These are the superstars of the industry today, capable of developing the technologies that will transform the industry. These roles include AI engineers, cloud architects, and web developers.
- Protectors – Cybercrime is expected to cost the world $10.5 trillion by the end of 2025, which means companies place a high value on cybersecurity professionals capable of protecting their investment, data, and intellectual property (IP).
- Decoders – Industry is producing more data than ever before, with global data storage projected to exceed 200 zettabytes this year. Businesses seek professionals who can extract value from that data, such as data scientists and data strategists.
Growing Demand
Stefania also shared statistics about the growing demand for these roles. According to the World Economic Forum, there will be a 30-35% greater demand for roles such as data analysts and scientists, big data specialists, business intelligence analysts, data engineers, and database and network professionals by 2027.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, meanwhile, predicts that by 2032, the demand for information security will increase by 33.8%, by 21.5% for software developers, by 10.4% for computer network architects, and by 9.9% for computer system analysts. Finally, the McKinsey Global Institute predicts a similar 15-25% increase in demand for technology professionals in the business services sector.
How Career Support Makes a Difference
Next, Stefania explained that while learning essential skills is vital to accessing this growing job market, high demand does not guarantee entry. Today, professionals looking for jobs in the technology field must stand out from the hundreds of applicants for each position with high-level skills.
Applicants demonstrate technical expertise in relevant fields by completing OPIT’s courses. They also need to prove that they can deliver results, demonstrating not just what they know but how they have applied what they know to transform or benefit a business. Professionals also need adaptability, adaptive problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. OPIT’s final Capstone projects can be an excellent way to demonstrate the value of newly acquired skills.
Each OPIT program prepares students for future careers by providing dedicated support and academic guidance at every step.
What Kind of Support Does Career Services Offer?
Career Services is specifically focused on assisting students in making the transition to the job market, and you can make an appointment with them at any time during your studies. Stefania gave some specific examples of how Career Services can support students on their journey into the career market.
Stefania said she begins by talking with students and discussing what they truly value to help them discover the type of career that aligns with their strengths. With students who are still undecided on how to start to build their careers, she helps them craft a tailored job and internship search plan.
Stefania has also worked with students who want to stand out during the job application process among the hundreds of applicants. This includes hands-on help in reframing resumes, tailoring LinkedIn profiles, and developing cover letters that tell a unique story.
Finally, Stefania has assisted students in preparing for interviews, helping them research the company, develop intelligent questions about the role to ask the interviewer and engage in mock interviews with an experienced recruiter.
Connecting With Employers
OPIT Career Services also offers students exposure to a wide range of employers and the opportunity to build relationships through masterclasses, career talks, and industry roundtables. The office also helps students build career-ready skills through interactive, hands-on workshops and hosts virtual career fairs with top recruiters.
Career Services also plays an integral role in connecting students with companies for their Capstone project in the final phase of their master’s program. So far, students have worked with companies including Sintica, Cosmica, Cisco, PayPal, Morgan Stanley, AWS, Dylog, and Accenture. Projects have included developing predictive modeling for natural disasters and fine-tuning AI to answer questions about EU tech laws in multiple languages.
What Kinds of Jobs Have OPIT Graduates Secured?
Stefania capped off her talk by sharing some of the positions that OPIT graduates have now fulfilled, including:
- Chief Information Security Officer at MOMO for MTN mobile services in Nigeria
- Data Analyst at ISX Financial in Cyprus
- Head of Sustainability Office at Banca Popolare di Sondrio in Italy
- Data Analyst at Numisma Group in Cyprus
- Senior Software Engineer at Neaform in Italy
OPIT Courses
OPIT offers both foundational bachelor’s degrees and advanced master’s courses, which are both accessible with any bachelor’s degree (it does not have to be in the field of computer science).
Choose between a BSc in Modern Computer Science for a strong technical base or a BSc in Digital Business to focus on applications.
Meanwhile, courses that involve a final Capstone project include an MSc in Applied Data Science and AI, Digital Business and Innovation, Enterprise Cybersecurity, and Responsible Artificial Intelligence.
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