

If we think of “computer science” as an umbrella term for so many aspects of computing today, its importance is immediately apparent. Artificial intelligence (and the programming that lies behind it) falls into the computer science category. The same goes for machine learning, data science, networking, cybersecurity, and so many other elements of what make modern computing technology tick.
You need a solid grounding in computer science – both general concepts and theory – to move into one of these areas of specialization. And if you need to get that grounding on a budget, these free computer science courses teach you what you need to know and come with a handy certification.
Top Free Certified Computer Science Online Courses
As surprising as it may seem, you don’t have to pay money to get an education in computer science that employers actually care about. Free courses exist. And many of these free online computer science courses deliver a certification that proves your knowledge and comes from an institution that employers respect.
Course 1 – CS50: Introduction to Computer Science (Harvard University)
We’re stretching the definition of “free and certified” with the first course on the list. Though it’s free to take (and you get an audit of your performance without paying a penny), the verified certification for Harvard’s CS50 course costs $189 (approx. €175).
Assuming you’re willing to part with the cash, this course gives you a certificate from one of the United States’ most respected institutions, in addition to a crash course in computer science fundamentals. Over 11 weeks of self-paced learning (you’ll need to commit at least 10 hours per week to the course) you’ll develop a fundamental understanding of computer science and the programming that underpins it.
Concepts covered include data structures, abstraction, web development, and algorithms, creating a course that melds the math of modern computing with the theoretical concepts you’ll apply in the real world. Prospective programmers enjoy some diversity, too, as the course teaches the basics of several languages. Python, C, JavaScript, and HTML are all covered, though not in enough detail for you to achieve mastery in any of them. Still, as online certified courses for computer science go, CS50 delivers a prestigious certificate and exposes you to ambitious peers who may offer networking potential beyond the course content.
Course 2 – CS50’s Computer Science for Business Professionals (Harvard University)
It’s hard to look beyond Harvard when it comes to free computer science courses because you’re getting education and certification from a top university. With CS50 Computer Science for Business Professionals, Harvard moves beyond the tech-centric approach of its usual CS50 course to demonstrate how computer science principles apply in a real-world setting.
It’s a short course, clocking in at six weeks of study and only requiring two-to-six hours of work per week. That makes it perfect for professionals who want to boost their knowledge without a full-time commitment. You’ll tackle more high-level concepts in computer science, including the fundamentals of cloud computing and how to build technology stacks. All of which makes this like a speed run through of what you need to know about computing on a business level.
That’s not to say you won’t learn any technical theory. Several programming languages are covered (albeit in short-form style), as are the basics of computational thinking. But like CS50 above, certification comes at a cost, even if the course itself is free. Paying for an optional upgrade with EDX (through which the course is offered) is the only way to nab your certificate, if you do get a free course audit to demonstrate completion regardless.
Course 3 – Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Offered in conjunction with the EDX platform, this computer science online course takes a Python-focused approach to its teaching. Unlike CS50, which covers a wide range of topics in brief, MIT’s course focuses on how computer science is like a tool that you can use to create software and algorithms. Python 3.5 is the technology behind that tool and you’ll learn how to use it by examining and analyzing real-world problems.
The nine-week course starts by demonstrating the basics of Python (some self-learning and expansion of these concepts may be required) before moving into algorithms. Once you’ve gotten to grips with basic algorithm creation, you’ll learn how to test what you create and how those algorithms become the building blocks of complex data structures.
You have to make a substantial time commitment with this course, with MIT requiring you to spend at least 14 hours per week on your studies if you wish to stick to the nine-week schedule. And though effective in teaching you the basics of Python, the course is really a primer for a second MIT course – Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science – that requires payment. But it’s a useful course as a standalone product, but you’ll have to pay a fee to EDX if you want a course-centric certificate.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Free Certified Computer Science Online Course
The trio of free online computer science courses discussed above each offer something different. Depending on your choice, you’ll get a bottom-up crash course in the theory, a practical understanding of how computer science works in a business context, or an in-depth guide to using Python. But when choosing between the three courses above (or any other courses you find) you must consider the following factors.
The Course Content and Its Relevance to Your Goals
The big question here is – what do you want to achieve with the course?
Sure, having a certificate, especially one with a major university’s name on it, is nice. But if that certificate demonstrates that you’ve learned skills that you don’t need for your intended career path then it’s not worth the paper it’s printed on.
Think of choosing a course like making an investment on which you expect a return. Outline your goals – both learning-centric and career-based – for taking the course. Then, find a course that helps you to reach those goals through laser-focused learning on topics you’ll use in the future.
Course Duration and Flexibility
For a young learner without full-time work or family commitments, taking on a computer science online course that requires months of study may not be a big deal. But that’s not the case for everybody. If you have limited hours available during the week, you need a course that you can fit into those hours rather than one that forces you to fit your life around the course.
Thankfully, most free online computer science courses make allowances for schedule flexibility by taking a self-paced learning approach. You’ll get access to all of the course resources upfront, allowing you to choose when you study. You may be able to get ahead during one week in preparation for a week where you know you can’t commit as much time, giving you the flexibility you need to fit the course into your schedule.
The Instructors and Their Expertise
Would you want to learn the theory of how to pilot a plane from somebody who’s never been up in the air? Of course you wouldn’t, and you must adopt the same attitude when choosing a computer science course.
Check the faculty list associated with the course (most reputable courses tell you who created them) and dig into their individual credentials. What have they done in the computer science industry? Where did they learn what they know? The answers to these questions tell you if your instructors and, by extension, your course are credible.
The Value of the Certification
When it comes to certification, look beyond the website that offers the course and instead focus on the institution that created it. For example, CS50’s Computer Science for Business Professionals is offered via the EDX platform, which doesn’t mean much to potential employers. But that certificate comes with a stamp of approval from Harvard University, which is a school that’s going to immediately raise eyebrows if it’s on your CV.
The point is that reputation matters, though it’s the reputation of the course creator that matters above that of the course platform. The more prestigious the name on the piece of paper, the more valuable the certificate is in the eyes of employers.
Tips for Successfully Completing a Free Certified Computer Science Online Course
With the tips for sifting through the sands of free computer science courses established, let’s round things off with some quick tips that’ll help you succeed in your studies:
- Set clear goals for your education from the outset, with those goals aligning with your current experience level and desired outcomes.
- Create a study schedule that fits around your commitments and stick to it as closely as you can.
- Don’t skip assignments or practical sessions because everything included in the course is there to teach you something valuable.
- Engage with the course community both to get advice from your peers and to potentially create networking opportunities.
- Dedicate time to revision and research when preparing for exams or practical assessments to ensure you fully understand the course content.
Get Certified for Free and Improve Your Job Prospects
Given the importance of computer science to modern business – even the simplest of companies use software and have networks – it’s reasonable to want to build your knowledge of the subject. Free online computer science courses allow you to do that in exchange for a time commitment, with many allowing you to inject some flexibility into your study schedule.
Explore the three courses highlighted here, and look beyond them to more specialized courses once you’re confident in the foundational knowledge you’ve built. And remember – even a certificate from a free course has value in the job market if that course was created by a recognized institution.
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OPIT – Open Institute of Technology offers an innovative and exciting way to learn about technology. It offers a range of bachelor’s and master’s programs, plus a Foundation Year program for those taking the first steps towards higher education. Through its blend of instruction-based and independent learning, it empowers ambitious minds with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
This guide covers all you need to know to join OPIT and start your educational journey.
Introducing the Open Institute of Technology
Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of the OPIT application process, here’s a brief introduction to OPIT.
OPIT is a fully accredited Higher Education Institution under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the MFHEA Authority. It offers exclusively online education in English to an international community of students. With a winning team of top professors and a specific focus on computer science, it trains the technology leaders of tomorrow.
Some of the unique elements that characterize OPIT’s approach include:
- No final exams. Instead, students undergo progressive assessments over time
- A job-oriented, practical focus on the courses
- 24/7 support, including AI assistance and student communities, so everyone feels supported
- A strong network of company connections, unlocking doors for graduates
Reasons to Join OPIT
There are many reasons for ambitious students and aspiring tech professionals to study with OPIT.
Firstly, since all the study takes place online, it’s a very flexible and pleasant way to learn. Students don’t feel the usual pressures or suffer the same constraints they would at a physical college or university. They can attend from anywhere, including their own homes, and study at a pace that suits them.
OPIT is also a specialist in the technology field. It only offers courses focused on tech and computer science, with a team of professors and tutors who lead the way in these topics. This ensures that students get high-caliber learning opportunities in this specific sector.
Learning at OPIT is also hands-on and applicable to real-world situations, despite taking place online. Students are not just taught core skills and knowledge, but are also shown how to apply those skills and knowledge in their future careers.
In addition, OPIT strives to make technology education as accessible, inclusive, and affordable as possible. Entry requirements are relatively relaxed, fees are fair, and students from around the world are welcome here.
What You Need to Know About Joining OPIT
Now you know why it’s worth joining OPIT, let’s take a closer look at how to go about it. The following sections will cover how to apply to OPIT, entry requirements, and fees.
The OPIT Application Process
Unsurprisingly for an online-only institution, the application process for OPIT is all online, too. Users can submit the relevant documents and information on their computers from the comfort of their homes.
- Visit the official OPIT site and click the “Apply now” button to get started, filling out the relevant forms.
- Upload your supporting documents. These can include your CV, as well as certificates to prove your past educational accomplishments and level of English.
- Take part in an interview. This should last no more than 30 minutes. It’s a chance for you to talk about your ambitions and background, and to ask questions you might have about OPIT.
That’s it. Once you complete the above steps, you will be admitted to your chosen course and can start enjoying OPIT education once the first term begins. You’ll need to sign your admissions contract and pay the relevant fees, then begin classes.
Entry Requirements for OPIT Courses
OPIT offers a small curated collection of courses, each with its own requirements. You can consult the relevant pages on the official OPIT site to find out the exact details.
For the Foundation Program, for example, you simply need an MQF/EQF Level 3 or equivalent qualification. You also need to demonstrate a minimum B2 level of English comprehension.
For the BSc in Digital Business, applicants should have a higher secondary school leaving certificate, plus B2-level English comprehension. You can also support your application with a credit transfer from previous studies or relevant work experience.
Overall, the requirements are simple, and it’s most important for applicants to be ambitious and eager to build successful careers in the world of technology. Those who are driven and committed will get the best from OPIT’s instruction.
Fees and Flexible Payments at OPIT
As mentioned above, OPIT makes technological education accessible and affordable for all. Its tuition fees cover all relevant teaching materials, and there are no hidden costs or extras. The institute also offers flexible payment options for those with different budgets.
Again, exact fees vary depending on which course you want to take, so it’s important to consult the specific info for each one. You can pay in advance to enjoy 10% off the final cost, or refer a friend to also obtain a discount.
In addition to this, OPIT offers need-based and merit-based scholarships. Successful candidates can obtain discounts of up to 40% on bachelor’s and master’s tuition fees. This can substantially bring the term cost of each program down, making OPIT education even more accessible.
Credit Transfers and Experience
Those who are entering OPIT with pre-existing work experience or relevant academic achievements can benefit from the credit transfer program. This allows you to potentially skip certain modules or even entire semesters if you already have relevant experience in those fields.
OPIT is flexible and fair in terms of recognizing prior learning. So, as long as you can prove your credentials and experience, this could be a beneficial option for you. The easiest way to find out more and get started is to email the OPIT team directly.
Join OPIT Today
Overall, the process to join OPIT is designed to be as easy and stress-free as possible. Everything from the initial application forms to the interview and admission process is straightforward. Requirements and fees are flexible, so people in different situations and from different backgrounds can get the education they want. Reach out to OPIT today to take your first steps to tech success.

With the proliferation of the internet, the rise of smart devices, and the emergence of AI, the world has become increasingly technological. Unsurprisingly, then, many young and ambitious minds are eager to engage with technology on a professional scale, planning careers in the field. But to succeed in the complex, evolving world of tech, it helps to have a strong foundation of core skills.
That’s where the Foundation Year Program at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) comes into play. This program gives students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Covering digital business, computer science, mathematics, and other important topics, it prepares tech leaders of tomorrow for the next steps in their development.
Introducing OPIT
The Open Institute of Technology is a fully accredited Higher Education Institution under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the MFHEA Authority. It offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, in addition to the Foundation Program. OPIT’s mission is to provide high-quality, inclusive, and affordable technology education.
The institute distinguishes itself from other educational establishments as follows:
- Exclusively online education, delivered in English
- A team of top professors from leading universities around the globe
- No final exams, but a system of progressive assessment to track students’ progress organically
- European-level accreditation
- Round-the-clock support
- Affordable prices
Education at OPIT is flexible, focused, and built for career success. Its hands-on approach to learning can unlock countless doors of opportunity for those who enroll.
Learning Methodology for the OPIT Foundation Year
Technology is a rapidly evolving field. However, higher education in technology has stagnated somewhat. That was the view of Riccardo Ocieppo, and it was the reason he founded OPIT. He wanted to provide an innovative, online, and international institution to prepare students for careers in technology in the best ways possible.
OPIT delivers on this mission through an innovative approach to learning. This approach is centered around competence-based teaching. In other words, OPIT not only teaches students foundational skills but also demonstrates the practical, real-world applications of those skills.
In addition, despite being entirely online, the Foundation Program aims to foster a sense of community. Students have continuous access to their peers, tutors, and professors. This way, they always feel part of a team, and they never feel cut off or isolated from their educational community.
An Overview of the Foundation Program
The Foundation Program is OPIT’s sole pre-bachelor program. As its name implies, it focuses on foundational knowledge and skills. It equips students with the education they need to springboard onwards into further education, like a bachelor’s degree. This is invaluable, as too many students have the drive to begin degrees in technology, but lack the required MQF or EQF Level 4 qualification.
The Foundation Program provides a pathway for students in that situation and others. It eases their entry into the professional technological world. Core aims of the program include:
- Strengthen technical proficiency
- Development of an understanding of ethical and social responsibility relevant to technology
- Promotion of a human-centered approach to technology
- Improvement in core skills like mathematics, English, and computer literacy
- Creation of an EQF Level 4-tier academic base, so students can proceed into a bachelor’s degree
The Foundation Program lasts for six months and is fully online. It is comprised of two terms, lasting 13 weeks each. Students complete three courses per term, each worth 10 ECTS credits, for a total of 60 credits.
The instruction is delivered in several formats. These include video lectures, learning materials such as e-books, and weekly live sessions. Students must also complete two to three assessments during the course. These, too, can take multiple formats, like tests, essays, and projects.
By the end of the course, students will have a stronger understanding of technology. They will also have gained or improved upon numerous essential skills needed to move on with their education. They will be better prepared to succeed, no matter which direction they choose to follow next.
Student Support Systems
To ensure no student feels isolated or lacking assistance, OPIT offers a strong support system.
For example, the institute’s professors regularly check in with students, answer queries, and provide vital guidance. OPIT also provides an AI assistant that has been specially trained to help students succeed. The OPIT AI Copilot answers questions instantly, finds resources, sums up complex topics, and more. Students can also chat with one another over Slack, so no one will ever feel alone.
Future Prospects
The OPIT Foundation Program is all about preparation. It’s about getting students ready for the next steps, and it unlocks a lot of doors. For those who haven’t got a formal Level 4 qualification, for example, the Foundation Program creates a path to bachelor’s degrees. It lets students move on to a BSc in Digital Business or a BSc in Modern Computer Science, for example.
What’s more, those who intend to continue their education with OPIT receive several big benefits. These include a 25% scholarship reduction in tuition fees for any OPIT bachelor’s program. Plus, those who follow the Foundation Program will become familiar with OPIT’s modes of education and the OPIT community. So, transitioning onward into a degree should be easy and seamless.
Admissions Information and Requirements
For those who are interested in pursuing a foundation year with OPIT, there are certain requirements:
- Applicants must hold a High School Leaving Certificate in any discipline.
- They must also demonstrate a certain level of English language ability.
The application process is entirely online. Applicants will have to provide some information and supporting documents. They will be invited to a 30-minute interview to discuss their background and ambitions. Once admitted, it’s simply a matter of signing the relevant paperwork, paying the fees, and officially entering the OPIT community.
A Solid Foundation Year for Future Success
The OPIT Foundation Program breaks the barriers that have prevented ambitious technology enthusiasts from pursuing their dreams. In this exciting sphere, it leads the way towards higher education and gives students the knowledge they need to succeed. It is the ideal way to begin your journey towards a long and fulfilling career in technology.
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