Best Free Online Programming Learning Courses in World’s Top International Universities

July 10, 2025, 10:10 AM
by Farhana Afrose Rini

UNB News
Publish- July 10, 2025, 10:10 AM
Farhana Afrose Rini
Update- July 10, 2025, 10:35 AM

Best Free Online Programming Learning Courses in World’s Top International Universities

Programming has become a crucial skill worldwide, and top international universities now offer free, high-quality courses online. These programs provide expert-led training, real-world projects, and certificates—all accessible from home. Whether you are a beginner or upskilling, these free online programming courses are your gateway to tech success.

8 Free Online Programming Learning Courses in World’s Best International Universities

Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) by University of Michigan

If you are just getting started with coding, Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) by the University of Michigan is hands down one of the best free courses available online. Hosted on Coursera and taught by Dr. Charles Severance (aka Dr. Chuck), this course has attracted over 3 million learners, making it one of the top online courses ever created.

What makes this course a standout is its absolute beginner-friendliness. You do not need any prior programming knowledge—not even complex math skills. If you can do basic arithmetic, you are good to go. Dr. Chuck breaks down core concepts with crystal-clear explanations and a down-to-earth teaching style that resonates with learners of all ages.

The course begins with foundational programming topics using Python 3, covering everything from installing Python to writing your first program, understanding variables, using conditionals and loops, defining functions, and working with user input.

This course is included in the broader Python for Everybody Specialization, but you can audit the first course entirely for free. It comes with a free textbook, interactive assignments (if you opt for the paid track), and a strong support community. It is a perfect first step into the world of coding.

Computing in Python I: Fundamentals and Procedural Programming by Georgia Institute of Technology

Computing in Python I is a highly acclaimed beginner-level course offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology on edX, taught by the renowned educator Dr. David Joyner. Designed for those with little to no programming background, this course uses Python as its teaching language while covering the fundamental principles of computer science and procedural programming.

It is part of the Introduction to Python Programming Professional Certificate. With over 250,000 enrollments, it has earned a strong reputation for its excellent instructional design and clarity.

The course is structured into seven key chapters, each focusing on a foundational concept in programming. It starts with computing basics, helping learners understand how computers process code and interpret instructions. F

rom there, students learn the basics of programming, including how to write and execute code, followed by an introduction to debugging. As the course progresses, learners dive into procedural programming, learning how to write sequences of code to solve problems efficiently. Other important modules include variables and data types, logical operators for making decisions, and mathematical operations to perform complex calculations in Python.

The course includes short video lessons, interactive quizzes, and practice exercises. It is completely free to audit, making it an excellent starting point for anyone serious about building a solid foundation in programming.

Programming Languages, Part A by University of Washington

Programming Languages, Part A by the University of Washington, available on Coursera, is a top-tier intermediate course that dives deep into the foundational concepts of programming languages, with a focus on functional programming.

Taught by Professor Dan Grossman, this course emphasizes writing robust, reusable, and elegant code by exploring the core ideas common to all programming languages. While Python is often a starting point for many learners, this course introduces you to SML, Racket, and Ruby, teaching not just syntax but how languages truly “fit together.”

The syllabus is structured across four main sections. You will begin by setting up your development environment and completing a warm-up “Homework 0.” Then, the core content kicks off with sections focused on SML fundamentals, higher-order functions, recursive logic, pattern matching, closures, type inference, and module systems.

Each section includes lectures, graded assignments, and thought-provoking readings. The final week features an exam summarizing Part A. Though challenging, this course offers immense value and is highly rated for its academic rigor and clarity. It is ideal for learners looking to elevate their programming understanding beyond the basics.

Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose by Princeton University

Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose, offered by Princeton University on Coursera, is a highly comprehensive and beginner-friendly introduction to programming using Java. It is taught by esteemed professors Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne.

The course is designed not only to teach Java syntax but to equip learners with core computational thinking and problem-solving skills applicable across all modern programming environments. It is suitable for first-year college students and motivated high schoolers, requiring no prior coding experience.

The syllabus is robust and thoughtfully structured. It begins with basic programming concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, and arrays. Then it progresses to input/output operations and graphical programming, enabling students to create animations and visual representations. The course also dives into modular programming, recursion, and performance analysis.

Advanced topics include object-oriented programming, abstract data types, and the creation of custom data types—culminating in projects like visualizing the Mandelbrot set. The final module introduces learners to a broad overview of programming languages and paradigms. All materials and exercises are freely accessible, though there is no certificate offered. This course not only teaches Java but also lays a solid foundation.

An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1) by Rice University

An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1), offered by Rice University on Coursera, is an engaging and project-driven course designed for absolute beginners. Taught by a team of expert professors—Joe Warren, Scott Rixner, John Greiner, and Stephen Wong—this course helps learners build simple, interactive applications using Python 2.

While it requires only basic high school math as a prerequisite, it challenges students to actively apply what they learn by creating games and interactive tools. The course is structured across five weeks, starting with statements, expressions, and variables, followed by lessons on functions, logic, and conditionals.

By week two, students dive into event-driven programming, mastering the use of local and global variables. Week three introduces graphical elements with canvas drawing and timers, leading to the creation of a digital stopwatch. The final week covers lists, keyboard inputs, and motion modeling, culminating in the development of a Pong game clone.

With a hands-on browser-based tool called CodeSkulptor, learners write and run code directly online. The course blends theoretical learning with real-world practice, making it one of the most effective and enjoyable free programming courses for beginners.

Programming Fundamentals by Duke University

Programming Fundamentals by Duke University, available on Coursera, is a top-rated beginner course that focuses on the core principles of problem-solving and algorithm design using the C programming language. Designed for learners with no prior programming experience, the course teaches a structured and highly effective approach called the Seven Steps, which helps students break down and solve any programming problem logically and efficiently.

The course begins with an Introduction to the Seven Steps problem-solving process, using sequences and visual patterns to develop algorithmic thinking. In the Reading Code module, learners are trained to simulate and trace code by hand, enhancing their ability to write accurate and efficient programs.

The Types module dives into data types and their binary representations, helping students understand how computers interpret and store data beyond just numbers. The final Project module challenges learners to create and test their own sorting algorithm, reinforcing all the programming and problem-solving concepts learned.

Taught by professors Andrew D. Hilton, Genevieve M. Lipp, and Anne Bracy, this course is part of the Introductory C Programming Specialization and is completely free to audit, making it a valuable resource for any aspiring programmer.

Introduction to Programming with MATLAB by Vanderbilt University

Introduction to Programming with MATLAB, offered by Vanderbilt University on Coursera, is an ideal course for engineers, scientists, and professionals with little to no prior programming experience. This beginner-friendly course uses MATLAB not just as a tool, but as a gateway to understanding core computer science and programming concepts. MATLAB’s intuitive syntax and powerful capabilities make it a perfect choice for solving complex problems with concise, readable code—especially in scientific and engineering fields.

The course starts by introducing the MATLAB environment and how to use it as an advanced calculator. Learners then progress to working with matrices and operators, which are central to MATLAB’s functionality. Next, it covers functions, promoting modular and reusable coding practices.

The Programmer's Toolbox module explores built-in functions, debugging techniques, and random number generation. The course also delves into selection structures (like if-statements), loops (for and while), and data types including strings, structs, and cells. Finally, it teaches file I/O operations, enabling interaction with text, binary, and Excel files.

Taught by Akos Ledeczi, Michael Fitzpatrick, and Robert Tairas, the course includes a free MATLAB Online license during enrollment and blends practical assignments with theoretical learning.

JavaScript Basics by University of California, Davis

JavaScript Basics, offered by the University of California, Davis on Coursera, is an excellent entry-level course for learners who have basic knowledge of HTML and CSS but want to add interactivity to their web pages using JavaScript.

Taught by William Mead, this course introduces the foundational concepts of JavaScript, the language that powers over 97% of websites today. It is part of the JavaScript for Beginners Specialization and is ideal for those looking to transition from static to dynamic web development.

The course begins with an introduction to JavaScript’s syntax, variables, and arrays, and covers how JavaScript evolved into the powerful language it is today. In the second module, learners explore logical flow control structures, such as conditionals and loops, and write custom functions.

The third module dives into DOM manipulation, event handling, and variable scoping, teaching how to create dynamic, interactive user experiences. The final module focuses on hands-on projects like a slideshow, distance converter, and a vacation destination list app.

With 30 practice challenges, graded quizzes, and real-world projects, this course helps learners develop practical coding skills and is one of the best free-to-audit resources for learning JavaScript fundamentals.

In a Nutshell

These top-tier free courses deliver expert instruction, hands-on practice, and foundational knowledge using Python, Java, JavaScript, MATLAB, C, and more—making them perfect for beginners and professionals alike to build real-world programming skills from the world’s best educational institutions.