Blog

Thinking of studying abroad or just wanting to build real skills to stand out before you begin your degree journey? These 10 free, globally accessible courses can help you grow in digital marketing, tech, and creative media even if you’re in Nigeria or anywhere in Africa.

These aren’t just random courses. They’re proven, trustworthy, and powerful for building a foundation. Here’s what to take, why it matters, and where to find them.

1. Fundamentals of Digital Marketing — Google Digital Garage

This course from Google teaches you the essentials of digital marketing: SEO, email, analytics, social media, and more. It’s made for beginners and offers a free certificate when you complete it.
(via Google / Class Central)
Why it matters: Learning marketing basics gives you a huge advantage, whether you’re promoting a personal project, a business, or your future university applications.

2. Digital Skills for Work & Life – Accenture / FutureLearn

This two-week course explores how digital technology is changing work, life, and industry. You’ll also develop a “growth mindset” to navigate change better. 
Why it matters: It helps you build digital literacy and the confidence to adapt

3. Digital Content Creation – ReSkill Africa

This 10-week course is tailored for African creators: you learn content strategy, video, audio, writing, audience building, and monetization. 
Why it matters: You build a real portfolio while learning exactly what many universities and employers love to see.

4. Adobe Photoshop for Beginners — Alison

If you want to learn how to design, edit photos, or create striking visuals, this is for you. The course covers Photoshop tools, layers, presets, and even simple animation. 
Why it matters: Photoshop is an industry standard. Knowing it sets you apart and gives you creative power for personal and academic work.

5. Diploma in a Beginner’s Guide to Photoshop — Alison

A more in-depth Photoshop course (free) where you go from the very basics to more advanced features, learning design tricks used by professionals. 
Why it matters: With this diploma, you don’t just “know Photoshop”; you have a recognized learning path that can power a creative portfolio.

6. Photoshop CC for the Web — Alison

Learn how to create and optimize graphics for websites using Photoshop CC – color schemes, image formats, web-friendly design. 
Why it matters: Web design skills are super useful for building blogs, portfolios, or any online project especially if you plan to study or work in digital media.

7. IBM SkillsBuild – Tech & Workplace Skills

IBM SkillsBuild offers 1000+ free courses on topics like AI, cybersecurity, data science, design thinking, cloud, and more.
Why it matters: These are real tech skills from a globally trusted brand. You can earn digital credentials that help with job applications, internships, or just building your confidence.

8. AI Fundamentals — IBM SkillsBuild

One of the courses on SkillsBuild, this teaches you the basics of artificial intelligence: what AI is, how it works, and where it’s going. 
Why it matters: AI is everywhere now — knowing the fundamentals is a huge plus for future tech courses, your degree, or even starting a side project.

9. Introduction to Computer Science & Programming in Python — MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT OCW gives you full access to the course materials (lectures, assignments, code) for free – no certificate, but real
Why it matters: If you’re thinking about a tech or computer science degree, this is a goldmine – rigorous material, credible source, zero cost.

10. General Intro to Programming (MIT OCW)

This is a broader introductory programming path via MIT OCW — guides you through basic concepts in Python and more. 
Why it matters: A strong foundation in programming helps you no matter what degree you go for – data, engineering, design, whatever.

These courses matter before your degree as they help:

1. Boost Your Confidence – Starting with short, free courses helps you feel ready, not overwhelmed.

2. Build a Portfolio – Especially in creative media; having some projects before uni helps you stand out.

3. Strengthen Your CV – Even free certificates from Google, IBM, and Alison show initiative and competence.

4. Try Before You Commit – You discover what you enjoy (design? tech? marketing?) and make more informed degree decisions.

5. Affordable Learning – No big payments. No student debt. Just time and consistency.

Taking one or two of these courses now can completely change how you approach your study abroad journey. Not only are you learning valuable skills, but you’re also building a story for your applications.

Need help with applying for a full degree in these programs, book a consultation session with us today.