Thinking about getting into Data Science but not ready to spend a fortune or commit to a full-year program?
Good news – you don’t have to.
There are plenty of short, affordable (even free!) online Data Science courses you can complete in a few hours or weeks. Perfect if you’re testing the waters before applying to a full study-abroad program or just want to upskill fast.
We’ve hand-picked 15 verified options you can start today. All global, flexible, and accessible from anywhere (including Nigeria).
(Note: While most courses are free to learn, some may charge a small fee if you choose to download or verify your certificate.)
1. Scaler – Free Data Science Course: Mastering the Fundamentals
Duration: ~8h 45m Certificate: Included
Learn Python and SQL for Data Science through real-world examples.
2. Intellipaat – Free Data Science Fundamentals
Duration: ~2 hours Certificate: Free
Short, beginner-friendly course that covers the core ideas behind data science and analytics.
3. Great Learning Academy – Free Data Science Courses
Duration: 1 – 8 hours Certificate: Free (some modules paid)
Offers multiple bite-sized courses on Python, AI, and visualization basics.
4. Alison – Free Online Data Science Courses
Duration: 3 – 10 hours Certificate: Optional (token fee)
Strong entry-level courses like “Data Science for Beginners” and “Introduction to Python for Data Science.”
5. IBM SkillsBuild – Data Science Fundamentals
Duration: 7 – 13 hours Certificate: Free digital badge
Industry-recognized IBM learning modules — trusted by employers worldwide.
6. Harvard University (via edX) – Data Science: R Basics
Duration: 4 weeks (self-paced) Certificate: Paid (optional)
One of the most popular academic intros to data science. You can audit free.
7. edX – Free Data Science Courses
Duration: Varies Certificate: Paid (optional)
Access dozens of short modules from global universities — perfect for sampling different topics.
8. Codecademy – Data Science Catalog
Duration: 4 – 8 hours Certificate: Paid upgrade
Interactive, project-based tutorials for beginners in Python and SQL.
9. Simplilearn – Free Data Science Courses
Duration: 5 – 10 hours Certificate: Free (for some courses)
Clear, structured video lessons on Python, analytics, and AI fundamentals.
10. 365 DataScience – Free Starter Plan
Duration: Short modules (~4 hours each) Certificate: Paid
Includes free lessons on web scraping, Python, and machine learning.
11. Udemy – Free Data Science Courses
Duration: Varies (many under 10 hours) Certificate: Free (varies)
Thousands of user-rated free data courses updated regularly.
12. MIT Open Learning – Free MIT Data Science Courses
Duration: Self-paced modules Certificate: Optional
A chance to study straight from MIT’s open curriculum.
13. CareerFoundry – Free Data Analytics Course Directory
Duration: Varies Certificate: N/A (aggregated list)
A collection of vetted free data courses with global access.
14. Class Central – Data Science Course Finder
Duration: Filter under 4 weeks Certificate: Depends on provider
Search and compare hundreds of short global data-science courses.
15. Grow with Google – Data Analytics Certificate (Audit Free)
Duration: 4–6 weeks per module (self-paced) Certificate: Paid (optional)
Globally recognized program you can audit for free.
Why these courses work for you
These programs are short enough to fit your schedule but powerful enough to build real career skills.
Start one, share your progress online, and add that credential to your CV or LinkedIn – it’s an easy win while preparing for your study-abroad goals.
And remember: learning doesn’t have to be expensive. A few hours a week can move you closer to your dream university or tech job abroad.
Ready to start?
Pick one course today and tag us on Instagram @eseumohimmigration/ @studyquestabroad when you earn your first certificate – we’ll feature your story!
If you’re planning to study abroad in 2026 or 2027, our team can help you find the right school and guide you through your study permit process.
Start your journey today — email us at info@eseumohimmigration.com