Cybersecurity and IT skills are no longer optional but essential.
Whether you’re a student preparing for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a parent guiding your child’s education path, or a professional looking to upgrade your skills, these free courses can help you get started without paying a cent.
From beginner introductions to recognized industry certificates, here are 15 verified, trusted, and completely free online cybersecurity and IT courses from reputable providers worldwide.
1. ISC2 – Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
This is a free self-paced online training plus a free certification exam (for 1 million learners globally). Good for beginners wanting an entry-level, globally recognized cybersecurity credential.
2. EC-Council – Free Cybersecurity Courses for Beginners
20+ free beginner modules with certificates of completion. Those curious about ethical hacking, network defense, and cybersecurity fundamentals, this course is for you.
3. Cybrary – Free Cybersecurity & IT Learning Platform
Free foundational courses and practice labs on cybersecurity, networking, and IT fundamentals. Best for students who want hands-on training before advanced certifications.
4. IBM SkillsBuild – Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Free learning path by IBM; includes a digital badge. For anyone exploring cybersecurity roles and digital skills for the modern workplace.
5. Palo Alto Networks – Free Cybersecurity Education Courses
Four self-paced courses: Intro to Cybersecurity, Network, Cloud, and SOC Fundamentals. For students interested in industry tools and enterprise-level security concepts.
6. Fortinet – Free Self-Paced Cybersecurity Training
Free access to industry-level courses and certifications covering network and cloud security for aspiring cybersecurity professionals looking to deepen technical expertise.
7. Great Learning Academy – Free Cybersecurity Courses with Certificates
Free short courses and beginner tracks with certificates included. Learners who want verified certificates to boost their résumé or LinkedIn should explore this option.
8. Alison – Free Online Cybersecurity Courses
A library of free courses with optional certificates.
9. edX – University-Level Free Cybersecurity Courses
Free audit access to courses from MIT, Harvard, Microsoft, and more (certificate optional).
Students and professionals seeking university-quality learning, this is for you.
10. Cisco Networking Academy – Introduction to Cybersecurity
Free foundational courses in networking and cybersecurity from Cisco experts for beginners building IT fundamentals or preparing for CCNA/CyberOps certifications.
11. SANS Institute – Cyber Aces Online
Free modules covering networking, operating systems, and system administration for learners seeking academic-level training trusted by professionals.
12. Free Courses in England – Level 2 & 3 Certificates in Cyber Security
Fully funded accredited UK qualifications; certificates included. This is best for UK residents seeking recognized academic pathways in cybersecurity.
13. Springboard – Cybersecurity Foundations
Free foundational course introducing key cybersecurity principles for students exploring cybersecurity career paths or considering paid bootcamps.
14. Oxford Home Study Centre – Free Cybersecurity Course
Free course with optional paid certificate for learners who want a flexible, self-paced entry to cybersecurity topics.
15. Purdue University Northwest – Free Cybersecurity Workforce Certification Training
Free U.S.-based training program covering cybersecurity systems, networks, and forensics for students and professionals in North America seeking structured, certificate-based training.
Quick Note:
Free courses like these aren’t a substitute for a full degree in cybersecurity or IT but they give you a powerful head start.
They prove your curiosity, strengthen your technical foundation, and make you stand out when applying for scholarships, internships, or master’s programs in tech, cybersecurity, or AI/ML abroad.
Use these courses to bridge the gap between where you are today and where you dream to study or work tomorrow.
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