AI Course Check

Free AI courses in the UK (2026)

Free AI courses in the UK are enough for a first course, so you rarely need to pay.

Free
66 courses
Free certificate or badge
38 courses
Free to learn, paid certificate
16 courses
Curated by Jake BolandFacts checked 3 to 12 Oct 2026How we verify

66 courses we list are free, 38 of them with a free certificate or badge, and AI Skills Boost is free for every adult in the UK.

What do "free" and "free to learn" mean here?

We use two labels on every page. Free means the course costs nothing to take. Free to learn means you can take the course for free, but the certificate, exam or full access costs extra.

If you only do one course, which should it be?

Living with AI from Scottish AI Alliance. It's free, needs no coding and comes from a UK provider. It covers what AI is, bias, the law, and AI at work and in public services, and you get a certificate at the end.

Which free AI courses give a free certificate?

38 courses. The 8 shortest are here; the rest are in the full list below.

Free to take, with a free certificate, badge or exam. Shortest first.
CourseDeliveryLevelForHoursCertificate
Work smarter with AIMicrosoft LearnOnline, self-pacedBeginnerBusiness professionals, EveryoneUnder 1Free badge
Introduction to Generative AIGoogleOnline, self-pacedBeginnerEveryone, Developers and engineersUnder 1Free badge
Generative AI Overview for Project ManagersProject Management Institute (PMI)Online, self-pacedBeginnerManagers and leaders, Business professionals1Free CPD certificate
Talking to AI: Prompt Engineering for Project ManagersProject Management Institute (PMI)Online, self-pacedBeginnerProject managers1Free CPD certificate
AI FoundationsOpenAI AcademyOnline, self-pacedBeginnerEveryone, Business professionals1.5Free badge
Agents and WorkflowsOpenAI AcademyOnline, self-pacedIntermediateBusiness professionals, Everyone1.5Free badge
Applied AI FoundationsOpenAI AcademyOnline, self-pacedIntermediateBusiness professionals1.5Free badge
Generative AI for Educators with GeminiGoogleOnline, self-pacedBeginnerTeachers and educators2Free certificate

Free to learn, certificate paid

The paid part is shown as the provider shows it, never converted.

The 8 shortest of 14.
CourseDeliveryCostLevelHours
Understanding Artificial IntelligenceDataCampOnline, self-pacedFree to learnSome parts paidBeginner2
Generative AI in HR - Impact and Application of Gen AIBoard Infinity on CourseraOnline, self-pacedFree to learnCertificate paidBeginner5
Generative AI for EveryoneDeepLearning.AI on CourseraOnline, self-pacedFree to learnCertificate paidBeginner6
AI For EveryoneDeepLearning.AI on CourseraOnline, self-pacedFree to learnCertificate paidBeginner7
AI Prompting for EveryoneDeepLearning.AIOnline, self-pacedFree to learnCertificate paidBeginner7
AWS Artificial Intelligence Practitioner Learning PlanAWS Skill BuilderOnline, self-pacedFree to learnExam USD 100Beginner8
AI Fundamentals (skill track)DataCampOnline, self-pacedFree to learnSome parts paidBeginner9
Agentic AIDeepLearning.AIOnline, self-pacedFree to learnCertificate paidIntermediate10

Free for a limited time

5 courses are free only for a limited time, as stated by the provider: AI Python for Beginners, Building with Llama 4, ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers, Claude Code: A Highly Agentic Coding Assistant, Artificial Intelligence in National Security. We recheck these every month.

Is there free government AI training in the UK?

Yes, and the rules depend on where you live. See AI Skills Boost and the AI Skills Hub and free and funded AI training by nation. 20 free courses on our list are from UK providers or UK public schemes.

All free AI courses

82 courses

  • Agent in a Day - Online workshop

    Microsoft Learn

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Business professionals
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificateLicence needed
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • AI Agents Course

    Hugging Face Learn

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Developers and engineers
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • AI and Ethics in GCSE computer science

    National Centre for Computing Education

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner (our rating)
    For
    Teachers and educators
    Duration
    About 1.5 hours
    Certificate
    Not stated

    Start any time

    UK
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • AI Capabilities and Limitations

    Anthropic Academy

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 5 Oct 2026

  • AI Foundations

    OpenAI Academy

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Business professionals
    Duration
    About 1.5 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 5 Oct 2026

  • AI in primary computing

    National Centre for Computing Education

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner (our rating)
    For
    Teachers and educators
    Duration
    About 1.5 hours
    Certificate
    Not stated

    Start any time

    UK
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • AI Python for Beginners

    DeepLearning.AI

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free for now
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Students and career changers
    Duration
    About 12 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Verified 4 Oct 2026

  • Building with the Claude API

    Anthropic · Coursera

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Developers and engineers
    Duration
    About 10 hours
    Certificate
    No

    Start any time

    UK
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • ChatGPT Foundations for Teachers

    OpenAI · Coursera

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Teachers and educators
    Duration
    About 5 hours
    Certificate
    No

    Start any time

    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • ChatGPT fundamentals

    OpenAI Academy

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Business professionals
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    No

    Start any time

    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Claude 101

    Anthropic Academy

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Business professionals
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 3 Oct 2026

  • Elements of AI: Introduction to AI

    Elements of AI (University of Helsinki / MinnaLearn)

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Public sector
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Empower your workforce with Microsoft Copilot

    Microsoft Learn

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Business professionals, Managers and leaders
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificateLicence needed
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Enterprise Agents and Use Cases

    Google Cloud

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Business professionals, Managers and leaders
    Duration
    About 1.5 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Verified 5 Oct 2026

  • Ethics of AI

    Elements of AI (University of Helsinki / MinnaLearn)

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner (our rating)
    For
    Everyone, Public sector
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Generative AI for Executives

    AWS Skill Builder

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Managers and leaders, Business professionals
    Duration
    Under 1 hour
    Certificate
    Not stated

    Start any time

    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Generative AI Overview for Project Managers

    Project Management Institute (PMI)

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Managers and leaders, Business professionals
    Duration
    About 1 hour
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 3 Oct 2026

  • Google AI Educator series

    Google for Education

    Delivery
    Online
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner (our rating)
    For
    Teachers and educators
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificateUK
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Introducing AI

    Raspberry Pi Foundation

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner (our rating)
    For
    Teachers and educators
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificateUK
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Introduction to AI in Azure (AI-901T00)

    Microsoft · Microsoft Learn

    Delivery
    Online
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Developers and engineers, Students and career changers
    Duration
    About 9.5 hours (estimated)
    Certificate
    No

    Start any time

    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Introduction to AI in the NHS

    Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner (our rating)
    For
    Healthcare
    Duration
    Under 1 hour
    Certificate
    Not stated

    Start any time

    UK
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Introduction to Claude Cowork

    Anthropic Academy

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Business professionals, Everyone
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Not stated

    Start any time

    Licence needed
    Verified 5 Oct 2026

  • Introduction to Gemini Enterprise

    Google Cloud

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Business professionals
    Duration
    About 2.5 hours (estimated)
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 5 Oct 2026

  • Introduction to Generative AI

    Google

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Developers and engineers
    Duration
    Under 1 hour (estimated)
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Living with AI

    Scottish AI Alliance

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Public sector
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificateUK
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Principles of Artificial Intelligence

    28DIGITAL · EIT Campus

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Students and career changers
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Responsible use of ChatGPT at work

    OpenAI Academy

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Business professionals, Everyone
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    No

    Start any time

    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Safe and effective use of AI in education

    Chartered College of Teaching

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner (our rating)
    For
    Teachers and educators
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Next intake not announced

    Free certificateUK
    Verified 11 Oct 2026

  • Work smarter with AI

    Microsoft Learn

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Business professionals, Everyone
    Duration
    Under 1 hour (estimated)
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • AI Applications in People Management

    The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania · Coursera

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free to learn
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    HR professionals, Managers and leaders
    Duration
    About 10 hours (estimated)
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • AI For Everyone

    DeepLearning.AI · Coursera

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free to learn
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Business professionals
    Duration
    About 7 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • AI Fundamentals (skill track)

    DataCamp

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free to learn
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Business professionals
    Duration
    About 9 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Verified 3 Oct 2026

  • AI Prompting for Everyone

    DeepLearning.AI

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free to learn
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Business professionals
    Duration
    About 7 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Verified 3 Oct 2026

  • Building with Llama 4

    DeepLearning.AI

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free for now
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Developers and engineers
    Duration
    About 1.5 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Verified 4 Oct 2026

  • Generative AI for Everyone

    DeepLearning.AI · Coursera

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free to learn
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Everyone, Business professionals
    Duration
    About 6 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Prompt Engineering Interactive Tutorial

    Anthropic · GitHub

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free to learn
    Level
    Beginner (our rating)
    For
    Developers and engineers
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    No

    Start any time

    Licence needed
    Verified 4 Oct 2026

  • Responsible AI Innovation for SMEs

    University of Edinburgh

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free to learn
    Level
    Beginner
    For
    Small business owners, Business professionals
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    UK
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Agents and Workflows

    OpenAI Academy

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Intermediate (our rating)
    For
    Business professionals, Everyone
    Duration
    About 1.5 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 5 Oct 2026

  • AI Fluency for Educators

    Anthropic Academy

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Intermediate (our rating)
    For
    Teachers and educators
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 3 Oct 2026

  • AI Fluency for Small Businesses

    Anthropic Academy

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Intermediate
    For
    Small business owners, Business professionals
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 3 Oct 2026

  • AI Leadership

    OpenAI Academy

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Intermediate (our rating)
    For
    Managers and leaders
    Duration
    About 3 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 5 Oct 2026

  • Applied AI Foundations

    OpenAI Academy

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Intermediate (our rating)
    For
    Business professionals
    Duration
    About 1.5 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificate
    Verified 5 Oct 2026

  • Introduction to Machine Learning and AI

    National Centre for Computing Education

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Intermediate (our rating)
    For
    Teachers and educators
    Duration
    About 8 hours
    Certificate
    Not stated

    Start any time

    UK
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • LLM Course

    Hugging Face Learn

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Intermediate
    For
    Developers and engineers, Data scientists and analysts
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    No

    Start any time

    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Practical Deep Learning for Coders

    fast.ai

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Intermediate (our rating)
    For
    Developers and engineers, Data scientists and analysts
    Duration
    About 14 hours (estimated)
    Certificate
    Not stated

    Start any time

    Verified 10 Oct 2026

  • Teaching about AI

    Raspberry Pi Foundation

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free
    Level
    Intermediate (our rating)
    For
    Teachers and educators
    Duration
    Not stated
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Free certificateUK
    Verified 12 Oct 2026

  • Agentic AI

    DeepLearning.AI

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free to learn
    Level
    Intermediate
    For
    Developers and engineers, Data scientists and analysts
    Duration
    About 10 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Verified 3 Oct 2026

  • Elements of AI: Building AI

    Elements of AI (University of Helsinki / MinnaLearn)

    Delivery
    Online, self-paced
    Cost
    Free to learn
    Level
    Intermediate (our rating)
    For
    Everyone, Students and career changers
    Duration
    About 50 hours
    Certificate
    Yes

    Start any time

    Verified 12 Oct 2026

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Questions people ask

Is the government AI Skills Hub free?

Yes. AI Skills Boost courses on the AI Skills Hub are free for every adult in the UK, and finishing selected ones earns a government-backed AI foundations badge.

Is Google AI Essentials free?

No. USD 49/month (price shown in USD). The price is shown in US dollars and we don't convert it.

Is a free certificate worth anything?

It shows you finished the course, which can help on a CV, but it is not a qualification. If you need something your employer or professional body will recognise, check whether a course counts as CPD with your body, or take a booked exam such as a BCS certificate.

New courses by email: launching soon

We're setting up a newsletter for new courses, price changes and funded intakes. Until it starts, New this week lists every change.