Top 10 Most Popular Free AI Courses for Beginners With Certificate in 2025

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Top 10 Free AI Courses

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the future—it's the present. As AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, DALL•E, and Copilot become everyday utilities, millions of people are eager to understand and apply AI in their work, studies, and life.

For those just starting their AI journey, free beginner-friendly AI courses are a golden gateway to the future.

Read more: Top 5 Free Google AI Courses: Learn, Upskill, and Get Certified Now

1. AI Essentials (Google)

Why it ranks #1: A complete, self-paced course developed by Google that teaches practical AI concepts with real-world use cases. Highly recommended for productivity seekers.

• Provider: Google (Grow with Google)

• URL: https://grow.google/intl/en/ai/essentials/

• Duration: ~5 hours

• Includes: Certificate of completion

• Highlights:

  • No coding required

  • Focus on generative AI and workplace applications

  • High-quality visuals and interactive content

Best for: Office workers, students, marketers, and content creators

2. Prompting Essentials (Google)

Why it ranks #2: The most beginner-friendly course for learning how to write effective prompts for AI tools.

• Provider: Google (Grow with Google)

• URL: https://grow.google/intl/en/ai/prompting-essentials/

• Duration: 1–2 hours

• Includes: Certificate of completion

Highlights:

• Learn 5 core steps for prompt engineering

• Fast-paced and visual

• No prerequisites

Best for: Absolute beginners, writers, students

3. Elements of AI (University of Helsinki + Reaktor)

Why it ranks #3: A global favorite. Over 1 million learners have joined. Combines theory and practice in a friendly tone.

• Provider: University of Helsinki

• URL: https://www.elementsofai.com

• Duration: ~6 weeks (self-paced)

• Includes: Free certificate

Highlights:

• Teaches AI concepts from scratch

• Supported in 20+ languages

• No math or programming skills required

Best for: Students, job seekers, lifelong learners

4. Introduction to Generative AI (Google Cloud Skills Boost)

Why it ranks #4: Ideal for understanding what generative AI is and how it works.

• Provider: Google Cloud

• URL: https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/paths/118

• Duration: ~45 minutes

• Includes: Skill badge (Google verified)

Highlights:

• Perfect short course

• Hands-on Google tools

• Explains LLMs, images, text generation

Best for: Visual learners, tech enthusiasts

5. Generative AI with Large Language Models (DeepLearning.AI + AWS)

Why it ranks #5: A comprehensive introduction to LLMs, powered by industry giants.

• Provider: DeepLearning.AI and AWS

• URL: https://www.deeplearning.ai/short-courses/generative-ai-with-llms/

• Duration: ~3 hours

• Includes: Certificate (Coursera platform)

Highlights:

• Solid explanation of how LLMs work

• Case studies and demos

Best for: Professionals aiming to build foundational AI knowledge

Beginner Tips for Learning AI in 2025: What You Need to Know Beginner Tips for Learning AI If you're new to artificial intelligence (AI), starting your learning journey in 2025 has never been more accessible—or more important. With tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and generative AI reshaping industries, learning AI as a beginner can unlock new career paths, boost your productivity, and sharpen your problem-solving skills. Start simple. Choose a free AI course designed for beginners—preferably one that requires no coding. Courses like AI Essentials by Google or AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng are perfect introductions. Focus first on understanding basic AI concepts such as machine learning, generative AI, and neural networks. You don’t need a PhD or computer science degree to begin. Practice what you learn. Try interacting with AI tools, writing simple prompts, or using AI for daily tasks like writing emails or brainstorming ideas. Hands-on experience will help solidify your knowledge. Stay consistent. Learning AI is a marathon, not a sprint. Dedicate just 30–60 minutes a day and track your progress. Use platforms like Google Cloud Skills Boost, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning to build a structured learning path. Join AI communities. Engage in beginner-friendly forums like Reddit’s r/learnmachinelearning or join free AI webinars. Networking with learners at your level can motivate and inspire you. Remember: AI is the future, and your first step begins today. With the right mindset and resources, anyone—even without a tech background—can learn and thrive in AI.

6. Intro to Artificial Intelligence (Udacity)

Why it ranks #6: Still one of the most structured free courses for a theoretical and technical intro.

• Provider: Udacity

• URL: https://www.udacity.com/course/intro-to-artificial-intelligence--cs271

• Duration: ~4 weeks

• Includes: Video lectures, assignments

Highlights:

• Taught by Sebastian Thrun (ex-Google, Udacity co-founder)

• Covers search, logic, planning, probability

Best for: Beginners with analytical mindsets or CS students

Free AI Courses

7. AI for Everyone (Andrew Ng / DeepLearning.AI)

Why it ranks #7: A non-technical guide by one of the world’s top AI educators.

• Provider: Coursera / DeepLearning.AI

• URL: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyone

• Duration: ~6 hours

• Includes: Free to audit, optional certificate

Highlights:

• Strategic overview of AI

• AI adoption in business

• Great storytelling

Best for: Business professionals, product managers, beginners with no tech background

8. Generative AI Learning Path (LinkedIn Learning)

Why it ranks #8: Curated short courses from industry experts available for free during select periods.

• Provider: LinkedIn Learning

• URL: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/paths/building-generative-ai-skills

• Duration: 4–8 hours (varies by course)

• Includes: Completion badges

Highlights:

• Covers ChatGPT, DALL•E, and Midjourney

• Career-focused content

Best for: Creative professionals, marketers, designers

9. Fast.ai Practical Deep Learning for Coders

Why it ranks #9: For those who are ready to move from beginner to intermediate using Python.

• Provider: Fast.ai

• URL: https://course.fast.ai/

• Duration: Varies

• Includes: Certificate (optional)

Highlights:

• Real projects with code

• Community support

• Focus on ethics and accessibility

Best for: Beginners with basic coding skills

10. IBM AI Foundations for Everyone (Cognitive Class)

Why it ranks #10: IBM’s accessible AI primer available via Cognitive Class.

• Provider: IBM via Cognitive Class

• URL: https://cognitiveclass.ai/courses/ai-foundations-for-everyone

• Duration: ~3 hours

• Includes: Badge from IBM

Highlights:

• Covers history, use cases, ethics

• Video + quiz format

Best for: Beginners wanting a corporate-style course

Final Thoughts

AI is becoming a second language for the digital generation. These top 10 free courses provide everything a beginner needs in July 2025—from understanding the basics to building foundational skills that apply across industries.

Start with one that fits your learning style and career goals. They're free, flexible, and widely respected. There's never been a better time to learn AI.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do these AI courses really offer free certificates?

Most do. Google, IBM, DeepLearning.AI, and Cloud Skills Boost offer completion badges. Coursera often offers free access to content but may charge for official certificates.

2. Do I need to know programming?

No. Many of the courses on this list require no prior coding skills.

3. Can these courses help me get a job in AI?

While they won’t replace a degree, they build your credibility and demonstrate initiative. Combine them with practice and networking for better results.

4. Which course is best for creative professionals?

Try LinkedIn Learning’s Generative AI path or Google’s Prompting Essentials for content creation.

5. Are these courses suitable for high school or college students?

Yes. Most are beginner-safe, especially Elements of AI and AI Essentials.

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