Whether you’re a complete beginner eager to learn your first programming language or an experienced coder looking to expand your skill set, these top 12 free Python courses are here to guide you every step of the way! From creating games and automating everyday tasks to diving into data science and machine learning, Python offers endless possibilities. Imagine the thrill of building your own programs, analyzing data like a pro, or even launching a career in tech all with the power of Python at your fingertips.

Join us as we explore these dynamic courses, carefully selected to cater to all levels of expertise. From the structured lessons of “Python for Everybody” on Coursera to the hands-on Learn Python (Codecademy), each course offers a unique adventure in Python mastery.

Top 12 Free Python Courses

Let’s dive in and discover the perfect Python course to ignite your coding potential!

1. Introduction to Python (Analytics Vidhya)

“Introduction to Python” on Analytics Vidhya is a beginner-friendly course designed to provide a solid foundation in Python programming for data science and analytics. This course is tailored for individuals looking to enter the field of data science and analytics using Python as the primary tool.

• Content:
  • Python Basics: Covers fundamental Python syntax, variables, data types, and control structures.
  • Data Structures: Introduction to lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets for data organization.
  • NumPy and Pandas: Exploring the NumPy library for numerical computations and Pandas for data manipulation.
  • Data Visualization: Using Matplotlib and Seaborn for creating visualizations of data.
  • Introduction to Machine Learning: Basic concepts of machine learning and using libraries like Scikit-learn for model building.
  • Real-world Projects: Hands-on projects and case studies in data science and analytics to apply Python skills.
• Prerequisites: No prior programming experience is required. The course is beginner-friendly and assumes no prior knowledge of Python or data science.
• Format: The course is delivered through Analytics Vidhya’s platform, which includes video lectures, coding exercises, quizzes, and projects.
• Audience: Suitable for beginners interested in learning Python for data science and analytics applications. Ideal for students, professionals, and enthusiasts aiming to enter the field of data science.
• Duration: The course is self-paced, with approximately 6 weeks of study time and a recommended commitment of 3-5 hours per week.
• Certification: Upon successful completion of the course and final exam, learners receive a certificate of completion from Analytics Vidhya.

Click here to access the course.

2. Python for Everybody (Coursera)

“Python for Everybody” is a specialization offered by the University of Michigan on Coursera. This series of courses is designed for beginners who want to learn Python programming from scratch. Led by Dr. Charles Severance (a.k.a. Dr. Chuck), the specialization covers a broad range of Python topics, from basic syntax to more advanced concepts like data visualization and web scraping.

• Content:
  • Course 1: Python Data Structures: This course focuses on introducing fundamental Python concepts such as variables, conditionals, loops, and functions. Students learn how to work with different data structures like lists, dictionaries, and tuples.
  • Course 2: Using Python to Access Web Data: The second course dives into web scraping and using APIs with Python.
  • Course 3: Using Databases with Python: In this course, students explore the basics of database design and learn how to interact with databases using Python. SQL and SQLite are covered, enabling students to store and retrieve data.
  • Course 4: Capstone: Retrieving, Processing, and Visualizing Data with Python: The final capstone project ties everything together. Students apply their knowledge to retrieve, process, and visualize real-world data. This project-based course allows learners to showcase their Python skills.
• Prerequisites: No prior programming experience is required. This specialization is designed for absolute beginners.
• Format: Each course includes video lectures, readings, quizzes, and hands-on programming assignments.
• Audience: Ideal for beginners who want a structured approach to learning Python. Suitable for students, professionals seeking to transition into tech, and anyone interested in programming fundamentals.
• Duration: Each course is approximately 4-6 weeks long, with a recommended study commitment of 2-5 hours per week.
• Certification: Upon completion of the specialization, learners receive a certificate from Coursera, which can be shared on LinkedIn or added to resumes.

Click here to access the course.

3. Google’s Python Class (Google Developers)

“Google’s Python Class” is a free offering by Google Developers designed for individuals with some programming experience who want to learn Python. The course covers Python basics and includes practical exercises.

• Content:
  • Python Basics: The course starts with an introduction to Python syntax, variables, and basic data types.
  • Control Structures: Students learn about control structures such as if statements and loops to control the flow of their programs.
  • String Manipulation: Basics of string manipulation in Python are covered, a crucial skill in text processing.
  • Lists and Dictionaries: Essential data structures like lists and dictionaries are explained, allowing students to organize and manipulate data efficiently.
  • File I/O: Reading from and writing to files is included, enabling students to work with external data sources.
• Prerequisites: Some prior programming experience is recommended. Familiarity with basic programming concepts will be helpful.
• Format: The course consists of written materials, lecture videos, and programming exercises. Students can work through the content at their own pace.
• Audience: Suitable for individuals interested in Python and its applications at a company like Google. Ideal for those with some programming experience who want to expand their knowledge.
• Duration: The course duration varies based on the student’s pace. However, students typically complete it within a few weeks.
• Certification: As it’s a self-paced course, there is no official certification. However, completing the course provides valuable knowledge and skills.

Click here to access the course.

4. CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science (edX)

Harvard University offers ‘CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science’ on edX. Although not solely focused on Python, the course introduces Python as part of its curriculum, making it suitable for beginners.

• Content:
  • Computer Science Fundamentals: The course covers fundamental computer science concepts such as algorithms, data structures, and computer memory.
  • Python Programming: The course introduces Python as the primary programming language. Students learn Python syntax, variables, loops, and functions.
  • Web Development: The course also includes the basics of web development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Prerequisites: No prior programming experience is required. The course is designed for beginners.
• Format: The course consists of video lectures, readings, and programming assignments on the edX platform. Students can participate in online discussions and forums.
• Audience: Suitable for beginners interested in computer science and programming. Ideal for students considering a career in tech.
• Duration: The course runs for 12 weeks, with a recommended commitment of 6-9 hours per week.
• Certification: Students can receive a verified certificate of completion for a fee.

Click here to access the course.

5. Python Fundamentals (Microsoft – edX)

“Python Fundamentals” by Microsoft on edX is designed for absolute beginners who want to learn Python programming.

• Content:
  • Python Basics: The course starts with an introduction to Python syntax, variables, and data types.
  • Data Structures: Introduction to lists, tuples, and dictionaries.
  • Loops and Functions: Using loops and defining functions in Python.
• Prerequisites: You don’t need any prior programming knowledge to enroll in this course.
• Format: The course consists of lectures, readings, and coding exercises on the edX platform.
• Audience: Suitable for beginners interested in learning Python programming.
• Duration: Learners can pace themselves through the course, which spans approximately 6 weeks with a recommended study commitment of 2-4 hours per week.
• Certification: Certificate of completion is available for free.

Click here to access the course.

6. Python Data Structures (Coursera – University of Michigan)

“Python Data Structures” is a course offered as part of the Python for Everybody specialization by the University of Michigan on Coursera. It focuses on introducing essential data structures in Python.

• Content:
  • Lists and Tuples: The course covers lists, tuples, and their manipulation, essential for organizing and working with data.
  • Dictionaries: Students learn about dictionaries, a powerful data structure for mapping keys to values.
  • Data Structures for Analysis: The course emphasizes applying data structures for data analysis tasks, providing practical skills.
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Python programming is recommended. Students should have a grasp of Python basics.
• Format: The course includes video lectures, readings, and assignments on Coursera’s platform. Students can interact with peers through forums.
• Audience: Suitable for students who have completed introductory Python courses and want to deepen their understanding of data structures.
• Duration: The course is self-paced, with approximately 19 hours of study time.
• Certification: Certificate of completion is available from Coursera upon finishing the course.

Click here to access the course.

7. Python for Beginners (freeCodeCamp)

freeCodeCamp offers ‘Python for Beginners,’ a tutorial designed for absolute beginners who want to learn Python programming. The course covers Python basics and includes practical coding exercises.

• Content:
  • Python Basics: The course starts with an introduction to Python syntax, variables, and basic data types.
  • Control Structures: The course explains if statements, loops, and control flow in a beginner-friendly manner.
  • Functions: Introduction to defining and using functions in Python.
  • Lists and Dictionaries: The course covers essential data structures for organizing and manipulating data.
• Prerequisites: You don’t need any prior programming knowledge to enroll in this course. The course is beginner-friendly.
• Format: The course features a text-based format with interactive coding exercises on freeCodeCamp’s platform. Students can track their progress as they complete modules.
• Audience: Suitable for absolute beginners interested in learning Python programming.
• Duration: Learners can study at their own pace, dedicating approximately 4-6 hours to complete the course.
• Certification: Certificate of completion is available from freeCodeCamp.

Click here to access the course.

8. Introduction to Python (DataCamp)

“Introduction to Python” by DataCamp is a beginner-friendly course that covers the fundamentals of Python programming.

• Content:
  • Python Basics: The course starts with an introduction to Python syntax, variables, and basic data types.
  • Data Manipulation: Students learn to work with data using libraries like Pandas for data manipulation and analysis.
  • Data Visualization: The course covers the basics of data visualization with Matplotlib, enabling students to create plots and graphs.
• Prerequisites: The course is designed for beginners.
• Format: Students learn through interactive coding exercises presented on DataCamp’s platform, enabling them to learn by doing.
• Audience: Ideal for beginners interested in learning Python for data analysis and visualization.
• Duration:Learners can complete the course at their own pace, usually taking a few hours to finish.
• Certification: Upon course completion, DataCamp offers a certificate that learners can add to their resumes or share on LinkedIn.

Click here to access the course.

9. Learn Python (Codecademy)

“Learn Python” on Codecademy is an interactive course that teaches Python programming through hands-on coding exercises.

• Content:
  • Python Basics: The course covers Python syntax, variables, and basic data types.
  • Lists and Functions: Introduction to working with lists and defining functions in Python.
  • Control Flow: The course explains if statements and loops for controlling program flow.
• Prerequisites: The course is beginner-friendly.
• Format: Interactive platform with coding exercises that students complete directly in the browser. Immediate feedback is provided.
• Audience: Ideal for absolute beginners who prefer hands-on learning. Suitable for visual and interactive learners.
• Duration: Learners can complete the course at their own pace, usually taking a few hours to finish.
• Certification: Upon completion of the course, Codecademy provides a certificate that learners can add to their resumes or share on LinkedIn.

Click here to access the course.

10. Python Basics (Kaggle)

“Python Basics” on Kaggle is a beginner-friendly course that introduces learners to Python programming. It caters to individuals who want to learn Python for data science and machine learning.

• Content:
  • Python Syntax: Introduction to basic Python syntax, variables, and data types.
  • Pandas Library: Basics of the Pandas library for data manipulation.
  • Data Visualization: Introduction to data visualization using Matplotlib and Seaborn.
  • Machine Learning Introduction: Basic concepts of machine learning and using Scikit-learn library.
• Prerequisites: You don’t need any prior programming experience to enroll in this course. The course is beginner-friendly.
• Format: Kaggle’s platform delivers the course, offering interactive notebooks for coding exercises and real datasets for practice.
• Audience: Ideal for beginners interested in learning Python for data science and machine learning applications.
• Duration: Learners can complete the course at their own pace, typically taking a few hours to finish..
• Certification: Kaggle provides a certificate of completion for free, which learners can add to their resumes or share on LinkedIn.

Click here to access the course.

11. Applied Data Science with Python Specialization (Coursera – University of Michigan)

The University of Michigan offers the ‘Applied Data Science with Python’ specialization on Coursera. This advanced specialization targets learners interested in exploring the world of data science using Python.

• Content:
  • Introduction to Data Science: An overview of data science concepts and the Python tools used in the field.
  • Data Visualization: Using libraries like Matplotlib and Seaborn for data visualization.
  • Applied Machine Learning: Techniques for machine learning using Python libraries such as Scikit-learn.
  • Text Mining: Exploring natural language processing (NLP) and text mining using Python.
  • Applied Social Network Analysis: Applying Python to analyze social networks and their structures.
  • Applied Data Science Capstone: A final project where learners apply their skills to a real-world data science problem.
• Prerequisites: To succeed in this course, you need to have a basic understanding of Python programming and data structures.
• Format: The specialization consists of several courses, each with video lectures, readings, quizzes, and hands-on projects on Coursera’s platform.
• Audience: Suitable for intermediate to advanced learners interested in data science and its applications using Python.
• Duration: The specialization typically takes 4-6 months to complete, with a recommended study commitment of 2-5 hours per week.
• Certification: Learners receive a certificate of completion from Coursera upon finishing the specialization.

Click here to access the course.

12. Python Programming for Everyone (FutureLearn – Raspberry Pi Foundation)

“Python Programming for Everyone” on FutureLearn, created by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, is a beginner-level course that introduces learners to Python programming in a fun and interactive way. This course welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are eager to learn Python, aiming to make it accessible to everyone.

• Content:
  • Python Basics: Covers basic Python syntax, variables, data types, and control structures in an easy-to-understand manner.
  • Simple Projects: Engaging projects such as creating interactive games and simple applications to apply Python concepts.
  • Introduction to Turtle Graphics: Learning basic programming concepts through visual graphics with Turtle.
  • Coding Challenges: Exercises and challenges to reinforce learning and problem-solving skills.
  • Community Support: Access to a supportive online community for discussions and sharing ideas.
• Prerequisites: You do not need any prior programming experience to enroll in this course. The course is beginner-friendly and suitable for learners of all ages.
• Format: The course delivers its content through FutureLearn’s platform, offering a mix of video tutorials, interactive coding activities, quizzes, and discussions.
• Audience: Ideal for beginners and young learners interested in learning Python for creative projects, games, and applications. Also suitable for educators looking to introduce Python in a classroom setting.
• Duration: The course runs for approximately 4 weeks, with a recommended study commitment of 3 hours per week.
• Certification: Learners can enroll to get the paid certificate.

Click here to access the course.

End Note

Congratulations on exploring the diverse world of free Python courses available online! Whether you’re a complete beginner eager to learn your first programming language or an experienced coder looking to deepen your Python skills, these courses offer a gateway to empowerment in the world of programming. Remember, these courses are not just about acquiring knowledge but also about applying it through hands-on projects and exercises. Whether you’re building simple scripts, analyzing data sets, or developing machine learning models, each step forward in your Python journey brings you closer to your goals.