The high demand for online courses is arguably the outcome of the covid-19 pandemic which put activities (including education) and persons on lockdown. So far, there has been a commendable increase in the demand for online courses all over the world. No doubt, some African countries such as South Africa have adopted this form of learning. Many universities in South Africa have introduced free online courses with certificates to promote effective distance learning education.

This article is focused on the Top 12 Free Online Courses in South Africa with Certificates. However, before we proceed to the focus of this article, it is vital for us to understand precisely what online learning is.

Online learning, often referred to as “e-learning”, is a form of education which takes place on the internet. Online learning involves you taking courses online instead of the physical classroom. You can access to online courses anytime and from anywhere in the world. But first, you need to have an internet enabled gadget (computer; laptop; tablet; smartphone). Online courses can come in the form of videos, worksheets, audio files, even images. In addition, there are discussion forums, groups and a wide range of messaging options through which students can converse with one another, even with their tutor.

What Are Free Online Courses?

Having known what online courses are, you must also understand that not all courses offered online are for free. Thus, free online courses would refer to courses you can enrol in at a little or no cost. An example of such is the MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).

Who Can Take An Online Course in South Africa?

Basically, anyone and everyone can opt for an online course. However, you should consider taking an online course if;

• You have a tight schedule which makes it difficult for you to attend physical classes.
• You live far away from Campus.
• You prefer to study at your own pace.

Why Should I Choose An Online Course in South Africa?

Although there are several reasons why you should consider an online course, however, CONVENIENCE tops the list. By enrolling in an online course, you can learn at your own pace. In other words, you have the sole decision of running the course at any convenient time.

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In addition, IT IS FREE OF CHARGE. In other words, you do not need to break the bank to enrol in any of these online courses offered in South Africa.

What Are The Requirements To Enrol In A Free Online Course In South Africa?

As earlier stated, you do not need to break the bank because most of these courses offered online in South Africa are free. However, you need to have access to an internet enabled gadget (computer; laptop; tablet; smartphone). Ensure your computer processor, RAM, and memory is able to keep up with your education to avoid any form of obstruction. Furthermore, download and install the necessary software needed. Also, make sure your browser is updated so as to be effective.

What Is The Duration Of Online Courses In South Africa?

Unlike the tradition form of education, you can complete an online course in a matter of hours, days, or at most 6 to 12 months. Depending on the course you are enrolled in, you may need to devote about 2 to 3 hours, or 4 to 6 hours per day. However, the estimated time of completion for each program will be determined by the course providers and learning platform. Most online courses in South Africa will require a level of commitment from you.

Based on the research we carried out, we’ve come up with details of the Top 12 Free Online Courses in South Africa.

Top 12 Free Online Courses in South Africa with Certificates

• Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries

This free online course is designed to explore the challenges faced by governments of developing countries who wish to improve their economies in a climate friendly way. Furthermore, this free online course gives proper insight into the complexity of how countries in Southern part of Africa pursue development goals whilst addressing climate mitigation.

• Climate Adaptation in Africa

The goal of this course is to examine adaptation theoretically through the four sectors that are critical for climate-resilient development in Africa. Furthermore, this free online course investigates the importance of climate change in Africa.

• Becoming a Changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation

This is a 6-week free online course offered by Coursera. Upon completing this course, you will have created your own strategy for social innovation. Also, you will have begun to promote the concepts, mindset, skills, and relationships that will enable you to start and emerge as a changemaker. In addition, you will need a time commitment of about 2 – 3 hours per week.

• Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability: Circles of Care and Education

This is a 4-week free online course designed specifically for those who work at special centers or private homes. Upon completion of this course, you will gain a proper understanding of intellectual disability, including its history and the levels of severity.

• Innovative Finance: Hacking finance to change the world

This is a Creation of the University of Cape Town delivered via Coursera. This free online course in South Africa is designed to last for about two weeks. In addition, you will need a time commitment of about 2 – 3 hours per week.

• Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics

This is a creation of the University of Cape Town. This course offers an easy entry into interpreting common mathematical ideas. Upon completion of this free online course, you will have learnt the vital first steps such as hypothesis testing, how to describe your data, built a proper understanding of statistical analysis. In addition, you will have learnt categorical data and how to analyze the accuracy of results.

• Writing your World: Finding yourself in the academic space

If you wish to become a competent writer, then this course is for you. This free online course was created to provide practical insight to hone the academic skills needed to be a pro writer. In addition, it provides you with the opportunity to develop your writing style.

• Extinction: Past and Present

This is a Biology course created by the University of Cape Town via FutureLearn. In this course, you will learn all about the extinctions that happened in the past, as well as these extinctions have impacted the world over the years. This course is designed to last for five weeks. To fully complete this course, you will need a time commitment of 3 hours per week.

• Doing Clinical Research: Biostatistics with the Wolfram Language

This is one course that will skyrocket your career. By enrolling in this free online course, you will be better empowered to contribute significantly to the advancement of humanity via scientific research. 

• Teaching Children with Visual Impairment: Creating Empowering Classroom

This is a creation of the University of Cape Town via Coursera, which is an online learning platform. In this free online course, you will learn how to make your classroom, teaching, content and the assessments accessible via curriculum differentiation strategies. In addition, this course empowers you with the needed tools to be able to handle kids with visual impairment.

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• Theory of Change for Development

This free online course is created by the University of Witwatersrand on the edX learning platform. This course will educate you on solving challenges effectively by applying the Theory of Change method. In addition, you will learn about important tools and techniques that will help you better understand existing theories of change, and how you can develop yours. This course is designed to last for about 7 weeks. To fully complete this course, you will need a time commitment of 3 – 4 hours per week.

• Research Method: An Engineering Approach

This free online course is designed specifically for graduate engineering students. The aim of this course is to help them facilitate their research work using various research methods and approaches. In this course, you will gain exposure to the tools needed for creative design, as well as design of the research process. The duration of this course is about 8 weeks, with a time commitment of about 2 – 3 hours per week.

These free online courses offered in South Africa with certificates will skyrocket your career. In addition, you will gain new knowledge from these courses. Also, this courses may be an opportunity to brush up your old skills and knowledge.

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