Free Online Courses That Boost Your Scholarship Application
When applying for competitive scholarships, every detail counts — including your skills and extracurricular activities. One of the smartest ways to strengthen your application is by completing relevant online courses that showcase your initiative, knowledge, and dedication. And guess what? Many of these courses are free! In this post, we’ll explore some of the best free online courses you can take today to impress scholarship committees and increase your chances of winning.
Why Do Online Courses Matter for Scholarships?
Online courses show that you’re proactive about learning. They:
- Demonstrate your commitment to personal and academic growth
- Highlight skills that may not be covered in your regular school curriculum
- Help you stand out in a crowd of applicants
- Can be mentioned in your statement of purpose, CV, or interviews
Best Platforms Offering Free Courses
Here are some trusted websites offering free (and high-quality) courses you can use to strengthen your application:
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Coursera
- Top universities and institutions
- Great for certificate courses in leadership, writing, STEM, and more
- Visit Coursera
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edX
- Harvard, MIT, and more offer free content
- Learn critical thinking, communication, or programming
- Visit edX
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Alison
- Free courses with certificates
- Topics like project management, English, public speaking, etc.
- Visit Alison
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FutureLearn
- Learn from UK-based universities
- Ideal for global development, education, and health fields
- Visit FutureLearn
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Google Digital Garage
- Offers digital skills certifications
- Courses like “Fundamentals of Digital Marketing” are highly rated
- Visit Google Garage
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Khan Academy
- Especially helpful for younger or undergraduate applicants
- Learn math, science, economics, and more
- Visit Khan Academy
Courses That Stand Out on Applications
Depending on the scholarship you’re applying for, these types of courses are particularly useful:
- Public Speaking / Communication Skills
- Academic Writing / Essay Writing
- Leadership and Project Management
- STEM-related Courses (for tech or science scholarships)
- Sustainable Development / Global Affairs
- Digital Skills / Marketing / Data Literacy
Tips on How to List Online Courses in Your Scholarship Application
- Include the course name, platform, and completion date
- Mention the skills or knowledge you gained
- If possible, attach the certificate or link in your application documents
- Relate it to your field of interest in your statement of purpose or motivation letter
FAQs
Q: Do I need to pay for a certificate?
No — many platforms offer free versions of the courses without certificates. But if you can afford it, a certificate adds extra proof.
Q: How many courses should I take before applying?
There’s no magic number — even one or two relevant ones can make a difference if they match your goals.
Q: Are free courses recognized by scholarship committees?
Yes, especially if they’re from well-known institutions and are relevant to your field.
Conclusion
Free online courses are one of the best tools to strengthen your scholarship application without spending money. They show that you’re intentional about your future — and that’s exactly what scholarship providers love to see. So, pick a course today, and take that next step toward your scholarship dream.