Not everyone has the opportunity to attend university in South Africa, from financial barriers to poor academic performance, there are many factors involved.  These conditions used to be the final call on whether you achieve a higher education or not. Today, however, we have the biggest advantage to bypass these factors – The Internet.

We live in the Age of Information, where we have access to endless amounts of knowledge right at our fingertips. So, what better way to utilise this power than to learn all you can – for FREE!

From personal growth to digital marketing, the opportunities and free learning materials available are virtually endless. All you need is a digital device (yes, your phone counts) and a stable internet connection. Below is a list of the most popular and accredited free courses and learning tools that might interest you:

CLASS CENTRAL

Class Central is the best search engine and review site for free online courses, commonly known as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).

EDX

EDX offers over 2000 free online courses from 140 leading institutions worldwide including local institutions such as Wits University. While the learning material is free, you will have to pay for an official certificate.

GOOGLE DIGITAL GARAGE

Google offers many needed courses for growing businesses and upcoming entrepreneurs. These are the courses currently on offer:

DATA AND TECH

• Understanding the basics of code
• How to increase productivity at work
• Understanding the basics of machine learning
• Improve your online business security
• Elements of AI

View more Data and Technology free courses here: https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/courses/data_tech

DIGITAL MARKETING – RECOMMENDED & CERTIFICATE INCLUDED

• Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
• Get a business online
• Make sure customers find you online
• Promote a business with online advertising
• What is Social?

View more Digital Marketing free courses here:
https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/courses/digital_marketing

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

• Build confidence with self-promotion
• Land your next job
• How to enhance and land protect your online campaign
• Business Communication
• Speaking in public

View more Career Development free courses here: https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/courses/career_development

YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS INITIATIVE NETWORK

YALI offers free learning courses on Leadership, Business & Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, Public Management and more. Their goal is to empower the next generation of African

HUBSPOT ACADEMY

HubSpot Academy boasts internationally recognized certification badges that look great on your CV. The academy focuses on business, sales and digital marketing skills, exactly what you need when building your business and personal career.

ALISON

Alison offers over 1,000 free courses across 9 distinct categories, ranging from IT. Business, Language, Health, Humanities, Science, Marketing, Lifestyle and Math as either a diploma or certificate upon completion.

The above options were compiled to help any restricted individuals looking to learn and improve their individual and business skills. I will be making a part 2 version that will go more into detail on specific categories that any aspiring entrepreneur will need in the modern age.