Free Online Courses: Discover Where to Study Without Spending a Dime

Finding free and high-quality courses online is now easier than ever. With the right platforms, anyone can learn new skills and grow professionally—no matter their background.

In Brazil, a wide variety of online education initiatives are opening doors for people from all walks of life. Whether you’re looking for your first job, aiming to change careers, or simply want to improve your résumé, there’s something for you.

If you’re ready to invest your time in knowledge without investing money, this guide is for you. Explore the best free online course platforms in Brazil and start building your future today.

Coursera – Global content with Brazilian support

Coursera is one of the most recognized names in online education. It offers hundreds of free courses with certificates from universities like USP, Fundação Lemann, and global institutions like Stanford and Yale.

Many of the courses are in English, but an increasing number are offered in Portuguese or with subtitles. After registration, you can filter courses by language, topic, and level.

To enroll:

1. Access coursera.org.
2. Click “Join for free” and create your account.
3. Search for a topic of interest (e.g., “marketing” or “data analysis”).
4. Filter by “Portuguese” or use the search bar.
5. Choose a course and look for the “Audit” option or start the free trial. Some partners offer full access for free.

Coursera is ideal for professionals in transition and university students seeking prestigious certifications.

SENAI – Practical courses focused on the job market

The Serviço Nacional de Aprendizagem Industrial (SENAI) is known for its professional training, especially in technical areas. Its online platform offers free courses in areas like administration, logistics, IT, and entrepreneurship.

To enroll:

1. Visit senaiead.senai.br.
2. Click on “Cursos Gratuitos” in the top menu.
3. Browse the list and select a course.
4. Register with your personal data and create a password.
5. Start the course immediately after confirmation.

SENAI’s content is practical, short, and highly aligned with the needs of the job market—perfect for job seekers and those looking to upskill quickly.

SENAC – Inclusion-focused education

SENAC offers free courses through the PSG (Programa SENAC de Gratuidade), targeting low-income individuals. You can find courses in administration, health, beauty, technology, and more.

To apply:

1. Go to senac.br.
2. Click “Cursos Gratuitos PSG” or search “PSG” in the site.
3. Choose your state to see local offerings.
4. Check requirements and fill out the application form.
5. Wait for contact or selection confirmation.

Although the availability varies by state, SENAC remains a reliable option for young people, parents, and anyone seeking quality education without financial burden.

Fundação Bradesco – Self-paced learning with certification

The Fundação Bradesco Virtual School has a catalog of over 90 free courses in Portuguese in topics like IT, finance, communication, and education.

To register:

1. Visit escolavirtual.gov.br.
2. Create your free account with CPF and email.
3. Browse courses by category or use the search bar.
4. Enroll and begin your classes right away.
5. After finishing, download your certificate.

This platform is especially useful for those seeking flexibility and professional development in a structured, recognized environment.

edX – Academic depth with free audit options

edX is another global education platform offering free courses from top universities such as Harvard, MIT, and institutions in Brazil like Unicamp.

Many courses can be audited for free, meaning you get full access to learning materials (minus the certificate).

To start:

1. Visit edx.org.
2. Create your free account.
3. Search for subjects and filter by language.
4. Select “Audit this course” when enrolling.
5. Access the course at your own pace.

For Brazilian professionals and students interested in academic content from top global institutions, edX is an excellent choice.

Google Ateliê Digital – Digital skills for all levels

Ateliê Digital is Google’s free training program focused on digital marketing, data, entrepreneurship, and soft skills. It’s available in Portuguese and includes certification.

How to start:

1. Go to learndigital.withgoogle.com/ateliedigital.
2. Click “Iniciar agora” and sign in with your Google account.
3. Select a learning path or individual courses.
4. Watch videos and take short quizzes.
5. Receive your certificate upon completion.

This platform is perfect for beginners, especially young adults and parents wanting to develop online skills.

Instituto Federal – Free technical education online

Several Federal Institutes in Brazil offer MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) through their own platforms or Moodle environments.

Each institute operates independently, but most offer high-quality, certified courses in tech, business, and education.

Typical steps:

1. Access the MOOC site of your state’s Federal Institute (e.g., mooc.ifsp.edu.br).
2. Browse available courses.
3. Register with your CPF and email.
4. Begin the course and access the content on-demand.

These institutions are perfect for those who value government-recognized certificates and are looking for structured programs.

SEBRAE – Courses for entrepreneurs and small business owners

SEBRAE’s platform offers a wide variety of free online courses focused on entrepreneurship, business management, sales, customer service, and innovation.

To enroll:

1. Visit sebrae.com.br.
2. Click on “Cursos Online Gratuitos.”
3. Filter by subject or audience (e.g., “Empreendedor Individual”).
4. Register and create a login.
5. Access materials instantly.

This is a highly valuable resource for anyone thinking about starting a business or improving management skills.

CAPACITA EAD (Ministério da Saúde) – Free courses for health professionals

CAPACITA EAD, from Brazil’s Ministry of Health, offers free online education for those working in the healthcare sector. Courses include mental health, patient care, public health, and emergency response.

To participate:

1. Access aps.saude.gov.br/ape/capacita.
2. Select “CapacitaSUS” or your regional portal.
3. Choose a course and register with your CPF.
4. Complete lessons and evaluations.
5. Download your certificate when approved.

Ideal for healthcare professionals, students, or those transitioning into the health sector.

ENAP – Government training for public servants and citizens

ENAP (Escola Nacional de Administração Pública) provides open access to free courses related to public administration, leadership, ethics, innovation, and digital government.

To enroll:

1. Go to enap.gov.br.
2. Create your account with CPF.
3. Browse the catalog or select thematic tracks.
4. Access videos, readings, and activities.
5. Upon passing evaluations, get certified.

ENAP’s platform is excellent for anyone interested in public service, policy, or administrative careers.

Conclusion

In Brazil, the path to education doesn’t have to be expensive. Thanks to these free online course platforms, knowledge is more accessible than ever. Whether you’re starting your career, reinventing yourself, or simply looking to expand your skills, there are solid, trusted options to support your goals.

The key is to take the first step: choose a platform that fits your needs and schedule, and commit to your personal and professional growth.

FAQs

1. Are these free courses truly recognized by employers in Brazil?
Yes, many of the platforms offer certification from respected institutions like SENAI, Fundação Bradesco, and global universities, which are often valued by recruiters.

2. Do I need a credit card to enroll in these courses?
No. Most platforms offer completely free access. Just be careful to select the free or “audit” options where applicable.

3. Can I study these courses on my phone?
Absolutely. Almost all platforms offer mobile-friendly sites or dedicated apps for Android and iOS.

4. How long do the courses usually take to complete?
Courses range from short modules (1–2 hours) to more in-depth training (4–8 weeks), depending on the subject and platform.

5. What if I don’t finish the course on time?
Most courses are self-paced. You can complete them in your own time, and many allow you to pause and return without losing progress.