Best online courses for electrical engineering: Top 5 for free!

Do you want access to the best online courses for electrical engineering without spending money and without leaving your home?

If you’re thinking about starting a career in electrical engineering or upgrading your skills, the time is now.

This guide was made for you — keep reading and find out which top courses you can start today, for free.

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Best online courses for electrical engineering

Studying electrical engineering online is no longer just a trend — it’s the new standard for smart learners.

Today’s best courses are taught by top universities and professionals, using real-world projects and interactive content.

You don’t need to be in a classroom anymore to learn about circuits, systems, or renewable energy — everything is available online, anytime.

These online programs bring together technical precision, flexibility, and affordability.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have some background, there’s a course that fits your profile and goals.

Another major advantage? Most of them offer certificates that you can showcase in your resume or LinkedIn profile.

With the increasing demand for electrical engineers across industries, these courses open doors to new jobs, promotions, or even freelance work.

Let’s explore the most complete, respected, and accessible options you can enroll in today.

Coursera – Electrical Engineering for Everyone

This course is one of the most recommended options for beginners who want a solid and simplified start.

Hosted on Coursera, it offers a guided path through the essential topics in electrical engineering.

The course structure is beginner-friendly, with step-by-step lessons and visual explanations.

You learn how electricity works, basic circuits, and how to measure and understand voltage and current.

The format is self-paced, which means you study in your own time, with no pressure.

There’s also a practical approach with small projects that simulate real-life electrical setups.

The professor explains concepts clearly, and the quizzes reinforce your learning without being overwhelming.

This is a great first step for anyone curious about electrical systems, even with no technical background.

Plus, the platform offers financial aid for those who want to get the certificate for free.

Details:

• Institution: Princeton University

• Platform: Coursera

• Evaluations: 4.8/5 (Over 18,000 reviews)

• Duration: Approx. 20 hours

• Certificate: Available (Free with financial aid)

• Price: Free to audit

• Content: Basic electricity, safety, measurement tools, practical applications

• Market connection: Great for beginners and those entering technical support roles

edX – Circuits and Electronics (MITx)

Offered by the prestigious MIT, this course dives deeper into the core of electrical engineering.

It’s part of a professional certification program but available to audit for free.

The focus here is on understanding how circuits work at the component level.

You’ll explore resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors — the building blocks of electronics.

The teaching style is rigorous but extremely rewarding for those ready to challenge themselves.

Labs and simulations are integrated into the content, making the learning process very hands-on.

The professors are MIT-level geniuses, and their clarity is world-class.

You’ll also gain a solid foundation in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and engineering logic.

By the end, you’ll be able to analyze and design circuits — a crucial skill in almost any electrical engineering job.

Details:

• Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Platform: edX

• Evaluations: 4.7/5

• Duration: 6 weeks (10 hours/week)

• Certificate: Free to audit; paid for verified

• Price: Free (audit), $169 with certificate

• Content: Ohm’s Law, diodes, transistors, digital logic

• Market connection: High — prepares you for real engineering roles

Udemy – Learn Electrical Engineering Basics

This course is perfect for people who want to learn quickly and efficiently without technical jargon.

The instructor uses real-world examples and speaks in a very relatable way, making it ideal for visual and practical learners.

Modules are divided into digestible parts with animations, sketches, and demonstrations.

You’ll cover essential topics like current, resistance, Ohm’s Law, power calculations, and circuit behavior.

There’s no fluff — everything is direct, practical, and useful.

It’s great for students, professionals in other fields, or hobbyists wanting to understand how electrical devices work.

Lifetime access means you can return to it whenever needed, which helps reinforce learning over time.

It may not be university-level in depth, but for quick understanding and solid foundations, it’s one of the best.

Details:

• Institution: Independent Instructor (Verified Engineer)

• Platform: Udemy

• Evaluations: 4.6/5 (13,000+ students)

• Duration: 5 hours

• Certificate: Included

• Price: Free (promo) or $19.99

• Content: Basic circuits, Ohm’s Law, voltage and current

• Market connection: Entry-level prep for technical positions or hobbyist work

FutureLearn – Electrical Engineering: Sensing, Powering, and Controlling

Focused on the application of electrical engineering in modern systems, this course is engaging and highly contextual.

It’s ideal for learners interested in robotics, renewable energy, or embedded systems.

The course is full of examples from current industries, showing how engineers solve real problems.

You’ll learn how sensors communicate, how power is controlled, and how systems are automated.

Collaborative exercises help simulate teamwork — an essential skill in engineering environments.

There’s also a clear connection between theory and the job market, with expert insights from industry partners.

This course is recommended for intermediate learners or beginners with some prior interest.

Certificates are optional but valuable for CVs or further study applications.

Details:

• Institution: University of Birmingham

• Platform: FutureLearn

• Evaluations: 4.5/5

• Duration: 4 weeks (3 hrs/week)

• Certificate: Optional upgrade

• Price: Free (audit), $59 upgrade

• Content: Sensors, automation, control systems

• Market connection: High — connects directly to smart tech and renewable sectors

Alison – Introduction to Electrical Wiring Systems

If you’re more focused on practical installations and wiring, this course is made for you.

It brings real-world knowledge used by electricians and technical workers across the globe.

The course is broken into theory and application: you’ll learn what each component does and how it’s used in a building.

There are interactive diagrams, safety protocols, and even regional regulation examples.

The tone is simple but very informative — great for non-native English speakers too.

You can also take a final assessment to earn a free digital certificate.

It’s especially useful for those wanting to work in residential or commercial electrical services.

And yes — it’s 100% free.

Details:

• Institution: Alison

• Platform: Alison.com

• Evaluations: 4.7/5

• Duration: 3 to 4 hours

• Certificate: Free digital certificate

• Price: Totally free

• Content: Wiring systems, safety, component installation

• Market connection: Great for electricians and field technicians

Best online courses for electrical engineering – FREE

You don’t need to spend thousands to learn from top experts.

There are amazing best online courses for electrical engineering that are completely free.

These options cover everything from basic theory to advanced applications — and they’re created by top institutions.

They allow you to learn flexibly, get certified, and position yourself for better job opportunities.

Whether you’re just getting started or already have technical experience, there’s a course that fits your level.

The only thing required is motivation — and maybe a good internet connection.

Below, we’ve listed 3 standout 100% free courses that can change your future.

HarvardX – Energy Within Environmental Constraints

This course focuses on the relationship between electrical systems and the environment.

It blends engineering, sustainability, and energy economics.

Great for students and professionals interested in clean energy and infrastructure.

Details:

• Institution: Harvard University

• Platform: edX

• Evaluations: 4.8/5

• Duration: 8 weeks (4 hrs/week)

• Certificate: Available (Free audit)

• Content: Electricity production, sustainable grids, policy impact

• Market connection: Ideal for environmental and energy careers

Stanford Online – Understanding Electricity

Simple, clear, and beginner-focused.

This course explains how electricity works in homes, devices, and systems, with no fluff.

Perfect for non-engineers, students, and anyone curious.

Details:

• Institution: Stanford University

• Platform: Stanford Online

• Evaluations: 4.7/5

• Duration: Self-paced

• Certificate: Not offered

• Content: Electricity principles, home systems, energy use

• Market connection: Educational and practical knowledge

Khan Academy – Electrical Engineering Series

Khan Academy offers a full series of free, interactive lessons with videos, practice, and assessments.

It’s great for students preparing for college or professionals reviewing concepts.

Details:

• Institution: Khan Academy

• Platform: KhanAcademy.org

• Evaluations: 5/5

• Duration: Varies (30+ lessons)

• Certificate: Not provided

• Content: Circuits, semiconductors, amplifiers, analysis

• Market connection: Academic prep and review

Best online courses for electrical engineering objective

The main goal of these courses is to make electrical engineering accessible to everyone.

They are designed to teach both theory and practice, so students can build real skills.

Many also aim to fill skill gaps in the job market, especially in technical and renewable energy fields.

And most importantly, they help you grow with confidence, wherever you are in your journey.

What you will learn in the best online courses for electrical engineering

Each course offers a variety of technical knowledge, always linked to real applications.

You’ll learn how electricity behaves, how systems are designed, and how to use tools and technologies properly.

Topics covered include:

• Ohm’s Law and basic circuits

• Current, voltage, and resistance

• Circuit design and simulations

• Sensors and control systems

• Power systems and automation

• Energy efficiency and sustainability

Where to find the best online courses for electrical engineering?

You’ll find these courses on global education platforms and top university portals.

They’re trusted, updated regularly, and come with real community feedback.

Best platforms and institutions:

• Coursera

• edX

• Udemy

• FutureLearn

• HarvardX

• MITx

• Khan Academy

• Alison

Become a certified electrician with the best online courses for electrical engineering!

Choosing to take one of the best online courses for electrical engineering is a powerful decision.

It’s not just about learning — it’s about transforming your future.

These courses give you the freedom to study at your pace and the confidence to grow professionally.

They offer solid foundations and real skills for jobs that are in high demand.

From residential wiring to renewable energy systems, there are countless paths you can take.

And the best part? You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment — you can start now.

Use these free tools to open doors, build your career, and become a reference in your field.

Every module you complete, every quiz you pass, and every certificate you earn brings you closer to success.

So, what are you waiting for?

Your future as an electrical engineer starts with just one click.

Let’s power up your career — starting today.