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Free Learning Platforms

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Stanford offers LinkedIn Learning and Coursera as free, professional development tools for you to learn new skills, improve your job performance and advance your career. Learn more about eligibility and the similarities and differences of each learning platform below.

Learning GoalCourseraLinkedIn Learning
Accessing Courses
Self-paced courses available 24/7
Learn on the go using a mobile app
Listen to audio-only podcast-style courses 
Content
Learn new skills or develop knowledge on a specific topic
3,000+ courses: academic subjects, business, technology, and professional development 
16,000+ courses: business, creative, and technology 
Finding Courses
Search by keyword or browse course catalog
Take proficiency test to determine appropriate levelLevelSetsSkill Evaluation
Get course recommendations by career goal or role interestsSkillSetsRole Guides and Goal
Get course recommendations based on LinkedIn profile title, industry and skills If connected to LinkedIn profile
Creators/Instructors
Courses created and taught by industry experts and university faculty
Length
Complete most courses between 4 to 20 hours 
Complete most courses in 30 minutes to 3 hours 
Nano Tips courses take less than 10 minutes to complete 
Specific Learning Needs
Dive deeper by completing multiple related coursesSpecializationsLearning Paths
Practice technology skills using side-by-side tutorial and practice spaceGuided ProjectsCode Challenges
Certificates and Recognition
Earn certificate of completion issued by Coursera and course creator after course 
Earn an industry-recognized professional certificate after completing coursework and assessmentCost variesFree
Quickly add completed course to LinkedIn profile

 

Eligibility

LinkedIn Learning: University and SLAC faculty and benefits-eligible staff

Coursera: University and SLAC employees with SUNet IDs