I have seen potential learners exploring online education platforms ask – Does Coursera charge per course or offer other pricing options?
Coursera offers a range of pricing options for online learners, including individual course purchases, subscriptions, and financial aid. Single courses cost between $39 and $199, while Specializations follow a monthly subscription model.
Coursera Plus provides unlimited access to thousands of courses for a fixed monthly or annual fee. Pricing varies by course length, difficulty, and instructor reputation, and discounts are available through promotions, student programs, and military offers.
Learners can also apply for financial aid to reduce costs. This guide breaks down Coursera’s pricing structure, available discounts, and comparisons with other e-learning platforms to help you choose the best option.
Coursera’s Single Course Pricing Structure
Coursera does charge per course for many of its courses. The price for individual classes can vary significantly based on several factors, so here is a table showing the estimated price range of Coursera courses.
| Course Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Short Courses | $39 – $99 |
| Longer Courses | $49 – $199 |
| Specializations | $39 – $79 per month |
Note: Learn more about the cost of Coursera Specialization vs Professional Certificate here.
Factors Affecting Coursera Course Prices
Several factors influence the cost of a Coursera course, which is why all courses on Coursera have different prices. Here are those factors that make a Coursera course less or more expensive:
1. Course length: Longer courses typically cost more.
2. Difficulty level: Advanced courses may be priced higher.
3. Instructor reputation: Courses taught by renowned experts might have higher fees.
4. Specializations: These are a series of related courses and are priced differently from individual courses. They often use a subscription model, where you pay monthly for access to all courses in the specialization.
Note: Explore Coursera’s best Certificate Courses here.
Coursera Plus Subscription Options
Compared to individual purchases, Coursera Plus (a Coursera subscription) can be more cost-effective for learners taking multiple courses.
| Feature | Coursera Plus |
|---|---|
| Access to courses | 7,000+ courses and professional certificates |
| Price (Monthly) | $59 |
| Price (Annual) | $399 |
Note: Learn the difference between Coursera vs Coursera Plus.
Coursera Free Trial
Coursera offers a 7-day free trial for its subscription plans. This allows learners to explore the platform and its courses before committing to a paid subscription. It’s important to note that this free trial is only available for subscription plans, not for individual course purchases.
Coursera Refund Policy
Coursera’s refund policy allows learners to request a full refund for most courses within 14 days of payment. However, refunds are also available only on the subscription model. You might get a refund on a single Coursera course. So check for specific refund terms for the course before buying it.
Coursera Subscription Benefits
Coursera subscriptions offer several advantages over individual course purchases. Such as:
- Unlimited access to thousands of courses
- Cost savings for learners taking multiple courses
- Flexibility to explore different subjects.
- Access to unlimited certificates.
- Self-paced learning with no deadlines.
- Lifetime access to the course.
Learn in detail why getting Unlimited Coursera certificates is worth it here.
Coursera Single Course Prices In Different Countries
Depending on which country you are in, Coursera’s cost of a single course will change slightly. Check the average prices of single Coursera courses in your country below:
| Country | Price (Local Currency) | Price (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £37 – £150 | $49 – $199 |
| India | ₹3,000 – ₹15,000 | $39 – $199 |
| European Countries | €37 – €150 | $39 – $159 |
| Australia | A$50 – A$270 | $39 – $199 |
| Canada | C$50 – C$260 | $39 – $199 |
| Japan | ¥4,000 – ¥20,000 | $39 – $199 |
| Germany | €37 – €150 | $39 – $159 |
Coursera Financial Aid
Coursera offers financial aid for learners who cannot afford the course fees. The financial aid program is available for everyone who can not afford the full fee for Coursera courses. With Coursera’s financial aid, you can get a waiver of 90% of Coursera’s cost.
Coursera Plus Discount & Offers
Coursera offers various discount opportunities to make its courses more accessible and affordable. These discounts below cater to different groups and occur multiple times throughout the year.
| Discount Type | Availability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free courses | Always available | Hundreds of free courses |
| Coursera Student Discounts | Always available | Financial Aid Program |
| Referral Program | Ongoing | Earn credit by referring friends |
| Coursera Military Discount | For verified military personnel | Special discounts for military members and veterans |
| Coursera Plus Corporate | For businesses and organizations | Bulk discounts for teams and companies |
| Coursera Black Friday | Annual event (typically in November) | Significant discounts on courses and subscriptions |
| Coursera Cyber Monday | Yearly event (follows Black Friday) | Significant discounts on courses and subscriptions |
Coursera vs. Other Online Learning Platforms
Coursera’s pricing structure differs from that of other major online learning platforms. This comparison highlights the cost variations for single courses and subscription models across popular e-learning providers.
| Platform | Single Course Price | Monthly Subscription | Annual Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursera | $39 – $199 | $59 (Coursera Plus) | $399 (Coursera Plus) |
| edX | $50 – $300 | ❌ | $199 (edX Access) |
| Udacity | ❌ | $249/month | 4 months for $846 |
| Udemy | $19.99 – $199.99 | ❌ | ❌ |
| LinkedIn Learning | ❌ | $39.99 | $323.88 |
Conclusion:Coursera Can be Purchased As Single Course or As Subscription
Coursera offers a range of pricing options to suit different learners.
While single courses offer flexibility, Coursera Plus provides better value for those taking multiple courses. Regional pricing differences, refund policies, and financial aid options influence costs.
Discounts like student programs, referral credits, and seasonal promotions can lower expenses.
Compared to competitors like Udemy, edX, and LinkedIn Learning, Coursera stands out with its accredited certificates and university partnerships.
Before enrolling, evaluate your learning needs and budget to select the most cost-effective option. Whether choosing a single course or a subscription, Coursera offers valuable learning opportunities, so start your learning journey today.
