Best online courses for electrical engineering
Explore the best online courses for electrical engineering to enhance your skills and advance your career today.
Anúncios
These top 5 free online electrical engineering courses provide comprehensive, high-quality content and practical skills for all levels.
Ready to take the next step in your electrical engineering career?
Keep reading to find out how to apply!
Top 5 Best Free Online Courses for Electrical Engineering
Are you interested in learning electrical engineering without spending a single dollar?
Are you looking for flexible, trustworthy, and practical online options that you can follow at your own pace?
Then you’re in the right place.
Below, we’ve compiled the best online courses for electrical engineering that are completely free, high-quality, and suitable for beginners and advanced learners alike.
These courses come from reputable institutions like MIT, Alison, NPTEL, Khan Academy, and Saylor Academy — all well-known platforms offering accessible, free learning.
They are perfect for anyone who wants to start a career in electrical engineering, improve their current skills, or simply learn how circuits, motors, and systems really work.
You’ll also discover how to access certificates, learn through videos and exercises, and even prepare yourself for a professional or academic career in engineering.
Let’s explore each of the best online courses for electrical engineering — and help you pick the one that suits your goals best.
MIT OCW: Introduction to Electrical Engineering and Computer Science I
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the world’s top universities, and its OpenCourseWare (OCW) project offers completely free access to actual course materials from its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Since 2002, MIT OCW has helped millions of learners around the world gain knowledge directly from MIT professors — without paying a cent.
The platform includes lecture videos, assignments, tests, reading lists, and notes, making it a truly self-contained learning experience.
About the course
The “Introduction to Electrical Engineering and Computer Science I” course is one of the most complete free programs for electrical engineering.
It integrates both electrical engineering and computer science concepts, using Python, circuits, signal processing, robotics, and modeling.
It’s ideal for those who want to explore both hardware and software in the same course.
The material is comprehensive and includes simulations, labs, and problem sets, helping students to apply what they learn in real-world contexts.
Important information
- The course is 100% free, and you don’t need to register.
- It includes downloadable lectures, code samples, assignments, and more.
- You can start anytime and go at your own pace.
- While no certificate is awarded directly by MIT, the knowledge itself is equivalent to a semester-long course.
NPTEL via SWAYAM: Basic Electrical Circuits
The National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) is an initiative by the Indian government in collaboration with the IITs and IISc — top-tier technical institutes in India.
It’s hosted on the SWAYAM platform and aims to provide free technical education across engineering, science, and management fields.
NPTEL courses are known for being detailed, rigorous, and often recognized for academic credit in Indian universities.
About the course
The course “Basic Electrical Circuits” is a fantastic introduction for anyone beginning their journey in electrical engineering.
It covers resistors, capacitors, Kirchhoff’s laws, transient response, and frequency analysis, among many other essential topics.
Delivered in English with subtitles, it also includes regular assessments and assignments with solutions.
It’s ideal for students who want a strong theoretical foundation before diving into complex topics.
Important Information
- You can access all materials for free.
- If you want a certificate, you can register for a final exam (low-cost and optional).
- Courses typically last 8 to 12 weeks.
- Content includes video lectures, weekly quizzes, assignments, and reference materials.
Alison: Diploma in Electrical Studies
Alison is a global learning platform that provides free online education with the option to purchase certificates and diplomas.
Founded in 2007, it focuses on workplace skills and practical knowledge, especially in technology, business, and engineering.
It currently serves over 25 million learners across more than 190 countries.
About the course
“Diploma in Electrical Studies” is one of the best online courses for electrical engineering for those looking for a broad introduction to core concepts.
It includes topics such as electrical theory, safety procedures, conductors, circuits, transformers, and AC/DC systems.
The course is broken into modules and includes diagrams, real-world examples, and quizzes to reinforce learning.
It’s especially useful for technicians, trade professionals, or beginners who prefer a more visual, hands-on approach.
Important Information
- It’s entirely free to study, with optional paid certification.
- Completion time is around 10-15 hours.
- The course is CPD accredited and recognized globally.
- The platform allows learners to track progress and resume where they left off.
Saylor Academy: Electrical Engineering 101
Saylor Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides free, university-level courses in a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, computer science, and business.
Courses use open educational resources (OER) and are structured similarly to formal university curricula.
Saylor also partners with universities and testing centers to offer proctored exams and transfer credits where applicable.
About the course
“Electrical Engineering 101” is a beginner-friendly course designed for self-paced learners.
It covers current, voltage, resistance, power, semiconductors, diodes, and circuit design principles.
The course includes reading materials, problem-solving guides, self-check quizzes, and a final exam.
It’s a solid option for learners who prefer text-based study instead of long video lectures.
Important Information
- Free access to all materials, including quizzes and exams.
- You can earn a free certificate after passing the final exam.
- The course is suitable for complete beginners and intermediate learners.
- All learning is done online, on-demand, and without deadlines.
Khan Academy: Electrical Engineering Basics
Khan Academy is a free educational platform founded in 2008 that provides interactive lessons for students of all ages, from elementary school to college-level topics.
It’s known for its short video explanations, quizzes, and mastery-based learning system.
Khan Academy is completely nonprofit and supported by donations, making it accessible to learners worldwide.
About the course
The “Electrical Engineering Basics” content includes essential topics like Ohm’s law, resistors, capacitors, RC circuits, and voltage.
The lessons are taught using visual diagrams and engaging narration, with each video lasting around 5–10 minutes.
It’s the perfect place to start for students who prefer simple, clear explanations without heavy math upfront.
Many learners use it to prepare for more advanced studies or to refresh key concepts.
Important Information
- 100% free and does not require any login.
- Excellent for younger students or absolute beginners.
- No certification is provided, but the platform helps track your progress if logged in.
- All content is accessible on desktop or mobile via the Khan Academy app.
Why enroll in these best online courses for electrical engineering
Free education is more powerful than ever, and electrical engineering is no exception.
By enrolling in one or more of these free courses, you’re not just saving money — you’re investing in high-quality knowledge from top institutions.
These programs allow you to learn at your own speed, repeat lessons whenever needed, and build solid foundations without pressure.
Moreover, most of these courses include assessments, quizzes, and real applications, preparing you for academic exams or job opportunities.
And if you’re aiming for a technical career, having completed even a free online course shows initiative, discipline, and curiosity — traits highly valued in the workplace.
Whether you’re just beginning your learning journey or looking to deepen your expertise, there’s a perfect option here for you.
You don’t need to be an engineering student at a university to learn what they learn — these platforms give you the same tools for free.
You also don’t need expensive lab equipment to understand the theory — many of these courses simulate experiments online or provide detailed visuals.
And let’s not forget that some of these courses come with certificates that can enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile.
That’s real value, for no cost at all.
So yes, it’s absolutely worth enrolling in the best online courses for electrical engineering — and you can start right now.
Invest in your education without paying a thing!
Education shouldn’t be a luxury.
And today, thanks to platforms like MIT OCW, SWAYAM, Alison, Saylor, and Khan Academy — it isn’t.
Now, anyone with internet access and motivation can start learning the basics or advanced topics in electrical engineering.
You don’t need to take out a loan, move to a new city, or pay for expensive textbooks.
You just need a device, time, and willingness to grow.
The best online courses for electrical engineering offer opportunities to change your life — whether you want to build gadgets, work in energy systems, design automation, or simply understand how electricity shapes our world.
These platforms exist to support learners like you.
Start today, even if it’s just watching one video, solving one quiz, or reading one module.
Because every step forward counts.
And the best part?
You can take these steps anytime, anywhere — for free.