The University of British Columbia offers more than 50 free online courses through edX, plus three certificate programs. You can audit any UBCx course for free, or pay a fee for a verified certificate from UBC. Popular choices include Excel for Everyone, Business Foundations, Introduction to Marketing and How to Code.
Last verified: November 7, 2026, against UBC’s course catalogue on edX, which listed 54 UBC courses. Courses are added and retired regularly.
How UBC’s free online courses work
- Free to audit: you can watch the lectures and read the materials at no cost.
- Verified certificate for a fee: to earn a UBC certificate, you upgrade to the verified track and complete the graded assignments and exams. The price varies by course.
- Self-paced: most courses take three to eight weeks at a few hours a week, and many let you start any time.
- No admission requirements: anyone can enrol. You only need an edX account.
Audit learners usually can’t submit graded work, and audit access may be time-limited. Check the details on each course page.
Business and career courses
These are the most useful courses for future MBA students and working professionals.
| Course | Length | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Excel for Everyone: Core Foundations | 6 weeks | Introductory |
| Excel for Everyone: Data Management | 6 weeks | Intermediate |
| Excel for Everyone: Data Analysis Fundamentals | 6 weeks | Intermediate |
| Business Foundations | 6 weeks | Introductory |
| Business Communications | 6 weeks | Introductory |
| Introduction to Marketing | 6 weeks | Introductory |
| EQ for Family Business | 4 weeks | Introductory |
| Policy Analysis Using Interrupted Time Series | 5 weeks | Intermediate |
Programming and software courses
| Course | Length | Level |
|---|---|---|
| How to Code: Simple Data | 7 weeks | Introductory |
| How to Code: Complex Data | 6 weeks | Introductory |
| Software Construction: Data Abstraction | 6 weeks | Introductory |
| Software Construction: Object-Oriented Design | 6 weeks | Intermediate |
| Software Engineering: Introduction | 8 weeks | Advanced |
Science and technology courses
| Course | Length | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 4 weeks | Intermediate |
| Introduction to Quantum Computing | 3 months | Introductory |
| Silicon Photonics Design, Fabrication and Data Analysis | 6 weeks | Intermediate |
| Biospecimen Research Methods | 6 weeks | Advanced |
| Safe Surgical Care: Strategies During a Pandemic | 5 weeks | Introductory |
Psychology, society and Indigenous education
| Course | Length | Level |
|---|---|---|
| AP® Psychology – Course 1: What is Psychology? | 3 weeks | Introductory |
| AP® Psychology – Course 2: How the Brain Works | 5 weeks | Introductory |
| The Science of Religion | 6 weeks | Introductory |
| Gender and Sexuality: Applications in Society | 6 weeks | Introductory |
| Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education | 6 weeks | Intermediate |
| Indigenous Languages: From Policy and Planning to Implementation and Assessment | 8 weeks | Introductory |
Courses for teachers
| Course | Length | Level |
|---|---|---|
| AI for Teachers | 3 weeks | Introductory |
| Quantum Computing for Your Classroom | 4 weeks | Intermediate |
| Coding for Your Classroom K – 3 | 4 weeks | Introductory |
| Coding for Your Classroom 4 – 10 | 4 weeks | Introductory |
| Engineering for Your Classroom K – 3 | 4 weeks | Introductory |
| Engineering for Your Classroom 4–9 | 4 weeks | Introductory |
| Outdoor Education in STEAM | 3 weeks | Introductory |
| Putting The Arts in STEM Education | 3 weeks | Introductory |
The full catalogue on edX includes more than 20 additional courses. See the complete UBCx list.
UBC certificate programs on edX
| Program | Courses | Typical length | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Certificate: Excel for Everyone | 3 | 5 months | Intermediate |
| Professional Certificate: Business Fundamentals | 3 | 5 months | Introductory |
| MicroMasters: Software Development Foundations | 5 | 9 months | Advanced |
Programs bundle related courses. You pay for the verified track in each course to earn the program certificate.
Which courses help before an MBA?
If you are preparing for an MBA, start with Business Foundations and the Excel for Everyone series. They cover accounting, finance and spreadsheet skills you’ll use in core MBA courses. Business Communications helps with case presentations and team work. A verified certificate can also show admissions committees that you can handle quantitative work, especially if you are applying for a GMAT waiver.
How to enrol
- Go to the UBCx page on edX and choose a course.
- Create a free edX account.
- Choose the free audit option or the paid verified certificate track.
- Work through the modules at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions
Are UBC’s online courses really free?
Yes, you can audit them for free. You pay only if you want a verified certificate and access to graded assignments.
Do these courses give UBC credit?
No. UBCx courses lead to edX certificates, not credit toward a UBC degree.
Is a UBCx certificate worth putting on my resume?
Yes. A verified certificate from UBC shows initiative and specific skills, especially in Excel, coding or business basics, though it isn’t the same as a degree.
Does UBC offer an online MBA?
UBC Sauder’s MBA programs are delivered in person. See our UBC Sauder MBA guide and what an online MBA is.
Vancouver.MBA is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any school. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
