Are you thinking about taking online classes to gain more skills, further your career, or just for fun? There are many online learning sites out there, and one of the most popular is FutureLearn.
FutureLearn offers a range of online courses from top universities and leading organizations to help you build skills to further your career.
But how much does FutureLearn cost? And is it worth the money?
In the guide below, we’ll give you everything you need to know about FutureLearn pricing, plans, and features so you can see if it’s the right choice for helping you reach your goals.
This guide has been fully updated for 2023, so you can be confident you’re getting current, accurate info to help you make an informed decision.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we might get a commission if you click the link and purchase.
What is FutureLearn?
FutureLearn is a fantastic platform offering online courses and degrees from top universities around the world. It was established in 2012 and is owned by the UK Open University.
FutureLearn is partnered with several well-known universities and colleges to provide high-quality education and superior job-related skills. They are also partnered with the British Council to increase accessibility to students in low and mid-income countries worldwide.
In addition, the massive learning platform does something different from others, offering accredited courses. So you can learn to develop a career, all from home with FutureLearn.
FutureLearn offers a variety of programs and degrees. The platform offers many free courses with the option to purchase to receive a certification.
All FutureLearn courses are created with high-quality content that helps to develop and grow industry-required skills.
FutureLearn courses vary in length of time they take to complete. Some short courses take a few weeks, while other programs span longer.
Students can choose to enroll in multiple online courses if they have the time to commit.
In addition, FutureLearn provides beautiful digital certificates upon completion of paid courses that can be used for career development, showcases on a resume or career profile.
Popular subjects on FutureLearn include:
- Business and management
- Healthcare and medicine
- Teaching
- Psychology and mental health
Regardless of whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, strengthen skills, or develop a new hobby, FutureLearn is the platform to do it with.
The platform has a massive range of subjects, categories, topics, and information suitable for all learners.
When students sign up for FutureLearn, the platform prompts them to create a profile. This is a great way to introduce yourself to other students as they come to your page to “meet” you.
FutureLearn is a great place to spend time digitally.
So what makes FutureLearn stand out? Continue reading to find out! We’re sharing all the details surrounding the fantastic learning platform. By the end of our guide, you’ll be ready to start learning!
Let’s get started with our FutureLearn pricing overview…
How Much Does FutureLearn Cost?
Most of the online courses on FutureLearn can be studied free of charge. The platform does a great job at making high-quality education accessible regardless of socioeconomic status.
If you’re looking for accreditation, FutureLearn offers certificates that show you completed a course at an additional cost. You must complete a series of evaluations and score a particular mark to earn accreditation. For that reason, accreditations from FutureLearn mean something in the industry.
Your best bet for earning certificates is to subscribe to the FutureLearn Unlimited Monthly plan which costs $19.99 for the first month and then $39.99 a month thereafter.
FutureLearn Free
On FutureLearn, students can learn from various subjects free of charge.
Students have access to the course material for 3 weeks.
The free option on FutureLearn opens up endless learning possibilities. This is a great way to explore the platform, try out some courses and find out your interests.
FutureLearn provides fantastic, high-quality online courses.
Most courses can be upgraded to earn accreditation and access to other materials.
Key Features of FutureLearn Free:
- Easy-to-use platform
- Huge variety of courses
- Access to course content for three weeks
- Try the course before you pay for the upgrade!
Who is the FREE version of FutureLearn best suited for?
The free version is suitable for everyone! Anyone interested in learning and wants to try out a new platform. You can always pay for the upgrade through the course to earn accreditation if you change your mind. The free option is a great way to try new things and test new skills!
FutureLearn Upgrade
Each course has a price the student can pay in order to upgrade it to receive a digital certificate of accreditation after completing the course as well as some other features.
The price for this varies. In some cases, you might be able to purchase a one-off course certification for $74. In other cases, it might cost $124 or more, depending on the class.
The upgrade is a great option for career advancement and development.
FutureLearn has done a great job at making the upgrade seamless and simple.
Key Features of FutureLearn Upgrade:
- Unlimited access to the upgraded course (course won’t expire)
- Access to complete tests and evaluations as part of the accreditation
- Certificate when evaluation and assessments are complete to satisfaction
Who is the FutureLearn Upgrade best suited for?
The FutureLearn Upgrade is best suited for anyone who wants “proof” that they took the course/program. The upgrade option makes the student go through specific tests to access their comprehension of the course. In addition, the platform makes the student earn accreditation. It’s for that reason that accreditations mean something in the working industry.
FutureLearn Unlimited Subscription
The FutureLearn Unlimited subscription is billed on a monthly or yearly basis and offers the student tremendous value and potential for learning.
The FutureLearn Unlimited Monthly plan costs $19.99 for the first month and then $39.99 a month thereafter.
The FutureLearn Unlimited membership gives the student access to all qualified short courses on the entire platform. Students can indulge in as much as they want over the span of the year.
The FutureLearn Unlimited membership is an excellent option for learning continuously or having many short courses on their wish list.
Key Features of FutureLearn Unlimited Subscription:
- Unlimited access to all qualified short courses on the platform
- Tests and assessments to evaluate learning
- Certificate upon satisfactory completion of the course
- Keep access to course content after you complete it
- Complete short courses on your own time frame within a year
Who is FutureLearn Unlimited best suited for?
The FutureLearn Unlimited subscription is best suited for those who are looking for ongoing learning. The membership benefits are enormous and best suited for those who are looking to develop many skills or master a certain skill set.
FutureLearn for Business
This fantastic platform has an outlet for business needs as well.
Regardless of the size of the team, number of team members, or the business needs, FutureLearn has something.
FutureLearn works within the business’s budget and anticipated goals to create a high-quality training course specifically for that company. FutureLearn for Business is a great way to cultivate a learning culture, embrace new skills, and close/bridge skill gaps among employees.
It’s a great way to induce job excitement and establish common ground among teams.
FutureLearn for Business gives the admin access to track employees’ progress insights a team to establish and create relevant course content and courses that are broken into achievable steps that employees can fit into their days.
Who is FutureLearn for Business best suited for?
FutureLearn for business is best suited for companies who want to support and encourage a learning culture. It’s a great way to bridge gaps between teams and connect employees with each other. FutureLearn for business is a great choice for any size business.
FutureLearn for Healthcare Providers
FutureLearn offers high-quality medical courses for those in the healthcare field. Courses come from highly regarded universities and colleges and support self-paced enriching learning. These courses can help to expand knowledge and even support education for the public to improve health.
FutureLearn Cost FAQ
Are courses on FutureLearn really free?
Yes and no. Yes, you can take nearly any course free on FutureLearn. However, if you want the digital certificate and accreditation, then paying for the course is necessary. On the other hand, the free version is great for hobbyists or even to explore the platform.
What are the five most popular courses on FutureLearn?
- Data Analytics Using Python
- Data Analytics For Business
- Advanced Cyber Security Training
- Software Development Fundamentals
- Introduction To Psychology
What is FutureLearn Expert Track?
FutureLearn Expert Track is a great way to accelerate career development. It aims to help you master skills in a specific area. The Expert Track is a collection of in-depth courses, practical knowledge, and more. The length of time Expert Tracks takes to complete vary significantly between each.
What kind of courses can you enjoy on FutureLearn?
FutureLearn is a massive online learning platform. You can find all kinds of courses. There are short courses, programs, Expert Tracks, Microdentials, and more. Whatever your learning goals are, FutureLearn is the platform to check out.
Is FutureLearn Worth the Cost?
FutureLearn is easy to use and perfect for all levels of learners. We think FutureLearn is worth it, and there are lots of different plans available to fit your budget (including free options).
The Upgraded version gives the student access to the assessments and accreditation, while the Unlimited membership unlocks unlimited learning potential for the year. FutureLearn has so many great courses with raving reviews. It’s great for hobbyists, entrepreneurs, students, and more.
Wondering how FutureLearn pricing compares to other online learning sites? Check out these guides:
- Brilliant.org pricing guide
- Coursera pricing guide
- CreativeLive pricing guide
- Domestika pricing guide
- Edureka pricing guide
- edX pricing guide
- LinkedIn Learning pricing guide
- Masterclass pricing guide
- Mindvalley pricing guide
- Nas Academy pricing guide
- Pluralsight pricing guide
- Skillshare pricing guide
- Udacity pricing guide
- Udemy pricing guide
Have any questions about FutureLearn pricing and plans? Leave us a comment below.
