Coursera does not offer any official gift card at the moment. Still, you can save money using other smart ways. You can explore a 7-day free trial of Coursera Plus, enroll in free Google Career Certificates, or apply for financial aid for paid courses.
Coursera offers access to over 10,000 online courses created by more than 350 top universities and companies. This makes it a valuable platform for students, professionals, and lifelong learners.
Even without a gift card, Coursera has many affordable learning options. In this article, we will look at saving tips, gift options, discount deals, and free course access.
Does Coursera Currently Offer Gift Cards?
Coursera traditional gift cards are not currently available from Coursera. However, you can still save on course fees through other options.
Coursera provides access to affordable learning in various fields, including IT, Business, Data Science, Language Learning, Health, Design, and Personal Development. By using the right plans or offers, you can learn new skills without spending too much.
Can You Gift A Coursera Subscription?
Coursera does not offer a traditional gift card, but you can still share learning access with others. You can purchase a specific course or specialization and allow your friend, family member, or colleague to use it.
One simple way is to purchase the course using your account and share the login details. This is useful when you want to help someone learn without requiring them to purchase it separately.
How It Works:
- Pick a plan based on your budget: 1 month, 6 months, or 12 months.
- Complete the purchase and enter the email of the person you’re gifting it to.
- The recipient gets an email with easy instructions to activate the course.
- Once activated, they gain access to all features, including video lectures, assignments, quizzes, and more.
In fact, Coursera offered a Coursera Plus for just $1 during October 2024, making it one of the best low-cost options for new users. This offer might repeat, so keep an eye on this deal.
Alternatives To Gift Cards On Coursera
Coursera offers multiple options that make learning more affordable without compromising on quality for students, working professionals, or individuals exploring a new skill.
1. 7-Day Free Trial
Coursera offers a 7-day free trial for new Coursera Plus subscribers. This trial gives full access to over 10,000 courses and specializations from top universities and companies.
You can start learning skills that match your career goals with video lessons, hands-on projects, and expert-taught modules, all without paying anything upfront.
With the trial, you can explore in-demand subjects like data science, marketing, design, IT support, and more. It also includes over 15 professional certificate programs from companies like Google and Meta. Experience unlimited learning, earn certificates, and check if the subscription suits your needs.
2. Google Professional Certificates
Google offers access to its professional certificate programs free of charge for organizations. Through this, your company or institution can get up to 500 free licenses.
These certificates help learners gain job-ready skills in high-growth areas. Some of the popular certificates include Google Data Analytics, Google Project Management, and Google UX Design.
To get access, your organization needs to fill out a form. Once approved, you will receive industry-recognized training designed to prepare you for real-world job success.
3. Coursera Financial Aid
Coursera provides financial aid for learners who are unable to afford the course fees. It is available to anyone who meets the criteria and fills out a short application.
The review process may take up to 16 days. You must submit a 150-word application explaining your financial situation, education, and career goals.
Keep in mind, starting a free trial will cancel your financial aid request. This makes it a great option for serious learners who need support. You can access the course for free and even earn a certificate.
4. Coursera Annual Discounts
Coursera’s annual subscription plan offers substantial savings of up to 45% compared to monthly payments. This package includes unlimited access to thousands of courses, specializations, and professional certificates from world-class universities and companies.
While Coursera offers various discount options for all users, there is no specific student discount available. The annual plan is ideal for those planning extended learning journeys across multiple subjects.
Free Learning Opportunities On Coursera
Coursera allows learners to audit select courses at no cost, offering valuable knowledge without financial commitment. While auditing doesn’t provide certificates, it’s perfect for skill development and learning.
Free courses worth exploring include Introduction to Data Science, Programming for Everybody (Python), and Machine Learning from Stanford University.
Unlike the 7-day trial, these remain accessible for unlimited days, although with limited features. This option benefits learners seeking basic knowledge before investing in certificates or specializations.
Coursera Subscription Options
Coursera offers flexible subscription plans to suit learners at every level, from individuals pursuing a single course to organizations seeking team-wide upskilling. Below is a breakdown of the Coursera pricing structures:
| Coursera Plans | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Learning Program | $49 to $79/ month |
| Coursera Plus Monthly | $59/ month |
| Coursera Plus Annual (Teams) | $399/ Year |
| Enterprise | Contact Sales |
You unlock access to expert-led video lectures, graded assignments, peer-reviewed projects, and career-ready certificate programs across tech, business, and more with a Coursera subscription.
Beyond regular plans, learners can pursue MasterTrack Certificates, which last 4-7 months and start at $2,000 USD for academic credit, or complete a degree, which takes 2-4 years and starts at $9,000 USD.
The plus factor is that Coursera also offers a refund if you cancel within 14 days of payment.
Tips To Save On Coursera Without A Gift Card
While Coursera doesn’t offer traditional gift cards, learners can still find multiple ways to access quality education at reduced costs.
Here are effective strategies to maximize savings:
- Take advantage of the 7-day free trial before committing to any paid subscription.
- Explore financial aid options by applying through individual course pages.
- Wait for seasonal promotions that offer significant discounts during holidays and special events.
- Consider annual subscription plans that provide better value than monthly payments.
- Audit courses for free access to lecture content without certification or graded assignments.
Is Coursera Worth It Except Gift Card?
After using Coursera for six months, I found it worth the investment. The platform offers exceptional value through high-quality courses from top universities and industry leaders.
Even without gift cards, the knowledge and skills gained translate directly to career advancement. Coursera Plus is particularly valuable, starting with a free trial to other promotional offers.
The unlimited access to thousands of courses makes it cost-effective for all curious learners. The interactive assignments, peer feedback, and professional certificates provide credentials that employers recognize and respect.
Conclusion: Coursera Does Not Offer Gift Cards
While Coursera doesn’t currently offer gift cards, there are several ways to save money and still enjoy their vast learning resources.
You can explore free trials, apply for financial aid, or take advantage of their annual plans and promotions. Google Professional Certificates and special discounts for organizations also provide cost-effective learning opportunities.
Explore your best option today and start your educational journey without the need for a gift card.
FAQs
Coursera does not offer gift cards through Amazon or other retailers. All payments must be made through your own Coursera account using accepted payment methods.
CoursePlus Discount gift cards are not a legitimate Coursera offering. Be cautious of third-party sellers claiming to offer discounted cards, as they may not be official or valid.
Coursera offers financial aid to students who demonstrate need, but it doesn’t provide free access to all courses. You may be able to audit courses for free.
To check if your school offers Coursera Campus access, visit Coursera’s official website or contact your school’s administration for more information on available benefits and access.
To purchase a Coursera certificate, enroll in a course or program, complete the required assignments, and pay for the course. Upon completion, you can receive a certificate.
