This guide explores the best AI online courses for beginners in 2025, detailing everything from pricing to course structure so you can make an informed choice.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a fast-growing and revolutionary industry with many opportunities arising as a result, so now’s the perfect time to dive in! For beginners looking to break into AI, choosing the right course can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, how do you know which ones are worth your time and money? Let's break it down!
What Are The Best AI Online Courses for Beginners?
1. AI For Everyone, Coursera
- 🔎 Course Provider: Coursera (offered by Andrew Ng of DeepLearning.AI)
- 💰 Pricing: Free (with an optional $49 certificate)
- 🎓 Level: Beginner
- 🕓 Duration: 6h
- 🔗 Course Link: AI For Everyone
Description:
This course is a fantastic starting point for beginners curious about AI but without any prior technical knowledge. It covers AI basics, its applications, and its limitations in simple terms. The course focuses on understanding AI concepts rather than coding, making it approachable for everyone.
Who is teaching this course?
The course is taught by Andrew Ng, one of the world’s leading AI experts and co-founder of Coursera.
Why take this course?
- Provides a non-technical overview of AI, making it beginner-friendly.
- Helps you understand how AI impacts industries and everyday life.
- Learn from a globally recognised AI expert.
2. Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course
- 🔎 Course Provider: Google
- 💰 Pricing: Free
- 🎓 Level: Beginner
- 🕓 Duration: 15h
- 🔗 Course Link: Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course
Description:
Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course is an excellent starting point for beginners eager to dive into AI and machine learning (ML). This course introduces fundamental ML concepts, including supervised learning, feature engineering, and neural networks, through interactive lessons and coding exercises.
Who is teaching this course?
Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course is taught by Google AI experts who specialise in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Why Take This Course?
- Created by Google AI experts
- Practical, hands-on TensorFlow exercises
- No prior deep learning experience required
- Free and self-paced
3. NVIDIA: Getting Started with AI on Jetson Nano
- 🔎 Course Provider: NVIDIA
- 💰 Pricing: Free
- 🎓 Level: Technical - Beginner
- 🕓 Duration: 8h
- 🔗 Course Link: Getting Started with AI on Jetson Nano
Description:
This beginner-friendly course by NVIDIA teaches you how to run AI applications on the Jetson Nano, a small but powerful AI computing device. It covers deep learning fundamentals, computer vision, and deploying AI models on edge devices.
What You'll Learn:
- AI and deep learning basics
- Setting up and using the Jetson Nano
- Running AI-powered applications like image recognition
- Implementing neural networks for edge computing
Who is teaching this course?
Why Take This Course?
- Hands-on experience with real AI hardware
- Learn edge computing with NVIDIA Jetson Nano
- Free access to NVIDIA’s AI training resources
4. CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python, edX
- 🔎 Course Provider: edX (offered by HarvardX)
- 💰 Pricing: Free ($199 for a verified certificate)
- 🎓 Level: Beginner to intermediate
- 🕓 Duration: 7 weeks (10-30 hours/week)
- 🔗 Course Link: CS50's Introduction to AI with Python
Description:
This course is part of Harvard's renowned CS50 series and introduces students to the basics of AI and its real-world applications using Python. You'll cover essential AI topics such as search algorithms, optimisation, and machine learning while developing hands-on projects like creating a Tic-Tac-Toe AI.
Who is teaching this course?
The course is led by Harvard's David J. Malan, a celebrated computer science professor known for making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
Why take this course?
- Learn AI fundamentals through Harvard’s highly regarded CS50 program.
- Hands-on Python programming with real-world AI projects.
- Gain a deeper understanding of AI concepts, algorithms, and ethical considerations.
5. Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp, Udemy
- 🔎 Course Provider: Udemy
- 💰 Pricing: €129.99
- 🎓 Level: Beginner to intermediate
- 🕓 Duration: 25 hours
- 🔗 Course Link: Python for Data Science
Description:
This course focuses on Python programming while introducing data science and machine learning. It’s a great option if you’re interested in hands-on learning and want to pick up coding skills alongside AI concepts.
Who is teaching this course?
Jose Portilla, a data scientist and professional instructor with extensive experience in AI and programming.
Why take this course?
- Combines AI basics with Python programming.
- Hands-on projects to build your confidence.
- Lifetime access to course materials and updates.
What AI Courses should You Avoid as a Beginner?
Not all courses are created equal. Beginners should steer clear of courses that:
- Assume prior knowledge of advanced math, programming, or machine learning.
- Are overly technical or lack practical examples.
- Focus solely on coding without explaining AI concepts.
For example, beginners who want to learn about AI should avoid courses labeled as “Advanced” or “Expert” as well as those requiring prior experience in data science or programming (if not experienced).
How and Where to Start to Learn AI from Scratch?
Starting your AI journey doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here’s a simple roadmap:
- Start with non-technical courses (e.g. Coursera’s AI For Everyone).
- Learn Python, as it’s widely used in AI development.
- Understand AI tools and frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
- Join AI communities for networking and learning (Reddit, Discord, etc.).
- Create your own projects (i.e. built your own GitHub repository, sites, or apps to showcase your AI skills).