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In Germany, some platforms from well-known institutions offer free online courses with certificates upon completion. This is the case with openHPI, from the Hasso Plattner Institute, and KI-Campus, which focuses on artificial intelligence.
For those seeking further professional training, the mein NOW portal, from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), helps to find courses and forms of financial support. This guide explains each option.
How it works
Free courseson openHPI and KI-Campus
Certificateof participation or performance
In Germanand in English
Official websiteof the Employment Agency.
Topics you'll find
ITand programming
Artificial intelligencefrom basic to advanced
Design Thinkingat openHPI
Digital healthon openHPI
Responsible use of AIEU AI Act
Professional trainingin mein NOW
Who can apply?
Everything you need to know
openHPI
It is the online learning platform of the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) in Potsdam. The courses cover IT, Design Thinking, and digital health, and are taught by HPI professors and researchers, primarily in German and English.
According to the official FAQ, the courses are free; the exception is the courses on the Executive Education channel, which are paid.
KI-Campus
It's Stifterverband's artificial intelligence learning platform. It has free online courses, videos, podcasts, and tools, from beginner to advanced levels.
All content is free to use. Costs may apply only to exams and certificates from external courses recommended by the platform.
mein NOW
It is the national vocational training portal, maintained by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency). It helps users find in-person and online courses, take online tests, and find financial aid such as the Bildungsgutschein (scholarship for training and financial assistance).
Not all listed courses are free: the portal shows the options and support that may cover the costs.
What certificate do you receive?
In openHPI and KI-Campus there are two levels: a certificate of participation, for those who have accessed at least half of the content, and a certificate of performance, for those who achieve the minimum score on the evaluated tasks.
Both are useful for resumes and profiles like LinkedIn.
How to protect yourself
Always type the official address into your browser. None of these platforms ask for your bank password to unlock a free course.
Be wary of ads that charge for access to free courses.