MICROSOFT FREE COURSES — LEARN PLATFORM (MICROSOFT LEARN)
Microsoft Learn is Microsoft’s official free learning platform, offering over 1,000 modules organised into structured learning paths across cloud computing, AI, data, cybersecurity, Power Platform, and software development. Unlike Coursera or edX, Microsoft Learn is 100% free — no auditing, no financial aid applications, no subscriptions. All content, assessments, and digital achievement badges are free.
The platform is particularly powerful for African students because Microsoft’s certifications — Azure Fundamentals, Azure AI Fundamentals, Power BI Data Analyst, Security Fundamentals — are among the most employer-recognised technology credentials globally, and Microsoft Learn is the official preparation resource for all of them.
While the certification exams themselves cost money (typically $100–$165 USD, though Microsoft regularly runs discounts and free voucher programmes for students), the learning paths to prepare for them are completely free.
What You’ll Learn
- Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900 prep): Cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing and governance
- Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900 prep): Machine learning, computer vision, NLP basics on Azure
- Power BI Data Analyst: Data modelling, DAX, dashboards, report building
- Microsoft Security Fundamentals (SC-900 prep): Identity, compliance, and security concepts
- GitHub Foundations: Version control, repositories, pull requests — essential for developers
- Microsoft 365 Fundamentals: Productivity tools, cloud services, Teams, SharePoint
- Power Platform Fundamentals: No-code/low-code app building with Power Apps and Power Automate
What You’ll Learn
- Provider: Microsoft
- Platform: learn.microsoft.com
- Duration: Varies — individual modules take 30–60 minutes; full learning paths 8–20 hours
- Level: Beginner to advanced (content clearly labelled)
- Certificate: Free digital achievement badges for each module; industry certifications require paid exam
- Language: English and many other languages