8 Best FREE Personal Development Courses (2025)
Seraphina Nova
Are you gearing up for an interview and not feeling your personal best? Are you on the cusp of your education/career and aren’t confident that you have everything it takes?
Everyone feels inadequate at some point or the other in their life. Has a professor or a colleague ever told you that you would do better if you developed a particular quality? This could be better presentation skills or leadership skills. Personal development courses can give you the required boost in the right direction. Enroll for these online personal development classes and start learning at your own pace. Investing in a good self-development course could be your best investment for both personal and professional growth.
Enrolling in a wrong personal development class can lead you to make bad decisions in your life. Enrolling in the correct courses makes you feel confident and empowered.
Researched 40+ Best FREE Personal Development Courses and spent 100+ hours to provide a professional and must-see lineup. My in-depth compilation highlights features, pros and cons, and pricing across free and paid routes. This well-researched approach is trusted by many. Read the full article to gain exclusive and credible insights.. Read more…
Best FREE Personal Development Courses Online: Top Picks!
| Course Name | Provider | Key Topics | Level | Duration | Certification | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Personal Development Personal Transformation Course | Udemy | • Personal Development and Transformation • Time Management and Personal Productivity • Lifestyle Design, Life Purpose |
Beginner | 29 Hours of on-demand video | Yes | Enroll Now |
| The Complete Personal Development Course – 22 Courses in 1 | Udemy | • Psychology – Why People Do The Things They Do • Persuasion, Leadership, Communication Skills, Time Management, Networking • REBT – Reprogram Your Mind, NLP, ZEN, Motivation, Coping skills |
Beginner | 54 hours of on-demand video | Yes | Enroll Now |
| Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age | Coursera | • Be a better communicator • Honing your message • Say it like you mean it. |
Beginner | 7 Hour | Yes | Enroll Now |
| Introduction to Self-Development: Apply a Working Plan | Udemy | • Prioritization • SMART goals • Mind-Mapping |
Beginner | 25 Mins | Yes | Enroll Now |
| Find Your Style: Five Exercises to Unlock Your Creative Identity | Skillshare | • Unpacking your identity, influences, and experiences • Building Resilience and Embracing Unexpected Change • Translating your taste into what you make |
All levels | 1 Hours 13 Mins | Yes | Enroll Now |
| Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential | Coursera | • Change is Possible • Getting Deeper into Happy Learning • Learning and Careers |
Beginner | 11 Hours | Yes | Enroll Now |
| Improving Communication Skills | Coursera | • Cooperation, Competition, and Comparisons • Trust • Effective Communication |
Beginner | 10 Hours | Yes | Enroll Now |
| Intro to Psychology | Udacity | • Introduction to Psychology, Biology of Behavior • Sensation and Perception • Psychological Development, Psychological Disorders, Social Behaviors |
Beginner | 4 Months on-demand | Yes | Enroll Now |
1) Complete Personal Development Personal Transformation Course (Udemy)
Specs: Rating: 4.6| Duration: 29 hours of on-demand video| Fee: $35.73 | Certificate: Yes| Level: Beginner
Complete Personal Development Personal Transformation Course is created by TJ Walker, a leading personal development trainer. TJ Walker has authored 6 books on personality development. He coached over 200,000 students on personal development in 30 countries.
The course tackles suffering caused by too much information, junk, and possessions. People are addicted to technology through their mobile phones and laptops. In my opinion, this course helps them lead better, more satisfying lives through personal transformation.
This course teaches how to control your mind, time, and habits for growth. Learn to reprogram your thoughts, manage stress, and filter external stimuli. Ideal for ambitious learners or those seeking change, it focuses on taking control of your life and mastering thoughts and actions for a fulfilling future.
What will you learn?
- Self-Development: You will delve into essential personal development strategies that aim to transform your mindset, enhance overall well-being, and promote continuous self-improvement for meaningful personal growth.
- Productivity Boost: This course allows you to optimize your schedule, boosting personal productivity and helping you achieve more each day through strategic time management and efficiency techniques.
- Innovative Thinking: Learn to harness your creativity, enabling innovative ideas and solutions in various aspects of your life, which can lead to significant personal and professional advancements.
- Personalized Lifestyle: I developed a personalized lifestyle plan, aligning daily routines with my long-term life purpose for greater fulfillment and a well-balanced, meaningful life.
- Mindful Goals: You will master goal-setting techniques to maintain focus, achieve your objectives with clarity and mindfulness, and effectively navigate toward your desired outcomes.
- Burnout Prevention: Discover effective methods to manage stress and prevent burnout, ensuring a balanced and healthy life through proactive stress management and wellness practices.
Pricing:
Price: $35.73
How to Enroll in the Complete Personal Development & Personal Transformation Course on Udemy?
- Step 1) Visit the Complete Personal Development & Personal Transformation Course page on Udemy.
- Step 2) Click the “Enroll Now” button. If prompted, create a Udemy account using your email, Google, or Facebook.
- Step 3) Complete the payment process or redeem a discount/promo code if available.
- Step 4) Once enrolled, start your journey of personal development by accessing the course content directly from your Udemy account.
Pros
Cons
2) The Complete Personal Development Course – 22 Courses in 1 (Udemy)
Specs: Rating: 4.4| Duration: 54 hours of on-demand video| Fee: $35.73 | Certificate: Yes| Level: Beginner
The Complete Personal Development Course – 22 Courses in 1 is a thorough master class in personal development. I suggest it and it shows what drives people and how to motivate yourself. While reviewing, it teaches how to find emotional pain that might stop you from being your best. The course, created by Sandor Kiss and Prof. Paul Cline, is the most effective way to learn basic psychology.
Mind-reprogramming techniques are perfect for your personal and work life. The course covers communication, networking, leadership, psychological skills, time and stress management. It also teaches how to handle negative people, control emotional thoughts, fight anxiety and depression, and make life more successful.
This course is an all-encompassing program designed to transform personal and professional growth. It dives deep into understanding human motivation and behavior, providing tools to identify emotional obstacles that hinder progress. Created by experts Sandor Kiss and Prof. Paul Cline, it offers unparalleled insight into basic psychology.
What will you learn?
- Understanding Behavior: You will explore psychological theories that explain why people act the way they do, providing a deeper insight into human behavior and decision-making processes.
- Effective Communication: This course helps you develop key interpersonal skills, including persuasion, leadership, and effective networking strategies for building strong and meaningful relationships.
- Personal Growth Techniques: Learn to reprogram your mind with REBT and NLP methods, boosting motivation and enhancing your ability to cope with various life situations confidently.
- Handling Difficult Situations: Discover effective strategies for dealing with challenging individuals, improving your parenting techniques, and excelling in customer service roles with ease.
- Balanced Well-Being: I achieved a balanced approach to mental and physical health by managing stress and anxiety through essential techniques that support overall well-being and resilience.
- Advanced Pain Relief: Explore the most effective pain management solutions that address both physical sensations and the mental impact of pain, ensuring comprehensive relief and comfort.
Pricing:
Price: $35.73
How to Enroll in The Complete Personal Development Course on Udemy?
- Step 1) Visit the Complete Personal Development Course page on Udemy.
- Step 2) Click on the “Enroll Now” button. Sign in or create an account with your email, Google, or Facebook credentials.
- Step 3) Complete the payment or apply any available discounts or promo codes.
- Step 4) Start the course immediately after enrolling by accessing the video lectures, quizzes, and downloadable resources directly through your Udemy dashboard.
Pros
Cons
3) Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age (Coursera)
Specs: Rating: 4.8| Duration: 7 hours| Fee: Free | Certificate: Yes| Level: Beginner
Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age is a public speaking course that teaches people to be better communicators. During my analysis, it covers several areas like connecting with yourself and others. I found that, it shows how to organize thoughts. You can learn about body language, confronting anxiety, and breathing techniques. Simple techniques and practical examples make it easy to apply.
Ivan Wanis Ruiz teaches simple yet highly effective communication skills designed to enhance leadership abilities. Through his lessons, you’ll discover practical techniques to build confidence, express yourself clearly, and connect with others. Additionally, you’ll learn how to take control of your emotions, enabling you to communicate more effectively in any situation.
Mastering Virtual Communication is a dynamic course that focuses on improving public speaking and interpersonal skills. It provides tools to organize thoughts, manage stage fright, and build confidence. By exploring techniques like effective body language, breathing exercises, and emotional control, participants can enhance their communication, making interactions impactful and engaging in any setting.
What will you learn?
- Advanced Communication Skills: You will become a better communicator by mastering both verbal and non-verbal techniques to effectively convey your ideas and emotions in any situation.
- Message Optimization: This course allows you to hone your message, ensuring clarity and precision in all your communications for maximum impact and understanding.
- Confident Speaking: I said it like I meant it, enhancing my ability to speak with conviction and authenticity in various settings, thereby increasing my influence and presence.
- Expressive Body Language: Learn to look like you mean it by adopting body language and hand gestures that naturally reinforce your spoken words, improving your overall communication effectiveness.
- Overcoming Anxiety: Discover practical methods to confront anxiety, promoting mental resilience and improving your ability to perform under pressure, ensuring you stay calm in stressful situations.
- Gesture Enhancement: Explore hand gesture coaching to add emphasis and clarity to your communication, making your interactions more effective and engaging with your audience.
How to Enroll in the Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age Course on Coursera?
- Step 1) Head over to the Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age course page on Coursera.
- Step 2) Tap the “Enroll for Free” button. You can choose to sign up for a free trial or audit the course. If you don’t have an account, create one using your email or social login options.
- Step 3) Once enrolled, access the course materials, including video lectures, practice exercises, and discussion forums. Start enhancing your communication skills right away.
Pricing:
Price: Free to enroll
Pros
Cons
4) Introduction to Self-Development: Apply a Working Plan (Udemy)
Specs: Rating: 4.6| Duration: 25 mins| Fee: Free | Certificate: No| Level: Beginner
Introduction to Self-Development: Apply a Working Plan is developed by Rayan Hejazi, who is the creator of How to Be Awesome at Your Job podcast. I recommend it to help you build on your presentation skills to have a competitive advantage in your career. The ability to present and communicate well is crucial in any work environment.
These skills are needed for people who want to be leaders and executives. It teaches how to make presentations more professional and impactful. It also trains the learner to conquer the fear of speaking. Learn key techniques like worst-case planning, recovery plans, and handling tough questions.
It provides essential tools to enhance your presentation skills and gain a competitive edge in your career. It emphasizes mastering professional communication, overcoming the fear of public speaking, and confidently handling tough questions, enabling you to excel as a leader or executive.
What will you learn?
- Communication Mastery: Great speaking skills are essential for achieving impactful communication, and I thoroughly honed mine in order to effectively deliver messages that truly resonated, helping me connect with diverse audiences on a deeper level.
- Audience Relevance: Give your audience only what they need to know, since it is best to avoid unnecessary complexity for clarity, which typically enhances engagement, prevents confusion, and ensures that your message resonates with the most effective impact.
- Technology Tools: Learn how to use technology as a great option that allows you to streamline tasks, reduce manual workload, and achieve success effortlessly, by selecting appropriate tools that typically optimize productivity in personal or professional contexts.
- Body-Tone Alignment: Align your body, tone, and words by paying attention to posture, vocal inflection, and consistent nonverbal cues, which helps you convey the most authentic message possible, fosters deeper connections, and promotes trust in every speaking situation.
- Goal Listing: Keeping well-designed lists of goals is a great way to stay organized, consider priorities, and typically measure personal progress effectively, since structured planning allows you to track milestones, identify required actions, and maintain focus on your overarching objectives.
- SMART Goals: Aim to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives, known as SMART goals, which helps you systematically track performance, allocate needed resources, and ensure consistent progress toward your envisioned milestones and long-term achievements.
Pricing:
Price: Free to enroll
How to Enroll in the Introduction to Self-Development Course on Udemy?
- Step 1) Visit the Introduction to Self-Development Course page on Udemy.
- Step 2) Click on the “Enroll Now” button. If you do not already have an account, sign up using your email, Google, or Facebook.
- Step 3) Complete the payment process or apply any applicable discount codes.
- Step 4) Access the course content through your Udemy dashboard and begin learning immediately.
Pros
Cons
5) Find Your Style: Five Exercises to Unlock Your Creative Identity (skillshare)
Specs: Duration: 1 Hours 13 mins| Fee: 1 Month Free Trial| Certificate: Yes| Level: All levels
Find Your Style: Five Exercises to Unlock Your Creative Identity includes 13 short soft skills courses by Skillshare experts. I reviewed it and it teaches young professionals how to present as the ideal employee. During my research, gain the skills that employers value most to advance faster in your career.
This course guides you in unpacking your identity, influences, and experiences to better understand your strengths and perspective. You’ll develop critical thinking skills to enhance decision-making and learn effective communication, active listening, and teamwork techniques. By translating your unique style into meaningful creations, your work will reflect authenticity and personal values.
This course on developing emotional intelligence at work helps you navigate team dynamics and foster meaningful connections. It focuses on enhancing decision-making, teamwork, and persuasion to successfully manage projects now and in the future. You’ll also refine your writing skills, enabling clear and impactful communication to excel in your professional journey.
What will you learn?
- Emotional Intelligence: You will develop emotional intelligence by comprehending personal emotions, which helps you respond with empathy, self-awareness, and genuine compassion, effectively nurturing deeper connections.
- Finding Your Style: I learned how to find my style by exploring personal preferences, which is a great way to develop coherent branding that resonates well.
- The Big Ideas: The big ideas are best understood by breaking them into manageable steps, allowing for structured plans and clearer perspectives on core concepts.
- Find Your Patterns: Discover how to find your patterns by noting recurring themes, which allows you to identify improvement areas, refine strategies, and enhance overall outcomes.
- Plain Language Writing: Plain language writing is a good idea to ensure clarity, avoid misunderstandings, and typically make content more accessible for diverse audiences.
- Style Key: Create your style key by defining distinct visual and written elements, which allows you to maintain brand coherence across multiple platforms effectively.
Pricing:
Price: 1 month free
How to Enroll in the “Find Your Style: Five Exercises to Unlock Your Creative Identity” Course on Skillshare?
- Step 1) Visit the Find Your Style Course page on Skillshare.
- Step 2) Click on the “Join Skillshare” button. Sign up with your email or log in using your existing Skillshare account.
- Step 3) Start your free trial or choose a subscription plan to access the course.
- Step 4) Begin exploring the course content and take steps to unlock your creative identity through the exercises provided.
Pros
Cons
6) Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential (Coursera)
Specs: Rating: 4.8| Duration: 11 hours| Fee: Free | Certificate: Yes| Level: Beginner
Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential is for people with short attention spans or those who want to speed up their learning. I suggest it and MOOCs and affordable online courses are everywhere. But you need to learn how to get the most from them. This course teaches how to train the mind to adapt to change and move in new directions. It shows how to use online learning to master tough subjects.
Discover hidden capabilities and untapped potential through this course, which focuses on effective learning strategies and personal growth. Gain insights into leveraging your unique strengths while building skills to excel in any area of life. Unlock tools to improve focus, adapt to challenges, and maximize your success both personally and professionally.
This course teaches you how to match your assets with opportunities, helping you make the most of your strengths. You’ll also gain practical tips to overcome procrastination and sharpen your focus. By applying these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to achieve your goals and create a clear path to success.
What will you learn?
- Change is Possible: You will see that change is one of the best ways to grow, and you typically need determination that fosters meaningful progress.
- Meta-Learning: I aimed to master meta-learning in order to fully understand how learning itself works, which typically helps you achieve deeper retention.
- Lifelong Learnings: Adopting a learning lifestyle is a great way to continuously refine skills, and it might be helpful to consider new insights for staying competitive.
- Pomodoro Technique: This may help you avoid burnout by breaking tasks into timed intervals, providing a highly effective solution for sustained focus.
- Focus Mastery: You will discover that focusing on a single priority is the best way to accomplish results, which typically minimizes multitasking pitfalls and enhances overall productivity.
- Goal Alignment: Aligning your goals is a great way to ensure each objective supports broader ambitions, typically helping you measure progress and maintain motivation.
Pricing:
Price: Free to enroll
How to Enroll in the Mindshift Course on Coursera?
- Step 1) Head over to the Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential course page on Coursera.
- Step 2) Click the “Enroll for Free” button. Choose between auditing the course for free or purchasing a certificate. If you don’t have an account, sign up using your email or social login.
- Step 3) Start your learning journey immediately by accessing the course materials, including video lectures, assignments, and discussion forums.
Pros
Cons
7) Improving Communication Skills (Coursera)
Specs: Rating: 4.7| Duration: 10 hours| Fee: Free | Certificate: Yes| Level: Beginner
Improving Communication Skills course is part of the Achieving Personal and Professional Success Specialization. During my research, I found that the course is from Maurice Schweitzer, a Wharton professor and author of several best-sellers. This online communication skills course can advance your personal development journey. It is important for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.
This course teaches you how to build trust in relationships, a vital skill for both personal and professional growth. You’ll learn effective communication techniques for successful negotiations and the art of offering a sincere apology when needed. These practical skills help create stronger connections and resolve conflicts with confidence.
Mastering these skills not only strengthens relationships but also fosters mutual respect and understanding. By learning how to communicate with empathy and authenticity, you’ll enhance your ability to influence and collaborate effectively. This course equips you with the tools to navigate complex situations, rebuild trust, and maintain meaningful, lasting connections.
What will you learn?
- Goal Setting: You will learn how to define and prioritize aims, typically by establishing clear goals that helps you measure progress effectively.
- Communication Skills: I aimed to refine my communication using clarity, empathy, and essential listening, which allows you to build strong interpersonal relationships effectively.
- Negotiation Skills: Discover one of the best methods to handle conflicting interests by leveraging persuasion, active listening, and strategic compromises for mutual benefit.
- Deception Skills: Learn how to detect deception by paying attention to subtle cues, which might be helpful to avoid misunderstandings and maintain trust.
- Time Management: Master time management by structuring tasks and avoiding distractions, which typically helps you maintain momentum and reduce wasted hours effectively.
- Conflict Resolution: Acquire fundamental conflict resolution tactics for addressing disputes fairly, which is a great way to preserve relationships and ensure long-term cooperation effectively.
Pricing:
Price: Free to enroll
How to Enroll in the Improving Communication Skills Course on Coursera?
- Step 1) Head over to the Improving Communication Skills course page on Coursera.
- Step 2) Tap the “Enroll for Free” button. Choose to audit the course for free or purchase a certificate. If you don’t have an account, create one using your email or social login.
- Step 3) Start improving your communication skills by accessing the course materials, including lectures, exercises, and other resources.
Pros
Cons
8) Intro to Psychology (Udacity)
Specs: Rating: 4.5| Duration: 4 months on-demand| Fee: Free| Certificate:Yes | Level: Beginner
Intro to Psychology is an online personal development course in basic psychology that explores human behaviors. I particularly appreciate how the course trains learners in the biology of behavior. In my experience, topics include sensation and perception, memory, learning, and thought. You can also learn about common psychological disorders and their treatments. It is important for anyone seeking to understand human behavior better.
What will you learn?
- Psychology Foundations: You will discover core theories in psychology and the biology of behavior, which it might be helpful to apply daily.
- Perceptual Processes: I studied sensation and perception in order to see how stimuli are transformed into meaningful experiences, which typically enhances awareness.
- Growth & Social: Understand psychological development, social behaviors, and disorders, which is a good idea to inform empathetic interactions in diverse contexts.
- Mind & Recall: Delve into consciousness and memory by observing mental activity, which can be one of the best ways to boost retention.
- Substance Interactions: Learn how various substances impact cognitive and emotional responses, which allows you to consider safer lifestyles and balanced decision-making.
- Motivation & Intelligence: Investigate language, intelligence, motivation, and emotion collectively, which is a perfect for improving problem-solving and maintaining personal drive effectively.
Pricing:
Price: Free to enroll
How to Enroll in the Introduction to Psychology Course on Udacity?
- Step 1) Head over to the Introduction to Psychology course page on Udacity.
- Step 2) Click the “Enroll Now” button. If you do not have a Udacity account, sign up using your email or social login options.
- Step 3) Access the course materials, including video lectures and interactive exercises, to start your learning journey.
Pros
Cons
How does Personal Development Course works?
A personal development course enhances a student’s personality. It teaches you to stay focused and confident. It guides you to adjust and adapt to new changes in life.
How Did We Choose Best FREE Personal Development Courses?
At Guru99, we prioritize credibility by providing accurate, relevant, and objective information. Our rigorous content creation and review processes ensure reliable resources that address your questions effectively. We have thoroughly researched over 40 free personal development courses, dedicating 100+ hours to compile a professional and comprehensive lineup. Finding the right personal development course can be challenging, so it is important to evaluate their quality and relevance. Check out below important factors to guide your selection and gain insights from this trusted, well-researched approach.
- Content Quality: Make sure you consider courses with well-structured and informative content.
- Credibility: It is a good idea to choose courses offered by recognized institutions or experts.
- User Reviews: Pay attention to feedback from previous learners for valuable insights.
- Accessibility: Look for courses that are easy to access and offer flexibility in learning schedules.
- Skills Covered: Focus on courses that help you gain specific, actionable skills you need.
- Resources Provided: Aim to find courses with supplementary materials for deeper learning.
- Certification: Consider options that provide free certificates for added credibility.
Verdict
In this review, I shared some top-rated personal development courses that excel in versatility and depth. To help you choose effectively, I recommend the following:
- Complete Personal Development Personal Transformation Course: Offers a comprehensive approach to personal growth, with practical techniques on time management, mindfulness, and goal setting.
- The Complete Personal Development Course – 22 Courses in 1: A phenomenal choice with in-depth topics on psychology, communication, and stress management for well-rounded growth.
- Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age: Focuses on practical communication techniques, making it a robust and user-friendly option for better interpersonal skills.
