What are AI Developer Courses and who are they for?

AI Developer Courses teach the skills needed to build AI applications, from basic ML concepts to deep learning and prompt engineering. They're ideal for beginners and developers who want hands-on experience and portfolio projects.

Are there free AI Developer Courses for beginners or a free AI course I can take?

Yes, many platforms offer free AI Developer Courses and free AI course options that include video lessons and coding labs. These free tracks often let you learn core concepts and build small projects, with optional paid certificates.

How long do AI Developer Courses usually take to complete?

Course length varies: beginner tracks can be 2, 6 weeks while more comprehensive programs take 2, 6 months at a part-time pace. Many courses are self-paced, so your timeline depends on your schedule and how deep you go into projects.

Do free AI courses include hands-on projects and certificates?

Many free AI Developer Courses include hands-on labs and projects to help you build a portfolio, but certificates are often paid upgrades. Always check the course details to confirm project access and certificate options.

What skills will I gain from AI Developer Courses?

You’ll learn programming for AI (Python), machine learning fundamentals, deep learning basics, and prompt engineering for modern models. Courses emphasize practical skills like model training, evaluation, and building deployable projects.

AI Developer Courses: 15 Free Courses for Beginners

Welcome to your go-to guide for diving into the world of AI! We've gathered a selection of 15 amazing free AI Developer Courses tailored just for beginners.

To make your selection process smoother, these courses are organized into well-defined sections that align with your learning objectives.

Whether you’re eager to roll up your sleeves with hands-on Python and machine learning, delve into the exciting realms of generative AI and ethics, or get your feet wet with tools and deployment strategies, we've got something for everyone.

Take a moment to browse the brief course descriptions and links below, and find the free AI course that sparks your interest and fits into your schedule.

How to use this list

If your goal is to create apps and models, kick things off with our hands-on Python and machine learning offerings.
Want to explore prompts and develop product ideas? Check out the generative AI and prompt engineering courses.
Ready to bring your projects to life? Look for courses that focus on deployment strategies and essential tools.

Each section is thoughtfully curated to gather related courses, complete with easy-to-follow links for enrollment or accessing course materials directly.

Hands-on Python and core machine learning courses (courses 1, 5)

If you love learning by doing, you’ll find these free AI Developer Courses on hands-on Python and core machine learning truly exciting.

These courses emphasize practical experience with Python through interactive notebooks and small projects, allowing you to see real progress in no time.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in this category:

CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python: This course is perfect for those at a beginner to intermediate level, focusing on search algorithms, machine learning, neural networks, and NLP using Python. You'll get your hands dirty with fun projects like developing game AI and handwriting recognition. Dive into CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python on edX: Enroll Here.
ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers: This brief, focused training teaches you how to craft effective prompts for large language models (LLMs) and build your own applications through iterative prompting. Start learning ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers on Coursera: Enroll Here.
Introduction to Generative AI (Google Cloud): A short yet effective introduction to generative models and transformers, packed with hands-on labs to kick-start your learning. Check out Introduction to Generative AI on Coursera: Enroll Here.
Machine Learning Crash Course (Google): Get a rapid, practical introduction featuring animated videos and TensorFlow-based exercises. Access the Machine Learning Crash Course on Google's developer site: Enroll Here.
Machine Learning for Beginners (Microsoft GitHub): A project-driven curriculum containing 26 lessons along with quizzes to guide you from the basics to essential ML skills. Check it out here: Access the Repo.

While you're navigating through these Python-focused AI courses, don’t underestimate the value of AI code helpers! They can be a tremendous resource, if you're curious, take a look at our practical guide on AI code helpers in Python here: Read More.

And if you’re on the lookout for the best browser environments to run notebooks, our list of top online Python IDEs will have you covered: Discover More.

Generative AI, LLMs, and introductory ethics (courses 6, 10)

These free AI Developer Courses are an excellent entryway into understanding generative models, responsible AI practices, and essential workflows you’ll want to be familiar with as you craft AI features.

6) Elements of AI (University of Helsinki): This non-technical course offers a straightforward introduction to what AI is, how neural networks work, and the ethical implications surrounding them. If you’re just starting, it pairs well with Coding180's beginner’s guide to AI: AI for Beginners. Enroll in Elements of AI from the University of Helsinki: Enroll Here.

7) Intro to Machine Learning (Kaggle): A hands-on micro-course where you can practice building and evaluating models using interactive notebooks; ideal for getting your hands dirty with real data. Enroll in Intro to Machine Learning on Kaggle: Enroll Here.

8) TensorFlow in Practice (Coursera): This specialization comprises multiple courses covering CNNs, NLP, and time series with TensorFlow, with options available for auditing. Start the TensorFlow in Practice specialization on Coursera: Enroll Here.

9) AI For Everyone (DeepLearning.AI): This brief course provides a strategic overview of AI workflows, ethical standards, and project building, great for developers who need contextual grounding for product development. Enroll in AI For Everyone on Coursera: Enroll Here.

Once you’re familiar with these workflows, consider checking out our guide on evaluating AI tools to discover the best platforms and libraries for your projects: Evaluating AI Tools.

10) Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (IBM): This course offers insights into the history of AI, various types of machine learning, and practical labs featuring Watson tools for app development. Enroll in Introduction to Artificial Intelligence on Coursera (IBM): Enroll Here.

Tools, deployment, practical projects, and the full 15-course list (courses 11, 15 and full roundup)

In this section, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of valuable tools, project ideas, and the culmination of our free AI Developer Courses you can explore next.

Build Basic Apps with Microsoft Copilot: Learn the necessary workflows for code generation, debugging, and app development on Azure. Enroll in Build Basic Apps with Microsoft Copilot on Microsoft Learn: Enroll Here. If you’re looking for common workflows and tips for utilizing AI development assistants like Copilot, don’t forget to check out our AI programming assistant guide: Read More.
Generative AI with Large Language Models (DeepLearning.AI & AWS): An advanced course packed with hands-on labs aimed at fine-tuning and deploying large language models. Start the course on Coursera: Enroll Here.
Introduction to Neural Networks and Deep Learning (My Great Learning): This concise course provides a solid understanding of different architectures and backpropagation through practical examples. Enroll here: Enroll Here.
Practical Deep Learning for Coders (fast.ai): A comprehensive curriculum that employs PyTorch in tandem with notebooks and hands-on projects, absolutely free! Get started with Practical Deep Learning for Coders on fast.ai: Enroll Here.
Google AI Essentials (Coursera): This course walks you through AI tools that boost productivity, teaches prompt engineering, and discusses ethics, all designed specifically for developers. Enroll in Google AI Essentials on Coursera: Enroll Here.

If you’re searching for a short, guided project focusing on prompt engineering, be sure not to miss the Coursera guided project: ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers - Guided Project.

Lastly, for more curated learning suggestions, check out the LinkedIn roundup featuring top learning resources and prompt engineering training that are often found helpful by many beginners.

Final tips and next steps

As you embark on this exciting journey, take a moment to reflect on which one or two courses align best with your personal and professional objectives.

If you’re eager to gain hands-on skills that are ready for application, kick off with courses focusing on Python and TensorFlow or fast.ai.

Conversely, if you’re more interested in product development or prompt techniques, the ChatGPT prompt engineering short course and the guided project would be perfect starting points.

Here are a few helpful habits to incorporate into your learning routine:

Aim to embark on small, manageable projects that you can complete in just a few days for a sense of accomplishment.
Don’t hesitate to revisit the linked guides above; they can offer invaluable insights on your environments, helpers, and open-source projects.
Consider sharing your projects or code on a portfolio or GitHub, so others can appreciate and learn from your work.

These 15 free AI Developer Courses provide an excellent springboard for your career. Choose what fits best with your available time and background, engage with the labs, and keep iterating on your projects.

I’ve witnessed countless learners transform from novices to creating demo-ready projects in just a few weeks, utilizing these strategies.

So why not take the plunge with one of these free AI courses today? Happy learning!