Free AI courses for beginners

Jason Wade, Founder NinjaAI • July 7, 2025

Now is the time to learn all about AI

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🧠 1. Elements of AI – University of Helsinki

  • Duration: ~6 weeks (self-paced)
  • Topics: What AI is, basic machine learning, neural networks, societal implications
  • Best for: Absolute beginners, non-technical learners
  • Pros: No coding required, available in multiple languages

💻 2. Machine Learning – Stanford University by Andrew Ng (via Coursera)

  • Duration: ~11 weeks (self-paced)
  • Topics: Supervised/unsupervised learning, neural networks, SVMs, clustering
  • Best for: Beginners with some math background
  • Pros: Taught by Andrew Ng, foundational course in ML
  • Note: Free to audit (pay for certificate)

🎓 3. AI For Everyone – Andrew Ng (Coursera)

  • Duration: ~4 weeks
  • Topics: How AI works, applications, ethics, project planning
  • Best for: Non-programmers, business professionals
  • Pros: No coding or math required, clear and concise

👩💻 4. Google AI – Machine Learning Crash Course

  • Duration: ~15 hours
  • Topics: ML fundamentals, TensorFlow, real-world examples
  • Best for: Those with Python basics
  • Pros: Includes interactive coding exercises

📊 5. Intro to Artificial Intelligence – Udacity (free course)

  • Duration: ~4 months (at 6 hrs/week)
  • Topics: Search, logic, planning, Bayesian networks, machine learning
  • Best for: Motivated beginners
  • Pros: Hands-on content, Python-focused

📚 6. Harvard’s CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python

  • Duration: 7 weeks
  • Topics: Search algorithms, knowledge representation, neural networks, NLP
  • Best for: Beginners with some Python knowledge
  • Pros: Project-based learning
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📦 Bonus: Fast.ai Practical Deep Learning for Coders (Part 1)

  • Link: https://course.fast.ai/
  • Requirement: Some coding experience in Python
  • Best for: Beginners with programming background who want hands-on deep learning skills


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