7 Free Generative AI Courses For 2025

Generative AI is the future of innovation and creativity for businesses and professionals. Also known abbreviated as simply Gen AI, this tool came into prominence two years ago in November 2022, when ChatGPT became the fastest growing tech product in recent history.

Millions of users around the world discovered the enormous potential that Gen AI afforded, and realized that when tapped into, it could support tremendously with reducing excess work that was usually passed on to humans, it could also boost creativity and more efficient, quality work.

Today, approximately 25% of professionals incorporate generative AI tools and apps into their work at least weekly, with one in nine doing so every day, according to a recent study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

But Gen AI is only effective as a tool when you understand how it works and how to leverage this technology effectively. Some people may not reap the benefits of Gen AI and will receive subpar results because they don’t understand basic AI skills such as prompt engineering, for example, which is when you design prompts or instructions that are clear and precise so that the tool is trained to deliver the exact output you need.

If you want to be more effective in your work, and even boost your income as a salaried employee or freelance professional, it would be worth investing the time to get to know Gen AI better.

The best part is you don’t need to spend a fortune on a machine learning degree to understand how artificial intelligence works. There are plenty of free courses that equip you with the fundamental knowledge and skills you need to master generative AI.

7 Free Courses To Learn Generative AI in 2025

1. Introduction to Generative AI by Google Cloud
2. Generative AI for Beginners by Microsoft (a free 18-lesson video course)
3. AWS Simulearn—Generative AI (free as part of the AWS Skill-Builder subscription if you have one already)
4. ChatGPT Foundations for K-12 Educators, by Common Sense Media and OpenAI
5. Generative AI Content Creation, by Adobe, via Coursera (can be accessed for free using the financial aid option)
6. Generative AI for Leaders certificate, by Vanderbilt University, via Coursera
7. GenAI for UX Designers, via Coursera

What To Do Next

These free generative AI courses are the perfect starting point for upskilling in your AI knowledge—even without prior technical experience. So, what are the steps you should take now?

1. Start by choosing a generic course to understand the fundamentals of GenAI, then dive deeper by studying a course that teaches you how to leverage AI from your industry/role’s point of view. For example, how a graphic designer or project manager might use generative AI will look different to how an educator would use the tool in their work, so having that tailored guidance will really help you take your knowledge and apply it to your role.
2. Dedicate time each week to study and to practice your generative AI skills. One of the biggest challenges many professionals face when seeking to upskill is the lack of time, so consider discussing your upskilling efforts with your manager to see if a block of time for continuous learning can be etched into your schedule; otherwise, make use of mobile apps where possible so you can take your learning with you when on the go. And of course, plan and manage your time, setting goals for your course progression each week to keep you on track.
3. Finally, you can begin to apply what you’re learning to your own tasks and workflow. Keep experimenting.

Discover how generative AI can elevate your professional life and enrol now on one of these courses.

Source: Forbes.com

CC: Rachel Wells