Coursera Plus pricing has seen some exciting updates in 2024, offering even more value without changing pricing.
One of the most notable additions is access to IBM professional certificate courses, previously unavailable with the subscription.
This means you can now enhance your learning experience with top-tier certifications at no extra cost. But that’s not all—there are more updates to explore.
If you’re curious about what else has changed and how it can benefit you, keep reading for the latest on Coursera’s pricing and offerings.
Coursera And Coursera Plus Pricing Models
Here are all the different ways and pricing models of Coursera in a table, followed by what they offer explained under the table:
| Model | Coursera Price | Time Limit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Course Payments | $49 – $99 | 180 days | Best for Single course learners |
| Coursera Plus Monthly | $59/month | Ongoing until cancelled | Unlimited access to 7,000+ courses |
| Coursera Plus Annual | $399/year | 1 year | Same as monthly, but with cost savings |
| Degree Programs | Starting $3, 000 | 2-4 years | Fully accredited online degrees |
Coursera’s individual course payments are ideal for those looking to acquire specific skills or knowledge without a long-term commitment.
Coursera Plus provides multiple courses and unlimited certificates in its monthly and annual formats. This option is particularly cost-effective for those planning to take numerous courses throughout the year.
For those seeking more advanced credentials, Coursera’s degree programs offer fully accredited online degrees at a fraction of the cost of traditional on-campus programs.
With Coursera Plus, you also get the 7-day free Coursera Plus trial, where you can enjoy all the features of the Plus subscription without any financial commitment.
Coursera Plus Payment Methods
Coursera accepts various payment methods mentioned below to accommodate learners worldwide:
1. Credit cards: All major credit cards are accepted, such as:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
2. Debit cards: Visa and Mastercard debit cards are widely accepted.
3. Prepaid cards: These can be used for one-time payments but not for subscriptions.
4. PayPal: A popular option for those who prefer not to use their credit cards online.
5. Region-specific payment options: For example, in India, Coursera supports UPI, local credit/debit cards, wallets, and NetBanking.
The variety of payment methods ensures learners worldwide can easily access Coursera’s offerings. However, some payment methods may not be available for all purchases, so it’s always best to check the available options at checkout.
What’s Included In Coursera Plus?
Let us have a look at what you get if you opt for a Coursera Plus subscription at the price of $59 per month or $399 per year:
| Feature | Coursera Plus Monthly | Coursera Plus Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59/month | $399/year |
| Coursera Free Trial | 7 days | 7 days |
| Access to Courses | Entire Catalog | Entire Catalog |
| Certificates | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Specializations | Included | Included |
| Professional Certificates | Included | Included |
| Guided Projects | Included | Included |
| Commitment | Monthly | Yearly |
Coursera Plus Subscription Benefits
Coursera Plus is a comprehensive subscription that offers unlimited access to over 7,000 courses, specializations, and professional certificates.
The monthly subscription fee of $59 allows for flexibility and short-term commitments. Whereas the annual subscription fee of $399 provides the same benefits but at a discounted rate for those committed to long-term learning.
A few other benefits that are common for both the Coursera Plus subscription types are:
1. Unlimited Certificates: Earn as many course certificates as you can complete, enhancing your professional portfolio.
2. Access to Premium Content: includes professional certificates from industry leaders like Google, IBM, and Meta.
3. Flexibility to Explore: Try out different courses without additional costs, allowing you to discover new interests or career paths.
4. Guided Projects: Gain hands-on experience with real-world tools and software.
Coursera Plus Discount
Mathematically, Coursera Plus can benefit you with significant savings. Let’s break down the potential cost savings:
1. Coursera Plus saves more:
If you were to take 5 individual courses priced at $79 each, you’d spend $395. With Coursera Plus Annual at $399, you get access to thousands of courses for nearly the same price, plus the ability to earn unlimited certificates.
2. 43% discount on Coursera Plus Annual Plan:
The monthly plan would cost $708 over a year at $59. The annual plan, at $399, saves you $309 annually, a 43% discount compared to the monthly option.
3. Save $189 On Coursera Specializations:
Coursera specializations take 3-6 months to complete and cost around $49/month. If you complete two specializations in a year (6 months each), you’d spend $588. Coursera Plus Annual at $399 would save you $189, plus give you access to all other courses and specializations.
Coursera Black Friday Sale 2024
Coursera Black Friday dates have not been announced yet. But based on my experience of Coursera Black Friday 2023, I can tell you what to expect.
First, the Coursera Black Friday 2024 offer will likely go live close to Thanksgiving in November and is always followed by Coursera Cyber Monday.
Second, During Coursera Black Friday, I got my Coursera Plus Annual plan for $299 instead of $399. Coursera Cyber Monday offered Coursera for $1. This year, you can expect these offers, too.
Coursera vs Coursera Plus
To help you decide which option is best for your learning needs, let’s compare individual course purchases with the Coursera Plus subscription:
| Parameters | Individual Courses | Coursera Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Limited to 1 course | Unlimited across platform |
| Coursera Cost | Pay per course | Fixed monthly or annual fee |
| Coursera Free Trial | ❌ | ✅ |
| Savings | $0 | $309 with an annual plan |
| Coursera Certificates | Pay for each | Unlimited |
| Flexibility | High (choose specific courses) | High (explore freely) |
| Commitment | Low | Medium to High |
The choice between Coursera Plus and individual courses ultimately depends on your learning goals, budget, and how frequently you plan to use the platform.
Coursera Plus is ideal for:
- Lifelong learners who enjoy exploring various subjects.
- Professionals looking to upskill continuously.
- Career changers who need to learn multiple new skills.
- Students supplementing their formal education.
Individual course purchases are better for:
- Learners focused on a specific skill or subject.
- Those who take courses infrequently.
- Learners who prefer a pay-as-you-go model.
If you’re planning to take more than 4-5 courses in a year, Coursera Plus will likely offer better value. However, individual purchases might be more economical if you’re only interested in one or two specific courses.
Note: Read my detailed review on Coursera vs Coursera Plus here.
Coursera Plus Student Discount And Options
While Coursera Plus student discount is not available in the traditional sense, it provides several options to make learning more accessible and affordable for students and budget-conscious learners:
Coursera Financial Aid
The Coursera financial aid program is Coursera’s version of a student discount. It is open to anyone, not just students.
Here’s how it works: Find the course you’re interested in and click on the “Financial aid available” option, as shown in the picture below.
Complete the application form, explaining your financial situation, why you need aid, and how much you can afford to pay for it. After submitting it, wait for approval (it usually takes 15 days).
Coursera Financial Aid Terms and Conditions:
- You can apply for financial aid for most courses and specializations.
- Assistance is granted on a course-by-course basis.
- If approved, you can get full course access and earn a certificate.
- You may need to reapply for each course in a specialization.
Get more information on Coursera specializations and professional certificates here.
Coursera Free Audit Option
The free audit option allows learners to access course materials without paying. This is an excellent way to experience Coursera’s content before committing to a paid course.
While Coursera offers many free courses, certificates typically require payment. However, there are ways to maximize your free learning:
- Take advantage of the audit option for multiple courses
- Participate in discussion forums to enhance your learning experience.
- Check if your university or employer has a partnership with Coursera. This partnership might provide free access to courses or even certificates.
Remember to check if your educational institution is part of the Coursera for Universities program, which could provide free access to Coursera’s catalog.
Coursera Refund Policies
Understanding Coursera’s refund policies is crucial for making informed decisions about course purchases. There is very little information on the refund policy. So check these different rules for a refund below:
1. Course Certificates:
- Refundable within 14 days of payment
- Not refundable if you’ve already earned the certificate, even within the 14 days
2. Specializations:
- Pre-paid specializations are refundable within 14 days
- There are no refunds for subscription payments after the free trial period
3. Coursera Plus subscriptions:
- Refundable within 14 days of payment
- Annual subscriptions have a 14-day money-back guarantee
4. Guided Projects:
- Not refundable due to their short duration and immediate access to content
It’s important to note that refund policies may vary for purchases made through mobile apps or third-party marketplaces. Always check the specific terms at the time of sale.
Coursera Pricing Special Considerations
By considering these unique factors, you can make more informed decisions about your Coursera purchases
1. International payments:
- Depending on your location, prices may be displayed in local currency or USD.
- Some countries have region-specific pricing to account for economic differences. For example, India often has lower pricing than the US or Europe.
- Be aware of potential currency conversion fees from your bank.
- Coursera uses dynamic pricing in some regions, which means prices may fluctuate based on local economic factors and demand.
2. Cooursera Mobile app purchases:
- Processed through Google Play (Android) or Apple Pay (iOS).
- May have different refund policies than web purchases.
- Sometimes, they offer exclusive promotions or discounts.
- In-app purchases might be subject to additional fees or taxes.
3. Third-party payments:
- Some employers or institutions may cover costs through Coursera for Business.
- Check with your HR department or academic institution for potential free access.
- Some non-profit organizations and NGOs also partner with Coursera for non-profits to provide free access to courses for specific groups or communities.
Conclusion: Coursera Plus Pricing Begins At $49/Month!
Coursera Plus provides various pricing models to suit different learning needs, including individual course payments ($49-$99), a monthly subscription ($59/month), an annual plan ($399/year), and degree programs starting at $3,000.
Coursera Plus offers exceptional value and unlimited access to over 7,000 courses, specializations, and professional certificates, making it perfect for those eager to upskill or explore new fields continuously.
The monthly plan is ideal for short-term commitments, while the annual plan offers significant savings for long-term learners. So, Don’t wait! Invest in your education today with Coursera Plus. Start your journey with a 7-day free trial and begin earning certificates!
