How to Save on Online Education Platforms: Top Tips and Tricks

With the growing trend of online learning, education is more accessible than ever. From acquiring new skills to advancing in your career, online education platforms provide a convenient and often more affordable alternative to traditional institutions. However, course fees can still add up, especially if you're committed to long-term learning. Luckily, there are several strategies and tools available to help you save money while accessing top-tier online courses.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to save on online education platforms. Whether you're a student, professional, or a lifelong learner, these tips will help you get the most out of your learning experience without breaking the bank.

1. Look for Discounts and Coupons

One of the easiest ways to save money on online courses is by using coupon codes and promotional discounts. Many educational platforms regularly offer discounts on courses, subscriptions, and bundles, especially during holiday seasons or major sale events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Coupon Aggregators: Websites like CouponXoo list up-to-date coupons and deals for various online education platforms. These can range from percentage discounts to exclusive offers, making it easier to find the best deals available.
Seasonal Discounts: Keep an eye on major sales throughout the year. For example, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Back-to-School sales are great opportunities to snag deals on educational subscriptions.
Email Subscriptions: Many platforms offer exclusive discounts to those who sign up for their email newsletters. You’ll receive updates on upcoming sales and sometimes a welcome discount for new users.

2. Enroll During Sales Events

Just like retail stores, online learning platforms often host major sales events throughout the year. These events provide steep discounts on popular courses, subscriptions, and certifications.

Udemy Sales: Udemy is known for its frequent sales, often reducing the price of courses by up to 90%. Keep an eye out for their flash sales, which usually offer great discounts for a limited time.
Coursera and edX Sales: These platforms offer discounts during specific periods, such as end-of-year or back-to-school promotions. Additionally, Coursera often has free trials or limited-time offers on course bundles.
Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Most platforms participate in major online sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Check out platforms like Skillshare, Pluralsight, and LinkedIn Learning during these times for significant discounts on annual memberships or course bundles.

3. Use Free Courses and Trials

Many online education platforms offer free courses or trial periods to allow learners to explore their offerings before committing to paid programs.

Coursera: This platform offers hundreds of free courses in partnership with top universities and companies. You can audit courses for free and only pay for certificates if you want a formal qualification.
edX: Similar to Coursera, edX allows learners to audit courses for free, including programs from institutions like MIT and Harvard. Full access to graded assignments and certificates comes with a fee, but the course content itself is often free.
Skillshare Free Trial: Skillshare provides a free 30-day trial for new users, giving access to their vast library of creative, business, and technology courses without upfront costs.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers a one-month free trial that includes unlimited access to their entire course catalog. Use this trial to take multiple courses and absorb as much as possible before deciding if a paid subscription is worth it.

4. Opt for Subscription Models

Instead of paying for individual courses, many platforms offer subscription models that provide access to their entire course library at a lower cost per course.

Skillshare: With an annual subscription, Skillshare offers unlimited access to thousands of courses in areas such as design, entrepreneurship, and technology. The cost of the annual plan is significantly lower than paying for individual classes.
Pluralsight: For tech learners, Pluralsight provides subscription-based access to a wide range of courses on software development, IT, and data science. You can save by opting for their annual plan or waiting for their frequent promotional discounts.
MasterClass: MasterClass offers access to all of its celebrity-taught courses for a flat annual fee. With regular discounts available, a yearly subscription is a cost-effective way to access premium courses taught by experts.

5. Take Advantage of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many platforms recognize that not everyone can afford course fees, so they offer financial aid or scholarship opportunities.

Coursera Financial Aid: Coursera offers financial aid for most of its courses. Learners who cannot afford to pay for certificates or specializations can apply for financial assistance by filling out a short application. Upon approval, you’ll be able to complete the course and earn a certificate for free.
edX Financial Assistance: Similar to Coursera, edX offers up to a 90% discount on their verified certificates for learners who meet certain financial criteria. To apply, you’ll need to complete an online application form explaining your financial situation.
University Partnerships: Some universities offer scholarships for their online courses or degrees via Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn. Check the details of each course or program to see if there are financial aid options available.

6. Bundle Courses for More Savings

Many online education platforms offer course bundles at a lower rate than buying individual courses separately. These bundles often focus on specific topics or skills, such as web development, business management, or digital marketing.

Udemy: Bundling courses is an excellent strategy on Udemy. While individual courses often go on sale, bundle deals allow you to purchase multiple related courses for an even lower total cost.
LinkedIn Learning: Offers curated learning paths that consist of multiple courses covering an entire career or subject area. Subscribing to a learning path can provide more value than purchasing each course individually.

7. Use Group Discounts

Many platforms offer discounts for groups, such as companies or educational institutions. This is particularly beneficial if you’re enrolling in a course with colleagues, friends, or classmates.

Group Subscriptions: Sites like Coursera and Udemy for Business offer group subscriptions, where multiple people can access the courses at a discounted rate. Even if the platform doesn’t advertise group deals, it’s worth reaching out to customer service to see if discounts can be arranged for bulk purchases.
Corporate Training Programs: Many companies partner with education platforms to offer employees access to courses as part of professional development. If your employer offers such programs, you may be able to take courses for free or at a reduced cost.

8. Keep an Eye on Social Media for Flash Sales

Social media is a great place to spot flash sales and exclusive promotions from online education platforms. Follow your favorite platforms on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to stay informed about surprise discounts and limited-time offers.

Twitter Announcements: Platforms often tweet about upcoming promotions, sales, or even free courses. Following them can give you a head start on deals.
Exclusive Discounts via Influencers: Some platforms partner with influencers who offer exclusive discount codes. Look for bloggers, YouTubers, or online educators who share promo codes for specific platforms.

9. Compare Prices Across Platforms

Different platforms may offer the same or similar courses but at different prices. Before enrolling in a course, compare the costs across multiple platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Coursera vs. edX: If a university offers a course on both Coursera and edX, check which platform offers the course at a lower price or with better financial aid options.
Skillshare vs. Udemy: If you’re looking for creative courses, both Skillshare and Udemy offer a wide range of options. Udemy often has lower prices during sales, while Skillshare’s subscription model may be better for long-term learners.

Final Thoughts

Investing in online education can open doors to new opportunities, but it doesn’t have to come at a steep price. By using coupons, taking advantage of free trials, enrolling during sales events, and exploring financial aid options, you can make your learning journey more affordable.

Be sure to regularly visit CouponXoo for updated discounts and promo codes on popular education platforms. Happy learning, and happy saving!