In a world where digital skills are currency and lifelong learning is essential, Udemy has carved out a name as one of the leading platforms for affordable, accessible online education. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn a new hobby or a professional aiming to sharpen your edge, Udemy offers a vast catalog of courses to suit virtually any goal. But what exactly is Udemy, and is it the right platform for you? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Udemy?
Udemy is a global online learning marketplace where anyone can learn and teach virtually any skill. Unlike traditional educational platforms that partner with universities or institutions, Udemy is user-generated. That means instructors from all walks of life – industry experts, hobbyists, or teachers – can create and publish their own courses.
The platform hosts over 210,000 courses taught by more than 70,000 instructors. Courses range from bite-sized lessons to comprehensive training programs and are delivered mainly through video, often accompanied by downloadable resources, quizzes, assignments, and practice tests. Most videos are also captioned in up to 75 languages, making content accessible for global learners.
Perhaps one of Udemy’s biggest perks? Once you purchase a course, it’s yours for life – no subscription required for individual classes.
How Do Udemy Courses Work?
Courses on Udemy are organized into modules or sections, each with a series of lessons typically delivered through video. Depending on the instructor, you might also get:
- Downloadable materials (PDF guides, cheat sheets, slide decks)
- Practice exams or quizzes
- Assignments or projects
- Q&A forums for student-instructor interaction
- Direct messaging for personalized support
Udemy’s mobile app is another major advantage, allowing users to learn on the go. You can even switch to “podcast mode” to listen to lessons while commuting or exercising – great for auditory learners.
One limitation: while you have lifetime access to your content, you generally can’t download entire courses for offline use (except within the app).
Who Can Create a Course on Udemy?
One of Udemy’s most distinctive features is its open teaching model. Anyone with knowledge and a passion for teaching can become an instructor. There’s even a free Udemy course that walks potential creators through how to design, record, and launch their first course.
However, to maintain basic quality standards, all new courses must pass a review process. While this review is more relaxed than those on platforms like edX or Coursera, it still ensures basic functionality and clarity.
This user-generated model results in a wide range of teaching styles, depth, and quality – so it’s wise to read reviews and preview course material before purchasing.
Will You Get a Certificate?
Yes, Udemy offers a certificate of completion for most paid courses. But here’s the key caveat: these are not accredited certifications.
That means you won’t be able to use them in lieu of degrees or certifications issued by accredited institutions. However, some Udemy courses do prepare students for official certifications (e.g., AWS, PMP, or CompTIA) by offering practice exams and foundational knowledge. In these cases, Udemy can be a helpful and cost-effective supplement to more formal study programs.
Can Udemy Help You in Your Career?
Yes – and also no.
While a Udemy certificate may not impress recruiters on its own, the skills you gain absolutely can. The platform is best used to upskill or reskill, especially in practical, job-ready areas like coding, marketing, data analysis, or design.
For example:
- Take a Python course and use the knowledge to build a personal project or contribute to open-source code.
- Complete a UX design course and create a mock portfolio site.
- Learn digital marketing and run ad campaigns for a local business.
It’s not the certificate that opens doors – it’s how you apply the skills.
What’s the Cost?
Udemy is known for its frequent – and generous – sales. A course listed at $190 might drop to $15–$30 during promotions, which occur often. These discounts make it one of the most affordable ways to learn a new skill without a monthly subscription (unless you choose a team plan).
Pricing models include:
- Individual Courses: One-time purchase, usually between $10–$200 (watch for discounts).
- Udemy Personal Plan: Around $20/month, offers unlimited access to a curated library of 8,000+ courses.
- Team & Business Plans: Designed for employee training. The team plan supports 5–20 users at $30/user/month with access to professional development courses. Larger organizations can contact Udemy for enterprise pricing.
What Subjects Can You Learn?
The course categories are vast. Some of the most popular include:
- Tech & Development: Python, JavaScript, web development, data science
- Business: Finance, entrepreneurship, management
- Marketing: SEO, digital advertising, branding
- Personal Development: Productivity, confidence, communication skills
- Creative Skills: Photography, design, music, drawing
Because the platform is so open-ended, new courses are being added constantly – even niche topics like tarot reading or game development with Unreal Engine.
👉 Explore even better Udemy courses here on the journey to expand your knowledge!
Top Alternatives to Udemy
While Udemy is an excellent option for flexible and affordable learning, other platforms may suit specific needs better:
1. Coursera
- Best for: Academic courses and professional certificates
- Why: Partners with top universities (Stanford, Yale) and companies (Google, IBM) to offer structured, often accredited programs. Certificates carry more weight on resumes.
- Drawback: Higher effort and cost; less flexible than Udemy.
2. Google Career Certificates
- Best for: Entry-level job seekers in tech-related fields
- Why: Industry-recognized credentials in data analytics, UX design, project management, and IT support. Developed by Google with job placement in mind.
- Cost: Around $39/month via Coursera; most courses take 3–6 months to complete.
- Bonus: No prior experience or degree required.
Final Thoughts: Is Udemy Right for You?
Udemy is a fantastic tool for curious learners, self-starters, and professionals who want to enhance their skills without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for:
- Building a portfolio
- Gaining hands-on skills
- Exploring hobbies
- Prepping for certification exams
But remember: Udemy isn’t a shortcut to credentials or a replacement for traditional education. It’s best used as a bridge – to learning something new, trying a career pivot, or developing skills that support your goals.
If you’re looking for structured, accredited programs, you might explore Coursera or edX. If you’re looking for fast, flexible, and practical knowledge at your own pace – Udemy might just be your new favorite resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Udemy certificates valuable?
They’re valuable for learning and skill-building, but not as credentials. Use what you learn to create projects that demonstrate your abilities.
Q: Does Udemy charge a monthly fee?
Only if you subscribe to the Personal Plan (~$20/month). Otherwise, you pay per course.
Q: Can I include Udemy on my resume?
Yes, but do so strategically. It’s better to mention what you did with the knowledge – like building a website or launching a campaign – rather than just listing the course.
Q: Can anyone teach on Udemy?
Yes! Anyone can become an instructor. Courses must pass a basic quality review, but there’s a low barrier to entry compared to other platforms.
Q: Will Udemy help me get a job?
Indirectly, yes – if you apply the skills in a meaningful way. Don’t rely on a certificate alone; use it as a stepping stone to real-world accomplishments.