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Free Azure Courses with Certificates in 2025: Microsoft, Coursera, and ProjectADVANCED
- Jack K Mujiri
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
Introduction
Cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming how businesses operate, innovate, and deliver value. As companies increasingly adopt Microsoft Azure for scalable, secure, and intelligent solutions, professionals with Azure skills are in exceptionally high demand.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to enter the cloud industry or an experienced IT professional seeking certification, there are now numerous free Azure learning platforms available worldwide.
In this post, we’ll explore the best places to learn Azure for free — including Microsoft Learn, ProjectADVANCED, Coursera, Udemy, K21 Academy, Great Learning, and A Cloud Guru — so you can start mastering cloud and AI technologies today.
1. Microsoft Learn – The Official Azure Learning Platform
Link: Microsoft Learn
Microsoft Learn is the official training platform for Azure and other Microsoft technologies. It provides self-paced learning paths, interactive labs, and a sandbox environment for hands-on practice.
Key Benefits:
Free Azure account with $200 credit for 30 days.
12 months of free popular services for continuous practice.
Certification-aligned learning paths such as AZ-900, AZ-104, AI-102, and DP-100.
Real-world exercises for beginners and advanced learners alike.
If you want to start your journey directly from Microsoft’s official ecosystem, this is the best place to begin.
2. ProjectADVANCED – AI Foundry Course in Azure (Completely Free and Hands-On)
ProjectADVANCED stands out as one of the most impactful global learning initiatives providing free, practical Azure and AI training for learners across Africa, the U.S., the U.K., and the UAE.
The AI Foundry Course in Azure is a lab-driven, project-oriented program designed to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. Participants gain hands-on experience working inside live Azure environments while building intelligent, enterprise-grade solutions.
What You’ll Learn:
Azure Environment Setup and Resource Management
Storage Account Deployment and Container Configuration
AI Search Integration and Cognitive Services
Azure OpenAI API Implementation
Security, Monitoring, and Cloud Governance
Why It’s Unique:
100 percent free with guided practical labs.
Covers certification-ready modules for AZ-104, AI-102, and DP-100.
Global learning community with mentorship and collaboration.
Sponsored by ProjectADVANCED, committed to bridging educational gaps and fostering innovation worldwide.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a fully deployed Azure project, a portfolio-ready AI application, and the confidence to pursue professional certifications or launch your own tech solutions.
3. Coursera – Azure Learning from Top Institutions
Link: Coursera
Coursera collaborates with Microsoft and top universities to deliver free-to-audit Azure and AI courses. Learners can watch video lessons and read materials for free, while certificates require payment.
Highlights:
Courses from trusted partners like Microsoft and DeepLearning.AI.
Free access to content; optional paid certificates.
Topics range from Azure Fundamentals to Data Science and AI Integration.
4. Udemy – Free Azure Courses from Global Instructors
Link: Udemy
Udemy features hundreds of Azure-related courses, including many free or low-cost options taught by experienced instructors.
Highlights:
Hands-on, real-world learning through video tutorials.
Lifetime access once enrolled.
Ideal for quick, practical upskilling.
Tip: Free courses are sometimes limited-time offers, so enroll early to secure access.
5. K21 Academy – Practical Azure Training with Certificates
Link: K21 Academy
K21 Academy focuses on hands-on enterprise cloud training. Their free introductory Azure courses include live workshops and practical assignments.
Highlights:
Real-world labs and webinars.
Certificates of completion for select free courses.
Access to a supportive learning community.
6. Great Learning – Free Azure Courses with Certificates
Link: Great Learning
Great Learning offers structured, beginner-friendly Azure and AI courses that include a free certificate upon completion.
Highlights:
Self-paced video lessons.
Well-organized modules and assessments.
Free digital certificate for every completed course.
7. A Cloud Guru – Immersive Cloud Learning Platform
Link: A Cloud Guru
A Cloud Guru (now part of Pluralsight) provides immersive, lab-based learning for all major cloud platforms. While primarily subscription-based, it offers free trials and periodic free-access weekends.
Highlights:
Real Azure labs with sandbox environments.
Engaging, gamified learning interface.
Beginner to expert-level cloud certification paths.
Notes on Taking Free Azure Courses
Microsoft: Offers a free Azure account with $200 credit and 12 months of free services for practice.
ProjectADVANCED: Provides a comprehensive, guided, and fully practical AI and Azure course with real-world deployment experience.
Coursera: Courses are free to audit; payment is only required for graded assignments or certificates.
Udemy: Many free options are available; enroll early as offers may expire.
K21 Academy & Great Learning: Include free courses with certificates for completed modules.
A Cloud Guru: Great for immersive labs during free-access periods.
Conclusion
Learning Microsoft Azure has never been more accessible. Whether you prefer Microsoft Learn for official certification training, Coursera for academic-style content, or ProjectADVANCED’s AI Foundry Course in Azure for real-world, hands-on experience, you now have multiple free pathways to grow your cloud career.
The world is shifting toward intelligent, cloud-powered systems. These platforms give you the skills, projects, and certifications to stay ahead of that curve and thrive in the digital future.
👉 Start learning today with the AI Foundry Course in Azure — your first step toward mastering the cloud and becoming a leader in the AI-driven world.
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