The 11 Best Online Courses in Canada for 2024

Have you ever wanted to learn how to code? Sing? Design an app or learn a new language? What if you could learn these things without ever having to leave your couch?

Well, you can. If you’re a new student, looking for a career change, or just want a new challenge, online courses in Canada are a great place to start. 

Whether you’re interested in design, tech, marketing, or something else, continue reading to learn about the top online courses in Canada and some tips for success in online learning. 

The 11 Best Online Courses in Canada 

The following schools or programs offer some of the best online courses in Canada:

1. Robertson College
2. University of Toronto
3. Athabasca University
4. Digital Marketing Academy of Canada
5. Centennial College
6. Alison
7. Perimeter Institute 
8. LinkedIn Learning
9. University of Alberta
10. HubSpot Academy
11. Humber College

This list offers a comprehensive selection of high-quality online courses designed to give students a valuable learning experience. Courses included are offered by well-regarded universities, colleges, and other trusted providers within their respective industries. They provide relevant and up-to-date curriculums to help students achieve their learning goals. 

The courses are led and/or created by qualified industry professionals and cater to a wide range of learners, from beginners to those seeking to advance their skills. They cover diverse subjects to help students develop in various fields. The courses included are also well-rated by students. 

1. Robertson College

Robertson College offers more than 40 online courses to help students build their skills and gain the essential knowledge they need to jumpstart their careers. With micro-courses as short as 10 hours and other full diploma programs as long as 51 weeks, there’s a wide range of time commitment depending on the student’s end goals. 

Guided by industry experts, Robertson’s online programs provide students with equal flexibility and support. Hosted on Brightspace, Robertson students have the tools to easily connect with their Instructors and peers for collaboration. Instructors are industry leaders with real-world experience.

Featured Courses:

• Community Support Worker Diploma
• Cyber & Cloud Security
• Human Resource Coordinator Diploma
• Legal Assistant Diploma
• Project Management

2. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management has many popular online business courses. These programs vary in length, from as little as six weeks to full degree programs. The University of Toronto also offers hybrid programs. 

Many schools in Ontario offer online courses and programs through eCampusOntario’s Learn Online portal. Learners can take individual courses from various institutions or do full programs via the portal. Schools on this list that are a part of eCampusOntario include the University of Toronto, Centennial College, and Humber College. 

Featured Courses:

• FinTech: Future of Payments
• Cybersecurity Bootcamp
• Introduction to Neuroscience

3. Athabasca University

Athabasca University is considered Canada’s first online-only university, offering undergraduate, graduate, individual, and professional development courses. With more than 850 course options across various disciplines, Athabasca boasts a vast course catalogue. Areas of study include arts, business and administration, humanities, and science, among other subjects. 

Students 16 and older can register for online courses and begin working toward a Bachelor’s Degree, certificate, or diploma in their chosen area of study. With self-pacing options, students can complete coursework on their schedule. Some courses may require prerequisites. 

Featured Courses:

• Accounting for Managers
• Microcomputer Applications in Business (Windows)
• Concepts in Mental Health

4. Digital Marketing Academy of Canada

The Digital Marketing Academy of Canada (DMAC) was established in 2013 by digital marketing specialists with the goal of helping students start their careers in digital marketing, regardless of their skill level or budget. The programs are designed and taught by digital marketing specialists, allowing students to learn from industry experts. 

With DMAC, students can get certification to work in digital marketing through fully online courses. DMAC offers three courses at a range of price points. Courses are all under $3,000 CAD and take less than 35 hours. 

Featured Courses:

• Digital & Social Media Marketing Fundamentals Crash Course
• Digital & Social Media Marketing Fundamentals
• Advanced Digital Marketing Professional Course

5. Centennial College

A part of eCampusOntario’s Learn Online portal, Centennial College offers more than 200 online courses across a range of disciplines. Offering both full- and part-time programs, Centennial’s focus is on meeting students where they’re at in their career and education journey. With leading industry professionals for instructors and interactive learning features, students are set up to succeed. 

Programs range in length from one to three years, including college preparation courses, graduate studies, and certificate and diploma programs. Centennial offers courses in many fields, such as marketing, culinary pursuits, and business. 

Featured Courses:

• Art and Design Fundamentals
• Construction Project Management 
• Game – Development 

6. Alison 

Alison has over 2,000 free courses to choose from in a wide range of subject areas, such as IT, language, science, lifestyle, and skilled trades. Courses are a mix of certificates, diplomas, and learning paths with different durations and content areas. Certificate courses average two to three hours, diploma courses average eight to 10 hours, and learning paths average 18-20 hours. 

With free courses, Alison is a great option for students looking to explore a range of subjects to help them figure out what they may be interested in pursuing more in-depth. However, Alison is not an accredited institution, so while the courses can provide a good starting point for understanding different topics, they may not necessarily provide the skills or certifications to secure employment in the desired job field. 

Featured Courses:

• Advanced Parenting Skills
• Basics of Security Management 
• Administrative Support

7. Perimeter Institute

The Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics is a scientific research institute based out of Waterloo, Ontario. The school is particularly unique in that it’s a not-for-profit registered charity, offering a range of free online courses at the graduate level. 

Perimeter is one of the world’s largest theoretical physics research-focused institutions. Stephen Hawking was one of the Perimeter Institute’s Distinguished Research Chairs. The institute’s focus on research is considered to be groundbreaking for the field, making it particularly exceptional that it offers free online courses. 

Featured Courses:

• Quantum Field Theory I
• Cosmology
• Statistical Physics

8. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning students can choose from over 21,000 courses, with new ones added weekly. There’s also the option to purchase LinkedIn Learning for multiple people with LinkedIn Teams. LinkedIn Learning is subscription-based, with a one-month free trial. The subscription also includes LinkedIn’s premium features. 

LinkedIn Learning’s courses focus on career development across various sectors. Its mission is to help job applicants stay up-to-date on industry trends. Instructors are real-world experts vetted by LinkedIn. Course categories include business, technology, and creative. 

Featured Courses:

• Leading Through Challenges: Strategies for Executive Leaders
• Learning Microsoft 365 Copilot 
• Integrating Generative AI into the Creative Process

9. University of Alberta

Based out of Edmonton, the University of Alberta (U of A) is one of the top five universities in Canada. U of A offers online learning options for undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as continuing education and online on-demand courses, or massive open online courses (MOOCs).

U of A’s MOOCs are in partnership with Coursera, offering free online courses. All of the U of A courses are in line with Alberta’s curriculum and provide students with university credit, where applicable. 

Featured Courses:

• Arctic: Peoples and Cultures
• Dino 101
• Problem Solving, Python Programming, and Video Games

10. HubSpot Academy

HubSpot Academy has a plethora of free online courses to help students advance their careers, show off their skills, or grow their businesses. HubSpot’s courses are tailored to creatives, offering certifications in marketing, sales, service, web design and development, as well as data privacy. Courses can take as little as 30 minutes with the more extensive content lasting well over five hours. 

If you want to hone in on your social media, advertising, design, or programming skills, HubSpot is a great place to start. Students simply need to sign up to begin earning industry-recognized certifications. 

Featured Courses:

• Inbound Marketing Optimization
• Growth Driven Design
• Frictionless Sales

11. Humber College

Also part of eCampusOntario’s Learn Online portal, Humber College has more than 500 online courses for students to choose from. Humber College designs its online courses with the following principles: simplicity, usability, and accessibility.

Full-time programs are offered during the day, on evenings and weekends, or a combination, allowing students to pursue their education at a time that works for them. Students can also choose between synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid learning models. Students who complete online programs at Humber will earn either a Graduate Certificate or a diploma.

Featured Courses:

• Cloud Computing
• Creative Book Publishing
• Wellness Coaching

How To Succeed in Online Courses

For anyone new to online learning, it may take a bit of an adjustment to stay motivated and keep on track. Here are some tips for succeeding in online courses:

• Create a dedicated study space. The beauty of online courses is they allow you to study wherever you want. Choose a space where you feel comfortable and focused so you can get the most out of your study time. 
• Avoid distractions. When you sit down to study, sit down to study. Minimizedistractions by turning your phone off or moving it to another part of the room. You could even set a timer so you have a dedicated time to study before taking a break. 
• Create a study plan. If you’re taking a course with a specified time frame, plan when you’re going to study. Ensure you have enough time each week to get your coursework done so you stay on track without feeling stressed.
• Take notes. Even if you’re working on a laptop, taking notes in your own words may help you remember the course material better. Instead of copying things down word for word, adding your own spin will help jog your memory and give you a chance to eliminate information that isn’t valuable to your learning. 
• Take breaks. Yes, breaks are just as important as studying! Giving yourself time away from your screen will help refresh your mind and keep you awake so you feel more focused the next time you sit down. 
• Take care of yourself. The better you take care of yourself, the better you’ll be able to study. Eat healthy, move your body, and don’t forget to take time for yourself. These things all help you recharge and rest when you’re not hitting the books.
• Know your study style. Knowing what type of learner you are can provide insight into the study methods that will be most effective for you. For example, visual learners benefit from colour-coded notes and charts to visualize information. 

FAQ

Still have questions? Continue reading for more information about online courses in Canada.

What’s the Best Online Course in Canada?

The best online course in Canada depends on what you’re looking for. Many schools offer online and hybrid courses, with some top options including Robertson College’s Project Management course, the University of Toronto’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp, and Alison’s wide range of free courses. 

How Many Online Courses Can International Students Take in Canada?

As of September 2024, international students are required to be in Canada for the duration of their education and complete no more than 50% of their courses online. 

What Are Enrollment Requirements for Online Courses in Canada?

Enrollment requirements vary depending on the specific school and course. Some courses may require prerequisites for enrollment, while others just require application and tuition fees. Robertson’s admission requirements vary by program, but our team of Admission Advisors can help you with your application. 

How Do I Find the Best Online Course For Me?

When trying to decide what college program is right for you, consider your end goal and your needs. Consider your budget, the amount of time you’re willing to invest in your education, if you’d like to pursue full- or part-time education, and what you would like to do afterward. 

Build Your Skills Online With Robertson College

If you’re interested in online courses in Canada and want to get a jumpstart on your career, consider Robertson College for your education. With the option to learn online either with self- or instructor-led courses, Robertson provides the flexibility and support you need to finish your education — plus, our graduates have an 88% employment rate. With a wide range of course offerings and lifelong career support from their Workforce team, Robertson will help you achieve your career goals faster. 

Learn more about Robertson’s online study options!