Best Generative AI Courses and Certifications in 2026

Free and paid generative AI courses to learn new AI skills

Generative AI is revolutionizing the way people learn, create, and work. As large language models (LLMs) and generative engines like Gemini and ChatGPT redefine discovery, demand for AI skills continues to rise. Companies now value professionals who can understand model outputs, design prompts, and integrate generative AI tools into workflows.

If you want to learn generative AI or upskill in 2026, below are some of the best generative AI courses to help you become more competitive. We explore free courses, professional AI certifications offered by universities, and popular AI training with Coursera and Udemy.

6 free generative AI courses and certifications

Several leading organizations now offer free, high-quality generative AI courses with certificates or shareable badges. These programs are perfect entry points for anyone who wants to learn about LLMs and generative AI for free before pursuing longer or paid AI certifications.

1. ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers (DeepLearning.AI + OpenAI)

A 90-minute beginner course taught by Andrew Ng and Isa Fulford. You’ll practice prompt-engineering best practices and build a custom chatbot using the OpenAI API. The short format includes nine video lessons and seven code examples, which make it ideal for developers exploring LLM applications.

2. LLMOps (DeepLearning.AI + Google Cloud)

A free, 81-minute course led by Erwin Huizenga that teaches how to fine-tune and deploy large language models using open-source tools and Google Cloud. It covers supervised tuning, version control, and responsible monitoring practices for AI applications.

3. Google Introduction to Generative AI

Google’s free one-hour course on Cloud Skills Boost explains how generative AI and large language models work. You’ll explore real-world examples, responsible AI practices, and how Google tools, such as Gemini, support content generation and automation.

4. Microsoft Fundamental AI Concepts

Microsoft’s free one-hour course on Microsoft Learn introduces core AI principles, including neural networks and machine learning. You’ll see how AI is integrated into Microsoft 365 and Azure, providing a quick and accessible way to understand the basics of modern AI.

5. Generative AI Fundamentals (Databricks)

A short, on-demand course that introduces LLM concepts, practical applications, and risk management. You can also earn a Generative AI certification to display on LinkedIn or a résumé.

6. NVIDIA Developer Program Courses (NVIDIA)

Free self-paced technical training modules for registered developers. Options include Generative AI and LLMs, Deep Learning, and Graph Neural Networks. Participants gain access to NVIDIA NIM™ and Omniverse™ tools for research and experimentation.

5 best courses on generative AI (paid and advanced)

If you want to go beyond introductory lessons, several top-ranked universities now offer paid certifications that combine business strategy, model development, and leadership training. These programs carry global recognition and are ideal if you want to add a generative AI certificate to your professional credentials. Most courses run for six to eight weeks and require a part-time commitment of about six to ten hours per week.

1. Oxford University Artificial Intelligence Program

Oxford’s AI Program teaches you how to lead digital transformation using AI strategy, ethics, and governance. You’ll explore real business applications and build frameworks for AI adoption across industries.

• Cost: about $2,600–$2,900 USD
• Duration: 6 weeks, part-time (6–8 hours weekly)

2. Purdue University Applied Generative AI Specialization

Purdue’s specialization focuses on applying generative AI through transformers, LangChain, and RAG workflows. You’ll complete hands-on projects that strengthen your technical understanding of model architecture and deployment.

• Cost: about $2,500 USD
• Duration: 8 weeks, part-time (5–8 hours weekly)

3. MIT AI Implications for Business Strategy

MIT’s program helps you align AI with business goals. You’ll learn how to identify opportunities, manage risks, and apply data-driven strategies to improve decision-making and innovation.

• Cost: around $3,200 USD
• Duration: 6 weeks, part-time (6–8 hours weekly)

4. Imperial College Business School Data Strategy for Leaders

Imperial College’s course connects data management and business analytics to the adoption of generative AI. You’ll design practical data frameworks that improve organizational agility and long-term competitiveness.

• Cost: roughly $2,500 USD
• Duration: 8 weeks, part-time (6–10 hours weekly)

5. University of Michigan Professional Certificate in AI and Machine Learning

The University of Michigan’s certificate blends theory with practice through Python-based projects. You’ll build and train models, automate workflows, and understand how machine learning supports generative AI systems.

• Cost: about $3,600 USD for the full certificate
• Duration: 6 months, self-paced with flexible scheduling

10 top Coursera generative AI courses

Coursera remains one of the most popular platforms for affordable generative AI training. You can audit most courses for free or pay for certificates that verify your skills. Each program combines guided projects, real-world examples, and flexible scheduling to accommodate people with busy work schedules.

1. Generative AI: Introduction and Applications (IBM)

IBM’s course covers the foundations of generative AI, ChatGPT, and responsible AI practices. You’ll explore text and image generation and learn how generative systems support business and creative workflows.

• Cost: free to audit or about $49 USD per month with a certificate
• Duration: 4 weeks, part-time (3–5 hours weekly)

2. Generative AI Leader (Google Cloud)

This professional certificate introduces Google’s Gemini ecosystem and explains how AI supports decision-making and workflow automation. You’ll also study responsible AI and leadership applications in the workplace.

• Cost: free to audit or about $49 USD per month
• Duration: 3 months, part-time (4–6 hours weekly)

3. Generative AI for UI/UX Design (IBM)

A practical course for designers who want to use AI in research, prototyping, and ideation. You’ll explore generative design tools and prompt-writing techniques for better creative outcomes.

• Cost: free to audit or about $49 USD per month
• Duration: 4 weeks, part-time (3–5 hours weekly)

4. Generative AI for Everyone (DeepLearning.AI)

Taught by Andrew Ng, this course explains how generative AI systems create text, images, and code. It uses everyday examples to show how AI supports creativity and productivity without requiring any coding skills.

• Cost: free to audit or about $49 USD per month
• Duration: 3 weeks, part-time (2–3 hours weekly)

5. Introduction to Generative AI (Google Cloud)

A beginner-level course that introduces large language models and responsible AI. You’ll practice using Google’s tools to generate and analyze text.

• Cost: free
• Duration: 1 hour, self-paced

6. Generative AI Fundamentals (IBM)

This multi-course specialization covers prompt engineering, data ethics, and leadership principles for the adoption of AI. You’ll complete practical exercises using IBM’s cloud environment.

• Cost: about $49 USD per month
• Duration: 3–6 months, self-paced

7. Generative AI Engineering with LLMs (IBM)

You’ll learn how to fine-tune models, build pipelines, and integrate LangChain. The program focuses on developing production-ready generative AI applications.

• Cost: about $49 USD per month
• Duration: 3 months, part-time (4–6 hours weekly)

8. Generative AI for Executives and Business Leaders (IBM)

This course teaches you how to incorporate generative AI into strategic planning. You’ll explore ethical frameworks, business cases, and executive decision-making tools.

• Cost: about $79 USD per month
• Duration: 2 months, part-time (3–5 hours weekly)

9. Generative AI Automation (Vanderbilt University)

You’ll learn how to use AI to automate workflows and improve productivity across business operations. The course includes examples from marketing and data management.

• Cost: about $49 USD per month
• Duration: 4 weeks, part-time (3–5 hours weekly)

10. Responsible Generative AI (University of Michigan)

You’ll study responsible AI design, governance, and risk management. This generative AI course is ideal for those who want to learn how to deploy generative systems ethically and transparently.

• Cost: about $49 USD per month
• Duration: 4 weeks, part-time (3–5 hours weekly)

6 popular Udemy generative AI courses

Udemy offers practical, project-based courses in generative AI for all experience levels. Each course includes lifetime access and downloadable resources, which make Udemy a good option for those who learn by doing.

1. Generative AI for Beginners (Aakriti E-Learning Academy)

This best-selling course covers ChatGPT, prompt design, and chatbot creation. You’ll build your own AI-powered assistant in less than four hours.

• Cost: about $19.99 USD
• Duration: 3.5 hours, on demand

2. Complete Generative AI Course with LangChain and Hugging Face (Krish Naik)

You’ll build and deploy real-world applications using LangChain, Hugging Face, and RAG pipelines. The course includes detailed coding walkthroughs.

• Cost: about $13.99 USD
• Duration: 54 hours, on demand

3. Mastering Generative AI: LLM Apps, LangChain, RAG & Chatbots (Dr. Satyajit Pattnaik)

You’ll create chatbots and retrieval-augmented generation systems step by step. The focus of this AI course is on mastering LangChain and integrating APIs for custom workflows.

• Cost: about $13.99 USD
• Duration: 12 hours, on demand

4. Build Generative AI Apps and Solutions with No-Code Tools (Henry Habib)

This course teaches you how to create generative AI applications without writing code. You’ll use Power Apps, Microsoft Copilot, and automation workflows.

• Cost: about $13.99 USD
• Duration: 5.5 hours, on demand

5. Generative AI for Business Leaders (Hassan Osman)

Designed for managers, this course shows you how to bring generative AI into your team’s daily work. You’ll review real examples of AI-driven business improvement.

• Cost: about $14.99 USD
• Duration: 1 hour, on demand

6. Master Generative AI and Tools (Saad A)

You’ll explore primary AI tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Midjourney. The course focuses on using each tool for text, image, and video creation.

• Cost: about $13.99 USD
• Duration: 14.5 hours, on demand

What you’ll learn in a generative AI training course

Generative AI courses combine theory, application, and experimentation. You’ll learn the fundamentals of LLMs and prompt design, and build tools that generate text, images, and code.

Prompt engineering and LLM fundamentals

You’ll start by learning how large language models understand context and respond to instructions. Courses like ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers demonstrate how to write effective prompts that generate more accurate answers and refine them for specific objectives, such as summarizing content, translating text, or building chatbots.

Generative workflows for text, images, and code

You’ll get hands-on experience connecting different AI tools to automate creative and technical work. Courses such as Udemy’s Complete Generative AI Course with LangChain and Hugging Face walk you through real examples of using LLMs for writing, design, and coding. By the end, you’ll know how to use generative AI to save time, scale content, or assist with development projects.

Fine-tuning and responsible deployment

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can move into model customization. The LLMOps course from DeepLearning.AI teaches you how to fine-tune and deploy models using Google Cloud and open-source tools. You’ll handle your own data, version your experiments, and measure the safety metrics of your AI model.

Responsible AI and data ethics

Modern AI education includes a lot of discussion about the ethics of artificial intelligence. You’ll learn how to manage data, reduce bias, and evaluate risks in systems you create. Programs like IBM’s Responsible Generative AI and MIT’s AI Implications for Business Strategy teach you how to apply these ethical principles in real business settings.

GEO and real-world use

Some courses now include Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), which is a newer skill that helps you make your work more discoverable by AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini. You’ll learn how to structure text and metadata so generative models can cite your content accurately and share your insights with broader audiences.

By the end of your generative AI course, you’ll know how to build, deploy, and manage generative systems.

How to choose the right generative AI course

The best generative AI course for you depends on what you want to achieve, how much time you can commit, and, obviously, your budget. Use these five simple steps to guide your choice.

Step 1. Define your goal

Begin by determining what you want to achieve from your training. If you’re new to AI, start small. Courses like “AI for Everyone” or “Introduction to Generative AI” offer a straightforward foundation that doesn’t require coding skills. If you already work with data or code, consider courses like ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers or Generative AI Engineering with LLMs. If you lead teams, consider enrolling in an executive-level program, such as MIT’s AI Implications for Business Strategy or Oxford’s Artificial Intelligence Programme.

Step 2. Choose the correct type of AI certification

Think about how much structure and credibility you want.

• Short courses (1–4 weeks): Quick, focused, and practical. Examples include ChatGPT Prompt Engineering and Generative AI Fundamentals.
• Professional certificates (3–6 months): Balanced programs like Generative AI for Leaders or IBM’s Fundamentals give you project experience.
• University programs (8–12 weeks): Courses from Oxford, MIT, or Purdue come with alumni benefits and professional recognition.

If you want your training to count on your résumé, look for programs that issue a generative AI certificate.

Step 3. Pick a trusted platform

Stick with providers that regularly update their materials. Google Cloud and IBM courses often include enterprise-ready tools. Coursera offers flexible pacing, DeepLearning.AI adds the latest frameworks, such as LangChain and RAG, and Udemy focuses on practical, hands-on builds.

Step 4. Balance cost and time

If you’re testing the waters, start with free generative AI courses from Google, Databricks, or NVIDIA. If you’re ready to commit, professional certificates cost between £40 and £250, and university-led programs range from £2,000 to £9,000. Most people finish short generative AI courses in about four to six weeks, while executive programs take eight to twelve weeks of part-time study.