Does edX Give Financial Assistance?

Before you pay full price for an edX course, it’s worth knowing one important thing: you probably don’t have to.

edX offers a financial assistance program that can reduce the cost of many verified courses by up to 80%. That means courses that normally cost $150, $200, or more can end up costing as little as $10–$40. And unlike free trials or limited-access options, financial assistance gives you full access to the course and the official certificate once you finish.

edX Financial Assistance

What Is edX Financial Assistance?

Before jumping into the application process, it’s important to understand what edX financial assistance actually offers, because there are a lot of misconceptions around it.

First, let’s clear something up right away:
edX financial assistance is not a free trial.

When you’re approved, you’re not getting limited access, temporary access, or a watered-down version of the course. You’re getting the exact same experience as someone who paid full price.

What edX Financial Assistance Includes

With financial assistance, you get:

• Up to 80% off the cost of a verified certificate

• Full access to all course content

• Graded assignments and quizzes

• Project work (if the course includes it)

• The official verified certificate upon completion

There are no hidden limitations, no locked modules, and nothing you need to cancel later. Once you pay the discounted amount, your access is yours for the duration of the course.

Audit Track vs Financial Assistance

Before you can apply for edX financial assistance, you’ll encounter another option called auditing a course. While the two are connected, they’re not the same thing.

What Is the Audit Track?

Auditing a course means enrolling for free.

When you audit a course, you get:

• Access to video lectures

• Access to readings and learning materials

Auditing is a great way to:

• Explore the course content

• See if the teaching style works for you

• Decide whether the course is worth committing to

However, there are some important limitations.

Limitations of Auditing

When you’re auditing a course, you cannot:

• Submit graded assignments

• Take graded quizzes or exams

• Earn a certificate

In other words, auditing lets you learn, but it doesn’t let you prove what you’ve learned.

Once your financial assistance application is approved and you apply the discount code, your access upgrades from audit to verified. This upgrade instantly unlocks:

• All graded assignments

• Deadlines and assessments

• Final projects

• The verified certificate

Even better, any progress you make while auditing carries over. You don’t lose your notes, completed videos, or reading progress when you upgrade.

One thing to watch out for:
Some courses only allow auditing for a limited time. If you know you want to apply for financial assistance, it’s a good idea to enroll early so you don’t miss that window.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

Now let’s get into the practical part: how to actually apply.

Step 1: Choose Your Course

Start by selecting the course or Professional Certificate you’re interested in.

For example, you might choose something like:

• Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence by Harvard

• A data science or programming certificate

• A business or management course

If you’re looking at a Professional Certificate, remember that it’s usually made up of multiple individual courses. Since you’re limited to five financial assistance approvals per year, keep that in mind when planning.

Step 2: Open the Course (Not the Certificate Checkout)

If you’re viewing a Professional Certificate page, don’t click “Earn a Certificate” right away.

Instead:

• Open the Courses tab

• View the individual courses included in the certificate

You’ll be applying for financial assistance per course, not for the entire certificate at once.

Step 3: Enroll in Audit Mode

Click View Course, then select Audit Course, and continue.

This enrolls you for free and is required before the financial assistance option appears.

Step 4: Find the Financial Assistance Link

Once you’re enrolled in audit mode:

• Go to Course Tools

• Look for the Financial Assistance link

• Click it

This takes you to the financial assistance information page.

Step 5: Start the Application

Scroll down and click Apply for Financial Assistance.

This opens the application form.

Step 6: Complete the Application

The application is refreshingly simple.

You’ll:

• Confirm your profile details

• Select the course you want assistance for (from courses you’ve audited)

• Review the terms and conditions

Unlike platforms like Coursera, there are no written questions or long responses required. You’re essentially confirming your intent and eligibility.

Step 7: Submit and Wait

Agree to the terms, click Submit Application, and you’re done.

You’ll receive:

• An immediate email confirming your application was received

• A decision, typically within 2–5 days

In busier periods, it can take up to 4 weeks, but most learners hear back fairly quickly.

My Top Tips for Getting Approved

Once you’ve submitted your application, here’s what happens behind the scenes — and what you can expect next.

Approval Timeline

edX reviews your application and sends you an email with the outcome. Whether you’re approved or declined, you’ll always receive a response.

If You’re Approved

If your application is approved, the email will include:

• A discount code (coupon)

• A direct link to apply it automatically at checkout

When you apply the code, you’ll immediately see the reduced price — up to 80% off.

Once you complete the payment:

• Your course access upgrades instantly

• All assignments and graded content unlock

• You’re treated exactly like a full-paying learner

There’s no difference in course quality, recognition, or certification.

If You’re Not Approved

If your application is declined, don’t panic.

You can:

• Apply again later

• Try another course

• Continue auditing the course for free if available

Rejection doesn’t prevent you from learning — it just means you won’t receive the discount for that specific application.

Completing the Course and Getting Certified

After you finish the coursework and pass the required assignments, you’ll earn the same verified certificate as anyone who paid full price.

There’s no indication on the certificate that financial assistance was used.

Final Thoughts

Learning shouldn’t be limited by your budget, and edX financial assistance is one of the best examples of that idea in action.

If there’s an edX course or certificate you’ve been interested in, don’t let the price stop you. With up to 80% off, financial assistance can make high-quality education from top universities genuinely affordable — and the application only takes a few minutes.

And if you’re comparing platforms, it’s worth knowing that Coursera also offers financial aid, though the process works a bit differently. If you’re exploring multiple learning platforms, understanding these options can help you make the most of your time and money.

If you’ve tried edX financial assistance yourself, feel free to share your experience. And if you’re just getting started, now you know exactly where to begin.