As someone who’s spent hours scrolling through online learning platforms, Coursera has always been a favourite of mine. But let me tell you—when I discovered Coursera Plus, it was a real game-changer. If you’re looking to take multiple courses and trying to upskill without breaking the bank, Coursera Plus is one to consider. In this article, I break down 7 reasons why Coursera Plus is worth considering.
In writing this article, I talk about my own experiences of using Coursera Plus and how it helped me develop my skills in order to navigate my career development. This piece is both personal and honest, aiming to serve as a guide for anyone considering a similar transition when the time feels right.
Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor
Coursera Plus Summary
Coursera Plus is a subscription plan that gives you unlimited access to over 10,000 courses, Guided Projects, Specializations, and Professional Certificates—covering more than 90% of the Coursera catalogue. With Coursera Plus, you can take as many courses as you like without paying extra, and you’ll earn certificates for every course you complete (as long as you pass and verify your identity). You can choose between a monthly plan for $59 (with a 7-day free trial) or an annual plan for $399 (with a 14-day money-back guarantee). Both options are flexible and can be cancelled at any time. While it doesn’t include for-credit programs like Degrees or MasterTrack, it’s an excellent option for learners who want to upskill at their own pace at an affordable price.
1. Unlimited Learning
With Coursera Plus, you pay one flat fee and unlock unlimited access to over 10,000 courses, guided projects, Specializations, and Professional Certificates. This means you can explore a wide range of topics—from data science to personal development—without worrying about additional costs. However, it’s important to note that not everything on Coursera is included. For-credit programs like Degree courses, MasterTrack programs, and a few Professional Certificates aren’t part of the subscription. Even so, with such a vast library of high-quality content, Coursera Plus offers more than enough to fuel your learning journey.
2. Value for Money
With Coursera Plus, you pay one flat fee for unlimited access to over 10,000 courses, guided projects, and specializations. I get it—the upfront cost might seem high, but hear me out if you plan to take even two or three courses in a year, the subscription more than pays for itself. The monthly plan is $59, while the annual plan is $399, and both offer excellent value if you’re serious about learning. I initially hesitated and paid for an individual course, thinking the subscription was too pricey. But after signing up for a second course, I realized I’d already spent more than a month’s subscription cost. My advice? Seriously consider the subscription if you think you’ll take more than one course. If the annual plan feels overwhelming, the monthly option offers a more budget-friendly way to get started.
3. Work at Your Own Pace
Ever started a course, only to realize you’re too busy to finish it? Same here—it’s so frustrating when life gets in the way of learning. That’s why I love Coursera Plus. With no deadlines tied to individual purchases, there’s no pressure to speed through a course just to get your money’s worth. You can pause when things get hectic and pick up right where you left off when you’re ready. Whether you want to binge-learn over a weekend or spread your studies out over months, it’s entirely up to you. This kind of flexibility makes learning so much more enjoyable and sustainable, especially if you’re juggling work, family, or other commitments. For me, Coursera Plus takes the stress out of online learning and truly lets me progress at my own pace.
4. Industry-Recognized Certificates
Showcasing your skills can make all the difference, especially when you’re aiming to land remote work or take your career to the next level. The certificates you earn through Coursera Plus carry real weight—they’re issued by top universities and industry leaders like Google, IBM, and Meta, making them highly credible. Whether you’re building expertise in a specific field or demonstrating your commitment to lifelong learning, these certificates are a tangible way to showcase your achievements. I’ve personally added a few to my LinkedIn profile, and they’ve helped me stand out in a competitive job market. Employers and recruiters value these credentials, especially when they come from such reputable sources, making them a powerful tool for opening doors to new opportunities.
5. Top Instructors
One of the things I value most about Coursera is the exceptional quality of its instructors. You’ll learn from world-class professors at top universities like Stanford, Yale, and Duke, as well as industry leaders from globally recognized companies like Google, IBM, and Meta. These are experts who not only understand their fields deeply but also know how to teach in a way that’s engaging and accessible. The learning experience feels like you’re sitting in on a real college lecture or attending a high-level industry workshop—without the sky-high tuition fees. What’s more, many instructors incorporate real-world examples and up-to-date industry practices, so you’re learning skills that are immediately applicable. For me, knowing I’m gaining knowledge from such credible and respected sources makes the investment in Coursera Plus completely worthwhile. It’s like getting a front-row seat to some of the best minds in the world, all from the comfort of home.
6. Diverse Learning
Coursera Plus caters to learners with a wide range of goals, whether you’re looking to switch careers, level up in your current role, or simply explore new hobbies. From single beginner courses to advanced Specializations and Professional Certificates, there’s something for everyone. For example, you could start with a basic Excel course and then progress to a full-fledged data analytics certification—all under one subscription. This versatility ensures that you’re always learning at a level that aligns with your goals, making it a perfect fit for lifelong learners and career-focused individuals alike.
7. Trusted Partners
What sets Coursera Plus apart from many competitors is its strong partnerships with world-renowned universities and leading companies. Platforms like MasterClass or DataCamp may offer courses from independent creators, but with Coursera Plus, you’re learning directly from trusted institutions like Stanford, Yale, and Google. This not only ensures the content is credible and up-to-date, but also gives you confidence that you’re gaining skills from the best in the field. If reputation and quality matter to you, Coursera Plus delivers an unparalleled learning experience.
Final thoughts: Is Coursera Plus Worth it?
In the end, whether Coursera Plus is worth it comes down to how serious you are about learning and upskilling. With unlimited access to thousands of high-quality courses, flexible learning at your own pace, and certificates from top universities and companies, it’s a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. I’ve found it to be an incredible value for the investment, especially given the breadth of topics and the credibility of the content. If you’re looking to explore diverse learning paths, gain industry-recognized credentials, and learn from world-class instructors—all while keeping costs manageable—Coursera Plus is absolutely worth considering.
FAQs
Coursera Plus gives you unlimited access to over 10,000 courses, Guided Projects, Specializations, and Professional Certificates. However, for-credit programs like Degrees and MasterTrack aren’t included.