Human Resources is the backbone of every successful organization. Whether you’re new to HR or looking to upskill, continuing education is essential—but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Today, there are countless affordable online HR courses designed to fit your budget and your schedule.
Here are some of the best platforms offering cost-effective HR training:
1. Coursera
Coursera offers high-quality courses from top universities like the University of Minnesota and the University of London. Many courses are free to audit, with optional paid certificates. Try the “Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers” specialization or “Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding Employees.”
2. LinkedIn Learning
With a free trial and a low monthly subscription, LinkedIn Learning gives you access to thousands of HR-focused courses. Popular options include “HR as a Business Partner,” “HR Analytics,” and “Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging.”
3. Udemy
Udemy is a great choice for one-time-purchase courses, often available for under $20 during sales. Look for top-rated courses like “HR Fundamentals,” “Strategic HR Management,” or “Hiring and Interviewing for Managers and HR Professionals.”

4. Alison
Alison provides free courses with the option to purchase a certificate. Relevant picks include “Diploma in Human Resources,” “Managing Recruitment,” and “Employee Motivation.”
5. edX
From foundational knowledge to advanced topics, edX offers free-to-audit courses from institutions like MIT and IIM. Pay only if you want a certificate. Recommended: “People Management” and “Introduction to Human Resource Management.”