Looking to boost your credentials without spending a peso? You’re in luck: The University of the Philippines (UP) Open University is offering 44 free online courses through its official platform MODeL this 2025.
You’ll find the usual in-demand courses on accounting, graphic design, and artificial intelligence, but also practical, real-world skills like running an online business, caring for a newborn, and even spotting red flags.
The best part? These courses are open to everyone—no need to be a UP student, pass the UPCAT, or even be in the Philippines. They’re self-paced, too, so you can complete them whenever your schedule permits. Most courses run for three to eight weeks, and these feature a variety of resources like videos, podcasts, and electronic materials. Quizzes and assignments will be given to enhance your learning experience.
For those who are wondering, you can definitely include your finished course on your resume as they're 16-hour training sessions, as endorsed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). A certificate is issued within two weeks after the course is completed so you’ll have proof of your newfound expertise in no time.
Read more: 5 Top Universities That Offer Free Online Courses
How to register
Self-enrollment usually opens two weeks before a course starts.
To register, fill out all the required fields in this registration form. After completing the form, click on "Create My New Account." You will then receive an email to confirm your account. Do note that new accounts are only created on Thursdays, with a weekly cut-off for registration on Wednesdays at 4 p.m.
Once confirmed, you can log in to the platform and select the specific courses you want to enroll in. You can check out the full course list for 2025 below!
Free online courses at the UP Open University
January
- Basics of Resilience
- Hazard and Risk Assessment Fundamentals
- Overview of Policies and Strategies for Climate and Disaster Resilience
February
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Principles of Graphic Design
- Creativity and Innovation
March
- Introduction to Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)
- Strategic Planning in Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)
- Understanding the Child Better
- Resilience Strategies Across the Four Pillars
- Introduction to Biodiversity Mainstreaming and Approaches in the ASEAN Region
- Strategies and Best Practices on Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Agriculture
- Policy Development and Governance Supporting Agrobiodiversity
- Al Essentials: Theory and Practice
April
- Maging Mapanuring Botante at Mamamayan
- Introduction to Technology for Teaching and Learning
- Introductory Course on Contact Center Services
- Quality Assurance in Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)
- Learner Support in Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)
- Legal Instruments for the Protection of Children
- Scriptwriting for Educational Video Materials
- Project Management
May
- Technology in Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)
- Teaching and Learning with Modern ICTs
- Business Analytics Concepts and Frameworks
- Online Mother's Class on Newborn and Infant Care
June
- Gender Sensitivity Training
- Blended Teaching and Learning Using Open Educational Resources (OERS)
- Institutional Mechanism Towards Child Rights Protection and Promotion
- Creating Educational Materials Using PowToon
- Identifying Red Flags
- Al in Education: Teaching and Learning Strategies
July
- Introduction to Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)
- Strategic Planning in Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)
- Introduction to Technology for Teaching and Learning
- Fundamentals of Marketing
- E-Commerce Essentials: A Beginner's Guide to Online Business
- Introduction to Permaculture: The Ethics of Permaculture Design and Principles
August
- Teaching and Learning with Modern ICTs
- Planning Programs on Child Rights Protection and Promotion
- Developing and Producing an Interactive Educational Video Material
- Quality Assurance in Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)
- Learner Support in Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)
September
- Technology in Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)
- Blended Teaching and Learning Using Open Educational Resources (OERS)
- Implementing and Evaluating Programs for Child Rights
October
- Video Editing Using an Open-Source Video Editing Software
- Business Concepts, Ideation, and the Business Plan
- What Makes an Entrepreneur?
November
- Understanding the Language of Business: Accounting Overview and Basic Financial Statements
- Basic Leadership and Management Competencies in the Workplace
December
- Rights of Nature
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