Home » STEM » Information Technology » 40 Best Information Technology Courses Online

40 Best Information Technology Courses Online

Find your ideal IT course online from Australia or abroad. Featured in the rankings are university degrees, e-learning programs, free beginner courses, and courses with certificates.

Woman engaging with computer interface

Start or boost a tech career with an IT course online. Job opportunities are available in app development, big data, business analysis, cybersecurity, data science, software development, systems admin, web development, and more.

Whether you're a beginner or a professional, there is something for everyone on these lists. Let's break down the options to choose from, including online university degrees, e-learning courses, and free courses for beginners. Here are 40 of the best online IT courses.

Index of IT Courses Online

Top 10 Training Courses for Beginners

We searched far and wide for the best IT courses for beginners. You can start these extended and short courses anytime. All have high ratings where reported. Some of them are free, or at least free to audit (browse through without assessment). You'll need to pay if you want a certificate of completion.

Provider Course Name Cost Topic Duration
Coursera Google IT Support Professional Certificate A$56/m Computer hardware, troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, security; CompTIA A+ exam preparation 6 months, <10 hours per week
Skillshare Coding for Beginners 1: You Can Code! A$20/m Coding basics, data types, loops, control flow, functions; Scratch and Python app creation project 11h 16m
edX Information Technology Foundations Free / A$322 Systems and services, network and security, scripting and programming, data management, business of IT 6 weeks, 9–10 hours per week
edX IT Fundamentals: Programming Free / A$109 Logic behind computer programs, object-oriented programming, data types and structures, file types, database management 3 weeks, 3–6 hours per week
edX IT Fundamentals: Cybersecurity Free / A$109 Intellectual property, privacy and threats in cybersecurity, ICT and globalization, e-commerce, business strategy 3 weeks, 3–6 hours per week
Codeacademy Introduction to IT Free Computer basics, networks, operating systems and applications, software development, databases, cybersecurity 10 hours
CareerFoundry Data Analytics Short Course Free Data cleaning, descriptive statistics, data visualization, storytelling with data 2.5 hours
Udemy IT for beginners A$26.99 Basic IT concepts, software development, front-end and back-end development, application design, databases, cloud computing 1.5 hours
Udemy Absolute Beginners Guide to Cyber Security A$16.99 Cybersecurity concepts and terminology, basic IT concepts, cyber attacks and defense tactics 4.5 hours
Udemy Microsoft Excel from Beginner to Advanced A$79.99 Excel basics, functions, automation, data management, PivotTables, dynamic formulas 21 hours

Coursera – Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a beginner-level course that prepares you for an entry-level IT job in under six months. No degree or experience required. The program consists of five courses to provide foundational IT skills, including computer hardware, troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, and security. The content is interactive, including hands-on labs and assessments. It's exclusively developed by Google employees with decades of experience. The program also prepares learners for the CompTIA A+ certification exam. You'll need a Coursera subscription for this course, with as estimated cost of A$56 per month.

Skillshare – Coding for Beginners 1: You Can Code!

Coding for Beginners 1: You Can Code! is part of a series designed for complete beginners to learn how to code. The course covers various coding concepts, including coding basics, common coding concepts, data types, loops, control flow, and functions. Students will also complete a project to create a simple app using Scratch and Python. The course has 50 lessons totalling 11 hours and 16 minutes, and it is taught by industry professionals. The course is suitable for anyone interested in learning to code and has no prerequisites. To access the course, you'll need to sign up with Skillshare for a cost of around A$20 per month after the free trial period.

edX – Information Technology Foundations

Information Technology Foundations is a six-week introductory course that gives a high-level overview of IT disciplines, including systems and services, network and security, scripting and programming, data management, and the business of IT. Learners gain a broad understanding of the field of IT. The course explores how different components of IT work together as a system to support the running of organisations. The course is self-paced and free, with an optional upgrade available for $A323, which allows for assessment and a certificate. Your instructor is Gary Dall, an Instructor from the College of IT at Western Governors University.

edX – IT Fundamentals: Programming

IT Fundamentals for Business Professionals: Programming is a free, self-paced, 3-week course designed to introduce professionals with no IT background to the basics of software programming. You'll cover topics such as the logic behind computer programs, object-oriented programming, data types and structures, file types, database management and SQL language, and web development concepts including HTML, XML, CSS and JavaScript. Students learn how to interact with IT specialists and pass the CLEP ISCA exam. A verified certificate is available for a A$109 fee. The course is part of a larger series designed to introduce non-IT professionals to the world of Information Technology.

edX – IT Fundamentals: Cybersecurity

IT Fundamentals for Business Professionals: Cybersecurity and social implications is part of a series of 5 introductory courses. The series provides non-technical professionals with basic IT knowledge to interact more effectively with IT specialists in their company. For this course, students explore cybersecurity concepts related to intellectual property, privacy, and threats, as well as the effects of ICT on globalization, e-commerce, and business strategy. The training is self-paced and takes 3 weeks to complete, with 3-6 hours of study per week. It is free to audit (browse through). For a verified certificate, the price is A$109, which includes graded assignments and exams.

Codeacademy – Introduction to IT

Introduction to IT is a free course for beginners. It's self-paced, with approximately 10 hours to complete, and requires no prior knowledge. Topics include computer basics, networks, operating systems and applications, software development, databases, and cybersecurity The program contains six lessons, one project, and seven quizzes, providing hands-on learning through an online interactive platform. Upon completion, a certificate is available with a paid plan, which costs around A$25 per month. The creator, Alex DiStasi, is a curriculum developer in computer science. Reviews from learners are positive, with comments about an interactive and practical nature.

CareerFoundry – Data Analytics Short Course

Data Analytics Short Course is a free 5-day program delivered to your email inbox, with one 15-minute tutorial per day. The course is designed for beginners and covers topics such as data cleaning, descriptive statistics, data visualisation, and storytelling with data. Each tutorial has a video introduction, a written lesson, a hands-on task, and an interactive quiz. It's self-paced and takes around 15 minutes per tutorial. As well as being cost-free and commitment-free, no prerequisites are required. If you love the course and want to pursue a career in data analytics, CareerFoundry offers a full Data Analytics Program that takes you from beginner to a job-ready data analyst in as little as five months.

Udemy – IT for beginners | IT for dummies

IT for beginners | IT for dummies | IT for non-IT is designed for non-technical professionals who work in an IT environment. The aim is to improve your understanding of basic IT concepts and the software development process. Topics include front-end and back-end development, application design, databases, cloud computing, and IoT. The course is taught by Maaike van Putten, a professional software developer and IT trainer. It has a 4.4 rating out of 5 from 1,477 ratings, and has been taken by over 5,200 students. You can study this for a one-time fee of $26.99, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Udemy – Absolute Beginners Guide to Cyber Security

Absolute Beginners Guide to Cyber Security 2023 - Part 1 covers topics such as malware, hacking, encryption, phishing, worms, biometrics, and more. The course is intended for those interested in becoming cyber security professionals or students who want to have well-rounded knowledge of the basic concepts used in information security. Priced at A$69.99, the course has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 and has been taken by over 82,000 students. Included are 4.5 hours of on-demand video, 4 articles, 1 downloadable resource, and a certificate of completion.

Udemy – Microsoft Excel from Beginner to Advanced

Microsoft Excel - Excel from Beginner to Advanced is suitable for anyone looking to improve their Excel skills, regardless of prior knowledge. The course includes 21 hours of on-demand video, 12 articles, and 51 downloadable resources. Topics include: building a solid foundation, managing large sets of data, using Excel's most popular functions, creating dynamic reports with PivotTables, auditing Excel worksheet formulas, and automating tasks with Macros and VBA. The course has a 4.7 rating out of 5 from over 357,000 ratings and has been completed by over 1.2 million students. It's available from Udemy for A$79.99.

10 Best Online Learning Platforms for Tech

Online learner at computer

As an IT professional, continuous learning and upskilling are essential. Online learning platforms have become a popular and flexible way to acquire new skills and knowledge, and there are many options to choose from. Here, we narrow down the top 10 course platforms for tech professionals. User ratings statistics from G2 were used to inform this rankings list.

1. Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills is a subscription-based platform providing video-based courses and hands-on learning opportunities to IT professionals. The extensive course library includes cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software development. Progress tracking and interactive assessments are included.

2. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers a vast library of online courses on various IT topics, including web development, data science, and programming. Features include personalised recommendations, certificates of completion, and access to instructors for Q&A.

3. Coursera

Coursera is a well-known site that partners with universities and organisations to offer IT courses, specialisations, and degree programs. Programs span multiple areas of IT, including data science, programming, and cybersecurity.

4. CBT Nuggets

CBT Nuggets offers IT pros access to video courses and virtual labs by subscription. The platform focuses on IT certifications and provides training for cloud computing, network infrastructure, and security. It also offers progress tracking and practice exams.

5. Cloud Academy

Cloud Academy trains users in cloud computing, DevOps, and cybersecurity. Interactive labs, assessments, and quizzes help students improve their skills and prepare for certifications.

6. Udacity

Udacity develops practical skills in areas such as AI, data science, and cloud computing. Programs feature projects, mentor support, and career services.

7. A Cloud Guru

A Cloud Guru delivers subscription-based training for cloud computing professionals. Different cloud platforms and tools are covered, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. It also provides hands-on labs and quizzes for learners to apply their knowledge.

8. ITPro

ITPro is a subscription service that provides on-demand courses, labs, and practice exams. IT fields covered include security, networking, and project management.

9. GoSkills

GoSkills delivers online training in areas such as Excel, project management, and cybersecurity. Courses include practical exercises, quizzes, and progress tracking. Learners can earn certificates of completion.

10. INE

INE has courses on cloud computing, cybersecurity, networking, and more. The platform provides virtual labs, practice exams, and quizzes, along with instructor-led training and boot camps.

10 Best Degree Fields at Australian Universities

Australian universities offer a huge range of courses in IT, including bachelor's and master's degrees, and specialisations in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. Online study options provide flexibility and convenience.

Graduates come away with a university degree or other qualification, along with skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen field. Let's explore what's in demand in Australia.

Degrees from Australian Universities

Artificial intelligence is a growing field with foundations in data science and machine learning. AI can be used to solve business problems and deliver customised services.

Whether you want to specialise in artificial intelligence development or management, or just educate yourself on how AI works, online courses are available to meet your learning needs. These range from short, free courses to master's degrees.

You're well positioned to build expertise in this field if you have a technology background and an aptitude for analytics... READ MORE

You can start a data analytics career with a data science or analytics degree. A Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Information Technology program should contain relevant majors.

Students learn to structure data, do statistical analysis, solve problems using models and programming, and present results. A bachelor degree provides core skills for working as a data analyst or scientist. Fantastic career opportunities are available to people skilled in big data and machine learning.

The best online analytics degrees provide a thorough introduction to essential topics… READ MORE

A Bachelor of Information Technology is the career starting point for many IT professionals. The degree gives students solid technical preparation for working in IT. Topics covered include cloud computing, database management, programming, web development and systems analysis.

Students are also able to major in fields such as business analysis or cyber security. Qualifying for a major requires that you take relevant subjects, especially towards the end of the 3-year degree.

The top online BInfoTech courses deliver essential training while offering enjoyable learning… READ MORE

A solid way to begin a computing career is with a Bachelor of Computer Science or, alternatively, a Bachelor of Information Technology with comparable content.

Computer science is concerned with computing theory and software development more than customer-facing aspects of IT. Programs are heavy on programming, data structures and mathematics, preparing students for any future technical role in IT. At a postgraduate level, computer science splinters into specialisations.

The best online computer science programs concentrate on large and emerging professional fields… READ MORE

Online university courses are available to help you take advantage of surging job growth in cyber security. Specialist bachelor degrees are offered, though you can also go for an IT degree with a major in networks or systems administration.

A popular postgraduate option is to do a graduate certificate − either in the professional or managerial career streams. A full professional masters can set you up to get the pick of the best technical jobs available.

Australian universities seem to do a good job of keeping up with demand for cyber security training… READ MORE

Data and business analysts are in demand to help organisations get value from vast amounts of available information. Many have an IT background. You can get training and qualifications with online analytics and business analytics courses.

A data analytics course will help you build the advanced analytical capabilities needed to generate business insights from data.

To thrive in data analysis, you should be an effective communicator and understand business strategy. You need more than just maths ability… READ MORE

If you're looking to build expertise in data analytics, business analytics, data science, or marketing analytics, an online Master's in Analytics from an Australian university may be a great option.

A typically 12-subject curriculum will explore topics such as analytics and business, big data management, data visualisation and communication, and predictive analytics, preparing you lucrative roles in the industry.

Look for programs that offer electives in your area of interest and that provide opportunities for hands-on experience, such as flexible capstone projects… READ MORE

A data science masters is a strong way to set up a career in the field of big data. Students receive better foundation training than most current data scientists.

Students develop skills for each stage of the data transformation process, from database management to presenting analytics for business decisions. Career opportunities are enormous for people with the maths and coding talent to generate value from data assets.

Students can do a full masters online (12-16 units), embedded graduate diploma (8-unit) or graduate certificate (4-unit) courses… READ MORE

If you're targeting technology leadership roles, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Technology Management specialisation may be a good choice.

The MBA programs have limited technical content, instead focusing on strategies around information management, technology adoption and technological innovation. You don't need a technology background to be admitted and do well.

Students build general business management skills, studying topics such as leadership, and accounting and finance for managers. Less than half program may consist of specialist technology subjects… READ MORE

Strengthen your knowledge and skills in key technology fields with a Masters in Technology Management. The online degree is for technically capable people with ambitions to manage, lead and drive digital transformation in business.

A Master of Technology Management is a flexible program with electives to meet individual learning goals. Choose topics such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, databases, machine learning, visual analytics and digital strategy.

Graduates come away from their studies with high-level perspectives on how to manage technology-based projects and activities… READ MORE

10 Certificates and Diplomas from Australia

Launch or further your career in Information Technology with a fully accredited certificate or diploma. You can study online for all of these courses, which we selected for program quality and the value of the qualification.

Each vocational course provides a pathway into an IT career, with qualification strength rising from Cert III, to Cert IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma. The Australian Government and state governments often provide subsidies for such programs, including apprenticeship discounts.

Certificate III in Information Technology – AIICT

ICT30120 Certificate III in Information Technology is a 12-month online program that covers ICT disciplines such as web development, programming, and networking. The course includes 12 units and 3 streams: Supporting Clients and Systems, Configure and Support User Environments, and Cyber Security and Development. Tuition fees can be paid as an upfront payment of $3,510, with fortnightly and monthly payment options available. Upon completion, students are prepared for roles such as Help Desk Officer, ICT Operations Support, Network Support Officer, ICT Technician and Web Developer.

Certificate III in Information Technology – ICT30120

Certificate III in Information Technology (ICT30120) is a versatile Australian qualification that builds skills for different ICT roles. The average duration is ten months, and the average course fee is $4,384. The program consists of 12 units: six core units and six elective units. The core subjects develop foundational skills in areas such as programming, database management, web development, cybersecurity, and project management. The elective units are divided into seven groups, covering areas such as animation, basic cloud computing, basic cyber awareness, digital media, generalist IT support, IT work-ready skills, and networking. There are no entry requirements.

Certificate IV in Cyber Security – Holmesglen

Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22603VIC) is an online, self-paced 16-unit program that takes 18 months part-time to complete. It provides practical skills and knowledge to work in a technical support role in a cyber security operations center. Topics include: identifying and reporting system vulnerabilities, network security basics, web security, and programming in Python. Graduates can work as a cyber security support officer, desktop support technician, security PEN tester, and more. The cost is $9,657 for full fee, $3,785 for government-subsidised, and $757 concession. The course is validated by leading IT companies, including Cisco Networking Academy, Microsoft Academy, and AWS Academy.

Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking) – Upskilled

ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking) is a nationally recognised course that prepares you for job roles like network administrator or computer technician. Get trained up in installing and managing small scale networks, troubleshooting and configuring IT equipment, and resolving common issues for clients. The course is offered online, with flexible study options available, and takes an average of 12-18 months to complete. It comprises of 20 units of competency. The course fee is $3,240, with flexible payment plans available. Students are able to connect and build rapport with their online trainers.

Certificate IV in Information Technology – ICT40120

ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology is a more advanced version of the Cert III course, developing a wider range of ICT skills and knowledge. Specialisations are available in database development, database maintenance, gaming development, networking, programming, systems administration support, and web development. The program consists of 7 core units and 13 elective units, with an average duration of 15 months and average course fee of $7,283. You'll gain skills in tech problem-solving, coding, cyber security, IP compliance, and emerging technologies. No entry requirements apply.

Diploma of Information Technology – AIICT

ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology offers three specialist streams: IT Networking, Website Development, and Cyber Security. The 100% online program can be completed in 18 months and includes 20 units divided into 4 streams. Students build knowledge and skills in categories such as cybersecurity, web development, cloud computing, networking, digital marketing, and more. Students can pay upfront for $5,175, with alternative payment options available. All courses are instructor-led. The program has been developed with industry bodies to meet market demands and prepare students for current and future job opportunities.

Diploma of Information Technology – TAFE Digital

ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology at TAFE Digital NSW is delivered online and has a duration of 1 year and 6 months. The course covers topics such as strategic planning, software development, network security, and project management. Packaged specialty units are available to meet industry demands. Students are required to commit at least 10 hours per week to class time and an additional 5 hours per week to self-study. The program has a full fee of $10,000 but free courses are possible for NSW residents. Students can access a range of support services to help them succeed, including career counselling and technical assistance.

Diploma of Information Technology – Monarch Institute

Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50220) from Monarch Institute offers two specialisations: front and back-end development, and cyber security and advanced networking. Students get free access to Pluralsight. The diploma is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework. With flexible learning options and expert guidance, students can develop the skills that employers want in the rapidly growing field of information technology. The course costs $4,250 upfront (20% discount) or $5,100 paid over 26 weeks. Government funding is available for eligible students in Victoria.

Diploma of Information Technology – ICT50220

ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology is designed for individuals with significant experience and/or training who are looking to specialise further. Fourteen specialisation are available in fields such as advanced networking, programming, web development, cyber security, and more. The program consists of 20 units, including 6 core units and 14 elective units. While there are no formal entry requirements, students are advantaged from having an IT certificate or experience in using IT networking technologies. The average course fee is $11,342 and the duration is 15 months. The qualification is available as an Australian Apprenticeship.

Advanced Diploma of Information Technology – ICT60220

ICT60220 Advanced Diploma of Information Technology is a higher-level qualification than other TAFE and vocational credentials in this field. Students are trained for more advanced and complex roles in the IT industry. You can develop skills in areas such as advanced data management, cyber security, full-stack web development, programming, IT strategy, systems analysis, and telecommunications network engineering. Programs contain 16 units, including 6 core units and 10 electives. Entry requirements are flexible but may include relevant work experience or previous ICT training. The course typically takes 16 months to complete and costs an average of $11,448.

† Online courses are available in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Gold Coast, Newcastle. Australia-wide.