CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python
CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python is a self-paced online course delivered by Harvard University (CS50). It is free, the provider does not state how long it takes, and awards a free CS50 Certificate (optional paid edX verified certificate) (free).
FreeChecked on 29 September 2026
- Relevance to work
- 2.4 / 3
- Cost and access
- 2 / 2
- Provider
- 2 / 2
- Credential
- 1.2 / 1.5
- Currency
- 1.05 / 1.5
- Total
- 8.7 / 10
Provider learner rating: Not published by the provider
Key facts
| Cost | FreeFree via OpenCourseWare ('welcome to take this course for free'), checked 29 Sep 2026. A free CS50 Certificate is available; an optional edX verified certificate is paid (price not checked on edX, page did not render). |
|---|---|
| Time | Time not stated (not stated) |
| Level | Beginner |
| Format | self-paced online |
| Prerequisites | none |
| Credential | free CS50 Certificate (optional paid edX verified certificate) (free) |
| Open to | Worldwide |
| Free in | Worldwide |
| Content written for | Any country |
| Last checked | 2026-09-29 |
Things to know
- Demanding: CS50's FAQ suggests 10 to 20 hours per week for problem sets across ten weeks, plus lecture time
- Free certificate needs at least 70% on every problem set and the final project
- Needs a free edX account to submit work
- Current course deadline is 30 June 2027 (may be extended)
- Free CS50 Certificates are not accredited academic credit
Summary
Harvard's well-known introduction to programming in Python, from variables and loops through testing, files, regular expressions and object-oriented code, with weekly problem sets and a final project. It suits complete beginners who want to write real code.
You will be able to
- Read and write Python code
- Use functions, variables, conditionals and loops
- Handle exceptions, find and fix bugs and write unit tests
- Use third-party libraries and read and write files
- Validate and extract data with regular expressions
- Model real-world things with classes and objects
Modules
- Functions, Variables
- Conditionals
- Loops
- Exceptions
- Libraries
- Unit Tests
- File I/O
- Regular Expressions
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Et Cetera
- Final Project
Who it suits
Beginners with or without prior programming experience who want to learn Python properly.
Who is behind it
- Delivered by
- Harvard University (CS50, David J. Malan)
- Hosted on
- cs50.harvard.edu, with submissions through edX
- Funded by
- Not stated
- Partners
- edX
Related courses
Questions
- Is CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python free?
- Yes. It is free for anyone, anywhere in the world. Free via OpenCourseWare ('welcome to take this course for free'), checked 29 Sep 2026. A free CS50 Certificate is available; an optional edX verified certificate is paid (price not checked on edX, page did not render). Checked 29 September 2026 against the provider's own page.
- How long does it take?
- The provider does not state how long it takes.
- Do you get a certificate?
- Yes. It awards a free CS50 Certificate (optional paid edX verified certificate), free.
- Who is it for?
- Beginners with or without prior programming experience who want to learn Python properly.
- Can I take it from outside Australia?
- Yes. It is open worldwide. It is free in: Worldwide.
Sources
Company names and logos belong to their owners and are used only to identify their courses. ApplyAI is independent and is not endorsed by, affiliated with or paid by any provider. Prices and details are as at the check date; confirm on the provider's site.