16 courses on AI basics from 12 providers. The highest rated is TAFE NSW AI Microskills Bundle from TAFE NSW at 4.6 out of 5.
A single enrolment that adds all four IATD AI microskills: Introduction to AI, Generative AI and its Business Applications, Responsible AI and Introduction to Agentic AI.
| Course | Our rating | Cost | Time | Credential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAFE NSW AI Microskills Bundle | 4.6 / 5 | Free | 11 hours | certificate of completion (free) |
| Elements of AI | 4.6 / 5 | Free | 36 hours | certificate of completion (free) |
| TAFE NSW Introduction to AI | 4.6 / 5 | Free | 2.5 hours | certificate of completion (free) |
| Google AI Essentials | 4.4 / 5 | Free | 2.25 hours | certificate of completion (free on Google Skills; included in Coursera subscription) |
| AI Essentials (TAFE SA) | 4.3 / 5 | Free | 10 hours | certificate of completion (free) |
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A single enrolment that adds all four IATD AI microskills: Introduction to AI, Generative AI and its Business Applications, Responsible AI and Introduction to Agentic AI. It is the easiest way to work through a complete, free AI literacy pathway in one sitting or over a few weeks.
A plain-language introduction to what AI is, how it solves problems and how machine learning and neural networks work, with no programming or heavy maths. It closes by looking at what AI means for jobs and society. One of the most widely taken free AI courses in the world.
A gentle, non-technical first look at what AI is, how machines learn from data and where AI shows up in everyday life and work. It was built with the National AI Centre and is the flagship course in the Australian Government's free AI scholarship program.
Google's entry-level course on using generative AI tools at work: generating ideas, researching, drafting and speeding up routine tasks. It also covers prompting basics and how to spot bias and other risks. The same course is sold on Coursera, but Google now offers it at no cost on its own Google Skills platform.
An introductory online micro-credential from TAFE SA that explains AI in simple terms, shows where it is used in work and daily life, and builds confidence to try common AI tools. Ethics, privacy and safety are covered throughout.
A short, plain-language IBM introduction to how AI learns, how people and AI can work together, and the benefits, risks and ethics involved. It finishes with a hands-on task guiding an AI assistant through a simple business problem.
OpenAI's entry-level course on working with AI at work. Learners pick a real task they do often and practise the basics of clear instructions, supplying context, reviewing outputs and responsible use, while learning how large language models and ChatGPT work.
A seven-module Microsoft Learn path that starts with what AI is and how generative AI works, then moves to smarter web searching, responsible use and everyday use of Microsoft Copilot. It was built under Microsoft's philanthropy programme, so some examples lean towards nonprofit work, but the content suits any beginner.
A four-part Google Cloud path that explains what generative AI and large language models are, how prompting works and how to apply responsible AI principles. It is conceptual rather than tool training, which makes it a neutral primer before picking a specific product.
IBM's longer foundation credential covering the main branches of AI, including language processing, computer vision, machine learning, chatbots and neural networks, plus ethics and AI career paths. It suits someone who wants to understand how AI works under the hood rather than just use tools.
Andrew Ng's non-technical course on what AI can and cannot do, how AI projects run and how a company can build its AI capability. It is the most widely taken business-focused AI primer and suits managers who need to spot sensible AI opportunities.
A short, non-technical course from Andrew Ng on how generative AI works, what it is good and bad at, and how to use it in everyday work and business projects. It also covers the risks and wider effects on jobs and society.
A free Deakin-run program built on Google AI Essentials content plus customised material, mixing self-paced online study with about 10 hours of live interactive sessions. It focuses on practical prompting, productivity and responsible use for small business staff, students and educators.
AWS's foundation plan covering AI, machine learning and generative AI concepts, real use cases, responsible AI, prompting and governance. It is more technical than the decision-maker plan and prepares learners for the AWS Certified AI Practitioner exam, which is open to business roles.
A recorded MIT workshop that introduces AI to people with little or no background, covering machine vision, data preparation and reinforcement learning. It includes a hands-on activity where you train a simple algorithm yourself.
A free, short course from the non-profit Khan Academy on how generative AI works, its risks and how to use it responsibly, built around teaching and learning. It includes Code.org videos explaining AI basics.
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