Beginner 23 hours English Professional CertificateFREE
Our recommendation
The most popular way for absolute beginners to learn Python, taught by Dr Chuck. It moves gently from the basics to working with data, files and web APIs, with no assumptions about prior coding. A calm, well-paced first course rather than a fast or advanced one.
Good for: Complete beginners who want a gentle, well-structured first Python course.
Less suitable if: You already program, or you want an intensive, project-heavy pace.
Skills you'll gain
PythonData structuresFile handlingWeb APIsDatabases (SQLite)Basic data processing
Is this course right for you?
A good fit if you…
You have never programmed before
You want a patient, step-by-step pace
You learn well from clear video lectures
Consider something else if you…
You already know the Python basics
You want a fast, intensive bootcamp
You want a specific focus like data science or web development
Requirements: None — designed for total beginners.
Realistic time: About 23 hours across the specialisation; a few weeks part-time.
About this course
Python for Everybody is Dr Charles Severance's ("Dr Chuck") five-course specialization from the University of Michigan — one of the most popular ways in the world to learn programming. You can audit it free; the certificate runs on Coursera's ~$49/month plan.
What you'll learn
Write Python from the very basics
Use core data structures (lists, dictionaries)
Work with files and text
Pull and parse data from the web and APIs
Store and query data with SQL
Complete a capstone data project
This course includes
23h
On-demand video
Yes
Certificate
English
Language
What it costs
Free to audit on Coursera, and Dr Chuck also offers the full material and exercises free on py4e.com. The certificate needs a Coursera subscription, but the learning itself costs nothing.
Comparison · LBS
Compare alternatives for Python for Everybody Specialization
Same topic, different options. We surface the trade-offs others hide so you can pick the course that actually fits your time, budget, and goals.
The certificate is issued through Coursera with the University of Michigan. It is a recognised name, but for most jobs your own projects matter more than the certificate — build a few and put them on GitHub.
Last updated
Instructor
DC
Dr. Charles Severance
Coursera instructor
3.2M learners11 courses4.9 instructor rating
Dr Charles Severance is a University of Michigan professor whose patient, encouraging teaching has made Python for Everybody a first programming course for millions.
Yes to learn. You can audit it free on Coursera, and the same material with exercises is free on the instructor's site, py4e.com. Only the Coursera certificate costs money.
Very. It assumes no prior coding and moves at a gentle, clear pace, which is why it is so widely recommended as a first course.
The learning is the value. Employers care more about projects than the certificate, so build some and share them on GitHub.
Write basic Python, work with files and data, and pull data from web APIs and simple databases. It is a foundation, not a specialisation.
Around 23 hours of content; most people finish in a few weeks part-time.
Pick a direction — data analysis, web development, or automation — and build small projects to practise.