FutureLearn Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, & Offerings in 2025

FutureLearn is a leading online learning platform that provides short courses, ExpertTracks, microcredentials, and degree programs from top universities worldwide. Founded as a British digital education initiative by The Open University, the platform serves millions of learners across the globe. This article provides detailed insights about FutureLearn’s features, pricing, reviews, and how it compares to competitors, helping students and parents make informed decisions when choosing an online learning platform.

FutureLearn Reviews and Testimonials

Trustpilot (4.7/5 stars with 1,408 reviews): Reviewers overwhelmingly praise FutureLearn’s ease of use and course quality. Users consistently mention that courses are well-structured, clear, and easy to follow. Many learners appreciate the platform’s value for money and the ability to learn at their own pace. Common themes include praise for expert instructors, engaging content delivered through videos and articles, and the interactive discussion forums. Some negative reviews mention occasional technical issues like slow loading times and concerns about the course content structure. A few users noted dissatisfaction with the limited free access period and the necessity to pay for certificates.

G2 (4.4/5 stars): Positive reviews highlight the platform’s user-friendly interface and high-quality course content. Users appreciate the diverse range of subjects available and the reasonable pricing for courses with certificates. Some users mention that instructors are particularly helpful and engaging. Negative feedback focuses on the requirement to upgrade courses to access certificates and the course structure that doesn’t suit all learning styles.

FutureLearn’s Official Website: Customer testimonials on their website show satisfaction with course structure, learning outcomes, and the community aspect. Users mention positive experiences with partnerships like King’s College London and appreciate the professional quality of courses. Several testimonials highlight how courses have helped with career development and skill-building.

Reddit: Community discussions on r/FutureLearn reveal mixed experiences. Some users love the flexibility and course quality, while others express frustration with the limited free access period and the practice of closing courses after a set number of weeks. One user noted: “If you miss a week, you really have to cram to do two weeks in one before they boot you out of the course.” This scheduling constraint is a common complaint among learners who value the self-paced nature of online learning.

Is FutureLearn legit? Yes, FutureLearn is a legitimate platform. The company was acquired by Global University Systems in December 2022 and has partnerships with over 260 universities and organizations worldwide. The platform has 20 million registered learners, strong ratings on major review platforms (4.7/5 on Trustpilot), and provides accredited certificates and degrees from recognized institutions.

Overall, users view FutureLearn as a reliable and high-quality learning platform. The main strengths include excellent course content, user-friendly design, and affordable pricing. The primary concerns are around limited free access and the structured course schedule that may not suit everyone’s learning pace.

FutureLearn Pricing

Pricing Range

FutureLearn offers flexible pricing options to suit different learning needs and budgets. Most short courses are available for free with limited access, or students can upgrade for USD $39 to USD $89 per course for full access and certificates. The Unlimited Annual subscription costs USD $349.99 per year (USD $29.17 per month when billed annually), while the Unlimited Monthly subscription costs USD $49.99 per month. ExpertTracks cost USD $39 per month after a free trial. Microcredentials range from USD $639 to USD $1,134. Online degrees have variable pricing depending on the institution and program. For international learners, pricing may vary by currency (GBP, AUD, etc.). The platform accepts card payments (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and PayPal for most services.

What Students Say About FutureLearn Pricing

Students generally view FutureLearn’s pricing as justified and reasonable. Multiple Trustpilot reviews emphasize that the platform offers excellent value for money, especially compared to traditional educational institutions. Users appreciate that many courses are completely free to audit. One common positive theme is that students feel they get quality university-level education at an affordable price. However, some Reddit users have expressed frustration about having to pay for certificates on what was advertised as a “free course,” finding this practice misleading. When compared to industry averages, FutureLearn’s prices are competitive with platforms like Coursera and edX, though some users report that Udemy often has cheaper individual courses due to frequent discounts.

Hidden Costs

FutureLearn clearly states there are no hidden registration fees or hidden charges. The company explicitly states: “No. It is free to join and study the majority of FutureLearn courses.” However, students should be aware that while free courses offer limited access (lessons delivered weekly), accessing certificates, tests, and keeping course materials after completion requires payment. There are no separate add-on service fees or cancellation penalties. When paying internationally, some banks may charge foreign transaction fees, but these are imposed by the customer’s bank, not FutureLearn.

How FutureLearn’s Pricing Works

FutureLearn offers multiple payment models to accommodate different learning goals. Students can pay per course (typically USD $39-$89 for upgrades), subscribe to Unlimited for unlimited short courses, join ExpertTracks on a monthly subscription basis, or enroll in microcredentials and degree programs with one-time payments. Credit card and PayPal are accepted payment methods. Annual subscriptions offer savings compared to monthly payments. The platform offers a 30% discount on first-year Unlimited Annual subscriptions during seasonal promotions. No group discounts, military discounts, or special category discounts are explicitly mentioned. Promo codes are occasionally offered during promotional periods.

Free Trial

FutureLearn offers multiple free trial options. For short courses, students receive free limited access to course materials for the duration of the course (typically 2-4 weeks), delivered weekly. ExpertTracks provide a free 2-day trial before the monthly subscription charges begin. Students can cancel during the free trial period with no charges. More information is available on their pricing page at www.futurelearn.com/unlimited.

Refund Policy

FutureLearn operates a 14-day cooling-off period refund policy. For paid upfront courses and upgrades, refunds are available if requested within 14 days of purchase and if no tests have been completed or certificates downloaded. For Unlimited subscriptions, refunds apply only to the first month’s payment if requested within 14 days and conditions are met. ExpertTrack refunds follow the same 14-day policy for the first payment only; subsequent monthly payments are non-refundable. Microcredentials have specific refund conditions. Students must contact orders@futurelearn.com or mc.support@futurelearn.com to request refunds. Based on user reviews, most students report that FutureLearn honors its refund policy when conditions are met, though some users have mentioned challenges contacting customer support. There are no widespread complaints about unfair refund denials or overcharging practices.

FutureLearn Alternatives

Students may seek alternatives to FutureLearn for various reasons, including different subject offerings, pricing structures, learning formats, or specific features. While FutureLearn excels in providing free or affordable courses from top universities, some learners prefer platforms with more personalized instruction, real-time tutoring, or specialized content. Here are six popular alternatives that offer different strengths and approaches to online learning.

Coursera

Coursera stands out for its extensive partnerships with top universities and major tech companies like Google and Meta. It offers accredited certificates, professional credentials, and full degree programs, making it ideal for career advancement.

Coursera is more expensive than FutureLearn, with courses typically costing USD $30-$50 and specialization certificates ranging from USD $200-$500. The platform offers more structured learning paths and stronger employer recognition. However, Coursera requires instructors to be affiliated with recognized institutions, resulting in fewer diverse perspectives. Unlike FutureLearn’s community-focused approach, Coursera emphasizes individual learning and professional outcomes.

Udemy

Udemy is a massive marketplace with over 210,000 courses taught by independent instructors. Pricing is highly variable, with courses often discounted to USD $10-$15 during sales, though regular prices reach USD $100+. Udemy excels in creative and technical skills training and offers lifetime access to purchased courses.

 

 

The platform provides a more diverse range of instructors and teaching styles compared to FutureLearn’s university-focused model. However, course quality varies significantly since anyone can create courses on Udemy. Courses lack formal accreditation and university partnerships.

edX

edX was established through collaboration between MIT and Harvard and offers over 3,500 courses from 160+ institutions. It provides more rigorous academic training than FutureLearn, with structured courses and active interaction with instructors.

EdX offers professional certificates and even opportunities to earn college credit toward degrees. Pricing is similar to Coursera, ranging from free audits to USD $50-$300 for verified certificates. EdX focuses more on STEM and academic subjects. Like Coursera, instructor requirements are strict, limiting course diversity.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) specializes in professional and career development courses taught by industry experts. It offers a subscription model at approximately USD $30-$40 per month for unlimited courses.

The platform integrates directly with LinkedIn profiles, allowing learners to showcase credentials to employers. LinkedIn Learning excels in business, creative, and technology skills. Courses are shorter and more focused than FutureLearn’s social learning approach. The platform lacks university partnerships and degree programs.

My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy provides personalized 1-on-1 online tutoring and homework help specifically designed for students in engineering, mathematics, science, and technical subjects. Unlike FutureLearn’s pre-recorded course format, My Engineering Buddy offers real-time, personalized instruction from expert tutors.

The platform is ideal for students needing customized help with complex subjects, exam preparation, or homework assistance. Pricing typically starts at USD $15-$30 per hour, making it competitive for targeted academic support. My Engineering Buddy specializes in advanced subject expertise, offering better support for college-level homework and complex problem-solving than general online course platforms.

Skillshare

Skillshare focuses on creative skills with 40,000 courses in design, photography, video production, and creative writing. It operates on a subscription model at USD $30-$35 per month with a strong emphasis on community and peer feedback.

 

Skillshare excels in creative skill development and offers vibrant learner communities. Unlike FutureLearn’s university partnerships, Skillshare features courses by industry professionals and content creators. The platform provides no formal accreditation, and certificate value for career advancement is limited.

How It Works?

For Students

Signup Process: Signing up on FutureLearn takes just a few minutes. Students visit the website and create an account using an email address or social media login. After confirming their email, they can immediately browse and join courses. No credit card is required to join free courses with limited access. For paid courses or subscriptions, students enter payment information during checkout.

Connecting with Content: FutureLearn courses are self-paced with structured content delivered through videos, articles, quizzes, and interactive activities. Courses are divided into weekly lessons, and students progress at their own pace. The platform emphasizes social learning, allowing students to comment on course materials, discuss with peers, and ask instructors questions in discussion forums. This interactive element sets FutureLearn apart from purely self-paced platforms.

Scheduling Sessions: Unlike instructor-led programs, FutureLearn doesn’t offer scheduled sessions or live classes. Students complete courses entirely on their own schedule. However, for some ExpertTracks and microcredentials, cohort-based learning means starting and ending dates are fixed. Students can access course materials from any device—computer, laptop, or smartphone through the responsive website design.

For Tutors

Becoming a tutor on FutureLearn is not available for individual freelance tutors in the traditional sense. FutureLearn partners with universities and institutions that provide instructors for courses. Universities and educational organizations submit course proposals to FutureLearn, which are then developed and delivered by academic professionals and subject matter experts from those institutions. Individual instructors cannot directly sign up as independent tutors. Instead, instructors are nominated through their affiliated universities or organizations.

Academic staff members interested in creating content on FutureLearn should contact their institution’s academic leadership or partnership office to propose course ideas. The partnership process involves FutureLearn’s content team reviewing the proposal, developing the course structure, and providing instructional design support. Instructors receive training on FutureLearn’s platform and teaching methodology. For more information about institutional partnerships, tutors and educators can visit FutureLearn’s partnerships page at www.futurelearn.com/partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can tutors set up their own fee or is it fixed by the company?

FutureLearn does not employ individual tutors; courses are delivered through partner universities. University instructors and professors are part of institutional agreements, so they do not independently set fees on the platform.

Q2. How much can a tutor expect to earn on an hourly basis?

FutureLearn does not provide hourly tutoring services with individual instructors. The platform offers asynchronous, self-paced courses created by institutions and university faculty.

Q3. How many hours of work can a tutor get per month?

This question does not apply to FutureLearn’s model, as it does not employ individual contract tutors who work hourly.

Q4. Is it easy to get students?

FutureLearn has 20 million registered learners, providing significant visibility for courses. Well-designed courses on popular topics attract thousands of students. However, course success depends on subject relevance, instructor expertise, and quality of course design.

Tips on how to get more students on FutureLearn: For institutional partners, promoting courses through university channels, leveraging industry partnerships, and creating engaging, high-quality content drives enrollment. FutureLearn’s algorithm recommends courses based on learner interests and past activity.

What tutors like about FutureLearn: Based on reviews from academic partners and instructors, educators appreciate FutureLearn’s professional platform, support for course development, access to a global learner audience, and the platform’s commitment to making education accessible. Instructors value the platform’s focus on pedagogy and social learning principles.

What tutors do not like about FutureLearn: Some institutional partners have mentioned challenges with student engagement consistency across different course runs and the time investment required for course facilitation and community management without additional compensation.

FutureLearn: Company Information

FutureLearn was founded in December 2012 by The Open University, a pioneering British institution dedicated to making education accessible to all. The platform launched with 12university partners and the first courses went live on October 14, 2013. In 2019, the investment company SEEK acquired a 50% stake, making it jointly owned. In December 2022, Global University Systems acquired the platform, bringing new capital and strategic direction. As of November 2023, FutureLearn partners with over 260 universities and organizations worldwide and has served 20 million registered learners. The company is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and operates globally, serving learners across more than 190 countries. FutureLearn operates primarily through online delivery and is expanding internationally in all regions.

Jo Johnson, an influential figure in UK education policy who served as Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation (2015-2019), is now the Executive Chairman. The leadership team includes Ian Howell as Managing Director and Vitaly Klopot as Chief Operating Officer. The advisory board is chaired by Lord David Blunkett and includes educational leaders from top institutions.

FutureLearn’s mission is to transform access to education for everyone through high-quality, flexible learning opportunities. The company aims to make education accessible globally, removing barriers for learners regardless of background or geography. The platform’s vision is to empower millions of people worldwide through lifelong learning, enabling them to achieve personal, professional, and societal change.

FutureLearn provides multiple types of services: short courses (4-24 learning hours), ExpertTracks (20-120 hours combining related courses), microcredentials (100-150 hours with academic credit), online degrees (master’s and graduate certificates), and professional certifications. The platform covers major subjects including business and management, creative arts and media, healthcare and medicine, history, IT and computer science, languages, law, literature, nature and environment, politics and society, psychology and mental health, science, engineering and mathematics, study skills, and teaching.

Unique features include social learning through peer discussions, responsive design for all devices, partnerships with world-leading universities, flexible self-paced learning, and various credential options from simple certificates to degree programs.

USP of FutureLearn

• University Partnerships: FutureLearn claims partnerships with over 260 of the world’s top universities. This is verified by multiple sources and reviews confirm the quality of university-created content. However, not all universities maintain the same rigor, so course quality does vary by partner institution.
• Social Learning Model: FutureLearn emphasizes peer-to-peer learning through discussion forums and collaborative features. Reviews confirm this creates an engaging community experience, though some learners prefer self-paced learning without social interaction.
• Free Course Access: FutureLearn’s free limited access to many courses is a major selling point. Hundreds of courses are completely free to audit. However, users note that limited access means weekly content delivery, no access to tests, and no certificates, which some view as incomplete learning experiences.
• Flexible, Self-Paced Learning: Most courses allow students to learn entirely on their own schedule. This is confirmed by positive reviews highlighting flexibility as a key benefit. However, some courses have fixed start/end dates and weekly deadlines, which contradicts this claim for certain programs.

Drawbacks of FutureLearn

• Limited Free Access: Free courses provide restricted content, no tests, and no certificates, limiting value for career advancement. Multiple users express frustration that advertised “free courses” require payment for certificates.
• Scheduled Course Timing: Many courses close after a set number of weeks, requiring students to complete content within the timeframe or lose access. Reddit users complain about this inflexibility, noting it contradicts the “flexible learning” promise.
• Limited Live Support: FutureLearn does not offer live tutoring or real-time instructor sessions, unlike specialized tutoring platforms. All interaction is asynchronous through discussion forums.
• No Personalized Guidance: The platform does not provide personalized learning paths or adaptive learning based on individual student needs, unlike some competitors.
• Course Quality Variability: While university partnerships suggest quality, reviews indicate that course quality depends heavily on the partner institution and individual instructor, creating inconsistent experiences.
• Customer Support Response Time: Several users report difficulties reaching customer support, though the company states it responds to complaints within 20 working days.
• No Homework Help or Direct Tutoring: Unlike specialized homework help platforms, FutureLearn does not offer direct answers to specific homework questions or personalized problem-solving assistance.
• Geographic and Language Limitations: While the platform serves 190+ countries, course content is primarily in English with limited multilingual support for non-English speakers.

Comparison with My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy excels where FutureLearn has limitations, particularly in personalized, real-time academic support. While FutureLearn offers broad, self-paced courses from universities, My Engineering Buddy provides one-on-one tutoring specifically for complex subjects like engineering, advanced mathematics, and technical topics. Students struggling with homework or requiring exam preparation benefit from My Engineering Buddy’s personalized approach, whereas FutureLearn is better for general skill development and structured learning. My Engineering Buddy tutors can answer specific homework questions, explain difficult concepts in real-time, and adapt teaching to individual learning styles—services FutureLearn does not offer. For college-level students and parents in affluent countries seeking specialized academic support, My Engineering Buddy provides targeted expertise that complements or replaces general online course platforms.

Customer Support and Policies

FutureLearn’s customer support is available through email (support@futurelearn.com) and their help center with knowledge base articles. The company states it responds to support inquiries and complaints within 20 working days. Users report mixed experiences with response times. Refund policies are clearly stated with a 14-day cooling-off period for most purchases. The platform provides detailed information about accessibility and maintains compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. My Engineering Buddy may provide more responsive, personalized support given its focus on direct student relationships and real-time communication.

Global Reach and Localization

FutureLearn operates globally, serving learners in 190+ countries, with particularly strong presence in UK, US, Australia, Canada, and Gulf countries—matching the target audience of advanced economies. The platform offers courses from institutions worldwide, though content is predominantly in English. Limited multilingual support exists for course materials. FutureLearn’s accessibility features support non-English speakers through platform interface options, but course content itself is not widely available in other languages. My Engineering Buddy also serves a global audience of international students with personalized tutoring, potentially offering better support for non-native English speakers through real-time clarification.

FutureLearn’s Future Plans

FutureLearn is actively expanding its use of artificial intelligence and technology integration. The platform offers multiple AI-related courses including “Generative AI Architectures & Prompt Design” and “AI for Strategic Advantage in Leadership,” indicating investment in AI skill development. The leadership team, under Jo Johnson’s direction, is leveraging Global University Systems’ “proprietary, AI-powered career management capabilities” to strengthen the platform. FutureLearn plans to unlock access to global markets and expand the B2B enterprise learning segment. The company aims to become the go-to platform for career-based lifelong learning, aligning with government initiatives like the Lifelong Loan Entitlement. Additionally, FutureLearn is developing stackable accredited learning pathways, allowing learners to build toward degrees through individual credentials. The platform is also focusing on reskilling and upskilling for in-demand professions to address global skills shortages.

FAQs About FutureLearn

Q1. How does FutureLearn compare to My Engineering Buddy?

FutureLearn offers structured, self-paced courses from universities for general learning and skill development, while My Engineering Buddy provides personalized 1-on-1 tutoring for homework help and complex subject mastery. Choose FutureLearn for broad learning goals; choose My Engineering Buddy for targeted academic support.

Q2. Is FutureLearn better than Coursera?

FutureLearn is better for free or low-cost learning with a community focus, while Coursera is superior for career-focused credentials and professional development. Coursera offers more prestigious university partnerships, but FutureLearn has lower costs and more free courses.

Q3. Can I get a refund from FutureLearn?

Yes, within 14 days of purchase, provided you haven’t completed tests or downloaded certificates. Contact orders@futurelearn.com or support@futurelearn.com to request a refund within the cooling-off period.

Q4. Does FutureLearn offer certificates?

Yes, digital certificates are available for most paid courses and all completed ExpertTracks and microcredentials. Free limited access does not include certificates, but upgrading does.

Q5. Can I cancel my FutureLearn subscription anytime?

Yes, both Unlimited Monthly and Unlimited Annual subscriptions can be cancelled anytime before the next payment date through your account settings. You retain access until your current subscription period ends.

Q6. What subjects does FutureLearn offer?

FutureLearn covers 14+ major subject areas including business, creative arts, healthcare, IT, languages, law, psychology, STEM, and teaching, with over 1,400 short courses available.

Conclusion

FutureLearn is a legitimate, well-established platform excellent for affordable, flexible learning from world-class universities. Its strengths include extensive free courses, strong university partnerships, social learning community, and affordability. However, limitations in personalized support, live tutoring, and varying course quality may frustrate students needing direct academic assistance. For personalized 1-on-1 help with complex subjects, homework, and exam preparation—especially for college-level students in advanced countries—My Engineering Buddy offers superior personalized tutoring services tailored to individual learning needs and academic challenges.