Free Online China Courses & MOOCs

FutureLearn

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU),National Chengchi University (NCCU)

Discover Chinese Drama: Understanding 'The Injustice to Dou E' (FutureLearn)

Languages & Literature

Embark on a captivating journey through Chinese drama with our course dedicated to 'The Injustice to Dou E'. This timeless play, set in the Yuan Dynasty, offers an unparalleled insight into Chinese literary traditions and dramatic storytelling. Perfect for enthusiasts of world literature and theater, this course will enrich your appreciation for one of China's most celebrated plays.

Self Paced

4 Weeks

China Chinese Drama Chinese Literature

New Horizons in Chinese Philosophy (edX)

EdX

Tsinghua University,TsinghuaX

New Horizons in Chinese Philosophy (edX)

Humanities

Dive into the profound world of Chinese Philosophy with this edX course. Uncover the wisdom of Confucius, Mozi, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Mencius, Xunzi, Hanfeizi and other influential thinkers. Perfect for beginners and seasoned scholars alike, this course offers a deep understanding of China's philosophical heritage.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Philosophy China Chinese Philosophy

Coursera

Peking University

Chinese for Beginners (Coursera)

Languages & Literature

Discover the fundamentals of Mandarin Chinese with our beginner-friendly online course. Perfect for travelers, students, or business professionals looking to engage in daily conversations in China. Learn phonetics, essential vocabulary, and expressions to communicate effectively about personal information, daily arrangements, food, prices, city introductions, hobbies, and weather.

Nov 4th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Languages China Chinese

Coursera

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Mandarin Chinese 1: Chinese for Beginners (Coursera)

Languages & Literature

Embark on your journey to mastering Mandarin Chinese with our beginner-friendly course. Designed for novices, this comprehensive program uses engaging lectures, short plays, interactive exercises, and insightful cultural tips to help you develop the essential skills needed for everyday oral communication. Whether you're looking to travel through China or simply expand your linguistic horizons, Mandarin Chinese 1: Chinese for Beginners is your gateway to a new language.

Nov 3rd 2026

5-12 Weeks

China Chinese Chinese Language

Coursera

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Entrepreneurship (Coursera)

Business

Embark on a journey into the world of entrepreneurship with our exclusive online course. Designed for those eager to transform ideas into successful ventures, this program introduces fundamental principles, innovative strategies, and practical applications crucial for navigating today’s business landscape. Special focus is given to leveraging unique opportunities within China's dynamic market.

Jul 6th 2026

4 Weeks

Innovation China Entrepreneurship

Coursera

National Taiwan University

中國古代歷史與人物－－秦始皇 (Coursera)

Humanities

本課程將帶你穿梭於中國古代的歷史長河中，專注於秦始皇這位著名的歷史人物及其對中國發展的重要影響。從他的統治方式、政治改革到對國家的整合，你將重新發現學習歷史的樂趣和價值。適合所有對古代中國有興趣的人士，尤其是那些想深入了解秦始皇及其時代的學習者。

Jun 22nd 2026

5-12 Weeks

History China Chinese History

EdX

MIT,MITx

A Global History of Architecture (edX)

Humanities

Embark on a captivating journey through time and space as you delve into the fascinating history of architecture. This course offers an in-depth exploration of humanity's architectural creations from 100,000 BCE up until approximately 1,600 CE. Discover how different cultures have shaped their built environments over thousands of years.

Oct 18th 2023

5-12 Weeks

History Culture Architecture

FutureLearn

University for the Creative Arts

The History and Culture of Chinese Silk (FutureLearn)

Art and Culture History

Embark on a fascinating journey through time as you explore the origins and evolution of Chinese silk. This course offers an in-depth look at how silk has shaped Chinese culture, from its ancient roots to its contemporary significance. Learn about sericulture, silk craftsmanship, and how this timeless material continues to influence art, economy, and politics in modern China.

Feb 27th 2023

3 Weeks

China Modern China Chinese Silk

Coursera

Higher School of Economics - HSE University

Introduction to Contemporary Geopolitics (Coursera)

Social Sciences

Discover the intricate landscape of contemporary geopolitics with our introductory course. From the foundational theories to in-depth analyses of major world powers, this course offers a comprehensive overview of how nations interact on the global stage. Learn about the strategies, influences, and shifts that define today's geopolitical environment.

Aug 8th 2022

5-12 Weeks

History China Politics