One of the most well-known websites for online education is Coursera, which provides various free courses, short certificate programs, and even online master’s degrees. After completing a course during the free trial period, Coursera requires a one-month subscription to continue the course and get a specialization certificate.
However, if you can’t afford it, financial aid is available. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences on successfully applying for and obtaining financial aid on Coursera. From understanding the eligibility criteria to completing the application process, I’ll guide you through each step. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
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What is Coursera
Table of Contents
Coursera is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses such as business, technology, humanities etc. Coursera was established by two computer science professors at Stanford University.
The platform collaborates with over 20 top businesses and universities worldwide to provide thousands of online courses, including Yale, Princeton, Penn, Stanford, and Google. The platform offers free individual courses and bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that reduce barriers to career advancement.
How to apply for financial aid on Coursera
At the end of your free trial period, you must pay to continue your courses on Coursera. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for financial aid on Coursera:
1. Step 1: Choose the course of your choice and go to the homepage of that course. Confirm if financial aid is available for the course you choose.
2. Step 2: Below the course instructor’s name, there is a hyperlink beside “Go To Course ” with the name Financial Aid available. Click on the hyperlink, and a small dialog box will come up.
3. Step 3: Click “Continue to the application.” Complete all fields about your employment history, educational background, and annual income.
This section is critical; in at least 150 words, you must describe why you’re applying for financial aid. You must also discuss your financial condition and identify the factors that best describe it so that they can determine whether you are financially viable.
4. Step 4: You will be asked a crucial question: ” How will your selected course help with your goals?” They want to learn about your objectives, the relevance of your goals, and how this course will benefit your career.
You’ll need to explain your level of interest and willingness in the specific course and then make a connection to your career and personal life. You must also convey the course’s necessity and the significance of the certificate you will receive upon successful completion.
5. Step 5: Accept the terms and conditions. Copy and paste the text “I agree to terms above” in the box provided. After verifying the captcha, click on’ captcha, ‘ then tap on ‘Submit Application.’
That’s it! You have successfully applied for financial aid on Coursera!
So what’s next?
You have to wait for 15 days for the application’s approval. After 15 days, you’ll receive an email from Coursera to inform you whether your application is approved or not.
If your application is denied, they will explain the reason so that you can fix the error and re-submit your application.
Just so you know, starting the course after applying for financial aid may result in your application being denied.
It will take 15 days to be authorized. Coursera will email your registered email address to inform you about the status.
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How to Write a Coursera Financial Aid Application
Coursera scrutinizes specific data they receive from financial aid applications to determine students’ eligibility. This is some information that should be included so Coursera can better analyze your situation:
- Explain your career goals: For instance, you might want to improve your writing skills for a technical writing position or your resources management skills to tackle a new company project. Make sure your answer is honest and relatable for the best result.
- Explain why you need financial aid: Money isn’t easy to get, and it is always good to educate yourself at an affordable price. Emphasize your financial situation and annual income. Coursera wants to see what sets you apart from others.
- State your educational background: You do not have to have any college experience to obtain a scholarship. However, if you have taken a boot camp, online course, or certificate program before, it may increase your odds of getting financial aid.
- Be honest: Lying on your application can have an adverse effect. Coursera is required to review your financial situation to determine eligibility thoroughly. If caught lying, you may not receive aid or partake in their classes.
Coursera Financial aid versus other competitors’ financial aids
Financial support from Coursera supports students who can not afford to learn and advance their careers. Even though Coursera has a limit of 11 applications, it does offer financial help for many of its courses or online degrees. Compared to other course platforms on the market, this is a benefit.
You can access all certificate program courses, graded quizzes, and assignments if you receive financial aid. With Coursera’s assistance, you can access all courses with a certificate program, graded quizzes, and assignments. However, some online courses do not offer any financial assistance.
How to check the status of your financial aid application on Coursera
Waiting for your aid approval can take a lot of work. But don’t fret; let me share with you some tips on how to check the status of your financial aid application on Coursera:
- Check your updates page to see the status of your Coursera financial aid application.
- Check your email frequently. It takes up to 15 days to receive a response, and it only comes through an email.
Applying for financial help on Coursera is more than just explaining your career goals. You have to be very specific. The more honest information you provide, the more your chances are of receiving financial aid in the long run.
Final thoughts
Financial aid has assisted many students like you and me who cannot afford to pay for an online course. Many people can now boast of learning a course or more for free. You can secure a job with the certificates and knowledge gained from Coursera. Start applying for financial aid now!
