Best Free Coding Bootcamps to Advance Your Skills

The right skills and knowledge go a long way in helping you pursue a career in tech. One of the best ways to gain technical skills is through coding bootcamps. They offer cost-effective options that can help you learn popular programming languages and develop your soft skills in a short amount of time. In fact, there are many free coding bootcamp options that allow you to get training without spending any money.

Bootcamps are a great way to learn the fundamentals of programming. Most beginners find free online coding bootcamps to be especially helpful because they help build technical foundations at zero cost. This article highlights some of the best free coding bootcamps available, along with tips on how you can boost your earning potential for free.

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Best Free Coding Bootcamps

Free coding bootcamps can add great value to your career as you seek to achieve your own personal goals. The best free online bootcamps equip you with both fundamental and advanced skills required to get to the next level. Here’s a list of the best free coding bootcamps for women, teens, and more below.

• 42
• Ada Developers Academy
• App Academy Open
• Founders & Coders
• Careers in Code
• Code Tenderloin
• Mississippi Coding Academies
• The Data Incubator

Below, we take a closer look at each one of the best free coding bootcamps to help you make the right decision for your education.

42

• Format: Self-paced
• Program Length: 3 years

42 offers a comprehensive program that is free of charge. Currently available in the US and France, 42 provides training that aims to produce top-tier developers with marketable skills in 18 months to three years. The program is inclusive and accessible to coding beginners. You also don’t need a degree or a diploma to apply.

The application process is pretty straightforward. First, you have to participate in online games that will test your cognitive abilities. Next, you will join a meeting that introduces you to 42 and its teaching approach. If you are the right match for the school, you will enroll in the immersion program for one month before starting the full curriculum.

Ada Developers Academy

• Format: Full-time
• Program Length: 6 months (class time) 5 months (internship)

Ada Developers Academy is a coding school that aims to empower members of underrepresented communities in tech with full stack development skills. These also include those from low-income backgrounds, provided they have permanent work authorization in the United States and are at least 21 years of age.

Ada Developers Academy is a Seattle bootcamp that offers an eight-week online program that is suitable for beginners, exposing them to Python and other coding fundamentals for free. Those with more experience are encouraged to sign up for Ada Core, an 11-month comprehensive program focused on full stack development. The curriculum includes topics like Python, SQL, JavaScript, and React.

App Academy Open

• Format: Online, self-paced
• Program Length: 500 hours

App Academy Open is an extension of App Academy, one of the best online coding bootcamps. With App Academy Open, students have access to the same robust curriculum used in its 24 Week Online Software Engineering Program. This is a great option if you’re looking for free online resources that you can learn from at your own pace.

Upon signing up, you have access to 500 hours worth of learning material that covers crucial topics such as JavaScript and Python. App Academy Open is free and fully online, and provides you with ways to monitor your learning using built-in features that show you things like estimated completion times and course progression.

Founders & Coders

• Format: Online, part-time
• Program Length: 12 weeks (class time) 21 months (apprenticeship)

Founders & Coders is a UK-based organization that offers tuition-free learning and apprenticeship opportunities to those interested in growing their careers in tech. It offers a 12-week Skills Bootcamp which is a part-time, pre-apprenticeship course that is delivered fully remotely. You will learn how to use tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Git/GitHub.

It also offers participants the opportunity to develop their skills further and find a job in tech through its Software Developer Apprenticeship program. After completing 12 weeks of full-time training, participants can explore software development roles with employer partners. Note that only applicants over the age of 18 with the right to work in the UK are considered.

Careers in Code

• Format: Part-time, Hybrid
• Program Length: 24 weeks

Careers in Code is one of the best free coding bootcamps for women and minorities in tech. Its training program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to explore tech job opportunities and ultimately tackle poverty in Central NY. It provides a 24-week program that is free via a scholarship. Other costs like a laptop and third-party expenses are also covered. 

The software development program is deemed a success too, with positive outcomes that are certified by the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting. It boasts a 91 percent graduation rate, with 56 percent of students reporting a salary increase post-training. 

Code Tenderloin

• Format: online, part-time
• Program Length: 6 weeks

Code Tenderloin’s mission is to eliminate most barriers that prevent people from pursuing a good career in tech. Its programs cover the technical and non-technical aspects of employment. First, participants will enroll in the Basic Computer Literacy class. Next, they will begin with the Job Readiness program which will expose them to best practices in a workplace environment.

Once they have passed those requirements, they can start with their coding lessons. It begins with the Pre-Code Ramp where they will learn the basics of HTML and CSS for three weeks. Next, their programming skills will be further enhanced with a six-week JavaScript training in the Code Ramp phase. This is followed by Code Ramp++, a more comprehensive training done in partnership with Galvanize.  

Mississippi Coding Academies

• Format: In-person, full-time
• Program Length: 11 months

Mississippi Coding Academies is a non-profit organization offering an 11-month training program at zero cost. Most of its students are high school graduates, low-wage earners, and those who come from low-income families. Classes are offered in three physical locations across Mississippi which include Downton Jackson, Starkville, and South Jackson. 

The industry-aligned curriculum will expose students to both the front and back end of development, training them to become skilled tech professionals. At Mississippi Coding Academies, students can expect to develop their soft skills, partake in hands-on exercises, and learn straight from industry experts. 

The Data Incubator

• Format: Full-time or part-time, online
• Program Length: 4 months

If you’ve got the basics of coding down and are looking to advance your skills, you can take on a coding bootcamp designed for experienced programmers at The Data Incubator. This is an exclusive training, offered as a fellowship program. The skills covered are intended to complete that last step towards achieving the proper credentials to move ahead in your professional life. 

Students can access this eight-week, full-time fellowship for free, upon acceptance. The Data Incubator also works with hiring partners, which helps connect its graduates with the right employer. This free networking opportunity makes it easy to transfer your skills to your next career opportunity.

What Is a Free Coding Bootcamp?

A free coding bootcamp typically offers introductory lessons across multiple areas of programming. It provides the opportunity to learn new techniques and skills in the tech industry without being financially demanding. That technical knowledge can set you up for your dream career as a web designer, software engineer, or even data scientist.

You can find a number of free coding bootcamps online, depending on your area of interest. Some coding bootcamps will walk you through the basic concepts of software engineering or backend development while others might focus on a specific programming language. Some also offer free tech bootcamp programs that serve as a preparation for more in-depth, full-time programs.

You can expect the same hands-on approach that coding bootcamps are known for without having to make any financial commitment. This makes free coding bootcamps a great way for you to explore the viability of a career in the tech industry. If you enjoy the experience, you can enroll in full-time studies and start looking at bootcamp scholarships to help cover the cost.

What Skills Can I Learn in a Free Online Coding Bootcamp?

You can learn foundational skills from a free online coding bootcamp. Some explain basic concepts of a specific tech discipline like full stack web development, cyber security, and Android development. Others are designed to help you hone your coding skills in languages like C, Python, and Java.

You might not be able to learn all about coding from a free coding bootcamp alone, but you’ll build a deeper understanding of coding and its applications in the real world. You also get to experiment with different areas of programming before deciding which career in tech to pursue. 

How Do I Choose the Best Free Coding Bootcamp?

Choosing the best free coding bootcamp can be a difficult decision if you’re not sure where to start. On the surface, they may seem like they have the same offerings. Although most free options are designed as coding bootcamps for beginners, some may be a better match for you. Here are some of the most important factors to consider.

Format

Identify a learning format that works best for you. Most free coding bootcamps offer self-paced options, allowing learners to progress through the coursework on their own time. You can also find free coding bootcamps that offer in-person lessons if you prefer collaborating and engaging with peers in a physical setting.  

Content

The content of a curriculum is highly important. It is recommended that you choose a free coding bootcamp that aligns with your career goals. For example, if you are looking to become a web developer, it would be best for you to enroll in a free front end development course. You can also sign up for free programs that teach the main programming languages in web development like HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.

Career Services

Most free coding bootcamps do not offer career services. However, you can also find some that offer built-in career preparedness training to help you round out your skills. You can still take advantage of free programs to build the technical side of your career. This would lay the groundwork for when you decide to explore affordable coding bootcamps on a full-time basis.

How Else Can I Learn to Code for Free?

There are a lot of ways you can learn to code at zero cost. Some of the popular options include free coding bootcamps, free coding schools, free coding training, and free coding websites. To help you in your learning journey, this section will show you how to learn coding for free, using a variety of online resources.

Free Coding Courses From Top Bootcamps

Free coding bootcamp courses are an excellent way to access high-quality training without making any financial commitments. In many cases, these courses introduce basic topics like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you are on the fence about signing up for a full program, these free coding courses are a great way to test out whether programming is the right path for you.

GA Dash

GA Dash is one of the best free coding courses out there. Learn the basics of web development like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for free with GA Dash. The resources shared through this platform bring a level of practicality as users are given project-based assignments.

In each step, you’ll gain hands-on experience in coding techniques and processes to help you get ahead. GA Dash gives you just the right push by offering a free opportunity to explore other valuable skills. Signing up is a quick and easy process that can be done on a web browser.

Kenzie Free

Kenzie Free is an extension of Kenzie Academy. It is a free-for-all introductory program that is meant to help you build a solid knowledge of programming fundamentals. Beyond tutorials, Kenzie Academy is a platform where new coders can practice their skills. It includes web development topics such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

The platform itself is designed to facilitate self-study so students can expect hands-on exercises and comprehensive video tutorials. Kenzie Free is also a great way for you to experience Kenzie Academy’s learning environment without making any financial commitment. It serves as a great stepping stone for those looking to explore full-time programs at the coding bootcamp. 

Flatiron School Prep Courses 

Flatiron School offers four prep courses to help students find their footing before enrolling in the respective full-fledged programs at the school. They are Software Engineering Prep, Cybersecurity Prep, Data Science Prep, and Product Design Prep. You can also sign up for the Career Lite Prep program to gain a sneak peek into the school’s job assistance services.

These free programs expose students to the fundamentals of each area in tech. They also offer insights into the ‘Flatiron School experience’ where students get to see how skills are nurtured at the coding bootcamp. To sign up, all you need to do is click on a program that interests you on the Flatiron School website. 

Fullstack Academy Basic Prep

Fullstack Academy offers a free preparatory program that comes in three different versions. Although they share the same curriculum, students get to pick a format that they’re most comfortable with. They can either choose to complete the prep course in a week, a month, or at their own pace. 

Students can expect to learn basic programming concepts, complete coding exercises, and even attend live online lectures when available. Although the course is free, students are required to complete a project by the end of it. This is meant to prepare students for the full-time learning experience at Fullstack Academy. 

Platforms That Offer Free Coding Classes 

If you are looking for something shorter than a free coding bootcamp, you might want to consider online coding classes. Platforms like Coursera and edX provide a wide range of free coding resources, often in juncture with major universities from around the country. These classes are available online and usually take only a few days to a few weeks to complete.

Coursera

Coursera courses are practical and engaging. Most of them are also taught by experienced university professors. Coursera allows you to join an online class, engage with your peers, and learn crucial topics to further develop your coding skills. You can start from the basics and make your way up to more advanced subjects.

Coursera offers free access to its online courses but students can expect to pay between $30 to $50 to obtain a certificate upon course completion, depending on the course. However, given the value of coding credentials, getting that official documentation may be worth it.

edX

There is a wide range of courses available through edX. Course content varies from HTML5, app development, programming and so much more. With a free account, you can access the relevant courses that will benefit you in the long run.

These engaging and practical courses cover a wide array of interesting topics and help open your eyes to new opportunities as well. No matter where your interest lies, you can find a coding bootcamp program that arms you with the necessary skills to move forward in your tech career.

Udemy

While Udemy offers both paid and free options, there are abundant ways to learn on this educational platform. Developed by educators and users in the community, you’ll learn from people just like yourself, who have advanced their careers and experience in coding.

As Udemy provides a wide range of resources at different specifications, be sure to look into the course description before jumping on a program. You can also search for courses that apply to the specific area you are looking for.

Free Coding Programs

Though they might offer less structure than a free tech bootcamp, the resources listed below are perfect for students who are eager to master basic coding skills and enjoy learning at their own pace. Platforms like freeCodeCamp and Codecademy offer free video tutorials, learning modules, and other tools to ensure all learners have access to tech training.

Codecademy

Codecademy is a popular educational resource that explores a wide range of course opportunities and training. With a free basic plan, you’ll get 180 hours of content to get started on interactive lessons and assignments. If you’re not sure where to begin, the sorting quiz tool on its website can point you in the right direction.

You would need to upgrade to the pro plan to get access to even more projects and mobile-friendly resources for further advancements. But for sticking with the fundamentals, Codecademy has got your back with its wide array of free coding programs.

FreeCodeCamp

FreeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that aims to make coding education accessible to all. It offers free learning modules, video tutorials on YouTube, sample questions to help you practice coding, and more. All of its learning modules are self-paced and take around 300 hours to complete.

Some of the modules offered include JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures, Data Visualization, Scientific Computing with Python, and Front End Development Libraries. Upon signing up, you will also have access to an online forum where you can exchange ideas, receive support, and expand your professional network.

Khan Academy

You may have heard of Khan Academy’s helpful academic videos and other resources. Beyond topics like algebra and finance, Khan Academy offers free coding programs for learners of all ages and skill levels to start learning computer programming.

Khan Academy’s Hour of Code program explores a wide variety of programs and functions that can be utilized by both students and teachers. From topics such as JavaScript to HTML/CSS and webpages, everyone can develop their industry knowledge at Khan Academy.

The Odin Project 

This free, project-based learning platform covers a range of coding fundamentals. The Odin Project covers tools like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. You’ll also get to explore more advanced topics like Ruby on Rails, databases, and Git. Designed for coding beginners, this web development training can help boost your confidence in the digital world.

This open-source platform gives you the tools and resources to develop a portfolio and build the right skills to help you land your desired job. After acquiring the in-demand skills, the Odin Project also offers career resources to help you make your next move.

What Is the Best Free Coding Bootcamp for Minorities?

Some of the best free coding bootcamps for minorities include Ada Developers Academy, Careers in Code, and Mississippi Coding Academies. These coding schools are designed to help underrepresented communities in tech access an education and start successful tech careers.

Free Online Coding Bootcamps vs Free Online Coding Courses: Which Is Better?

Free online coding bootcamps are better than free online coding courses because they offer more extensive programs. These make them ideal for those looking to build a career from the ground up. Some free coding bootcamps like 42, for example, offer a program that can take up to five years to complete, which means you are getting more out of the whole experience.

However, if you are simply looking to upskill and are in no rush to change your career, free online coding courses would be the better choice. They generally offer self-paced programs that allow you to learn at your own leisure. You can also use this opportunity to discover which area of tech interests you the most and subsequently formulate a game plan that works for you. We cover the benefits of free coding bootcamps vs online courses below.

Free Coding Bootcamps	Free Coding Courses
Provide a learning structure and set curriculum	Students create their own learning path
Cover a wide range of topics	Tend to focus on a specific tool or skill
Last several weeks to several months	Can sometimes be completed in less than a day
Often allow students to interact with instructors and peers	Students primarily learn independently
Are designed to make students job-ready	Allow students to improve their skills

Should I Enroll in a Free Coding Bootcamp?

Yes, you should enroll in a free coding bootcamp because it is a great way to learn new skills without having to make a huge financial commitment. A lot of free coding bootcamps also offer fully remote and flexible learning options, allowing you to learn valuable tech skills on your own time, from literally anywhere with a good Internet connection. 

However, if you are confident that you want to start a career in tech, you would be better off joining a paid bootcamp. Unlike many free tech bootcamps, paid coding bootcamps often allow students to interact with their professors and ask questions. Individualized training can be very beneficial when you progress to more difficult topics. Paid bootcamps also offer career services, which can make a big difference when you are looking for your first job after graduation.

Free Coding Bootcamps FAQ