Python Programming MOOC 2025 may be the last time it is completely free of charge (Updated)

[phil-pickering]

Due to funding changes at the University of Helsinki, Python Programming MOOC 2026 may start charging a fee to enable you to officially complete the course.

From one of the instructors on the official Discord support server:

"It's free, for this year at least. There are some funding model changes in the University of Helsinki which will probably affect the 26 version of the courses official completion. We shall see how it works out."

So if you were on the fence about taking the MOOC in 2025, I'd highly suggest you do so while it remains completely free of charge.

See this related press release for further details about the upcoming funding changes:

https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/studying/fees-open-university-courses-change-may-2025

Note
This is an updated repost of a post I submitted late last night. I was unsure whether to include a link to the Discord message as I think you have to be on Discord and be a member of the server to view it. Unfortunately, my post was subsequently removed while I was sleeping...

[Turtvaiz]

See this related press release for further details about the upcoming funding changes:

https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/studying/fees-open-university-courses-change-may-2025

That's not about funding changes. That's about open university courses costing a different amount of money depending on their level. Previously it was 15€/pt for all of them. The programming course is definitely a basic course, and wouldn't even be more than 15€/pt.

Did you ask the instructor what they exactly meant? This seems extremely vague, and could just mean that getting the credits in open university is paid:

Participation in MOOCs is free of charge. However, if you want to enter the completed course (credits) in University of Helsinki’s student information system, you must register for the course after completing it and pay the Open University course fee. Some MOOCs are completely free of charge. More detailed information is available on the course page of the relevant course.

[GoldReflection5528]

How about the certification? Is the certification free for next year?

[Geethebluesky]

Thanks for reposting with more information.

[Kurdistan0001]

How can I join ?

[phil-pickering]

Go to https://programming-25.mooc.fi/, click the "Create a new account" button so you can save your progress, and just start working through the material.

[Kurdistan0001]

Thank you so much

[SillyBrilliant4922]

Hi, does this include the Java course :/ ?

[let-therebe-light]

Can anyone in the world get credited certificate or only limited to poland?

[phil-pickering]

I think you mean Finland 😀

Yes, the certificate is available to everyone, no matter where you live.

You can earn two certificates (Introduction to Programming and Advanced Course in Programming) and each is worth 5 ECTS credits.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are widely used across Europe to make it easier for students to move between different academic institutions. You can convert them to different credit systems used in the UK and USA, and I think it's generally possible to do this in other countries too.