Data analytics is one of the most in-demand and practical skills in today’s professional landscape. Whether you work in marketing, finance, operations, or technology, understanding how to interpret and present data can help you make better business decisions. The best part is that you can start building these skills right away with free courses with certificate options available online.
Excel and Power BI are two of the most robust tools that data professionals across the globe use. Knowing them can give you a good grounding in analytics, visualization, and reporting. The following listicle identifies some of the best free online programs that enable you to acquire practical experience, receive a certificate, and launch you into a career growth path based on data.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Data Analytics Course
When choosing a data analytics course, keep these points in mind:
- Course coverage: It should have both theoretical and practical. components.
- Certification: Choose courses that offer recognized certificates that are recognized in order to build your resume
- Additional access: Find solutions that offer the ability to access additional courses in order to study continuously.
- Flexibility: Make sure the course is self-paced and thus able to balance with your schedule
Excel and Power BI Courses to Learn Data Analytics for Free
1. Free Power BI Course – Great Learning Academy
Provider: Great Learning Academy
This free course introduces Power BI fundamentals, connecting data sources, creating visuals, and designing interactive dashboards that bring data to life. It’s perfect for beginners looking to understand business intelligence and visualization tools.
Key Highlights:
- Certificate from Great Learning upon completion
- Access to 20+ latest courses with Academy Pro
- Step-by-step guidance on Power BI report creation
- GL Coach support for instant doubt clarification, curated materials, AI-assisted mock interviews, and a smart resume builder
Learning Outcomes: Build and publish professional dashboards, use Power BI to visualize data, and communicate insights clearly.
2. Introduction to Data Analysis Using Excel – (Offered by Rice University)
Provider: Rice University
This beginner-friendly program walks you through Excel’s essential features for data analytics — including formulas, pivot tables, and charts. The course uses practical examples so learners can apply concepts immediately.
Key Highlights:
- Designed and taught by Rice University faculty
- Real-world case studies for hands-on experience
- Free to audit, with an optional verified certificate
Learning Outcomes: Perform data cleaning, use pivot tables, and generate reports to summarize insights effectively.
3. Free Excel Course – Great Learning
Provider: Great Learning
This free Excel course introduces essential spreadsheet operations, from data entry and formulas to formatting and basic charting. It’s a solid first step toward professional data analysis.
Key Highlights:
- Earn a certificate from Great Learning after completion
- Access 20+ latest courses through Academy Pro
- Practical assignments designed for real-world relevance
- GL Coach ensures instant doubt resolution, curated learning materials, AI-assisted mock interviews, and a resume builder
Learning Outcomes: Confidently use Excel functions, create data visualizations, and organize datasets for analytics tasks.
4. Power BI Desktop Fundamentals – Microsoft Learn
Provider: Microsoft Learn
This course by Microsoft introduces Power BI Desktop, focusing on data import, modeling, DAX basics, and visualization design. Learners can experiment directly within the Power BI interface and build interactive reports.
Key Highlights:
- Official course by Microsoft Learn
- Covers core Power BI features used in business analytics
- Free modules with progress tracking and practice exercises
Learning Outcomes: Connect and model data, write DAX formulas, and design compelling Power BI dashboards.
5. Data Cleaning and Preparation with Excel and Power Query – edX (Offered by Microsoft)
Provider: edX | Microsoft
Cleaning and preparing data are crucial analytics steps. This free edX course teaches you to use Power Query in Excel to transform raw, messy data into usable datasets.
Key Highlights:
- Hands-on practice with Power Query and Excel
- Learn real-world data transformation workflows
- Option to earn a verified certificate from Microsoft
Learning Outcomes: Merge, clean, and restructure datasets efficiently to prepare them for deeper analysis.
6. Dashboard Design and Storytelling with Data – Google Digital Garage
Provider: Google Digital Garage
This project-based course helps you design dashboards that tell stories through data. You’ll learn how to select visuals, organize layouts, and communicate insights effectively.
Key Highlights:
- Practical, project-focused structure
- Teaches dashboard best practices and storytelling techniques
- Ideal for professionals aiming to improve presentation skills
Learning Outcomes: Design engaging dashboards that make complex data easy to understand for decision-makers.
7. Advanced Excel for Data Analytics – Great Learning
Provider: Great Learning Academy
This advanced-level course covers complex formulas, conditional functions, and automation using Excel macros. It’s suited for learners who already know the basics and want to improve efficiency and analytical capability.
Key Highlights:
- Certificate from Great Learning after completion
- Access to 20+ latest courses with Academy Pro
- Learn real-world Excel automation techniques
- GL Coach support for mock interviews, curated content, and resume enhancement
Learning Outcomes: Use advanced Excel features to automate tasks, analyze large datasets, and generate insightful reports.
You do not need costly degrees and certifications to create a career in data analytics. Excel and Power BI online courses are free and provide you with a practical and hands-on experience with verifiable credentials. Get ready, develop your Excel and Power BI, and make your first assured step to a successful career in data analytics, all at no expense. Start today!