Best C Programming Courses Online in 2026 (Top Picks for Beginners & Pros)
C programming is one of the most fundamental and widely used languages in computer science. It forms the basis for many modern languages and is essential for systems programming, embedded development, and performance-critical applications.
Learning C helps you understand memory management, pointers, data structures, and algorithm fundamentals — which makes it valuable for programmers and developers at all levels.
This list features the best online C programming courses that help you build practical coding skills from basics to advanced concepts.
Top Online C Programming Courses in 2026
1. C Programming Online Course Free – Great Learning
Delivery: Online self-paced (Free)
Duration: ~4 hours
This Great Learning course introduces C fundamentals including syntax, variables, operators, loops, and functions. It’s designed for absolute beginners who want to start programming with a structured and practical foundation.
Key Highlights:
- Free course with certificate option
- Learn basic C syntax and structure
- Practice loops and functions
- Ideal for beginner developers
2. C Programming for Everybody – Coursera
Delivery: Online certificate programme
Duration: ~4–6 weeks
This Coursera course teaches C programming from scratch, covering basic syntax, control structures, and functions. It includes hands-on exercises and beginner-friendly projects to reinforce learning.
Key Highlights:
- Covers C basics step by step
- Practical coding assignments
- Real programming examples
- Professional certificate
3. Intro to C Programming – edX
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: ~6 weeks
This edX course provides a comprehensive introduction to C programming fundamentals. Learners practise basic constructs, memory use, and simple data handling through real coding exercises.
Key Highlights:
- Core C programming concepts
- Hands-on practice tasks
- Understand memory and variables
- Certificate available
4. C Programming Language – LinkedIn Learning
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: ~5–8 hours
This LinkedIn Learning course guides learners through key C programming elements including data types, pointers, and file handling. It suits professionals who want concise and career-oriented training.
Key Highlights:
- Learn data types and pointers
- File I/O basics
- Practical C coding examples
- Certificate of completion
5. Learn C Programming – Udemy
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: ~10+ hours
This Udemy course offers a practical and project-based introduction to C programming. Learners practise writing code for real-world tasks and solving algorithmic problems.
Key Highlights:
- Project-based C learning
- Real coding examples
- Simple to advanced topics
- Certificate of completion
6. C Fundamentals – FutureLearn
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: ~4 weeks
This FutureLearn course focuses on basic C programming structures, including loops, conditionals, arrays, and functions. It’s ideal for learners who want a paced and structured approach.
Key Highlights:
- Beginner-friendly C curriculum
- Learn loops, arrays, and functions
- Structured weekly lessons
- Certificate available
7. C Programming Prep – Codecademy
Delivery: Online interactive platform
Duration: ~8–12 hours
This codecademy course combines interactive lessons with real code challenges. Learners write C programs in the browser and get instant feedback on their solutions.
Key Highlights:
- Interactive coding practice
- Real-time feedback
- Practice C syntax and structures
- Certificate with pro plan
8. Advanced C Programming – Udacity
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: ~8–10 weeks
This course helps learners deepen their C knowledge with advanced topics like pointers, dynamic memory, and data structures. Projects focus on building efficient and scalable code.
Key Highlights:
- Advanced C topics explained
- Deep dive into pointers and memory
- Practical coding projects
- Nanodegree certificate
9. Introduction to Programming in C – Harvard Online
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: ~6–8 weeks
This beginner-level course provides a strong foundation in C programming and problem solving. It is designed for learners who want a rigorous intro to coding fundamentals.
Key Highlights:
- Core programming fundamentals
- Problem-solving in C
- Real coding tasks
- Certificate available
10. C Programming and Algorithms – Pluralsight
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: ~8 hours
This course focuses on applying C skills to algorithm design and implementation. Learners explore sorting, searching, and complexity analysis using C code.
Key Highlights:
- Algorithms with C implementations
- Sorting and searching basics
- Code efficiency and analysis
- Certificate of completion
Conclusion
C programming remains an essential skill for developers working with systems, embedded software, and performance-critical applications. The courses above offer structured learning paths from beginner to advanced levels.
Great Learning offers online free courses with certificate, enabling learners to start building foundational programming skills at no cost before progressing to more comprehensive programmes.
