Short courses are study programmes that help you learn a specific subject or skill in less time than a full university degree. They can last from a few days to several months, depending on the course.
They may take place in winter, summer or during the academic year, as professional training, academic courses or seminars. Whatever you choose, short courses can add to your knowledge, CV and experience.
Short courses are particularly useful if you want to explore a new subject, develop practical skills or study abroad without committing to a full Bachelor's or Master's programme.
How long does a short course take?
The duration of short courses depends on the discipline, workload and aim of the programme.
You can find short courses that are one week long, such as summer courses, introductory sessions or certificate programmes teaching the basics of a computer program. Some intensive courses last only a few days, while others take several months. Some short courses can last up to one year, although most examples in this guide are shorter.
There is no standard duration, so you can choose a course that fits your schedule. You should also consider the study format:
- Full-time: Intensive courses with classes on most weekdays.
- Part-time: Courses with fewer study hours per week.
- Online: Courses you can follow remotely, sometimes at your own pace.
- On campus: Classes held at a university or training centre.
- Blended: Courses combining online and in-person learning.
If you study abroad, a part-time programme may give you more time to explore your surroundings.
What types of short courses can you study?
Short courses cover almost any field, from Engineering and Business to Languages, Arts and Computer Science. Some help you specialise in a subject you already know, while others introduce you to something new.
Type | What you can study | Possible outcome |
Academic short courses | Economics, Science, Engineering, History, Arts | Certificate or academic credits |
Professional training | Marketing, Management, IT, Leadership | Certificate or professional qualification |
Language courses | English, French, German and other languages | Certificate or language assessment |
Online short courses | Programming, Business, Design and many other subjects | Certificate, digital badge or sometimes academic credits |
Summer and winter schools | Academic subjects, languages and practical skills | Certificate, academic credits or international study experience |
These categories can overlap. For example, you can study an academic subject at a summer school or take a professional training course entirely online.
Summer and winter schools take place during university holidays. Some include cultural activities, tours and outdoor workshops alongside classes. Learn more about why students attend summer school abroad.
What qualifications can you get from a short course?
Completing a short course does not usually lead to a university degree. Depending on the programme, you may receive:
- Certificate of completion: Proof that you completed a course. It is not necessarily a formally recognised qualification.
- Professional qualification: Training recognised by an employer, industry body or professional organisation, depending on the course.
- Academic credits: Credits that may count towards a university degree, if your home university agrees to accept them.
Some short courses focus on practical knowledge or personal interests and don't offer a formal qualification.
Before applying, check what you will receive when you finish and whether it supports your study or career goals.
Why should you take a short course?
Short courses can help you explore new interests, gain skills and make productive use of your time. Here are five reasons to consider one.
1. You are interested in another field of study
You may be interested in a field of study other than the one you study at university. The main advantage of short courses is that they can cover almost any field, regardless of what you study right now.
You can choose a short course to specialise further, see your subject from a different perspective or explore another field that interests you as a hobby.
Either way, short courses give you the freedom to follow your interests!
2. You are short on time and money
If you don't have much time or money to spare, a short course may be a good fit.
Many courses are practical, so you can develop skills in your field of interest without committing to a full Bachelor's or Master's degree.
They may also cost less overall than a degree programme, although some specialist short courses can be expensive.
3. You work in an interdisciplinary field
You may have studied a certain subject but now work for a company where several disciplines are connected.
Take, for example, an engineering company with its own marketing department. If you work in marketing, a short course in a technical subject could help you understand the company's products better. Similarly, an engineer could take a marketing course to develop skills outside their main field.
Short courses allow you to gain knowledge that complements what you already know.
4. You want something new on your CV
A short course is an extra academic or professional activity that can find its place in your CV and enrich your experience.
This can be useful, especially if you are looking for a job or better career opportunities.
A relevant short course can show employers that you have developed new knowledge or practical skills. However, completing a course does not guarantee a job.
5. You can enjoy your free time
Although courses may not sound like activities for your free time, some include tours, outdoor workshops and cultural activities, especially summer courses.
This can be a productive way to spend part of your holiday in the city where you study abroad, while meeting people and discovering another culture.
How much do short courses cost?
Some short courses are free of charge. You can find them mostly online, and they may take anything from a few hours to several months to complete.
Others have tuition fees of several thousand euros, particularly specialist programmes in Engineering, Business, Management and Leadership.
The cost depends on the subject, duration, provider and qualification offered. There is no single average price for short courses worldwide.
If you plan to study abroad, you should also budget for accommodation, transport, visas, food, study supplies and other expenses.
For online courses, check whether the certificate is included in the fee or costs extra.
Always check current tuition fees and what they include before applying.
Who can apply for a short course?
Short courses are not only for university students. Depending on the programme, you may be able to apply if you are a recent graduate, a working professional or someone who wants to learn something new.
Some courses welcome beginners, while others require previous knowledge, professional experience or an academic qualification.
If you want to study abroad, check the language requirements and whether you need a visa. These depend on the programme, your nationality and the country where you plan to study.
How to find the perfect short course
Now that you have your reasons sorted out, you can take a look at available short courses and find the most suitable one for you. Start by visiting Shortcoursesportal.
- Choose your subject. Select a discipline and subdiscipline or enter a keyword to start your search.
- Explore the course details. Click on a programme that interests you to find information about tuition fees, start dates, language of instruction, course content and duration.
- Use the search filters. Narrow your options by study format, language, location, tuition fees and other available filters.
Once you find a suitable course, visit the provider's official website to confirm the latest fees, entry requirements and application deadlines.
Get ready for your short course!
If you need a bit of inspiration to get going, start with these institutions, which offer a variety of short courses:
- International Career Institute
- RMIT Future Skills
- FutureLearn
- University of Oxford
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
You can also find inspiration in our guide to studying a short course in Malaysia.
Ready to start? Find and compare short courses worldwide on Shortcoursesportal.
