If you’ve spent time browsing for high-quality online courses, you’ve probably come across GetSmarter, an online education platform that offers short courses in collaboration with some of the world’s most prestigious universities, like MIT, Oxford, and Harvard. But the real question is:
Are GetSmarter courses actually worth your time and money?
In this detailed review, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from course quality and pricing to real student experiences—so you can decide if GetSmarter is the right fit for your learning goals.
Whether you’re a new blogger trying to level up your digital skills or just exploring advanced career options, this review is for you.
What Is GetSmarter?
GetSmarter is an edtech company founded in South Africa and now owned by 2U, Inc., a global leader in online education. The platform partners with top-tier universities and institutions to deliver certified short courses that span across topics like:
- Business & Management
- Digital Marketing
- Data Science
- Finance
- Design Thinking
- Leadership
Each course is designed by a university faculty but delivered in an online, self-paced format, often lasting 6–10 weeks.
Who Are GetSmarter Courses For?
GetSmarter isn’t your typical budget e-learning site. These courses are built for:
- Working professionals looking to upskill or reskill
- Aspiring entrepreneurs needing formal knowledge
- Bloggers or creators (like Helping Bloggers readers!) who want to level up in areas like digital marketing or finance
- Career changers aiming to enter new industries with certified credentials
These are non-degree, non-credit courses—so while you won’t earn a diploma, you will earn a certificate of completion from the university you enrolled through.
How Does GetSmarter Work?
Here’s a breakdown of how the platform operates:
1. Course Enrollment
Once you find a course, you can enroll directly through the GetSmarter website. Keep in mind, many courses have specific start dates, unlike other platforms with fully on-demand content.
2. Learning Platform
GetSmarter uses an intuitive learning management system (LMS) where you access:
- Weekly modules
- Downloadable resources
- Quizzes & assessments
- Peer discussion boards
3. Support
Every student gets a dedicated success manager, who checks in regularly and offers support via email or chat.
4. Certification
Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a university-branded certificate, which you can add to your LinkedIn profile or resume.
Course Quality and Learning Experience
Let’s break down what it’s like to actually take a GetSmarter course.
✅ Pros
- University-Level Instruction: Lessons are created by professors from institutions like Yale, Cambridge, and MIT.
- Structured Curriculum: Each course is broken into weekly modules with deadlines to keep you on track.
- Dedicated Support: Student success managers really do reach out and help.
- Networking Opportunities: Interact with peers from around the world in course forums.
❌ Cons
- Pricey: Courses usually range from $1,000 to $3,000 USD.
- Not Self-Paced: You must stick to a weekly schedule.
- No Lifetime Access: Once the course ends, access to materials is limited.
Popular GetSmarter Courses in 2025
Here are some highly-rated programs worth exploring:
1. Oxford Digital Marketing: Disruptive Strategy
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Price: ~$2,300
- Learn branding, SEO, analytics, and more from Oxford faculty
2. MIT Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Price: ~$2,800
- Ideal for entrepreneurs and executives who want to explore AI’s business applications
3. University of Cape Town Blog Writing & Content Strategy
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Price: ~$1,200
- Great for beginner bloggers and content creators
Is GetSmarter Accredited?
No, GetSmarter courses are not accredited in the traditional university sense. But, because they’re developed by well-known institutions, they hold a high level of professional credibility.
Think of them as certified short courses that add prestige to your resume or LinkedIn—not as degree replacements.
GetSmarter vs Other Platforms
How does GetSmarter compare to other online learning sites?
| Feature | GetSmarter | Coursera | Udemy | LinkedIn Learning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Partners | Top Universities | Top Universities | Individuals | Business Experts |
| Avg. Course Cost | $1,000–$3,000 | $39–$100/month | $10–$200 | $19–$40/month |
| Certificate Quality | University-issued | Accredited (some) | Platform only | Platform only |
| Duration | 6–10 weeks | 4–10 weeks | Varies | Varies |
| Support | Success Manager | Limited Support | None | Limited |
What Real Students Are Saying
“I took the Cambridge Business Sustainability course, and it completely changed how I think about operations. The coursework was intense, but worth every penny.”
— Diana M., Business Owner
“As a blogger, the Oxford Digital Strategy course helped me refine my traffic and branding approach. The assignments made me think like a strategist.”
— Rajesh P., Digital Creator
Is GetSmarter Worth It?
GetSmarter is worth it if:
- You want certified, professional education from top universities
- You’re willing to invest both time and money
- You need a credential that will enhance your career or brand authority
GetSmarter is not worth it if:
- You’re looking for free or low-cost alternatives
- You prefer self-paced, open-ended courses
- You just want basic knowledge, not certification
Final Verdict
GetSmarter isn’t for everyone, but it can be a powerful stepping stone if you’re serious about your growth—especially in blogging, digital marketing, or business leadership.
For beginners, these courses might seem intense, but they offer structure, accountability, and world-class instruction that’s hard to beat.
Verdict: 4.5/5 — Worth the investment if you’re ready to commit.
FAQs: GetSmarter Online Courses
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- At Learners View, we're passionate about helping learners make informed decisions. Our team dives deep into online course platforms and individual courses to bring you honest, detailed reviews. Whether you're a beginner or a lifelong learner, our insights aim to guide you toward the best educational resources available online.
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