Best UI UX Design Courses For Beginners (2025 Edition)

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If you’re considering a career in product design or aiming to upgrade your skillset in digital experiences, you’re in the right place. UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) design have become vital parts of how users interact with apps, websites, and systems.

With demand for skilled designers booming across industries, taking the right course can open doors to high-paying jobs, freelance gigs, and even leadership roles in tech-driven businesses.

This Design Journal guide lists the best UI UX design courses for beginners that are comprehensive, trusted, and beginner-friendly—whether you’re a student, career switcher, or a self-taught designer seeking structure.

We’ve also included top online UI UX design courses that offer flexibility along with free UI/UX design courses where possible.

Why its the best time to start learning UI UX design?

There’s never been a better time to dive into the world of UI/UX design. As digital products continue to dominate every aspect of our lives—from shopping and banking to healthcare and education—businesses are prioritizing user experience more than ever.

This surge in demand for intuitive and engaging interfaces has led to a sharp rise in job opportunities for skilled UI/UX designers across the globe. The good news?

You don’t need a traditional design degree to get started. Today, anyone with curiosity, creativity, and access to the internet can begin learning through structured, beginner-friendly, and often affordable courses.

Remote work has also become a standard in design roles, opening up opportunities for freelancers and full-time professionals beyond geographic limitations.

Whether you’re switching careers, expanding your skill set, or launching your own product, learning UI/UX design today can put you at the forefront of innovation, creativity, and digital transformation.

If you looking for masters or diploma, check out these best design universities in Australia.

10 best UI UX design courses

Whether you’re starting from scratch or pivoting into the design world, these are the best UI UX design courses that offer depth, structure, and real-world outcomes.

1. Google UX Design Certificate (via Coursera)

Developed by Google, this highly rated online UI UX design course is perfect for beginners with no prior experience.

It’s part of Coursera’s professional certificate series and walks learners through the entire UX process—from user research and wireframes to prototyping and usability testing.

The course includes seven modules and offers hands-on projects using tools like Figma and Adobe XD.

What makes it one of the best UI UX design courses:

• Globally recognized certification backed by Google
• Project-based curriculum to build a professional portfolio
• Flexible, self-paced structure ideal for working professionals

Free? You can audit the course for free or get full access via a 7-day free trial, then pay a monthly subscription.

Ideal for: Beginners aiming to enter the UX job market with a structured, employer-validated credential.

2. DesignLab’s UX Academy Foundations

This course offers a strong foundation in UX principles with 1-on-1 mentorship from experienced designers.

Students complete weekly design challenges, tool-based exercises, and receive feedback on all assignments. It’s also a stepping stone to DesignLab’s full UX Academy career track.

Why it’s one of the best UI UX design courses:

• Personalized mentorship for each student
• Weekly critique sessions and real-world project feedback
• Prepares learners for more intensive bootcamps or career transitions

Free? No, but payment plans and financial assistance are available.

Ideal for: Learners who want mentor-led guidance and structured portfolio support.

3. Octet Design’s UI UX Design Course

Octet’s course is a practical, hands-on training program crafted by real agency experts.

It uniquely blends sessions with recorded modules, drawing from real client case studies and industry workflows.

With a strong focus on usability, wireframing, user journeys, and prototyping, it helps learners build portfolio-ready projects from day one.

What makes it a top choice among the best UI UX design courses:

• Access to expert reviews and real-world assignments
• Community support with peer reviews and weekly feedback
• Tailored for learners in India and international markets

Free? Yes.

Ideal for: Career starters, freelancers, and designers wanting industry-level case studies and exposure.

4. Interaction Design Foundation (IDF)

IDF is one of the most affordable online UI UX design course providers. It offers a massive library of UX-related courses—from beginner to expert levels.

Their beginner course includes key topics such as user-centered design, visual hierarchy, design thinking, and psychology in UX.

Why it’s great:

• Lifetime access to hundreds of design courses
• Certificates that are industry recognized
• Active global community of designers and design leaders

Free? Not free, but very budget-friendly with an annual subscription.

Best for: Self-motivated learners looking for affordable, long-term access to educational content.

5. Springboard UX Career Track

Springboard’s UX program is an immersive, mentor-led bootcamp designed to help you land a job in UX design.

The curriculum is based on industry demands and includes user research, design systems, UI design, and a capstone project. It also includes career coaching and job guarantee (or your money back).

Why it’s among the best UI UX design courses:

• Weekly mentor calls and 1-on-1 feedback
• Includes real client work and hands-on portfolio projects
• Offers a job guarantee for qualified learners

Free? No, but offers flexible payment options and deferred tuition.

Ideal for: Career switchers committed to securing a full-time UX or product design job.

6. General Assembly UX Design Short Course

General Assembly’s part-time UX course is a practical introduction to the field.

Taught by experienced practitioners, this program covers research, journey mapping, information architecture, wireframing, and usability testing in a collaborative online setting.

Why it stands out among online UI UX design courses:

• Structured curriculum with peer collaboration
• Strong alumni network and employer recognition
• Portfolio support and post-course job readiness resources

Free? No, but eligible students can apply for scholarships or income-share agreements.

Best for: Working professionals who prefer live instruction and community interaction.

7. Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) UX Certification

Run by one of the most respected names in usability, NN/g UX certification carries immense weight in the UX industry.

The program offers deep-dive courses on UX research, interaction design, and accessibility. Learners can take classes online or in-person and accumulate credits toward certification.

Why it’s one of the best UI UX design courses:

• Industry-respected brand in usability and research
• Ideal for building authority and credibility
• Specialized learning paths (e.g., Research, Management, Mobile UX)

Free? No.

Ideal for: Intermediate designers or professionals aiming to boost their credibility with high-level credentials.

8. Coursera’s UI UX Design Courses (Beyond Google Certificate)

Coursera offers a wide range of UI/UX courses from universities such as CalArts, University of Michigan, and University of Minnesota.

You can study topics like design thinking, UI animation, interaction design, or mobile app UX—picking and choosing courses that match your interests.

Why it’s great for beginner UI/UX learners:

• University-level education with flexible online learning
• Mix-and-match learning paths
• Many courses available for free UI/UX design course auditing

Free? Yes, most courses can be audited for free; certificate options are paid.

Best for: Learners who want academic-style courses with the freedom to learn at their own pace.

9. Udemy UI UX Design Courses

Udemy is a self-paced learning platform offering thousands of short and detailed UI/UX courses.

Top instructors cover topics like UX strategy, Figma for beginners, wireframing, and prototyping. You can also find comprehensive beginner bootcamps under $20.

Why it’s a go-to for many learners:

• Extremely affordable (frequent sales and discounts)
• Lifetime access to purchased courses
• Quick-start courses perfect for specific skills (e.g., UI kits, user flows)

Free? Some courses are free; many are low-cost and beginner-friendly.

Best for: Budget-conscious learners and hobbyists looking for fast, specific skill upgrades.

10. Growth School: UI/UX Design Live Programs

Growth School delivers immersive, cohort-based programs in partnership with industry professionals from top design teams.

Their UI/UX programs focus on practical outcomes, community interaction, and personal branding through design portfolios.

What makes it one of the best UI UX design courses:

• Live classes with real designers and founders
• Peer learning and project critiques
• Strong emphasis on real-world projects and storytelling in design

Free? No, but often includes access to exclusive masterclasses and networking opportunities.

Ideal for: Early-stage designers who want to work closely with mentors and grow with a creative community.

How to choose the best UI UX design courses?

Choosing the right UI/UX design course can feel overwhelming—especially with so many platforms, pricing models, and learning styles available. Here’s how you can narrow down your options based on your goals and preferences.

Assess your goals

Before enrolling, define your objective. Are you switching careers, freelancing, upgrading your current role, or just exploring design?

• Career switchers should choose career-focused and mentor-led programs like Springboard or DesignLab that include portfolio building and job placement support.
• Freelancers may benefit from project-based courses like Octet’s or Growth School’s that simulate real client work.
• Professionals or marketers might just need targeted upskilling via short, modular courses on Coursera or Udemy.

Tip: Write down your 3-month and 6-month learning goals to match them with a course structure.

Check the learning format

UI/UX design courses come in various formats:

• Live cohort-based (e.g., Growth School): Great for motivation, collaboration, and feedback.
• Mentor-led + flexible timing (e.g., DesignLab, Springboard): Ideal if you need guidance but can’t commit to fixed hours.
• Fully self-paced (e.g., Coursera, IDF, Udemy): Perfect for working professionals or independent learners.

Choose a format that aligns with your schedule and discipline level. If you need accountability, go for mentor-based or live sessions. If you’re self-motivated, self-paced platforms offer great freedom.

Look for portfolio support

Your portfolio is your most powerful asset in UI/UX. The best UI UX design courses help you build real-world projects that demonstrate your thinking and process.

• Opt for courses that offer portfolio reviews, case study frameworks, and real-life design briefs.
• Avoid courses that focus only on theory without hands-on practice.
• Look for a course that ends with a capstone project, client challenge, or design sprint.

SEO Tip: Portfolio-building is a high-intent keyword—integrating it helps with organic ranking.

Research the instructors

Instructors with real-world experience bring practical, industry-relevant knowledge that textbooks can’t offer.

• Check LinkedIn profiles of instructors to see their professional background.
• Read testimonials or watch YouTube reviews mentioning the teaching style.
• Prioritize courses taught by designers who have worked at startups, design agencies, or product teams.

Why this matters: The design world evolves quickly—learning from practitioners ensures your knowledge is up-to-date.

Evaluate pricing, trials, and support

While some courses charge premium prices, others offer budget-friendly or free UI/UX design courses that deliver solid value.

• Budget-conscious learners can explore Udemy or free Coursera audits.
• Look for platforms that offer financial aid, scholarships, or monthly installments (e.g., Springboard, General Assembly).
• Ensure the course includes support like community access, mentor calls, or office hours.

And remember—expensive doesn’t always mean better. Evaluate based on curriculum depth, reviews, and learning outcomes.

Read reviews and success stories

Social proof is powerful. Honest reviews from past learners can tell you:

• If the course delivers on its promise
• Whether the job support actually works
• How useful the project work and mentor feedback is

You can find reviews on:

• Reddit forums like r/userexperience or r/UXDesign
• Trustpilot and Course Report
• YouTube testimonials
• LinkedIn alumni posts

Also, check if the platform highlights success stories, job placements, or published portfolios on their website.

Conclusion

From Google’s globally recognized certification to niche, self-paced programs like Octet’s, there are many best UI UX design courses for beginners.

Your ideal course depends on your goals, learning style, and commitment level.

Whether you’re diving into a new career or sharpening your current skills, investing in online UI UX design courses is a move that can define your future in digital product design.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best UI/UX certification?

The best UI/UX certification depends on your career goals and learning style. For beginners, the Google UX Design Certificate is one of the most recognized and beginner-friendly options.

For those seeking credibility in enterprise UX or research-heavy roles, the NN/g UX Certification from Nielsen Norman Group is highly respected in the industry.

If you’re looking for flexibility and affordability, Interaction Design Foundation offers excellent certification courses that are both practical and accessible.

Which is best for UI/UX design?

• Google UX Design Certificate – for job-ready skills and foundational knowledge.
• DesignLab UX Academy Foundations – for mentorship and personalized guidance.
• Octet’s UI UX Design Course – for real client projects and industry-level exposure.
• Springboard UX Career Track – for career switchers seeking job placement support.

Which college is best for UX UI design?

Some of the best colleges offering full-time UX/UI design degrees include:

• Carnegie Mellon University – known for its Human-Computer Interaction Institute.
• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – strong design fundamentals with digital focus.
• Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – offers UX-focused programs with creative depth.
• MIT Media Lab – for advanced UX and design research.

Which is the best platform to learn UI/UX design?

The best platform to learn UI/UX design depends on your needs:

• Coursera – for university-backed content (Google, CalArts, University of Michigan).
• DesignLab – for mentor-based learning and career prep.
• Udemy – for affordable, bite-sized, self-paced learning.
• Interaction Design Foundation – for long-term, budget-friendly UX education.
• Octet – for practical, agency-style learning with real project exposure.