GetSmarter

Premium online short courses from the world's leading universities — Harvard, MIT, Cambridge, and 50+ others.

Founded: 2008 by Rob Gillezeau and Sam Sobey (acquired by 2U in 2017)HQ: Cape Town, South Africa500+ courses from 50+ universities

57

Courses on SC

4.7

Avg Rating

0

Free Courses

$1498

Avg Price

Overview

GetSmarter offers premium, cohort-based online short courses from top universities including Harvard, MIT, Cambridge, Oxford, and LSE. Unlike self-paced platforms, GetSmarter courses run on fixed schedules with weekly deadlines, live sessions, and dedicated success managers. The courses are designed for working professionals — typically 6-10 weeks, requiring 7-10 hours per week. The premium pricing (typically $1,000-3,000) reflects the university branding, structured support, and executive-level content.

Our Ratings

overall

4.1

value

3.2

quality

4.4

variety

3.5

Pricing

$750-3,500 per course (typically $1,500)

  • Individual courses: $750-3,500 (average ~$1,500)
  • No subscription model — pay per course
  • Payment plans available (typically 3-4 installments)
  • Early bird discounts (typically 10-15%)
  • No free audit option
  • Group discounts for 3+ enrollments

✅ Pros

  • +Partnerships with Harvard, MIT, Cambridge, Oxford — top-tier credentials
  • +Cohort-based with fixed schedules — creates accountability
  • +Dedicated success managers for each student
  • +University-branded certificates carry significant weight
  • +Executive-level content with real-world case studies
  • +Strong networking with fellow professionals in your cohort

❌ Cons

  • Expensive — $750-3,500 per course
  • No free trial or audit option
  • Fixed schedule — no self-paced flexibility
  • Content can feel thin relative to the price
  • Limited to short courses — no degrees or long-term programs
  • Owned by 2U — financial stability concerns after 2023 restructuring

Who Is GetSmarter Best For?

  • 🎯Senior professionals and executives seeking prestigious credentials
  • 🎯Career changers wanting university-branded certificates
  • 🎯Professionals whose employers fund learning
  • 🎯Anyone who needs structured accountability to complete courses

Popular GetSmarter Courses on ShortCourses.com

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