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GetSmarter

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GetSmarter, now part of edX, offers premium online short courses developed in collaboration with the world's leading universities including MIT, Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard. With dedicated support, structured weekly deadlines, and an interactive online campus, GetSmarter delivers the most rigorous and supported online learning experience available.

🇿🇦 ZAFounded: 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

57

With Certificate

$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

Top Courses from GetSmarter

See all 57

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