Cisco Networking Academy offers free online courses in cybersecurity, networking, AI and data science, programming, information technology, digital literacy, professional skills and sustainability, with certification-aligned pathways. There is no deadline, so you can start learning at any time. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the official programme page to bring together what the Academy offers, how it works and how to get started.
About Cisco Networking Academy
🏫 Cisco Networking Academy has been transforming lives through education since 1997, backed by Cisco expertise and a wide ecosystem of partners.
🎒 Its motto is "Build your skills. Build your future." The page pairs free online courses and in-person learning with certification-aligned pathways designed to help you stand out in the job market.
🧭 The offer is aimed at anyone who wants to begin, change or propel a career, from AI and cybersecurity to networking and digital literacy.
The Academy in Numbers
🎓 33.3 million students since the start in 1997
👩🏫 32,600 educators around the world
🏢 12,700 organisations offering the courses
🌐 195 countries where learners are served
📈 97% of students obtained a career and/or educational opportunity (as of fiscal 2026)
💼 4.8 million students say Cisco Networking Academy helped them land a new job
Free Online Courses and Subject Areas
🔐 The most visible free course is Intro to Cybersecurity, which the page says 5 million learners have used to begin their journey. The page also notes that the cybersecurity job market is hot.
📚 You can browse the catalogue by subject area: Cybersecurity, Networking, AI and Data Science, Programming, Information Technology, Digital Literacy, Professional Skills and Sustainability.
🖥️ Cisco Packet Tracer has its own place among the subject areas.
🗂️ A list of popular free online courses is featured on the page, with a link to view all free courses and a full catalogue you can explore.
Online, In-Person or Hybrid
🤝 Academies are learning communities and organisations that offer Cisco Networking Academy courses and learning experiences. You can explore in-person, online or hybrid options through the Find an Academy tool.
🏡 If there is no course near you, the Academy points to its many online self-paced courses.
🌍 Learners are served in 195 countries, and the page does not list any nationality restriction.
Why Get Certified?
🏅 The Academy highlights industry-recognised credentials as a way to show the value of your skills, with certification-aligned pathways.
📊 According to the figures on the page, 96% of IT decision-makers believe that certified staff add value to their organisation.
💵 35% of respondents earned a pay increase of 20% or more after becoming certified.
🚀 27% received a promotion after earning a certification.
Career Preparation Support
🧑💼 The Academy offers a career preparation workshop and access to internships, apprenticeships and job postings at Cisco and beyond.
🔎 Career resources and partnerships are meant to help you navigate the job market with confidence. You can reach them through the Explore career resources option on the site.
Cost and Not an Erasmus+ or ESC Programme
🆓 The courses are described on the official page as free online courses, and Intro to Cybersecurity is free. The page does not state fees for certification exams, so check the official site for details before you plan a certification.
🚫 This is not an Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programme. It is an independent online learning offer from Cisco Networking Academy, so no Erasmus+ or ESC grants, travel reimbursement or Youthpass apply.
📣 Find more opportunities like this in the Others category on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the courses really free?
The official page describes the courses as free online courses, and its featured Intro to Cybersecurity course is free. Fees for certification exams are not listed on the page.
Is there a deadline to start?
No. The page does not give a deadline, so you can begin whenever you are ready.
Which subjects can I study?
You can choose from Cybersecurity, Networking, AI and Data Science, Programming, Information Technology, Digital Literacy, Professional Skills, Sustainability and Cisco Packet Tracer.
Can I learn without attending a class in person?
Yes. The Academy offers many online self-paced courses for people who cannot find a course near them, and you can also explore in-person and hybrid options through an academy.
Which countries can take part?
The Academy serves learners in 195 countries, and the page does not list a nationality restriction.
Does the Academy help with finding a job?
It offers a career preparation workshop and access to internships, apprenticeships and job postings at Cisco and beyond.
Deadline
⏳ As soon as possible!
Link
🔗 Cisco Networking Academy: https://www.netacad.com/
