# Financial Aid Options for OSSU Courses: How to Get Free Certificates > Discover OSSU financial aid options. Get free certificates with full Coursera fee coverage and up to 90% off edX verified tracks. Learn more! - Repository: [Open Source Society University/computer-science](https://github.com/ossu/computer-science) - Tags: faq - Published: 2026-02-24 --- **OSSU offers financial aid through Coursera and edX, covering 100% of Coursera fees and up to 90% of edX verified-track costs.** The Open Source Society University (OSSU) curriculum aggregates free computer science courses from leading platforms, but some certificates and graded assessments require payment. According to the `ossu/computer-science` repository, learners can access formal financial assistance programs to eliminate or reduce these costs. This guide explains exactly how to apply for aid on the two primary platforms referenced in the curriculum. ## Understanding OSSU's Financial Aid Resources The official documentation in [`README.md`](https://github.com/ossu/computer-science/blob/main/README.md) (line 59) explicitly directs learners to platform-specific aid programs rather than offering institutional scholarships. Since OSSU is a free, self-directed curriculum without accreditation or tuition, it relies on partner platforms to provide financial support. Most OSSU courses come from **Coursera** and **edX**, which both maintain dedicated aid programs for learners who cannot afford certificate fees. These programs cover the bulk of fee-based content in the OSSU path, including specializations and verified tracks. ## Coursera Financial Aid Program Coursera provides a formal **Financial Aid** program that grants eligible learners completely free enrollment and certificates for individual courses and specializations. ### Eligibility and Application Process To qualify, you must demonstrate financial need and commit to completing the coursework. The application requires a brief explanation of your circumstances and learning goals. Approval typically takes up to 15 days, after which you receive a free enrollment link valid for the full course duration. ```markdown ### Applying for Coursera Financial Aid 1. Visit the course-specific financial aid page: `https://www.coursera.org/learn/[course-slug]/apply-financial-aid` 2. Complete the questionnaire explaining your financial need and study objectives 3. Submit the application and wait up to 15 days for approval 4. Once approved, access the full course and certificate at no charge ``` **Note:** You must apply for each course or specialization separately. The aid covers the entire fee, including the certificate. ## edX Financial Assistance Program edX offers **Financial Assistance** providing up to 90% off verified-track courses for learners who demonstrate need. This program applies to professional certificates and MicroMasters programs within the OSSU curriculum. ### Discount Structure and Requirements Approved learners pay only 10% of the standard verification fee. The application requires a concise statement (maximum 300 words) describing your financial constraints and educational objectives. edX processes applications within 5–7 business days. ```markdown ### Applying for edX Financial Assistance 1. Navigate to the verified-track course page on edX 2. Click "Apply for Financial Assistance" 3. Write a statement of need (300 words maximum) explaining your situation 4. Submit and expect a response within 5–7 business days 5. Upon approval, receive a 90% discount code for course verification ``` ## How to Apply for Financial Aid on Each Platform When following the OSSU curriculum, locate the specific course link in the repository, then determine the hosting platform to apply for the appropriate aid program. **For Coursera courses:** - Locate the course slug in the OSSU [`README.md`](https://github.com/ossu/computer-science/blob/main/README.md) course list - Replace `[course-slug]` in the URL template above with the specific course identifier - Complete the application before the course start date to ensure full access **For edX courses:** - Click the financial assistance link directly from the course page - Ensure your statement emphasizes how the certificate supports your computer science education goals - Apply early, as discounts must be applied before payment If a course is hosted on another platform (such as MIT OpenCourseWare or Stanford Online), check that platform's specific scholarship page, though the OSSU documentation only references Coursera and edX for formal aid programs. ## Summary - **Coursera** offers 100% free certificates through its Financial Aid program, with applications approved within 15 days. - **edX** provides up to 90% discounts via Financial Assistance, requiring a 300-word statement and processing within 5–7 business days. - The `ossu/computer-science` [`README.md`](https://github.com/ossu/computer-science/blob/main/README.md) (line 59) explicitly directs learners to these two programs for all fee-based courses. - Applications must be submitted individually per course and require proof of financial need. - Both programs cover the majority of certificate costs in the OSSU computer science curriculum. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does OSSU itself offer scholarships or financial aid? No. OSSU is a free, open-source curriculum without institutional funding or accreditation. According to the repository's [`README.md`](https://github.com/ossu/computer-science/blob/main/README.md), financial support comes directly from the course platforms (Coursera and edX) that host the individual classes. ### How long does it take to get approved for financial aid on Coursera? Coursera financial aid applications typically require up to 15 days for review and approval. You should apply before the course start date to ensure uninterrupted access to graded assignments and the final certificate. ### Can I get financial aid for multiple OSSU courses at once? You must submit separate applications for each course or specialization. Coursera requires individual applications per course, while edX processes assistance per verified-track enrollment. There is no limit to the number of courses for which you can request aid. ### What percentage discount does edX financial assistance provide? edX Financial Assistance offers up to 90% off the verified-track fee, meaning approved learners pay approximately 10% of the standard certificate cost. This discount applies to the certificate only; course content remains free to audit.