WHO Free Online Courses 2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides free online learning opportunities through its WHO Academy, helping individuals worldwide develop knowledge and practical skills in public health, health systems and related fields.

WHO Academy is the organisation's global learning platform, offering educational resources developed by WHO and other recognised health organisations. The platform supports continuous learning among health professionals, students, researchers, policymakers and other interested individuals.

In 2026, WHO introduced several free online courses covering primary health care, behavioural sciences, clinical research and sustainable health-care waste management.

Many of these courses are self-paced, allowing learners to study online according to their own schedules. Selected courses also provide a WHO Academy completion award or certificate after fulfilling the relevant requirements.

Featured WHO Free Online Courses in 2026

1. The Primary Health Care Approach: A Short Course

Duration: Approximately 1.5 Hours

Learning Mode: Self-Paced

Language: English

Recognition: WHO Academy Award of Completion

This course introduces primary health care principles and explains how health systems can become more accessible, integrated and people-centred.

The five modules cover the importance of primary health care, its main components and practical approaches to strengthening health systems.

Official Course Link: https://whoacademy.org/learning/course-v1:WHOA+0137_PHC_EN+2026

2. Advanced Health Care Waste Management

Duration: Approximately 2 Hours

Learning Mode: Self-Paced

Language: English

Recognition: Confirmation of Participation Certificate

Developed by WHO and UNICEF with contributions from partners, this course explores safe and sustainable management of health-care waste.

Topics include waste classification, segregation, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal, including pharmaceutical and mercury-containing waste.

The course contains six modules, knowledge checks and a final assessment.

Official Course Link: https://whoacademy.org/learning/course-v1:WHOAcademy-Hosted+H0160EN+2026_Q2?source=edX

3. Behavioural Sciences for Better Health

Duration: Approximately 5 Hours

Learning Mode: Self-Paced

Recognition: WHO Academy Award of Completion After Successful Assessment

This course introduces behavioural science concepts and their application to public health programmes and policies.

Participants explore how psychological, social, cultural and environmental factors influence health-related behaviours.

The nine-module course includes interactive exercises, case studies and a final assessment.

Official WHO Announcement: https://www.who.int/news/item/22-09-2026-who-launches-new-e-learning-course-on-behavioural-sciences-for-better-health

4. WHO Good Practices for Clinical Trial Design and Implementation

Duration: Approximately 4.5 Hours

Learning Mode: Self-Paced

Language: English

This course provides practical guidance on designing, conducting and overseeing high-quality clinical trials.

It covers scientific and ethical principles, participant protection, research quality and evidence-based decision-making.

The course includes nine interactive modules and is suitable for individuals involved in, or interested in, clinical research.

Official Course Link: https://whoacademy.org/learning/course-v1:WHOAcademy-Hosted+H0118EN+H0118EN_Q1_2025

WHO Academy vs OpenWHO: Important Difference

WHO operates two learning platforms with different purposes.

WHO Academy (whoacademy.org)

• Offers free online courses and structured learning programmes.
• Requires free registration to access its personalised learning platform.
• Provides completion awards or certificates for selected courses.
• Includes interactive learning and assessments for relevant programmes.

OpenWHO (openwho.org)

• Provides freely accessible health emergency learning resources.
• Does not require registration.
• Offers videos, slides and other educational materials.
• Does not issue certificates following its 2025 redesign.

WHO Academy offers a range of courses open to learners internationally. Requirements depend on the selected course.

General eligibility for the featured open-access courses includes:

• Learners from countries worldwide may access WHO Academy's free learning opportunities.
• Students, graduates, health professionals and other interested individuals may explore relevant courses.
• The Primary Health Care short course is designed for a broad audience.
• The Advanced Health Care Waste Management course does not require previous subject knowledge.
• The Behavioural Sciences for Better Health course does not require previous expertise in behavioural sciences.
• Learners should be able to understand the language in which their chosen course is delivered.
• Certain specialist or structured training programmes may have additional participation requirements.

Participants can benefit from:

• Free access to selected WHO Academy online courses.
• Self-paced learning for featured courses.
• Opportunities to develop public health and professional knowledge.
• Educational content based on WHO guidance and expertise.
• Interactive learning materials, case studies and assessments where included.
• WHO Academy Awards of Completion for eligible courses.
• Confirmation of participation certificates for selected courses.
• Flexible online learning accessible internationally.
• Practical knowledge relevant to health systems, research and public health practice.

Generally, learners should:

• Register for a free WHO Academy account.
• Select an available course.
• Review any course-specific enrolment requirements.
• Complete the learning activities and assessments required for recognition.

A passport, CV, academic transcript, university admission letter or research proposal is not listed as a general requirement for these courses.

For general participation:

• Learners choose courses according to their interests and learning needs.
• Some courses target particular professional audiences without requiring previous expertise.
• Specialist courses may include additional entry conditions.
• Course completion recognition may require successful participation or assessment.

• • Gain practical knowledge from WHO-developed learning resources.
  • Develop skills relevant to health care, public health and research.
  • Explore subjects beyond your existing academic specialisation.
  • Learn at your own pace without attending a physical campus.
  • Access selected courses that offer official completion recognition.
  • Support continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
  • Strengthen your understanding of international public health priorities.