When I first signed up for Coursera, I was excited about the endless learning opportunities, from beginner-friendly tutorials to advanced degrees. But as my goals shifted and my budget tightened, I found myself searching for how to cancel Coursera subscription without losing access to the knowledge I’d gained.
If you’re in the same boat—whether you’ve completed your courses, want to explore other platforms, or need to cut costs—this guide will walk you through the cancelation process. You’ll find detailed steps, insights into various subscription plans, and even some great alternatives to help you make a smart, informed choice.
Before Canceling Coursera Subscription
Before jumping into the cancelation process, there are several important things to keep in mind. Coursera’s policies and billing structures can vary depending on your subscription type.
First, Coursera operates on an auto-renewal basis, meaning your subscription will automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless you cancel it beforehand. If you forget to cancel, you may be charged for the next cycle, even if you don’t plan to use the service anymore.
Second, your access to course materials ends after the billing period if you cancel your subscription. This means you won’t be able to view lectures, complete assignments, or interact with your instructors unless you subscribe again. However, certificates for completed courses remain permanently in your account, allowing you to showcase your achievements even after cancelation.
Finally, Coursera’s refund policy is strict. Most courses and subscriptions are only refundable within 14 days of payment, provided you haven’t completed significant portions of the material. Free trials also require attention—you’ll need to cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
Understanding Coursera’s Cancelation Policy
To ensure a smooth process, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with Coursera’s cancelation policies.
Auto-renewal is one of the most important aspects of Coursera’s subscription model. Subscriptions for plans like Coursera Plus, Specializations, and Professional Certificates are set to renew automatically. If you want to avoid unexpected charges, canceling before the next billing cycle is a must.
For free trials, cancelation is required 24 hours before the trial period ends. If you don’t cancel in time, you’ll be charged for the first subscription period. Always check your trial’s expiration date when you sign up to avoid confusion.
Refunds are limited and vary depending on the type of subscription or course. Individual courses are eligible for refunds within 14 days of payment, but only if you haven’t completed more than 50% of the material. Coursera Plus annual plans are also refundable within 14 days, though monthly plans are non-refundable. Subscriptions to Specializations and Professional Certificates rarely offer refunds once payment has been made.
Step-by-Step Guide To Cancel Coursera Subscription
Canceling Through the Website
The most common way to cancel a Coursera subscription is directly through their website. Start by logging into your account. Navigate to the “My Purchases” section under your account settings. From there, locate your active subscription and click on “Manage Subscriptions.” Finally, select “Cancel Subscription” and confirm your choice. A confirmation email will be sent to you once the process is complete.
Canceling Using the Mobile App
If you subscribed through the Coursera app, the cancelation process will depend on whether you’re using an Android or iOS device. On Android, open the Google Play Store, go to the subscriptions menu, and find your Coursera subscription to cancel it. For iOS users, open the Settings app, tap your Apple ID, and navigate to Subscriptions to cancel the service.
Canceling Third-Party Payments
If you subscribed using a platform like PayPal, cancelation must be done directly through that service. Visit the platform’s website or app and look for a manage subscriptions option.
How To Cancel A Coursera Free Trial
Canceling a free trial is all about timing. Make sure you cancel at least 24 hours before the trial period ends to avoid being charged for the first billing cycle. Use the same steps outlined above for canceling subscriptions on your chosen platform.
Coursera Subscription Plans and Their Cancelation Specifics
Coursera offers a variety of subscription options, each with its own pricing structure and cancelation nuances. Below is an overview of the primary plans:
Individual Courses
If you’re only interested in a single course, Coursera allows you to purchase it individually. These courses typically cost between $29 and $99, depending on the subject and level of complexity.
Canceling an individual course subscription means you’ll lose access to any course material once your billing period ends. However, certificates from completed courses will remain in your account. Refunds for individual courses are only available within 14 days of purchase if less than 50% of the material has been completed.
Coursera Plus
Coursera Plus is the platform’s flagship subscription, providing unlimited access to most courses, Specializations, and Professional Certificates. It’s available in two pricing tiers: a monthly plan at $59/month or an annual plan at $399/year.
If you’re an annual subscriber, you can request a refund within the first 14 days of payment. However, monthly plans don’t offer refunds. Once you cancel, your access will remain active until the end of the billing period.
Specializations and Professional Certificates
For learners looking to build skills in a specific area, Coursera offers Specializations and Professional Certificates, which cost between $39 and $79 per month. These plans focus on career advancement and include multiple courses.
Canceling these subscriptions will stop future billing, but access to ongoing courses will remain until the end of the billing cycle. It’s important to note that refunds are rarely provided for these plans, so make sure to commit fully before subscribing.
MasterTrack Certificates
MasterTrack Certificates are advanced programs designed for professionals, costing between $2,000 and $5,000. These courses are often delivered in partnership with universities, meaning their cancelation and refund policies may differ.
If you need to cancel, you’ll likely need to contact Coursera’s customer support or the partnering institution. Refund eligibility will depend on the specific terms of your program.
Online Degrees
Coursera’s online degree programs, priced between $9,000 and $45,000, follow unique policies set by the partnering university. Canceling or withdrawing from a program often requires direct communication with the university. Be sure to review the program’s terms before enrolling.
| Subscription Plan | Cost | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Courses | $29–$99 per course | 14-day refund if <50% completed |
| Coursera Plus (Monthly) | $59/month | No refunds available |
| Coursera Plus (Annual) | $399/year | Refundable within 14 days |
| Specializations/Certificates | $39–$79/month | Rarely refundable |
| MasterTrack Certificates | $2,000–$5,000 | Contact support for eligibility |
| Online Degrees | $9,000–$45,000 | Policies vary by university |
Alternatives To Coursera
If you’re looking for other learning platforms, there are several alternatives that cater to different learning needs.
- Udemy: Offers individual courses with lifetime access, ranging from $10 to $200 per course.
- edX: Focuses on academic subjects and degrees, with free course options and certificates starting at $50.
- Skillshare: Ideal for creative skills and entrepreneurship, available at $32/month.
Conclusion
Canceling a Coursera subscription doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the platform’s policies and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can manage your subscriptions with ease. If Coursera no longer fits your learning needs, plenty of alternatives await, ensuring you continue your education journey.
FAQs
How Do I Stop Getting Charged By Coursera?
To stop being charged, go to the “My Subscriptions” section in your account. Tap “Manage Subscriptions” and find the subscription you want to cancel. Select “Cancel Subscription” before the current billing cycle ends to avoid further charges. Refunds are only available for annual subscriptions under specific conditions.
Can I Get A Refund On Coursera Subscription?
Yes, refunds are possible within 14 days of payment for eligible subscriptions. Simply visit the My Purchases page, find your subscription, and request a refund. However, certificates earned during this period will be revoked if you claim a refund.
Can I Use Coursera Without A Subscription?
Yes, Coursera offers free access to many courses, including graded assignments for select classes. However, some features like certificates or premium courses require payment. You’ll need to create a Coursera account to enroll in free courses, which is separate from any Class Central account.
Joseph Dean is a dedicated author at Techy Nomy, specializing in creating easy-to-follow guides on how to cancel and activate various subscriptions. With a passion for simplifying the digital experience, Joseph delivers clear and concise content to help readers manage their services efficiently.