Become an EdLight Scholar
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.
Gain free access to world-class online learning through EdLight Initiative's partnership with Coursera. Build new skills, earn certificates, and take the next step toward your academic and professional goals.
Inaugural cohort begins 1 October 2026 · direct applications not yet open
EdLight × Coursera
A partnership that turns access into opportunity.
EdLight Initiative has been selected as a Coursera Social Impact Partner, allowing us to provide eligible learners with free access to high-quality online courses and professional learning opportunities.
Through EdLight Scholars Program, we are turning that partnership into a structured program designed to help talented learners gain skills that create real opportunities for their futures.
Scholars join in one of two ways: nominated by a partner university, or by applying to EdLight directly. The first cohort begins on 1 October 2026, and every cohort runs for three months.
For universities and institutions
Bring Coursera to a cohort of your students. EdLight provides the licences and the follow-up; your institution chooses who receives them.
Licences for your students
Your institution receives a block of Coursera licences each cohort, and chooses which of your students receive them.
A new cohort every three months
At the end of each three-month cohort the licences are released and reassigned to a new group of your students.
Progress you can see
EdLight tracks how your nominated students are doing and sends the institution a report at the end of every cohort.
Recognised as a partner
Your institution is named as an official partner of the programme, at no cost and with no financial commitment.
How your institution joins
Write to us with the name of your institution and a contact person. We agree the number of licences and your cohort dates, sign a one-page partnership agreement, and you send us the students you have selected. There is no cost to the institution or to the students.
Why become a Scholar?
A scholarship is more than an account — it is a structured push toward the thing you are trying to reach.
Learn
Study across technology, business, data, AI, and many other fields through the catalogue available under EdLight’s Coursera partnership.
Build
Develop practical, career-relevant skills that support the academic or professional goal you are actually working toward.
Earn
Complete eligible courses and professional certificates, and finish with something you can show a university or an employer.
Grow
Join a cohort of ambitious learners from across Haiti, with support and check-ins from EdLight along the way.
Who can apply?
EdLight Scholars Program is for motivated learners who are ready to invest in themselves.
- Students
- University graduates
- Young professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Job seekers
- Self-directed learners
What matters most is a clear goal and the commitment to learn. You do not need a perfect academic record, a university place, or previous experience with online courses.
A university place is not required to apply directly. If you are studying at a partner institution, your school nominates its own students — so it is worth asking there first.
How it works
Four steps, from application to certificate.
Apply or get nominated
If your university is a partner institution, it nominates its own students — ask your school. Otherwise you apply to EdLight directly when applications open.
Get selected
Partner institutions select their own students. For direct applications, EdLight reviews each one on motivation, learning goals, potential impact, commitment, and access.
Start learning
Selected Scholars receive free Coursera access through EdLight and choose their first course.
Finish what you start
Complete your courses, earn eligible certificates, and share your progress with EdLight.
Key dates
Cohorts run for three months. When one ends, the places pass to the next group of learners.
Partner institutions nominate their students before a cohort opens — for Cohort 1 the deadline is 20 September 2026. Direct applications open separately; join the notify list and we will write to you with the date.
Learning pathways
Choose a direction on your application. You stay free to pick your own courses within the available catalogue.
AI & Machine Learning
Fundamentals, generative AI, and applied machine learning.
Technology & Software
Programming, web development, cloud, and cybersecurity.
Data & Analytics
Data analysis, SQL, Python, Excel, and business intelligence.
Business & Finance
Finance, accounting, marketing, strategy, and project management.
Entrepreneurship
Building a business, innovation, and digital growth.
Professional Skills
Communication, leadership, English, and interview preparation.
EdLight learners
Photographs from EdLight programmes in Haiti — the community Scholars join.
A scholarship is an opportunity — and a commitment.
Places are limited, and every one of them could go to someone else. Selected Scholars are expected to activate their access, start a course, and complete at least one meaningful course or certificate.
If a Scholar is not able to begin, we would rather hear it early and offer the place to someone on the waitlist than let it go unused.
Questions
How much does the program cost?
Nothing. Participation is free for selected EdLight Scholars Program, and there is never an application fee.
When does the programme start?
The first cohort begins on 1 October 2026. Every cohort runs for three months, after which the places are passed on to a new group of learners.
Who can apply?
Motivated learners aged 16 and over — students, graduates, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and self-directed learners. The first cohort primarily serves learners based in Haiti.
How do I join — do I apply, or does my university nominate me?
Both routes exist. If you study at a partner institution, your university selects its own students, so ask your faculty or student affairs office whether it takes part. If it does not, or if you are not currently a student, you can apply to EdLight directly once applications open — join the notify list and we will tell you when they do.
Do I need to be enrolled in school?
Not for the direct route — current enrolment is not required and we do not expect a perfect academic record. The nomination route is different: those places belong to a partner institution, so they go to that institution’s own students.
Do I need previous Coursera experience?
No. Previous experience neither helps nor hurts your application.
What can I study?
Available subjects depend on the Coursera catalogue provided through EdLight’s Social Impact partnership. You will choose a learning pathway on your application, and pursue learning aligned with your goals across many fields.
Will I receive a certificate?
Many Coursera courses and programs provide a certificate on successful completion, depending on the specific course and the catalogue available. Scholars who complete EdLight’s own program requirements may also receive recognition from EdLight, which is separate from any Coursera certificate.
My university would like to take part. What do we do?
Write to info@edlight.org with the name of your institution and a contact person. We agree the number of licences and your cohort dates, sign a one-page partnership agreement, and you nominate your students. There is no cost to the institution or to its students.
Is Coursera selecting the Scholars?
No. EdLight Initiative is a Coursera Social Impact Partner. EdLight runs the programme — managing direct applications itself, and working with partner institutions who select their own nominated students. Coursera does not choose Scholars or co-administer the programme.
What happens if I am not selected?
Strong applicants may be placed on the waitlist and considered when additional places become available or for a future cohort.
What happens if I stop using Coursera?
Places are limited. If a Scholar does not begin learning after several reminders, EdLight may offer that place to someone on the waitlist so the opportunity is not wasted.
Can I apply from outside Haiti?
The first cohort primarily serves learners in Haiti. EdLight may widen eligibility in future cohorts.
Want to be first to know?
The inaugural cohort is still being put together and direct applications have not opened yet. Join the list and we will write to you the day they do — before we announce it anywhere else.