Become an EdLight Coursera 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.
Applications for the inaugural September 2026 cohort
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 Coursera Scholars, we are turning that partnership into a structured program designed to help talented learners gain skills that create real opportunities for their futures.
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 Coursera Scholars 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.
How it works
Four steps, from application to certificate.
Apply
Tell us who you are, what you want to learn, and what you plan to do with it. The application works on a phone and saves as you go.
Get selected
EdLight reviews every application 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.
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.
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 Coursera Scholars, and there is never an application fee.
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.
Do I need to be enrolled in school?
No. Current enrolment is not required, and we do not expect a perfect academic record.
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.
Is Coursera selecting the Scholars?
No. EdLight Initiative is a Coursera Social Impact Partner, and EdLight manages the application and selection process for EdLight Coursera Scholars.
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.
Ready to apply?
Applications for the inaugural cohort open in September 2026. Tell us what you want to learn, and why.