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Top 10 Free Java Courses with Certificates for In-Demand Java Jobs

By Rohan Vats

Updated on May 15, 2025 | 12 min read | 69.88K+ views

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Did you know? Java remains one of the top programming languages in 2025. It ranked #2 in Pluralsight’s annual report and held the #3 spot in both the TIOBE Index (November 2024) and RedMonk Q3 2024 rankings, just behind Python and C++ or JavaScript. Its consistent performance shows Java’s lasting importance in today’s tech ecosystem. This study showcases the importance of Java in the tech industry. 

Java has significantly transformed modern web development with its robust, component-based architecture, enabling developers to build scalable and efficient applications. Learning Java is essential for web developers, as it is widely used across e-commerce, social media, and finance industries. 

In this blog, you’ll explore a free Java course with certification and learn how it can help you build a strong foundation in programming, whether you're aiming for software development, backend roles, or looking to expand your overall tech skills in 2025.

Want to enhance your programming skills? upGrad’s Online Software Development Courses provide you with the latest tools and strategies to stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech world. Enroll today and build the future of web development!

Best Certifications for a Java Online Course

If you're thinking about leveling up your career with Java, there are some great free Java courses with certifications out there. Whether you're just starting or looking to go deeper, these Java free certification courses will help you build the skills you need and stand out in the tech field.

Take Your Java Expertise to the Next Level with AI & ML! Pair your Java foundation with in-demand AI skills through these top programs:

So let's kick -in!

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick glance at the top Java courses and who’s offering them.

Platform / Provider

Course Name

upGrad Core Java Basics – Free Certification Course
upGrad Core Java Course
upGrad Java Object-Oriented Programming – Free Certification
IBM Object-Oriented Programming in Java
Oracle Oracle Java Training and Certification

Let’s explore what each course offers, who it’s best suited for, and how it can help you build solid Java programming skills, whether you’re just starting or aiming for full stack development.

1. Core Java Basics – Free Certification Course by upGrad

The Core Java Basics course by upGrad is a beginner-friendly, free certification course designed to help you build a strong foundation in Java programming. Whether you're a student, aspiring developer, or a professional switching to Java, this course covers the essential building blocks of Java development.

You’ll start by setting up your development environment and writing your first Java program. From there, you’ll explore variables, data types, functions, and basic error handling through a practical, hands-on approach. By the end of the course, you'll be confident in writing modular, readable, and efficient Java code.

Java Skills You'll Learn:

 

Skill

Description

JDK Installation & Setup Learn to install the Java Development Kit and run Java programs via the command line.
Writing Java Programs Get hands-on experience with your first “Hello World” program and understand how Java code is executed.
IDE – IntelliJ Use IntelliJ, a professional IDE, to streamline your Java development process.
Variables & Data Types Master declaring, using variables, and exploring core data types like int, float, char, and boolean.
Functions & Modularity Write reusable, efficient code using functions and internal Java methods.
Error Handling Learn the basics of managing errors in your code for better reliability.

Who Should Opt for This Free Certification Course?

This free Java course is perfect for:

  • Beginners who want to start learning Java from scratch.
  • Students who need a practical introduction to programming fundamentals.

     
  • Aspiring developers looking to build a foundation before moving to advanced Java or full stack development.
  • Professionals transitioning into Java-based roles or preparing for tech interviews.

2. Core Java Course – by upGrad

The Core Java Course by upGrad is ideal for you to build a strong foundation in Java programming. This beginner-friendly course introduces the fundamental concepts of Java, including its platform independence, object-oriented structure, and real-world applications.

Core Java follows the principle of WORA (Write Once, Run Anywhere), making it highly versatile across platforms. The course is beneficial if you aim to work in web development, client-server architecture, or popular tech domains like Salesforce, Selenium, Hadoop, or Data Analytics.

You'll start with Java basics and gradually build the skills to transition into advanced topics or full-stack development roles.

Java Skills You'll Learn:

Skill

Description

Java Syntax & Basics Understand the structure and syntax of Java programs.
Object-Oriented Programming Learn core OOP principles like inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism.
Platform Independence (WORA) Write code once and run it on multiple platforms without changes.
Core APIs & Packages Work with essential Java packages for building real applications.
Application Use Cases Explore how Java is used in tools and platforms like Selenium, Hadoop, and more.

Who Should Opt for This Course?
This Core Java course is perfect for:

  • Beginners looking to enter the world of Java development.
  • Students who want to understand the fundamentals before moving to advanced or full-stack Java.
  • Professionals from non-tech backgrounds planning a transition into software development.
  • Developers working in related fields (like automation or data) who want a Java foundation.

3. Java Object-Oriented Programming – Free Certification Course by upGrad

The Java Object-Oriented Programming course by upGrad is a free certification program designed to help learners master the foundational principles of Java OOP (Object-Oriented Programming). With just 2 hours of structured learning, this course is perfect for beginners and professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of Java classes, objects, inheritance, encapsulation, and abstraction through hands-on coding examples.

The course focuses on building modular, scalable, and maintainable code, helping you apply Java OOP concepts in real-world software development. It's a great stepping stone for anyone preparing for interviews, academic projects, or transitioning into backend or full stack development.

Java Skills You'll Learn:

Skill

Description

Abstraction Learn to simplify complex systems by modeling classes and hiding unnecessary implementation details.
Classes Understand how to define classes as templates for creating real-world entities with fields, constructors, and methods.
Objects Practice creating and manipulating objects encapsulating data and behavior, simulating real-world scenarios.
Multiple Objects in a Class Learn how objects maintain individual states, enabling scalable program logic through multiple class instances.
Constructors Explore different types of constructors (default, parameterized, overloaded) to streamline and customize object creation.

Who Should Opt for This Free Certification?

This free Java course with certificate is ideal for:

  • Beginners in Programming: Start your Java journey by learning essential object-oriented concepts with zero prior coding knowledge.
  • Computer Science & Engineering Students: Reinforce your academic understanding of Java OOP and apply it in lab work and project development.
  • Aspiring Java Developers: Build a strong foundation in writing clean, reusable, and structured Java code using industry-standard practices.
  • Self-Taught Programmers & Career Switchers: Confidently Transition into backend development by mastering Java's OOP architecture.
  • Working Professionals in Tech: Refresh or upskill your core Java skills to handle more advanced backend, system design, or team collaboration tasks.

Get a Comprehensive Overview of Data Science Certification from upGrad 

4. Object-Oriented Programming in Java – by IBM 

The IBM Object-Oriented Programming in Java course is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly learning path designed for those looking to quickly gain proficiency in Java. Over an estimated three hours, you'll be guided through step-by-step tutorials to set up your Java development environment and start writing Java code. 

This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), preparing you to handle more complex programming tasks. You’ll explore key OOP principles such as inheritance, abstraction, interfaces, and exception handling. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply OOP principles in your Java applications confidently.

Java Skills You'll Learn:

Skill

Description

Java Programming Basics Set up the Java environment and write your first Java program, gaining a solid understanding of Java syntax.
Exception Handling Learn how to handle errors and exceptions effectively in your Java applications, ensuring more robust and stable code.
Inheritance & Abstraction Understand and apply OOP concepts like inheritance and abstraction to make your code more modular and reusable.
Interfaces Learn how to define and implement interfaces in Java, allowing you to create flexible and extensible code.
Nested Classes Explore the concept of nested classes in Java, learning how to organize code efficiently and improve readability.

Who Should Opt for This Certification?
This course is perfect for:

  • Beginners new to programming or looking to get up to speed with Java quickly.
  • Aspiring developers who want to build a strong foundation in object-oriented programming.
  • Students and professionals looking to improve their Java skills and prepare for further study in software development.
  • Anyone interested in learning the core concepts of Java to solve real-world programming challenges.

5. Oracle Java Training and Certification

The Oracle Java Training and Certification program is a role-based, industry-recognized certification pathway designed to equip learners with the skills to build secure, portable, high-performance applications. Whether you want to become a Java developer or master enterprise-level Oracle technologies, this certification helps validate your expertise and practical knowledge in building scalable Java solutions.

This program strengthens your core Java proficiency and includes training on implementing advanced Oracle technologies such as Oracle WebLogic Server, Oracle SOA Cloud Service, and Oracle WebCenter Portal, making it ideal for professionals working with Java in cloud-based or enterprise environments.

Java & Oracle Skills You'll Learn:

Skill

Description

Java SE Programming Learn to write robust, maintainable Java code focusing on object-oriented principles.
Application Deployment Understand how to deploy Java applications securely and efficiently on Oracle environments.
Oracle WebLogic Server Learn to configure and manage this enterprise-grade application server.
Oracle SOA Cloud Service Gain skills in integrating services using Oracle's SOA-based architecture.
WebCenter Portal Integration Learn to use Oracle’s portal platform to build interactive web applications.

Who Should Opt for This Certification?
This Oracle Java certification is ideal for:

  • Java developers are aiming for enterprise-level roles.
  • Professionals working with Oracle Cloud or Java-based enterprise applications.
  • IT professionals looking to upskill with role-specific Oracle tools and server-side Java training.
  • Developers preparing for advanced Oracle Java certifications or job roles in cloud infrastructure and backend development.

If you're interested in a free Java course, take a look at the Java courses available on upGrad’s  Free Courses platform.

Get a Chance to Master the Singleton Design Pattern with upGrad

Coverage of AWS, Microsoft Azure and GCP services

Certification8 Months

Job-Linked Program

Bootcamp36 Weeks

What Will You Learn in upGrad’s Free Java Course?

upGrad’s free Java course with certification is designed to build your programming foundation step by step. The course is divided into three key modules, each crafted to enhance your understanding and hands-on skills in Java and JavaScript.

1. JavaScript Basics from Scratch

Begin your journey into programming by mastering the fundamentals of JavaScript. This module covers variables, data types, operators, strings, conditionals, loops, arrays, objects, and functions. You'll also get practice questions to test your learning along the way.

2. Core Java Basics

This module dives deeper into Java programming. You'll learn about variables, data types, IDE usage, arrays, strings, casting, conditionals, loops, functions, and debugging techniques. Practice exercises are included to help reinforce your understanding.

3. Advanced JavaScript for All

Take your skills to the next level with advanced JavaScript concepts like prototypes, scopes, classes, modules, callbacks, and asynchronous programming. It's recommended that you complete the basics before moving to this module.

You’ll gain job-ready skills with expert-led content, practical exercises, and mentor support by dedicating just six weeks. Start learning with upGrad for free and set your career in motion with real-world coding skills.

Top Career Paths After a Java Course

Learning Java can open the door to numerous career opportunities across various industries. As one of the most widely used programming languages, Java skills are in high demand, and with the right certification, you can open doors to exciting roles in the tech world. 

By completing a free Java course with a certificate, you’ll gain programming skills and the confidence to apply them to real-world projects. If you’re exploring career opportunities in tech, a Java free certification course is an excellent way to start.

Here are some career paths you can pursue after completing a Java course:

 

Career Path Role Description Key Skills Required Average Salary (₹)
Java Developer Develop and maintain Java applications Java, OOP, Database Integration ₹5L/yr
Software Engineer Design and implement software systems Java, Problem Solving, Algorithm Design ₹8L/yr
Backend Developer Work on the server side of web applications Java, Spring Framework, SQL ₹6L/yr
Full-Stack Developer Develop both client and server-side applications Java, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Databases ₹6L/yr
Android Developer Build Android mobile applications Java, Android SDK, XML, UI/UX Design ₹6L/yr
Java Architect Design complex Java-based applications Java, System Design, Enterprise Solutions ₹21.5L/yr
DevOps Engineer Combine software development with IT operations Java, Cloud Platforms, Automation Tools ₹8L/yr
Java QA Engineer Test and validate Java applications Java, Selenium, Unit Testing ₹6L/yr
Database Administrator (DBA) Manage and optimize databases SQL, Java, Database Management Systems ₹8L/yr
Cloud Engineer Work on cloud-based applications and infrastructure Java, AWS/Azure, Cloud Services ₹7L/yr
Technical Lead/Project Manager Lead development teams, manage projects Java, Leadership, Project Management ₹1L/mo
Data Scientist Analyze complex datasets and build data models Java, Data Analysis, Machine Learning ₹12.0L/yr

After completing a free Java course with a certificate, you’ll be well-equipped to explore these career paths and stand out in the competitive tech industry. Whether you're interested in backend development or cloud engineering, Java offers the flexibility to specialize in areas that align with your career goals.

Remember, it's not just about coding—it's about problem-solving and continuously learning new tools and technologies. So, if you’re ready to take that next step, start your journey with a free Java certification course and unlock these exciting career opportunities.

Wrapping Up!

If you are interested in a career in software development, taking a free online Java course is a great place to start. Sign up for a free Java course with a certificate or a full tutorial on Java from upGrad . The skills you acquire will be helpful in many other fields, including data science, mobile app development, and backend programming. 

Some tips to help you get started with Java: Begin by mastering the basics, such as Java syntax, object-oriented programming, arrays, and loops. Practice coding regularly to strengthen your understanding. Apply your skills by building small projects, and stay connected by joining Java communities and forums for support and learning from others.

If you want to gain expertise in programming languages, the following additional courses from upGrad can help you. 

If you're ready to take the next step in your career, connect with upGrad’s career counseling for personalized guidance. You can also visit a nearby upGrad center for hands-on training to enhance your digital marketing skills and open new career opportunities!

Boost your career with our popular Software Engineering courses, offering hands-on training and expert guidance to turn you into a skilled software developer.

Master in-demand Software Development skills like coding, system design, DevOps, and agile methodologies to excel in today’s competitive tech industry.

Stay informed with our widely-read Software Development articles, covering everything from coding techniques to the latest advancements in software engineering.

 

References:

  • https://www.pluralsight.com/resources/blog/upskilling/top-programming-languages-2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the best Java online courses for beginners?

Q. Can I get a job after completing a free Java course with certification?

Q. What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a free Java course?

Q. Are the free Java courses available with a certificate valuable to employers?

Q. How do I choose between different Java courses online?

Q. Is there any real-world experience included in these free Java courses?

Q. How much time should I dedicate each week to complete a free Java course?

Q. What is the best way to practice Java after completing a free course?

Q. How do Java certification courses compare with Java degree programs?

Q. Are there any Java courses that focus on specific industries or applications?

Q. What is the most advanced Java certification that I can pursue online?

Rohan Vats

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