The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) has officially announced the free online courses for the first half of 2026. Whether you are a teacher looking for CPD units, a student boosting your resume, or a professional upskilling for the AI-driven job market, these courses offer high-quality education at zero cost.
These are Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), meaning they are 100% online, self-paced, and open to everyone not just UP students!
Table of Contents
Course Schedule: January to June 2026
To make it easier for you to plan your learning, here is the month-by-month breakdown of the 28 courses available on the MODeL platform.
| Month | Focus Areas & Featured Courses | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| January | Resilience: Basics of Resilience, Hazard & Risk Assessment | Disaster preparedness units |
| February | NEW: Data Annotation for BPOs, Climate Info, Special Needs | High-demand AI & BPO skills |
| March | Education & Environment: Tech for Teaching, Biodiversity | Great for K-12 Teachers |
| April | ICT & Law: Modern ICTs, Legal Protection of Children | Compliance & Tech literacy |
| May | Distance Learning: Quality Assurance, Blended Learning | Academic professionalization |
| June | Business & Child Rights: Entrepreneurship, Business Ideation | Small business foundations |
Tip: If you are looking for immediate employment in tech, prioritize the February “Data Annotation” course. This is a critical skill for AI training that is currently in high demand in the Philippine BPO sector.
Read also: PCSO Educational assistance
Step-by-Step: How to Enroll
Follow these steps to secure your slot. Remember, enrollment for specific courses typically opens two weeks before the start date.
- Visit the Official Site: Go to model.upou.edu.ph.
- Create an Account: Click “New Account.” Fill in your details.
- Check Your Storage: Ensure your Gmail/Outlook has enough storage space. If your storage is full, you will not receive the activation link.
- The “3-Day Rule”: Due to high traffic in early 2026, the confirmation email may take up to 3 business days to arrive. Do not create multiple accounts; simply wait and check your “Spam” or “Promotions” folder.
- Browse & Self-Enroll: Once logged in, go to “Course Categories” > “MOOCs.” Find your course and click “Enroll Me.”
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter problems during the 2026 enrollment period, check these common fixes:
- Confirmation Link Not Arriving: As per UPOU’s official 2026 guidance, wait at least 72 hours before contacting technical support.
- Course Not Visible: Enrollment buttons only appear roughly 14 days before the start of the month.
- Certificate Name: Ensure your profile name is your legal name, as this is what will be printed on your e-certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there an entrance exam?
No. These are non-degree courses open to the general public.
Are the certificates really free?
Yes! Both the course access and the 16-hour e-certificate are free of charge.
Can I use these for CPD units?
Many Philippine professionals (especially teachers) use UPOU MOOCs for self-directed CPD units. Check with your specific PRC board for credit confirmation.
I am Marteena Joyce T. Roluna, a first-year college student. I hope to be selected for this scholarship because it is a great opportunity for me. It will help with my studies at school, reduce the expenses my mother has to bear, and prevent her from having to find extra funds to pay for my schooling.
Can I apply
I am Mary Jane C. Omaña 18 years old hoping to get these scholarship so I can continue to study Electrical engineering.
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