Self-hosted alternatives to Coursera

A self-hosted online course platform. Below are 12 open source options you host on your own server — with no monthly per-user fee and full control of your data.

Canvas LMS

★ 6,688

Learning management system (LMS) that is revolutionizing the way we educate.

Learning and Courses AGPL-3.0

Chamilo LMS

★ 965

Create a virtual campus for the provision of online or semi-online training.

Learning and Courses GPL-3.0

Gibbon

★ 613

Flexible school management platform designed to make life better for teachers, students, parents and leaders.

Learning and Courses GPL-3.0

ILIAS

★ 491

Learning management system that can cope with anything you throw at it.

Learning and Courses GPL-3.0

OpenOLAT

★ 426

Learning management system for teaching, education, assessment and communication.

Learning and Courses Apache-2.0

RELATE

★ 425

Courseware package that includes features such as: flexible rules, statistics, multi-course support, class calendar.

Learning and Courses MIT

INGInious

★ 236

Intelligent grader that allows secured and automated testing of code made by students.

Learning and Courses AGPL-3.0

Open eClass

★ 160

Open eClass is an advanced e-learning solution that can enhance the teaching and learning process.

Learning and Courses GPL-2.0

RosarioSIS

★ 64

Student Information System for school management. Features students demographics, grades, scheduling, attendance, student billing, discipline & food service modules.

Learning and Courses GPL-2.0

Helium

★ 5

Color-coded student planner for classes, homework, grades, and notes with smart notifications and multi-device sync.

Learning and Courses MIT

Digibunch

Create bunches of links to share with your learners or colleagues.

Bookmarks and Link SharingLearning and Courses AGPL-3.0

Digiscreen

Interactive whiteboard/wallpaper for the classroom, in person or remotely (documentation in French).

Learning and CoursesGroupware AGPL-3.0

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free self-hosted alternative to Coursera?

Yes. We've gathered 12 self-hosted, open source alternatives to Coursera — including Canvas LMS, Chamilo LMS, Gibbon. You run all of them on your own server.

What is the best open source alternative to Coursera?

Canvas LMS is one of the most popular (6,688 GitHub stars). The "best" depends on your case — compare the options below.

Do I need a server to replace Coursera?

Yes. You can use a home server (homelab) or a cheap VPS (from ~€4/mo). See the hosting suggestions on this page.