How To Become a Project Manager for Free

If you're interested in becoming a project manager, you may be wondering if it's possible to do so without spending a lot of money on your education. Is it possible to get a project management degree for free, or get into project management without completing a degree at all?

You can get started in project management for free or almost free. Many free courses are available to help you learn the fundamentals without going to college � so you could become a project manager without a degree. Even if you decide to enroll in a degree or certificate program, various forms of financial aid can help you cover most or all of your college costs.

Keep reading for more information about pursuing a career in project management and the financial aid options available to cover a degree program.

Tips For Becoming a Project Manager With Little to No Cost

There is no one path to becoming a project manager. If you are hoping to save money on your professional journey, consider the following tips beginners can use to get into project management on a budget:

1. Take Free Online Project Management Courses

Learners can complete various free online courses in project management. These courses teach basic project management skills and sometimes provide a professional certificate at the end of the course. Some top online project management courses to consider include the following.

PMI's Generative AI Overview for Project Managers Course

The Project Management Institute offers this free course through its website. Students in the course learn about using AI to improve their efficiency and overall performance.

Students can earn half a credit of continuing education toward PMI certifications, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. If you have not earned this certification, you can still benefit from completing the course and learning how to use AI as a project manager.

PMI's Business Continuity Course

The Project Management Institute offers another course titled Business Continuity. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the course aims to ensure collaboration and engagement between remote and in-person teams.

This course can be helpful to various program management professionals, including those who work in project management or are aspiring to obtain a career in the field. Topics covered include understanding risk management, using remote tools, and learning to collaborate successfully.

Udemy's Project Management 101 Course

Udemy offers a variety of both free and paid online courses on many different subjects. Those aspiring to project management roles can benefit from Udemy's Project Management 101 course, which you can complete at your own pace.

The course provides a variety of foundational project management tools and skills. Students learn the definition of projects, how to define success, project stakeholders, and much more in this comprehensive introductory course. The course also helps students prepare for taking the PMP certification exam.

2. Pursue Free and Low-Cost Online Project Management Certificates

Another affordable project management training option is to pursue free online certificates in project management. These programs often include online courses, tutorials, video lectures, and assessments to help you work toward a specific certification. Some project management certification courses include the following.

OHSC's Certificate in Project Management

Oxford Home Study College offers many online courses and certificate programs. One of these is a certificate in project management. The self-paced course requires about 200 hours of study time.

The course approaches project management as a specialization that incorporates many different disciplines. Students develop problem-solving and leadership skills as they learn about project lifecycles and managing all team members effectively.

University of Adelaide's Intro to Project Management Certificate

Australia's University of Adelaide offers an online project management certificate. The introductory course teaches students various project management methodologies to help them better understand the role.

Students with little or no background in project management are welcome to enroll in the course.

3. Apply for Project Management Scholarships

If you plan to attend school for a project management degree, you may learn additional skills and receive additional credentials that can make it easier to get your foot in the door. Scholarships can make it easier to afford your degree by providing merit-based funds for your education. Some top project management scholarship programs are listed below.

Dr. Harold Kerzner Scholarships

The Project Management Institute offers various scholarships for aspiring project managers. One of these is the Dr. Harold Kerzner Scholarship. Multiple scholarships are awarded each year to undergraduate and graduate project management students. Award amounts are $7,500 each.

GAC Scholarships

These scholarships are available through the Project Management Institute in partnership with the Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program (GAC). Students enrolled in GAC-accredited project management programs are eligible for these scholarships. Award amounts are $3,000 each.

PMI Founders Scholarship

The PMI Founders Scholarship is awarded each year to recognize a founder of the Project Management Institute. Any student enrolled in a project management bachelor's degree program can apply for this scholarship. Award amounts vary but may be up to $2,000.

4. Seek Employer Tuition Reimbursement

If you are already working in a business capacity and looking for a promotion into project management within your current company, your employer may be willing to fund your education for professional development. Even if your degree isn't specifically associated with what you do or could do for your company, the business may offer tuition reimbursement or assistance benefits.

These benefits are available to many employees in many different organizations. Check with your employer to find out if you could receive tuition reimbursement or assistance and what the terms would be.

5. Enroll in Community College Programs

Community college programs can provide a solid introduction to project management without charging as much as four-year colleges and universities. You could complete a certified associate in project management or a certificate program in project management at reduced tuition rates, then decide later whether to transfer to a four-year school to complete your bachelor's degree.

Community colleges provide a wide range of prep courses and other low-level classes at much more affordable prices than four-year schools. Even if you decide to get your bachelor's degree later, you will have saved quite a bit of money by completing your first two years at a community college.

6. Fill out the FAFSA

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form lets you apply for government financial aid programs like the Pell Grant, other grants, work-study programs, and loans.

The FAFSA can determine eligibility for financial aid to cover costs for any accredited degree program, including project and product management degrees. This funding can help you complete a successful project management program without breaking the bank.

7. Network With Project Management Professionals

In any professional field, it's important to network with others who work in that field. A strong professional network can help you find resources for exam prep, job opportunities, and more.

Work hard to build good working relationships with any project management professionals you meet. Not only can they help you find work opportunities and other helpful resources, but you can learn a lot from them along the way.

8. Look for Internship Opportunities

Internships provide excellent opportunities to gain hands-on experience in project management. They are also a great way to make connections and catch the attention of potential employers.

Conduct a Google search for project management internships in your area to find local companies looking for interns. You can also ask those in your network if they know of any opportunities.