About Coursera

Coursera is a global leader in online learning, founded in 2012 by Stanford University computer science professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller.

The brand is renowned for partnering with over 275 leading universities (such as Yale, Stanford, and Imperial College London) and companies (like Google, IBM, and Meta) to offer flexible, affordable, and job-relevant online learning.

Its catalog ranges from free individual courses to full master’s degrees, making it a gold standard for professional development and academic excellence.

Coursera Affiliate Program Overview

The Coursera affiliate program allows partners to monetize their content by promoting high-quality educational products. It is managed through reputable third-party networks, ensuring reliable tracking and support.

Feature Details
Industry E-learning / EdTech
Product Type Digital (Courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, Coursera Plus)
Affiliate Program Type CPA (Cost Per Acquisition)

Coursera Affiliate Program Offers

Coursera provides affiliates with the necessary tools to reach a global audience. The program focuses on quality traffic and brand safety.

Feature Details
Promotional Materials Banners, deep-linking tools, monthly newsletters with curated links.
Affiliate Cookie Duration 30 Days
Accepted Traffic Source Websites, Blogs, Social Media, Email Marketing (No spam), SEO.
Accepted Countries Global (Worldwide reach)
Explicit Content Strictly Prohibited
Religious or Political Content Generally restricted; the brand maintains a neutral, professional image.

Coursera Affiliate Commissions & Payments

Coursera offers a competitive commission structure that rewards performance, particularly for driving new subscriptions or high-value certificate purchases.

Feature Details
MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) No
Commission Rate 10% – 45% (Based on product type and performance)
Commission Structure Single-tier (Earn on every qualified sale via your link)
Payout Frequency Monthly (Net 30 or Net 60 depending on network)
Payout Methods PayPal, Wire Transfer, Direct Deposit (ACH)
Minimum Payout Typically $10 – $50 (Set by the affiliate network)

Suitable Affiliates for Coursera Affiliate

Coursera is ideal for content creators who focus on career growth, technology, and self-improvement.

  • Bloggers: Specifically those in the education, tech, and “career advice” niches.
  • TikTokers: Creators making short-form “How-to” or “Best Certifications for 2024” videos.
  • KOC (Key Opinion Consumers): Real users sharing their personal learning journeys and certificate results.
  • KOL (Key Opinion Leaders): Industry experts recommending specific specializations for professional credibility.
  • Influencers: Productivity and lifestyle influencers who advocate for lifelong learning.
  • YouTubers: Tech reviewers, coding tutorial channels, and “Day in the Life” professionals.
  • Video Editors: Freelancers who create compilation videos of the best online courses.
  • Livestreamers: Educational streamers or those doing “Study With Me” sessions.

Coursera Affiliate Software

Coursera does not use in-house software to manage its affiliates. Instead, it utilizes Impact (Impact Radius) and Rakuten Advertising. These platforms provide affiliates with robust tracking, real-time reporting, and automated payment processing.

3 Alternatives for Coursera Affiliate Program

While Coursera is highly prestigious, other platforms may offer different commission structures or course types that suit your audience better.

Factor Coursera Udemy edX Skillshare
Average Bill $49 – $399 $10 – $100 $50 – $300 $165 (Annual Sub)
Entry Fees Free to join Free to join Free to join Free to join
Withdrawal Threshold $10 – $50 $50 $10 $10
Payment Frequency Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly
Commission 10% – 45% 10% – 15% 10% – 20% $7 per referral
Conversion Moderate/High Very High Moderate High (Free trial focus)
Marketing Materials Excellent (Impact) Good Standard Excellent