Learning the stock market basics is essential for anyone looking to build long-term wealth through investing.
9 Best Stock Market Basics Courses for Beginners in 2026
This comprehensive guide will explore the top online courses that can help you understand the fundamentals of stock market investing, suitable for complete beginners. Before diving into specific investments, consider checking out our guide on best investment apps for beginners.
Perfect for absolute beginners, this comprehensive course covers everything from basic terminology to advanced trading strategies. At $84.99 (often on sale for $19.99), you'll get 22 hours of on-demand video, lifetime access, and a certificate of completion.
Led by renowned economist Robert Shiller, this free course offers university-level education on financial markets. While you can audit for free, the certificate costs $49. The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete.
Available with LinkedIn Premium ($29.99/month), this concise course covers fundamental concepts in just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Perfect for busy professionals looking to understand investment basics quickly.
A completely free resource that offers bite-sized lessons on investing basics. The platform provides interactive content and real-world examples, perfect for visual learners. If you're interested in dividend investing, check out our guide on best American dividend stocks.
A structured course from one of the most trusted names in financial education. The course costs $199 and includes comprehensive video lessons, downloadable resources, and quizzes.
Created by IIMBx, this professional certificate program costs $149 and takes 8 weeks to complete. The course covers fundamental analysis, portfolio management, and risk assessment.
Part of Skillshare's premium membership ($32/month), this course offers practical investing strategies for beginners. The course includes hands-on projects and community feedback.
A free resource from one of the most respected investment research companies. The course includes over 170 interactive lessons divided into four skill levels.
A free comprehensive resource for Fidelity customers, offering webinars, courses, and interactive tools. The platform covers everything from basics to advanced trading strategies.
Final Words
Starting your investment journey doesn't have to be overwhelming. These courses provide structured learning paths to help you understand the stock market fundamentals. Remember to start small and consider using expense tracking apps to manage your investment budget effectively. Always do thorough research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.