2U GetSmarter delivers short, structured online courses with well-known universities in management, leadership, data, and finance. It is a middle path between free courses and full degrees for an NGO director or program manager who wants university-backed learning without enrolling in a long program.
Key features
- Short courses: weeks to months, built with partner universities.
- Weekly modules with deadlines: closer to a guided course.
- Completion certificate: co-branded with the university.
- Broad topics: strategy, finance, data, leadership.
- Facilitators and peer discussion: not a purely solo experience.
Pricing
Courses are priced individually, not by subscription, and vary by length, subject, and university. Prices show once you choose a currency and course, so check the specific course you want.
Prices change over time. Figures above are based on 2U GetSmarter’s own site.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| University name on the certificate adds credibility | Price appears only after choosing course and currency |
| Deadlines help people finish | Much more expensive than self-paced options |
| Practical management and leadership topics | Course availability changes over time |
2U GetSmarter vs Udemy
Udemy, also covered on elathar, is far cheaper for a specific practical skill. 2U GetSmarter fits a structured, university-branded course within a leadership development plan.
Who 2U GetSmarter is for
NGO directors and program managers who want a structured, university-backed course for a specific skill and have a training budget or grant line to cover it.
Who should skip it
Skip it if budget is tight and you need a practical skill fast. A low-cost self-paced course is better value.
How to get started
Browse the catalog, check price and schedule in your currency, and ask your funder whether a capacity-building line can cover it.
FAQ
Is the certificate equivalent to a degree?
No, these are short courses. The certificate confirms completion of that course.
Are courses self-paced?
No, they run on weekly modules with deadlines.
Disclosure: elathar may earn a commission if you sign up for 2U GetSmarter through the links in this article. This does not change what you pay, and it does not influence which tools we choose to cover.
