How to Cancel Coursera Subscription: Step-by-Step Guide
Are you a Coursera learner looking to cancel your subscription? Perhaps you’ve completed the courses you wanted, or your circumstances have changed. Whatever the reason, canceling a Coursera subscription is a straightforward process, and this guide will walk you through it step-by-step.
In this comprehensive post, we’ll cover:
- Understanding the different types of Coursera subscriptions
- Step-by-step instructions for canceling Specialization and Coursera Plus subscriptions (on desktop and mobile)
- What happens to your course progress and certificates after cancellation
- Alternatives to canceling, like pausing or taking a break
- Tips for making the most of your Coursera learning experience
- Answers to frequently asked questions about canceling subscriptions
So, let’s dive in and ensure you can seamlessly cancel your Coursera subscription whenever needed.
Understanding Coursera Subscription Types
Before we get into the cancellation process, it’s essential to understand the different types of subscriptions offered by Coursera:
Specialization Subscriptions
A Specialization is a series of courses designed to build specific skills. With a Specialization subscription, you pay a monthly fee until you complete all courses and earn a Specialization Certificate.
What are Specialization subscriptions?
- Pay a monthly fee instead of a one-time payment
- Access to all courses in that Specialization as long as your subscription is active
- Earn a Specialization Certificate upon completing all courses
How Specialization auto-cancellation works:
Specialization subscriptions automatically cancel once you’ve completed all the courses and earned your Certificate. If there’s a Capstone Project course, you may retain access for 180 days after auto-cancellation.
Individual Course Purchases
You can also purchase individual courses on Coursera to earn Course Certificates, even if the course is part of a Specialization. However, it’s not possible to subscribe to an individual course.
Coursera Plus Subscription
What is Coursera Plus?
Coursera Plus is a subscription that provides unlimited access to over 90% of Coursera’s course catalog. There’s no limit to how many courses you can enroll in or how many Course Certificates you can earn.
Benefits of Coursera Plus:
- Unlimited access to thousands of courses
- Earn unlimited Course Certificates
- One flat subscription fee (billed annually)
With an understanding of these subscription types, you’re now ready to cancel the one you no longer need.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancel Your Coursera Subscription
Canceling a Specialization Subscription
On the Coursera website:
- Log into your Coursera account
- Open your “My Purchases” page
- Click the “Manage Subscriptions” tab
- Next to the Specialization subscription you want to cancel, click “Cancel”
On the Coursera mobile app:
- Log into the Coursera mobile app
- Tap the settings gear icon in the top right
- Tap “My Subscriptions”
- Next to the subscription you want to cancel, tap “Manage Subscription”
- Tap “Cancel subscription”
Canceling Coursera Plus Subscription
On the Coursera website:
- Log into your Coursera account
- Open the menu in the upper right corner and choose “My Purchases”
- Click “Manage Subscriptions”
- Click on your Coursera Plus subscription, then click “Cancel subscription”
On the Coursera mobile app:
The option to cancel Coursera Plus is currently not available on the mobile app. You’ll need to follow the website instructions above.
What Happens After Cancellation?
For Specialization Subscriptions:
- You’ll lose access to paid course materials (including graded assignments) in that Specialization
- You’ll keep any Course Certificates earned while subscribed
- Work from unfinished courses will reappear if you re-subscribe or pay for the Specialization again
For Coursera Plus:
- You’ll retain paid access to the Coursera Plus catalog until the end of your current billing period
- After the subscription expires, courses will disappear from your “My Courses” page
- You’ll keep any Course Certificates earned while subscribed
- Work from unfinished courses will reappear if you re-subscribe
It’s important to note that Coursera does not offer refunds for subscription payments made after the free trial period ends. You’ll need to cancel before your next payment date to avoid additional charges.
Alternatives to Canceling Coursera Subscription
If you’re considering canceling your subscription but still want access to Coursera’s content, you have a few alternatives:
Pausing or Suspending Subscription Temporarily
Coursera doesn’t offer a “pause” or “suspend” option for subscriptions. However, you can cancel your subscription and then restart it when you’re ready to continue learning.
Your work and progress will be saved, but your personalized deadlines will reset when you resume your paid course access.
Taking a Break from Subscription
Similar to pausing, you can cancel your subscription and take a break. During this time, you won’t have access to paid course materials, but your earned Certificates and work from unfinished courses will be saved.
When you’re ready to continue, you can re-subscribe or pay for individual courses or Specializations you want to complete.
Switching to Individual Course Purchases
If you only need access to specific courses, you can cancel your subscription and purchase those courses individually. This way, you’ll only pay for the content you need, rather than a recurring subscription fee.
Tips for Making the Most of Coursera
While canceling your subscription may be the right choice for some, others may want to make the most of their Coursera learning experience. Here are a few tips:
Planning Your Learning Path
Before enrolling in courses, take some time to plan your learning path. Consider your goals, interests, and the skills you want to develop. This will help you choose the right courses and make the most of your time and investment.
Time Management for Online Courses
Online learning requires discipline and time management. Set aside dedicated study time, create a schedule, and stick to it. Break up your learning into manageable chunks, and take breaks when needed.
Getting Support from Community and Instructors
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Coursera community or instructors if you need help or have questions. Engaging with others can enhance your learning experience and provide valuable insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy for free trials?
Coursera often offers free trials for subscriptions. You can cancel before the trial ends without being charged. However, if you don’t cancel before the trial period ends, you’ll be automatically charged for the subscription.
How to reactivate a canceled subscription?
If you’ve canceled your Coursera subscription but want to reactivate it, simply log in to your account and look for the option to re-subscribe or restart your subscription.
Troubleshooting cancellation issues
If you’re having trouble canceling your subscription or encountering any issues, you can contact Coursera’s support team for assistance. They’ll be able to help you resolve the problem and ensure your subscription is properly canceled.
Conclusion
Canceling a Coursera subscription is a straightforward process, whether you have a Specialization subscription or Coursera Plus. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can easily cancel your subscription on the website or mobile app.
Remember, even after cancellation, you’ll retain access to your earned Certificates and the ability to pick up where you left off if you decide to re-subscribe or purchase individual courses in the future.
Continuous learning is invaluable, and Coursera provides a vast array of educational opportunities. Whether you choose to cancel your subscription or continue your learning journey, prioritize your goals and make the most of the resources available to you.
