Can I study Private Equity for free on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning private equity on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many private equity courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in private equity, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What Private Equity courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

For training and upskilling employees in private equity, courses like Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part I and Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part II can be particularly beneficial. These courses focus on strategic growth and management, providing employees with the skills necessary to contribute effectively to private equity initiatives.

Best Private Equity Courses & Certificates [2026]

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Private Equity

Private Equity Courses

Private equity courses can help you learn valuation techniques, deal structuring, financial modeling, and due diligence processes. You can build skills in negotiating terms, assessing investment risks, and managing portfolio companies effectively. Many courses introduce tools like Excel for financial analysis, PowerPoint for presenting investment proposals, and databases for market research, that support making informed investment decisions.

Popular Private Equity Courses and Certifications

Status: Free
Università Bocconi
Private Equity and Venture Capital
Skills you'll gain: Private Equity, Business Valuation, Investment Management, Entrepreneurial Finance, Investments, Equities, Portfolio Management, Legal Risk, Tax Management, Tax Laws, Entrepreneurship, Financial Regulation, Due Diligence, Fundraising, Negotiation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
9.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Corporate Finance
Skills you'll gain: Return On Investment, Capital Budgeting, Finance, Financial Forecasting, Forecasting, Cash Flow Forecasting, Financial Modeling, Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, Corporate Finance, Business Valuation, Cash Flows, Risk Analysis, Loans
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
6.4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
Prepare for CFA Level 1: Alternative Investments and Assets
Skills you'll gain: Private Equity, Investments, Real Estate, Property and Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Digital Assets, Portfolio Risk, Asset Management, Commercial Real Estate, Investment Management, Blockchain, Capital Markets, Financial Market, Financial Analysis, Return On Investment, FinTech, Oil and Gas, Risk Analysis, Risk Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Corporate Finance Institute
Private Banking
Skills you'll gain: Wealth Management, Retail Banking, Financial Planning, Banking, Banking Services, Personalized Service, Financial Services, Financial Regulation, Regulatory Requirements, Regulatory Compliance, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Portfolio Management, Portfolio Risk, Investment Management, Investments, Risk Management, Risk Appetite, Return On Investment, Risk Analysis
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Mergers and Acquisitions
Skills you'll gain: Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Investment Banking, Financial Statement Analysis, Business Valuation, Financial Statements, Financial Forecasting, Financial Analysis, Intercompany Accounting, Capital Markets, Financial Modeling, Specialized Accounting, Cash Flow Forecasting, Corporate Tax, Corporate Accounting, Revenue Forecasting, Accounting, Price Negotiation, Investments, Financial Accounting
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
675 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Advanced Valuation and Strategy - M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Decision-Making, Business Valuation, Private Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions, Game Theory, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Capital Budgeting, Financial Analysis, Business Strategy, Financial Statement Analysis, Return On Investment, Investment Banking, Decision Making, Cash Flows, Bidding, Growth Strategies, Corporate Finance, Competitive Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Preview
EDUCBA
Master Private Equity Basics: Analyze, Structure & Apply
Skills you'll gain: Private Equity, Price Negotiation, Negotiation, Contract Negotiation, Business Valuation, Investment Banking, Investment Management, Equities, Due Diligence, Performance Measurement, Portfolio Management, Banking, Organizational Structure, Continuous Monitoring, Liquidation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Hedge Funds & Private Equity: Analyze & Evaluate
Skills you'll gain: Private Equity, Loans, Lending and Underwriting, Investment Management, Equities, Case Studies, Performance Measurement, Investments, Portfolio Management, Capital Markets, Performance Analysis, Performance Metric, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Analysis, Asset Management, Market Liquidity, Business Strategies, Entrepreneurial Finance, Analysis, Benchmarking
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Preview
EDUCBA
Analyze and Build a Private Equity LBO Case Study
Skills you'll gain: Private Equity, Case Studies, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Modeling, Financial Statements, Investment Banking, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Financial Analysis, Corporate Finance, Equities, Business Valuation, Investments, Cash Flows, Return On Investment, Cash Flow Forecasting
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Geneva
Investment Management
Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Wealth Management, Risk Management, Financial Systems, Investment Management, Financial Market, Portfolio Risk, Capital Markets, Risk Analysis, Risk Modeling, Asset Management, Performance Measurement, Investments, Market Dynamics, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Financial Planning, Risk Appetite, Finance, Equities, Business Ethics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Hedge Funds Mastery: Strategies, Risk & Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Hedge Accounting, Derivatives, Private Equity, Portfolio Risk, Risk Modeling, Loans, Risk Management, Investment Management, Regression Analysis, Accounting, Fund Accounting, Lending and Underwriting, Risk Analysis, Accounting Records, Revenue Recognition, Financial Reporting, Financial Accounting, Performance Measurement, Portfolio Management, Performance Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
37 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Corporate Finance Institute
Preparatory Certificate in Finance and Financial Markets
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Financial Statement Analysis, Annual Reports, Mergers & Acquisitions, Income Statement, Financial Statements, Financial Analysis, Business Valuation, Banking Services, Credit Risk, Loans, Capital Expenditure, Corporate Finance, Banking, Accounting, Capital Markets, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Balance Sheet, Financial Trading, Wealth Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
746 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular private equity courses

Private Equity and Venture Capital: Università Bocconi
Introduction to Corporate Finance: University of Pennsylvania
Prepare for CFA Level 1: Alternative Investments and Assets: Board Infinity
Private Banking: Corporate Finance Institute
Mergers and Acquisitions: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Advanced Valuation and Strategy - M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital: Erasmus University Rotterdam
Master Private Equity Basics: Analyze, Structure & Apply: EDUCBA
Hedge Funds & Private Equity: Analyze & Evaluate: EDUCBA
Analyze and Build a Private Equity LBO Case Study: EDUCBA
Investment Management: University of Geneva

Skills you can learn in Finance

Investment (23)

Market (economics) (20)

Stock (18)

Financial Statement (14)

Financial Accounting (13)

Modeling (13)

Corporate Finance (11)

Financial Analysis (11)

Trading (11)

Evaluation (10)

Financial Markets (10)

Pricing (10)

Frequently Asked Questions about Private Equity

Private equity refers to investment funds that acquire equity ownership in private companies or engage in buyouts of public companies, resulting in their delisting from public stock exchanges. This sector plays a crucial role in the economy by providing capital for growth, restructuring, and innovation. Private equity firms often seek to enhance the value of their portfolio companies through strategic management and operational improvements, ultimately aiming for profitable exits through sales or public offerings.‎

A variety of career opportunities exist within the private equity sector. Common roles include private equity analyst, associate, and partner, where professionals evaluate investment opportunities, conduct due diligence, and manage portfolio companies. Other positions may involve financial modeling, market research, and strategic planning. Additionally, roles in investor relations and fundraising are essential for maintaining relationships with investors and securing capital for future investments.‎

There are several online courses available to help you learn about private equity. Notable options include Private Equity and Venture Capital and Advanced Valuation and Strategy - M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital. These courses cover essential topics such as investment strategies, valuation methods, and the overall private equity landscape, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field.‎

Yes. You can start learning private equity on Coursera for free in two ways:

Preview the first module of many private equity courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in private equity, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Typical topics covered in private equity courses include the investment lifecycle, valuation techniques, due diligence processes, and exit strategies. Courses may also explore the role of private equity in the broader financial landscape, the impact of economic factors on investments, and case studies of successful private equity transactions. Understanding these topics will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the industry.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.