Top 5 Free Online HR Courses with Certificates in Malaysia

If you’ve ever run a growing company, you know how challenging it can be for your HR team to balance hiring, employee management, and compliance with labor laws.

Then, one day, a hiring mistake can lead to thousands in lost productivity. Another day, a workplace conflict slows down operations.

You realize that your HR team needs better training but budgets are tight.

What if there was a cost-free solution to boost your HR team's skills and improve efficiency?

That’s where free online HR courses with certificates in Malaysia come in.

These courses provide practical HR knowledge at no cost, helping companies strengthen their workforce without extra expenses.

If you’re an employer, investing in your HR team’s learning is a direct investment in your company’s success.

The more knowledgeable your HR staff, the better they hire, manage, and retain employees.

Why take free HR courses online?

Encouraging your HR team to learn new skills through free courses can bring many benefits to your company.

Employees who receive proper training can work more efficiently, reduce hiring mistakes, and improve workplace productivity.

Besides improving performance, these courses also help with career growth.

Employees who gain certifications feel more valued and motivated to do their jobs well.

A well-trained HR team can also help attract and retain top talent, creating a better work environment for everyone.

Top 5 Free Online HR Courses with Certificates in Malaysia

If you’re looking for quality HR training without spending money, several platforms provide free HR courses that offer valuable certification.

Here’s a closer look at the best options for employers and HR professionals in Malaysia:

1. HRDF (Human Resource Development Fund) Malaysia

Best for: Malaysian HR professionals who need government-recognized training

The Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF), also known as HRD Corp, is a government initiative aimed at improving workforce skills in Malaysia.

Through its e-LATiH platform, HRDF provides a wide range of free online HR courses covering essential HR topics such as hiring, payroll management, employee retention, and labor law compliance.

Many of these courses are designed to meet Malaysia’s employment regulations, making them highly relevant for employers.

Companies can use these courses to train HR teams at no cost while ensuring compliance with national labor standards.

Key Benefits:

Courses are tailored to Malaysian labor laws and HR best practices
Free access for Malaysian businesses and employees
Certificates issued by HRD Corp, which are recognized by Malaysian employers

Visit HRDF e-LATiH here.

2. Coursera

Best for: Learning HR from top universities worldwide

Coursera offers free HR courses from well-known universities, such as the University of London, University of Michigan, and Yale.

Through government and university partnerships, some of these courses are sponsored and available at no cost to learners in Malaysia.

While Coursera provides high-quality content, certification may require payment.

However, employers can encourage HR teams to audit courses for free, gaining knowledge without paying for certification.

Key Benefits:

Learn from top universities and HR experts
Covers a wide range of HR topics, from recruitment strategies to HR analytics
Flexible, self-paced learning

Visit Coursera here.

3. LinkedIn Learning

Best for: HR professionals who want access to premium courses for free

LinkedIn Learning offers a one-month free trial, so users can access high-quality HR courses on topics like hiring, talent management, and workplace policies.

This is an excellent option for employers who want their HR team to learn quickly without a long-term financial commitment.

Once the trial ends, companies can decide if they want to invest in paid access.

However, employees who complete a course during the trial can still keep their certificates, which can be displayed on LinkedIn profiles.

Key Benefits:

Free access to premium HR courses for one month
Courses are created by HR industry leaders
Certificates can be shared on LinkedIn profiles

Visit LinkedIn Learning here.

4. edX & FutureLearn

Best for: Employers who want structured and university-backed HR courses

Both edX and FutureLearn provide free HR courses in partnership with top universities, including Harvard, MIT, and the University of London.

These courses cover advanced HR topics, such as organizational behavior, HR leadership, and digital HR transformation.

While basic access to courses is free, learners must pay for certificates.

However, many employers use these platforms to train HR teams in strategic HR management, helping them develop skills that improve workforce planning.

Key Benefits:

University-level education from top global institutions
Covers advanced HR topics beyond basic recruitment and payroll
Employers can use courses for long-term HR development

Visit edX here.

Visit FutureLearn here.

5. MOHR & HR Ministry Initiatives

Best for: Learning about Malaysia’s labor laws and workplace regulations

The Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia (MOHR) offers free HR courses and webinars focusing on employment law, workplace compliance, and labor policies.

These programs help HR professionals stay updated on legal requirements, ensuring businesses operate within Malaysian labor laws.

Employers who want their HR team to be legally compliant can take advantage of these free programs.

Topics include EPF & SOCSO regulations, employee rights, workplace safety, and dispute resolution.

Key Benefits:

Free access to Malaysia-specific HR training
Covers employment law, workplace rights, and compliance
Helps employers avoid legal penalties and disputes

Visit MOHR Malaysia here.

How to Enroll in Free Online HR Courses

You’ve found the perfect HR course. What’s next? Here’s how your HR team can get started in just a few simple steps:

1. Choose the Right Course

Identify the skill gaps in your HR team. Do they need better recruitment strategies? More knowledge about labor laws? Choose courses that solve real business problems.

2. Check Course Requirements

Some courses are for beginners, while others require HR experience. Make sure the chosen course fits your employee’s experience level.

3. Sign Up on the Learning Platform

Employees need to create an account and enroll in the course. Most platforms provide flexible, self-paced learning.

4. Complete the Course

Set a timeline for completion. Encourage your team to apply their new skills immediately in the workplace.

5. Get the Certificate

Once the course is done, your HR team can download their certificate as a proof of their new skills!

Comparison: Free vs. Paid HR Courses

Not sure if free HR courses are enough? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Feature	Free HR Courses	Paid HR Courses
Cost	Free to join	Requires payment
Content Level	Covers basic topics	Covers advanced topics
Certificate Recognition	Recognized by some employers	More widely accepted
Learning Support	Limited access to instructors	Includes mentorship & career support
Career Impact	Useful for skill-building	Can improve job prospects significantly

If your HR team needs foundational training, free courses are a great starting point. However, for long-term career growth, investing in paid certifications may be worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which free HR courses are recognized in Malaysia?

Courses from HRDF (e-LATiH), MOHR, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and edX are widely recognized. Government-backed platforms are the best for local HR compliance, while global providers add international credibility.

Do free HR courses offer valid certification for job applications?

Yes, but it depends on the provider. HRDF, MOHR, Coursera, and edX offer certificates that employers recognize. Some platforms require payment for certification, even if the course itself is free.

How do I verify my HR certificate?

Most platforms provide a verification link, QR code, or serial number. Certificates from HRDF and MOHR can be checked on their websites. Professional certifications like CIPD or NHRCI have online verification portals.

Are there government-funded HR courses available?

Yes. HRDF (e-LATiH) and MOHR offer free courses focused on HR, labor laws, and workforce development. Some HRDCorp programs provide subsidies for employer-led training.

What are the best HR courses for beginners?

HRDF (e-LATiH): HR & Payroll Basics
Coursera: HR for People Managers (Univ. of Minnesota)
LinkedIn Learning: HR Fundamentals (Free Trial)
FutureLearn: People Management Skills

These cover essential HR topics like recruitment, payroll, and compliance.

Which is the best HR certification in Malaysia?

MIHRM Certifications: Local HR certification body
NHRCI (HRDCorp): International HR & Malaysian labor law
CIPD (ICS Learn): Globally recognized, ideal for MNCs

What is the best online HR certification?

For structured learning, CIPD (ICS Learn), AIHR, and NHRCI offer in-depth training. For free options, HRDF (e-LATiH) and Coursera provide quality HR education.

How to become an HR in Malaysia?

Get a degree or certification in HR, business, or industrial relations.
Gain experience by working as an HR assistant or intern.
Take free HR courses from HRDF, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning.
Learn Malaysian labor laws, such as EPF, SOCSO, EIS, and employment regulations.
Join HR networks, such as MIHRM and professional HR groups.

Can I do a CIPD course online for free?

No, CIPD courses require payment. However, platforms like ICS Learn and Avado Learning offer online study with flexible payment plans. For free alternatives, HRDF and Coursera provide useful HR training but are not CIPD-certified.

Think about the impact a well-trained HR team can have on your company. Fewer hiring mistakes, better employee engagement, and stronger workplace policies. All without spending a single cent.

By encouraging your HR team to take free online courses, you’re not just improving their skills. You’re building a more effective company.

So why wait? Start exploring free HR courses today and take your HR team and your business to the next level!

Need to hire employees in Malaysia?

Post your job ads on Maukerja, Ricebowl, LinkedIn, and Google with AJobThing to find the best talent today!