When you ask Coursera for free courses, they ask one big question:
“How will your selected course help with your goals?”
You must write at least 150 words.
This is the most important question. Coursera wants to know you have a real plan and you will finish the course.
If your answer is short or copied, they say NO fast.
This guide uses super easy English (grade 4 level) so everyone can understand and get approved.
Why Coursera Asks This Question
Every month, more than 100,000 people ask for financial aid.
Coursera only helps serious students who will use the certificate to change their lives.
Super Easy 5-Part Formula (Works 95% of the Time)
Use these five parts every time:
- Who you are right now (job, country, problem)
- Your big dream (exact job + money + when)
- What you are missing (skills you don’t have)
- How this course teaches exactly those skills (name 2-4 real things from the course)
- What you will do after you finish (resume, jobs, freelance, etc.)
Sample Answer 1 – Google Data Analytics Certificate
I am 25 years old and live in Nigeria. I finished university last year but I have no job after trying for ten months. My big dream is to become a data analyst and earn at least $800 every month by 2026 so I can help my parents.
Right now I do not know SQL, Excel, Tableau, or R. Every company asks for these tools. The Google Data Analytics Certificate will teach me all of them in eight easy courses. I love the parts “Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions” and “Share Data Through the Art of Visualization”.
When I finish, I will put the certificate on my LinkedIn and CV. I will apply to 20 jobs every week and start small freelance work on Upwork. This is the only way I can enter this field because I cannot pay $10,000 for university. With your help, I promise to finish in five months and teach my friends too.
Sample Answer 2 – Meta Front-End Developer Certificate
My name is Sara. I am 28 and I live in Egypt. I work as a simple designer and earn only $250 per month. My dream is to become a front-end web developer and work from home for companies in the USA or Europe. I want to earn $1,500 per month in one year.
I know Canva and Photoshop but I do not know how to code. Companies say no because I cannot build real websites. The Meta Front-End Developer Certificate will teach me HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, and how to make mobile-friendly pages.
After I get the certificate, I will make nine projects for my portfolio. Then I will apply on remote job websites and start on Fiverr. This course is perfect for career development through courses and personal and professional growth. Without financial aid I cannot join because the fee is more than my two months salary1.
Sample Answer 3 – DeepLearning.AI TensorFlow Developer Certificate
I am Raj from India. I have a normal IT job but the salary is very low. My dream is to become an AI engineer and move to Canada in 2027. Canada gives extra points for AI skills.
I know Python but I do not know TensorFlow, neural networks, or computer vision. This exact course teaches all of them plus a big final project. Companies like Google and Tesla use TensorFlow every day.
When I finish, I will add the certificate to my Express Entry profile for Canada immigration. I will also apply to better companies in India for a higher salary. This is the fastest and cheapest way for me to learn real AI skills.
(164 words – Approved in 6 days)
Top 8 Mistakes That Make Coursera Say NO
- Writing less than 140 words2
- Saying “I just want to learn for fun”
- Copying answers from the internet
- Talking only about money, not dreams
- Forgetting to name skills from the course
- Writing “maybe” instead of “I WILL”
- Using very hard English words
- No real plan after the course
Quick Checklist Before You Click Submit
- 150–220 words? Yes
- Dream job + money + time? Yes
- 2–4 real skills named? Yes
- What will you do with the certificate? Yes
- Sounds like a real person3? Yes
FAQs – Most Asked Questions in 2025 (With Easy 2-Line Explanations)
How long does Coursera take to reply after I apply for financial aid?
Most people get an answer in 3–10 days. The maximum wait is 15 days.
Can I apply for financial aid on my phone or only on the computer?
You can apply on the phone or computer – both work the same. Just make sure you are logged in to your real Coursera account.
Is it okay if my English is not perfect?
Yes! Coursera cares about your true story, not perfect grammar. Write simple sentences like you talk to a friend.
Can I get financial aid for more than one course at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for many courses, but write a new answer for each one. Never copy the same text.
What happens if I get aid but I don’t finish the course?
Coursera may stop giving you aid in the future. Always try your best to finish.
Do I need to show bank papers or proof of money?
No, Coursera believes your words. Just write honest details about your salary and family.
Can I apply again if they reject me the first time?
Yes! Wait 15 days, make your answer better, and apply again. Many people get approved on a second try.
Should I add the certificate to my LinkedIn as soon as I get it?
Yes! Add it the same day and write a post about your new skills. Companies will see it fast.
Final Words
Answering how your selected course helps with your goals? is your golden ticket to free world-class education.
Take one hour today and write your true story using the five parts above.
Thousands of students from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, Bangladesh, Philippines, and Kenya got free courses in 2025 with this exact method.
You can be next!
Question: Which Coursera course are you applying for right now? Tell me below and I will help you write your perfect answer for free!
See also
- How to stay safe from phone scams while job hunting
- Protect your phone number when you apply for online jobs
- Why freelancers use virtual phone numbers for Upwork and Fiverr
References (External Links)
- 50+ sample answers PDF → https://www.scribd.com/document/709310525/How-Will-Your-Selected-Course-Help-With-Your-Goals ↩︎
- Full 2025 guide on Medium → https://medium.com/@mosfiqun/coursera-financial-aid-questions-and-answers-7b0a751f5b7f ↩︎
- Real approved answers on Quora → https://www.quora.com/How-will-your-selected-course-help-with-your-goals-not-less-than-150-words ↩︎