GALWAY, IRELAND – November 2025
Alison, a global leader in free online learning, marks two years of hosting graduation ceremonies, a unique initiative in online education that celebrates learners’ achievements. Alison began organising virtual graduation events in July 2023 after learners expressed a strong desire to celebrate their achievements together. Since then, they have become a regular monthly event, bringing together graduates from across the world. For many of the thousands of attendees so far, it has been their first graduation ceremony ever, marking a powerful milestone in their journey of personal growth and upskilling.
Unlike most e-learning platforms, Alison gives learners a moment of recognition, connecting online learning with tangible, real-life celebration. The events inspire learners and communities by validating their efforts, boosting confidence, and opening career opportunities. They reflect Alison’s ongoing mission to offer inclusive, learner-first education that listens and responds to the needs of the global workforce.
“When our learners asked for a way to celebrate, we made it happen,” said Ciaran Cannon, Vice-President of Global Affairs at Alison. “These ceremonies are more than events; they are symbols of what’s possible through free, accessible education. They demonstrate the power of online learning to transform lives and drive economic growth.”
With plans to launch a dedicated online graduate hub, Alison continues to lead in empowerment-focused online learning. The platform is at the forefront of the digital education trend, offering professional development and job-ready skills to millions worldwide.
To learn more or enrol in a course, visit www.alison.com.
To view our upcoming webinars, visit www.alison.com/webinars.
Media Contact
For further information, contact the Alison Media Team at [email protected].
About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively — at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare, and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workforce Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing, English Language Proficiency, Numeracy, Verbal and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, learners also gain access to a Career Guide, Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App.
In 2025, Alison is launching a Global Recruitment Service to connect employers directly with skilled, motivated learners. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with full Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
Find us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
