Waiting for a university acceptance letter can be a time of uncertainty and restlessness, especially if you're someone who prefers to stay productive. Rather than sitting idle, this waiting period offers a golden opportunity to learn new skills, boost your CV, and even explore potential career paths. One of the best ways to make the most of this time is by enrolling in short courses.
Short courses are usually affordable, flexible, and can be completed in a matter of days or weeks. They are also an excellent way to enhance your knowledge, build confidence, and stay motivated while you wait for your academic journey to begin.
1. Digital Marketing Courses
Digital marketing is a highly sought-after skill in today’s digital economy. Whether you plan to study business, media, communication, or even IT, a basic understanding of digital marketing can be beneficial.
Topics covered:
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Social media marketing
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Email marketing
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SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
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Google Ads and Facebook Ads
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Content marketing
Where to learn:
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Google Digital Garage (Free)
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Coursera
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Udemy
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LinkedIn Learning
Why it matters:
This course opens the door to freelancing opportunities, especially in managing social media accounts for small businesses or running ad campaigns.
2. Basic Computer Skills or Microsoft Office
No matter which course you plan to study at university, computer literacy is essential. A short course in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or even Google Workspace can give you a head start in handling assignments, presentations, and data analysis.
Topics covered:
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Typing and formatting documents
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Creating and managing spreadsheets
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Designing presentations
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Using email effectively
Where to learn:
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Microsoft Learn (Free)
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Alison.com
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Udemy
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Coursera
Why it matters:
It improves your academic readiness and helps with job readiness, especially for part-time or holiday jobs.
3. First Aid and Basic Health & Safety Courses
If you’re considering studying nursing, teaching, sports science, or any community-centered course, this short course is for you. Knowing how to handle medical emergencies or provide CPR can be life-saving.
Topics covered:
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CPR and emergency response
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Wound care
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Health and safety procedures
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Infection control
Where to learn:
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Red Cross
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St John Ambulance
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Health and safety academies in your local area
Why it matters:
This skill is not only practical in emergencies but also adds value to your CV, especially if you're applying for jobs in childcare, education, or healthcare sectors.
4. Entrepreneurship or Business Start-Up Courses
If you have a business idea or are just interested in understanding how businesses work, consider a short entrepreneurship course. It can help you turn your ideas into something tangible—even while still studying.
Topics covered:
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Business planning
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Budgeting and finance
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Marketing and branding
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Customer service
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Legal basics for entrepreneurs
Where to learn:
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FutureLearn
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Coursera
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Google for Startups
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YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative)
Why it matters:
It encourages creativity, independence, and could even lead to you starting your own side hustle.
5. Teaching English Online (TEFL or TESOL Introductory Courses)
English tutoring is a growing field, and with the right certifications, you can earn money teaching English online. While full TEFL certificates are longer, some platforms offer introductory courses you can complete in a short time.
Topics covered:
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Basic principles of teaching English as a foreign language
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Lesson planning
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Classroom management
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Teaching grammar and vocabulary
Where to learn:
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TEFL Academy (Introductory Courses)
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Alison
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Open Learning
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Coursera
Why it matters:
With the rise of remote jobs, this skill allows you to work part-time as an English tutor from the comfort of your home.
6. Introduction to Coding and Programming
Whether or not you plan to go into IT, knowing how to code is becoming an essential modern skill. A short coding course can introduce you to languages like Python, HTML, JavaScript, or C++.
Topics covered:
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Basic syntax and functions
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Web development fundamentals
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Creating apps or websites
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Introduction to data structures
Where to learn:
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FreeCodeCamp
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Codecademy
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Udemy
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Coursera
Why it matters:
Tech skills are highly valued in nearly every career today. Learning to code can also lead to freelance gigs, internships, or future tech degrees.
7. Graphic Design or Canva Design Courses
If you enjoy creativity, design, or content creation, learning how to use graphic design tools can open up many opportunities. Canva, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator are popular tools used in social media, branding, and business.
Topics covered:
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Canva design basics
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Branding and color theory
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Creating social media content
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Designing posters, CVs, or business cards
Where to learn:
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Canva Design School (Free)
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Skillshare
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LinkedIn Learning
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Udemy
Why it matters:
You can build a portfolio and potentially earn money by designing for clients online.
8. Personal Finance and Budgeting Courses
Many students enter university without any idea of how to manage money. A short personal finance course can teach you how to handle allowances, budget for groceries, and avoid debt.
Topics covered:
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Budgeting
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Saving and investing basics
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Credit and debt
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Student financial planning
Where to learn:
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Coursera (Financial Literacy)
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Udemy
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Khan Academy
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YouTube (many reliable finance channels)
Why it matters:
Understanding money management early on can help you avoid unnecessary debt and make better financial decisions.
9. Photography or Videography Basics
If you’re interested in media, journalism, or content creation, a short course in photography or video editing can help you develop practical skills for storytelling and brand creation.
Topics covered:
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Camera settings and composition
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Lighting and angles
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Video editing with tools like CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve
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Uploading and promoting on platforms like YouTube or TikTok
Where to learn:
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Skillshare
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YouTube
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Coursera
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Udemy
Why it matters:
Visual storytelling is a high-demand skill, especially for influencers, brands, and marketing teams.
10. CV Writing and Job Interview Preparation
Finally, if you’re actively job-hunting while waiting for your university response, you should consider courses that teach you how to write a compelling CV and perform well in interviews.
Topics covered:
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CV and cover letter writing
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Job interview etiquette
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Common interview questions
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Personal branding
Where to learn:
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LinkedIn Learning
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Coursera
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Local career centers
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YouTube
Why it matters:
Even if university plans fall through or get delayed, you’ll be better prepared to land a job or internship.
Final Thoughts
Waiting for your university acceptance doesn’t have to be a stressful or wasted period. By enrolling in one or more of these short courses, you can use your time productively, build your skills, and prepare for whatever path lies ahead—whether in university, a job, or a business venture.
Keep learning, keep growing, and remember: every skill you pick up now is an investment in your future.
