I Tried 20+ Django Courses — Here Are My Top 5 Recommendations for 2026

My favorite online courses to learn Django and Python for Web development in 2026

Hello guys, if you want to become a professional Django developer in 2026, you’re learning one of the most sought-after backend frameworks in web development.

If you don’t know, Django powers many popular websites and social media apps like Instagram, Spotify, Pinterest, and thousands of other major applications.

After testing over 20 Django courses across every major platform like Udemy, Coursera, ZTM Academy, Educative, Udacity, and Frontend Masters in last 8 years, I’ve identified the five that will genuinely transform you into a hired-ready backend developer.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or advancing your Python skills, this guide will save you months of searching and experimentation.

Why Learn Django in 2026?

Django isn’t just another framework — it’s a career accelerator. Here’s why:

High Salary Potential — Django developers earn $80K-$150K+ depending on experience and location
Rapid Development — Build production-ready applications in weeks instead of months
Industry Standard — Used by Instagram, Spotify, Pinterest, Dropbox, and Google
Full Stack Capable — Handle databases, APIs, authentication, and deployment
Remote Opportunities — Django roles are highly remote-friendly
Scalability — Handles millions of requests; proven at scale
Job Security — Every business needs backend developers; Django skills are always in demand
Growing Ecosystem — Django REST Framework, Celery, and other tools make it powerful

Learning Django in 2026 positions you for high-paying backend roles at startups and enterprises alike. Now, let’s see the top online courses you can join to learn Django in 2026.

My Top 5 Django Courses for 2026

Without any further ado, here are the top 5 online courses you can join to learn Django in 2026. I have included both video and text based courses as well as hands-on project based courses. Most of the courses are also very affordable.

1. Python Django Dev To Deployment — Udemy

Platform: Udemy
Instructor: Brad Traversy
Duration: 11+ hours of practical video
Rating: Highly rated by thousands of students
Price: Usually $9.99-$14.99 on sale
Best For: Beginners wanting hands-on, project-based learning

Python Django Dev To Deployment by Brad Traversy is the perfect introduction to Django for complete beginners. Brad is one of my favorite instructors on Udemy — his teaching style is clear, engaging, and deeply practical.

What You’ll Learn:

Python fundamentals for beginners
Django framework basics and advanced features
Building a complete real estate website with Django
Working with PostgreSQL databases
Setting up virtual environments
Deploying web applications to production
User authentication and authorization
Working with forms and templates

Why It Works?

This course doesn’t just teach theory — you build a complete real-world project (a real estate listing website) from scratch to deployment. You’ll understand the entire development lifecycle, not just isolated concepts.

Brad’s teaching is methodical and his examples are relevant. You’ll feel confident deploying your first Django application by the end.

Current Deal: Udemy courses typically drop to $9.99-$14.99 during sales. Never pay full price.

Here is the link to join this course — Python Django Dev To Deployment

2. Django for Everybody — Coursera (University of Michigan)

Platform: Coursera
Institution: University of Michigan
Duration: 4–5 months (specialization)
Credential: Professional Certificate
Enrollment: 80,000+ students
Price: Individual courses free (audit) or Coursera Plus ($399/year)
Best For: Learners wanting university-backed credibility and structured progression

Django for Everybody is the gold standard for Django education. Created by the University of Michigan, this specialization provides both depth and credibility.

What You’ll Learn:

Django framework fundamentals
Working with databases and SQL
Django ORM (Object-Relational Mapping)
Building dynamic web applications
User authentication and permissions
Django templates and forms
Django REST API development
Building a complete portfolio project

Why It Works:

This isn’t just a course — it’s a complete progression. Over four courses, you build from Django basics to advanced concepts. The curriculum is thorough, and you’ll emerge with genuine expertise.

The university credential carries weight with employers. Over 60,000 students have taken this course, proving its quality.

Here is the link to join this course — Django for Everybody

Current Deal: Audit individual courses for free, or get Coursera Plus for $399/year for unlimited access to all courses and specializations.

Coursera Plus | Unlimited Access to 10,000+ Online Courses

3. Django Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery — Zero To Mastery Academy

Platform: Zero To Mastery Academy
Format: Comprehensive bootcamp-style course
Duration: Deep, project-intensive learning
Bonus Content: Real-world projects and industry best practices
Price: ZTM membership ($23/month or annual plans)
Discount Code: Use FRIENDS10 for 10% off
Best For: Serious learners wanting to go from zero to hired as a Django developer

Django Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery is designed for one specific goal: getting you hired as a Django developer. This bootcamp-style course teaches you everything an employer needs.

What You’ll Learn:

Django fundamentals from complete scratch
Advanced Django concepts and patterns
Building real-world applications
Database design and optimization
Django REST Framework for APIs
Authentication and permissions
Testing and debugging
Deployment and DevOps basics
Industry best practices
Interview preparation

Why It Works?

This course doesn’t just teach Django — it teaches you how to think like a professional Django developer. The curriculum is built by industry experts who hire Django developers.

You’ll work on real projects throughout the course, building a portfolio that makes you hireable. The instruction focuses on what employers actually need.

Here is the link to — Enroll in Django Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery

Current Deal: ZTM membership is $23/month or choose annual/lifetime plans for better value. Use code FRIENDS10 for 10% off any subscription.

Learn In-Demand Skills. Get Hired. Advance Your Career. | Zero To Mastery

4. Django: Python Web Development Unleashed — Educative.io

Platform: Educative.io
Format: Interactive, text-based course
Duration: Self-paced
Price: Educative Unlimited subscription (~$14.99/month)
Current Deal: 50% off 2-year plans
Best For: Developers who prefer interactive, hands-on learning they can do at their own pace

Django: Python Web Development Unleashed on Educative is perfect if you want to learn Django through interactive, practical exercises.

What You’ll Learn:

Django framework basics and advanced features
Creating and building complete web applications
Django templates and styling pages
URL routing and views
Handling user interaction
Working with forms and data
Database interactions
Building a complete portfolio project

Why It Works?

Educative’s interactive format means you code directly in your browser. Every concept is immediately applied through hands-on exercises. You’ll build muscle memory while learning.

The text-based format makes it easy to reference concepts later. You can learn on mobile or during breaks.

Here is the link to join this course — Django: Python Web Development Unleashed

Current Deal: Educative Unlimited subscription gives access to 1,500+ interactive courses. Currently offering 55% off 2-year plans — the best value available. Now is the best time to join Educative as they are running their Year end sale and offering awesome discount of 55% on thei premium plus plan for 2 years.

Educative Unlimited: Excel with AI-Powered Learning

5. Backend Developer with Python — Udacity Nanodegree

Platform: Udacity
Format: Professional Nanodegree program
Duration: 4–5 months (full-time equivalent)
Credential: Udacity Nanodegree certificate
Career Services: Resume reviews, interview prep, job matching
Price: Varies (monthly payment plans available)
Best For: Serious career changers wanting a comprehensive program with career support

Backend Developer with Python is Udacity’s flagship program for aspiring backend developers. It’s more intensive and comprehensive than typical courses.

What You’ll Learn:

Python programming foundations
Django and web development
RESTful API design and development
Database design and SQL
Authentication and security
Testing and debugging
Deployment and DevOps
Real-world project work
Interview preparation
Career services and job matching

Why It Works?

This isn’t just a course — it’s a complete bootcamp experience. Udacity provides career services, resume reviews, and interview coaching. The program culminates in a capstone project that demonstrates your abilities to employers.

The Nanodegree credential carries significant weight. Employers recognize it as a serious commitment to the field.

Current Deal: Check Udacity for current pricing and flexible payment plans. They often offer discounts for specific programs. They also run 50% discount offer often.

Here is the link to join this course — Backend Developer with Python

How I Chose These Django Courses?

To be honest, I used the same criterion which I used to evaluated the 50+ Python courses I have taken, basically I evaluated every Django course based on:

Content Quality & Depth — Does it cover fundamentals, advanced concepts, and deployment?
Real-World Projects — Will you build projects you can add to your portfolio?
Instructor Expertise — Do instructors have real production Django experience?
Student Success — Do learners actually get hired after completing?
Hiring Readiness — Does it prepare you for Django developer interviews?
Tool Proficiency — Does it teach industry-standard tools and practices?
Career Support — Are there resources for getting hired?

What I Found:

Udemy’s Brad Traversy course is unbeatable for quick, practical learning
Coursera’s Django for Everybody specialization by Michigan university adds university credibility
ZTM’s bootcamp focuses specifically on getting you hired
Educative’s course offers superior hands-on practice
Udacity’s Nanodegree provides the most comprehensive program with career support

Though, for beginners, I recommend to start with Python Django Dev To Deployment course by Brad Traversy on Udemy.

Which Django Course Should You Choose?

If you are wondering where to start or which Django course you should choose then here are my recommendation based upon your learning goal and experience.

If you want quick, practical learning: Python Django Dev To Deployment ($9.99-$14.99 on sale)

If you want university-backed credentials: Django for Everybody (Coursera)

Django for Everybody

If you want to get hired: Django Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery (use FRIENDS10 code for 10% off)

Learn In-Demand Skills. Get Hired. Advance Your Career. | Zero To Mastery

If you want interactive practice: Django: Python Web Development Unleashed (Educative)

Django: Python Web Development Unleashed – AI-Powered Course

If you want a complete bootcamp: Backend Developer with Python (Udacity)

My Recommendation: Start with Brad Traversy’s Udemy course for hands-on fundamentals, then follow with ZTM’s bootcamp to go from basics to hireable.

Why Christmas and New Year Matter for Your Developer Career?

Let’s be honest: quality backend development education is expensive.

A single course can cost $200+. A professional certification can cost $500+. A complete bootcamp can run $15,000+.

But the Christmas and New Year season flips that on its head. Platforms offering $400/year subscriptions drop to $240-$300. Membership plans get special holiday pricing. One-time courses drop from $200 to $10–15.

The math is simple:

Invest $500–$1,000 in Django education during the holidays
Increase your salary by $30K–$60K as a professional Django developer next year
That’s a 30–60x return on investment

This season, use these deals:

All these makes it perfect time to join these platform to learn an in-demand and job ready skills like Django in 2026.

Final Thoughts

That’s all about the best online courses to learn Django in 2026. Learning Django in 2026 is one of the smartest career investments you can make. The demand is high, the salaries are excellent, and the work is intellectually challenging.

These five courses will transform you from a curious beginner into a professional backend developer capable of getting hired at top companies or landing lucrative freelance contracts.

The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is right now during these holiday deals. Don’t wait until January when prices return to normal.

Start with whichever course appeals to your learning style. Commit to finishing it. Build real projects. Add them to your portfolio. And don’t be surprised when job offers start coming in during 2026.

Pick your Django course today and begin your backend developer career transformation!

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P. S. — If you are new to Python and then I also recommend you to join 100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp by Dr. Angela Yu, this is a great course for complete beginner to learn Python for both Web development, AI, and Machine Learning.

Top 5 Udemy Courses to Learn Python, AI, and Machine Learning in 2026

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