2U GetSmarter Review: Powerful Online Courses, Pricing & Benefits [2025]

Introduction to 2U GetSmarter

The 2U GetSmarter platform brings together the expertise of two major players in online education: 2U, Inc., a global education technology company, and GetSmarter, a South African-based online learning platform. Together, they deliver high-quality short courses designed in partnership with top universities and institutions around the world.

2U is widely known for powering digital learning solutions for major universities, offering degree programs, bootcamps, and professional certificates. GetSmarter, which became part of 2U in 2017, specializes in short, intensive courses that help professionals gain practical skills without the long-term commitment of a full degree.

By combining 2U’s global reach and technology with GetSmarter’s course design expertise, 2U GetSmarter offers a flexible and engaging way for learners to upskill in fields like business, data science, finance, law, health, and creative industries. Learners can access structured, university-backed courses online, with interactive elements, personalized support, and a certificate of completion upon finishing.

In short, 2U GetSmarter provides professionals with accessible, career-relevant education from some of the world’s most respected institutions—delivered fully online and designed to fit into busy schedules.

Program Overview

The 2U GetSmarter platform is built to help professionals gain practical, career-focused skills through flexible online learning. Its courses are developed in collaboration with leading universities and designed to fit into busy work and personal schedules without sacrificing quality.

Courses Offered

• Short Courses – These are the core of the 2U GetSmarter offering. Typically lasting 6–8 weeks, short courses are structured to deliver in-depth knowledge on specific topics, from digital marketing and data analytics to project management and leadership.
• Professional Certifications – In addition to short courses, some programs provide certificates that carry recognition from partner universities, giving learners credentials that can enhance their résumés.
• Executive Education – Tailored for working professionals and senior leaders, these programs focus on advanced skills in management, strategy, finance, and innovation. They are designed to help learners stay competitive in fast-changing industries.

Partner Universities and Institutions

One of the biggest strengths of 2U GetSmarter is its network of prestigious partner institutions. The platform collaborates with universities and schools worldwide, including:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• Harvard University (professional programs)
• MIT Sloan School of Management
• Stanford University
• University of Cape Town (where GetSmarter was originally founded)
• London School of Economics (LSE)

These partnerships ensure that the courses are not only practical but also carry credibility in the global job market. Learners receive a certificate of completion from the university partner, adding significant weight to their professional profile.

In short, the 2U GetSmarter catalog combines flexibility, academic rigor, and global recognition—making it an attractive option for lifelong learners and career-focused professionals alike.

Learning Experience

One of the main reasons professionals choose 2U GetSmarter is the structured yet flexible learning experience. The platform is designed for busy learners who want to upskill without putting their careers or personal lives on hold.

Course Format

All courses on 2U GetSmarter are delivered 100% online through an easy-to-use learning platform. The format is designed to be interactive, combining:

• Weekly modules with video lectures, readings, and case studies.
• Assignments and quizzes to test understanding.
• Discussion forums where learners can collaborate with peers worldwide.
• Dedicated support teams to help with technical or academic questions.

This structure makes learning engaging while also replicating aspects of a classroom environment.

Flexibility

Flexibility is one of the standout features of the 2U GetSmarter experience. Learners can access course material anytime, making it possible to study during evenings, weekends, or even on the go. The courses are designed to fit into a professional’s schedule, so you can balance learning with work and personal commitments.

Duration and Commitment

Most 2U GetSmarter short courses run for 6 to 8 weeks, with an expected commitment of 6 to 10 hours per week. This format provides enough depth to cover each topic thoroughly while keeping the overall program manageable. For executive education or more advanced certifications, the duration may be slightly longer, but all are structured to provide intensive, results-driven learning.

In short, the 2U GetSmarter learning experience is practical, flexible, and interactive—giving learners the tools they need to gain valuable skills without stepping away from their professional lives.

Quality of Content & Instructors

A major strength of 2U GetSmarter is the quality of its courses and the credibility of its instructors. Unlike many online learning platforms that rely heavily on pre-recorded content from freelancers, 2U GetSmarter works directly with world-class universities to ensure academic rigor and professional relevance.

Who Teaches the Courses

Courses are designed and taught by faculty members, subject-matter experts, and industry professionals from leading universities. For example, if you enroll in a course from MIT Sloan or the University of Oxford, you’ll be learning directly from instructors affiliated with those institutions. In addition to academic staff, many programs also feature guest lectures and insights from industry leaders, ensuring learners gain both theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world perspectives.

Depth and Relevance of Course Material

The course material on 2U GetSmarter is carefully structured to balance theory and application. Each course is:

• Comprehensive – Modules are broken down into manageable sections, with readings, case studies, and assignments.
• Up-to-date – Content is regularly updated to reflect current industry practices and emerging trends.
• Career-focused – Designed with professional application in mind, helping learners immediately apply what they’ve learned in their workplace.

Because the programs are university-backed, learners can trust that the content meets high academic standards while also being practical enough to add real value to their careers. This blend of academic credibility and industry relevance sets 2U GetSmarter apart from many generic online course providers.

Founding Story & Roots

GetSmarter was founded in 2008 in Cape Town, South Africa, by Sam and Robert Paddock. Their initial motivation came from their father’s experience as a real estate lawyer—facing repetitive travel to train property managers—prompting the creation of an online property law course. This sparked what would become a vision: accessible, high-quality short-format online learning for working professionals.

The company rapidly scaled, achieving remarkable growth: by 2012, it reported R20 million in annual revenue, which soared to R128 million by 2015, with up to 100% year-on-year growth. By 2016, GetSmarter had about 400 employees, had served around 50,000 students, and recorded R227 million in revenue.

Acquisition by 2U & Strategic Expansion

In 2017, GetSmarter was acquired by U.S.-based edtech firm 2U, Inc., for $103 million, plus a potential $20 million earn-out contingent on performance. The deal was finalized on 3 July 2017, providing 2U with extensive international reach and entry into the booming short-course market. GetSmarter continued to operate as an independent brand post-acquisition.

Mission & Value Proposition

GetSmarter’s core mission is clear: deliver market-led executive education via short online courses in partnership with top-tier universities and institutions—enabling working professionals to equip themselves with future-ready skills.

The company offers 6- to 12-week non-degree certificate programs, leveraging data-driven course selection, cutting-edge educational technology, and academic rigor, all complemented by robust 24/7 learner support to ensure high course completion and real-world relevance.

Course Design & Delivery Approach

GetSmarter’s model blends university-backed credentials with flexible, online delivery. Courses span areas like leadership, disruptive tech, AI, business, and more—designed for working professionals eager to stay competitive.

What sets GetSmarter apart is its ** blended instructional design**—fusing pedagogical rigor, interactive technology, and human touch via performance coaches and success teams. This formula delivers an engaging, supported, and outcome-driven learning experience.

Partnerships & Credibility

GetSmarter’s credibility stems from collaborations with world-class institutions. Historical partnerships include Harvard, MIT, University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, Cambridge, and Stellenbosch Business School—offering high-value, profession-oriented programs to learners worldwide.

Global Presence & Infrastructure

Headquartered in both Cape Town and London, GetSmarter operates from a distinctly global standpoint. The brand serves learners across numerous countries, illustrating its reach and ambition.

Brand Identity & Positioning

The “About Us” content conveys a compelling brand narrative: GetSmarter positions itself not just as an education provider, but as a partner in career transformation through non-degree lifelong learning. The company emphasizes in-demand course relevancy, academic collaboration, and an engaged learner experience that extends beyond the screen.

Performance & Impact

GetSmarter boasts an industry-high course completion rate, attributed to effective support mechanisms and timely content updates. The emphasis on regularly reviewed course curriculum ensures learners gain skills aligned with industry standards.

Pros & Cons of 2U GetSmarter

Like any online learning platform, the 2U GetSmarter model has both advantages and potential limitations. Understanding these can help learners decide whether the platform is the right fit for their educational and career goals.

Pros (Strengths)

• University-Backed Credentials – Every course is designed in partnership with globally recognized institutions, which adds credibility to the certificates.
• High-Quality Content – Courses are structured with academic rigor and taught by leading faculty and industry experts.
• Flexible Learning – Fully online and designed to fit into the schedule of working professionals.
• Interactive Experience – Learners can engage in discussions, collaborate with peers, and receive feedback on assignments.
• Wide Course Selection – Programs cover diverse fields such as business, finance, technology, law, health, and creative industries.

Cons (Potential Limitations)

• Higher Pricing – Compared to platforms like Coursera or Udemy, 2U GetSmarter courses can be expensive, which may be a barrier for some learners.
• Time Commitment – With most courses requiring 6–10 hours per week, learners need consistent dedication to keep up.
• Not Always Accredited – While certificates are issued by universities, they are not equivalent to a degree or formal accreditation.
• Limited Free Content – Unlike some competitors, 2U GetSmarter does not offer free courses or trial versions.

Bottom Line

The 2U GetSmarter platform excels at delivering university-quality, flexible, and career-relevant learning experiences, but it comes with a higher cost and greater time commitment compared to more casual learning options. For professionals serious about advancing their skills and gaining recognized credentials, the benefits usually outweigh the limitations.

Final Verdict

So, is 2U GetSmarter worth it? The answer depends on what you are looking for in an online learning experience. If you want short, intensive courses backed by some of the world’s top universities, then the platform is a strong choice. Unlike many online course providers, 2U GetSmarter delivers academically rigorous content taught by real university faculty and industry experts.

The biggest strengths of the platform are its flexibility, university-backed certificates, and career-focused learning paths. However, learners should be prepared for the higher pricing and the time commitment required to complete each course successfully.

For professionals who are serious about gaining new skills, boosting their résumés, and learning from respected institutions, the investment in 2U GetSmarter often pays off.

👉 Call to Action: Ready to upskill with world-class short courses? Explore the full range of programs on the 2U GetSmarter website and take the next step toward advancing your career today.