SQL is the standard language for managing and querying relational databases. It is widely used in data analytics, software development, and business intelligence. Learning SQL helps you retrieve, manipulate, and analyse data efficiently using real datasets.
Enrolling in an online SQL course is one of the best ways to build strong database skills and prepare for data-driven careers.
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Top Online SQL Courses in 2026
Here is a curated list of the best SQL courses online in 2026, including beginner and advanced options.
1. Practical SQL Course – Great Learning
Delivery: Online premium programme
Duration: 8 hours
Practical SQL Training teaches SQL fundamentals and advanced query writing using real datasets. Learners practise joins, aggregations, subqueries, and data manipulation to solve real-world database problems.
Key Highlights:
- Learn SQL basics and advanced queries
- Practice joins, subqueries, and aggregations
- Real dataset-based exercises
- Certificate available on completion
2. Learn SQL – Codecademy
Delivery: Online interactive platform
Duration: 15 hours
Codecademy’s Learn SQL course provides interactive practice for writing SQL queries. Learners create tables, insert data, and query databases using real-time browser exercises.
Key Highlights:
- Interactive SQL practice
- Build and query tables
- Learn data manipulation commands
- Ideal for beginners
3. SQL for Data Science – Coursera
Delivery: Online certificate programme
Duration: 14 hours
This course focuses on using SQL for data science tasks like data exploration, filtering, aggregation, and analysis. Learners work on real data problems to build analytical SQL skills.
Key Highlights:
- SQL for analytical tasks
- Work with real datasets
- Learn aggregation and filtering
- Certificate upon completion
4. The Complete SQL Bootcamp – Udemy
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: 10+ hours
This comprehensive course covers SQL basics and advanced topics such as joins, window functions, and query optimisation. It includes practical exercises and projects for real database practice.
Key Highlights:
- Covers SQL from basics to advanced
- Learn window functions and optimisation
- Hands-on projects and exercises
- Certificate of completion
5. SQL Fundamentals – Pluralsight
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: 5 hours
SQL Fundamentals covers core query writing skills like data selection, filtering, aggregation, and joins. It is designed for beginners who want a strong foundation in database querying.
Key Highlights:
- Learn SQL query basics
- Understand filtering and aggregation
- Practice basic joins
- Practical examples included
6. SQL Certification Course Free – Great Learning
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: 3.5 hours
This free Oracle SQL course introduces basic query writing, filtering, sorting, and joins. It is ideal for beginners who want to learn SQL from scratch using Oracle database examples.
Key Highlights:
- Free beginner-friendly SQL course
- Learn basic queries and filtering
- Understand joins and sorting
- Certificate available for a fee
7. SQL Essential Training – LinkedIn Learning
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: 6 hours
This course teaches SQL basics including SELECT statements, filtering, sorting, and joins. It is suitable for beginners and professionals who need SQL skills for reporting and analysis.
Key Highlights:
- Learn SQL querying fundamentals
- Covers filtering and sorting
- Understand join operations
- Certificate from LinkedIn Learning
8. Advanced SQL – Udemy
Delivery: Online self-paced
Duration: 12+ hours
Advanced SQL teaches complex topics like window functions, stored procedures, and indexing. It is designed for learners who already know SQL basics and want to improve performance and advanced querying.
Key Highlights:
- Learn window functions and procedures
- Focus on query optimisation
- Advanced SQL concepts
- Certificate of completion
Conclusion
SQL is a core skill for data professionals, developers, and analysts. These courses offer structured learning paths from beginner to advanced levels, helping you build strong query writing and database management skills.
Great Learning offers free online courses like Oracle SQL to start learning SQL without cost, while premium programmes like Practical SQL Training help build deeper practical skills for real-world data roles.