What is Course schema?
Course schema is structured data that tells search engines about a course, including its name, description, provider and, where supported, offers and delivery details.
It uses the Schema.org Course type with properties such as name, description and provider, and optionally hasCourseInstance for dates, mode (online or onsite) and offers for price.
Google has supported course rich results and course info in some regions, and the markup also helps search engines and AI tools understand course catalogues even where rich results are not shown.
Course schema properties
| Property | What it describes |
|---|---|
| name and description | Course title and summary |
| provider | The organisation offering the course |
| offers | Price and currency, including free courses |
| hasCourseInstance | Mode (online, onsite), schedule and location |
| educationalCredentialAwarded | Certificate or qualification awarded |
| coursePrerequisites and teaches | Requirements and skills taught |
Google supports a Course info rich result for eligible course list pages. Markup must describe real courses shown on the page.
Course schema example
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Course",
"name": "Local SEO Fundamentals",
"description": "A six week course on Google Business Profile, citations and local content.",
"provider": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Example Academy", "sameAs": "https://example.com" },
"offers": { "@type": "Offer", "price": "199", "priceCurrency": "USD", "category": "Paid" },
"hasCourseInstance": { "@type": "CourseInstance", "courseMode": "Online", "courseWorkload": "PT18H" }
}Tips for course and program pages
One page per course
Each course needs its own URL with details and markup.
Show outcomes
List skills, certificates and who the course is for.
Keep dates current
Old start dates confuse learners and search engines.
Link to the provider
Connect courses to an Organization entity with consistent details.
Course schema mistakes
- 1Marking up course lists instead of individual course pages.
- 2Missing provider details.
- 3Course dates or prices in markup that differ from the page.
- 4Using Course markup for webinars or events, which suit Event schema better.
Course schema for online courses
Online course providers can describe each course with Course markup, including provider, description and course instances with delivery mode and dates. Pair markup with a detailed course page covering syllabus, outcomes, instructor and price.
Why Course schema helps education sites
Course schema describes a course in a structured way: its name, description, provider, and details like duration, mode, price and start dates. Google can use this data for course rich results and course listings, helping learners compare options directly in search.
Universities, colleges, training providers and online course platforms all benefit. Clear markup is especially useful when many providers offer similar courses, since richer listings can make your course stand out.
Course schema step by step
- 1Add Course markup to each course page.
- 2Include name, description and provider.
- 3Add hasCourseInstance with mode, dates and location or online status.
- 4Add offers with price and currency.
- 5Add educational level and duration where shown.
- 6Test with the Rich Results Test.
Course page content tips
Learning outcomes
List what students will be able to do after the course.
Entry requirements
Show prerequisites clearly.
Schedule and format
State weekly hours, live sessions and assessments.
Course schema and AI search
Learners ask AI tools questions such as "best part time data science course in Toronto". Clear course facts, including mode, duration, price, start dates and outcomes, help these tools describe your course correctly. Keep course pages and markup updated each intake so AI answers do not show old dates or fees.
Course schema checklist
- 1Each course page marked up.
- 2Provider details match Organization markup.
- 3Instances show current dates.
- 4Prices and currency correct.
- 5Tested after updates.
Why Course schema matters for SEO
Clear course data helps learners compare options in search and helps your courses appear for specific study searches.
It strengthens your institution's entity in search, linking courses to your organisation and campus.
How Course schema works
Good course markup includes three parts.
Course details
Name, description and provider for each course page.
Instances
Dates, mode of study, location and schedule where courses run at set times.
Offers
Price, currency and availability where applicable.
A Pune coding academy adds Course schema to 25 course pages with provider, mode and fees. Search engines now understand its course list, and the academy appears more often for searches like "data science course Pune weekend".
Course schema checklist
- ✓Add Course schema to each course page
- ✓Use the Organization or EducationalOrganization as provider
- ✓Include mode of delivery and location
- ✓Keep prices and dates up to date
- ✓Validate with Google's tools
- ✓Match schema to visible page content
Common Course schema mistakes
Marking up category pages as courses
Course schema belongs on individual course pages.
Outdated dates and prices
Old data causes errors and confusion.
Missing provider
Courses need a clear provider entity.
Hidden information
Schema must match what users see.
Related SEO terms
Course schema FAQs
What is Course schema?
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Structured data that describes a course and its provider.
Where should I add Course schema?
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On each individual course page.
Does Course schema improve rankings?
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Not directly, but it helps search engines understand and display your courses.
Can free courses use Course schema?
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Yes. Course schema works for free and paid courses.
Can short training workshops use Course schema?
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Yes, if they are structured courses with a description and provider. One off events may suit Event schema better.
Should course pages show start dates?
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Yes. Start dates help learners plan and can appear in course listings when marked up.
Do course rich results show prices?
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Some course listings can show price and other details when markup includes offers and Google supports it in your region.
Does Google show course rich results?
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Google supports course features in some regions and formats, which can change over time.
Can online courses use Course schema?
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Yes. Use course mode to show online delivery.
How do I test Course schema?
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Use the Rich Results Test or the Schema Markup Validator.
Should course pages show reviews?
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Genuine learner reviews help, shown on the page and marked up correctly.
Should Course schema include instructors?
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You can add instructor with Person markup to show who teaches the course.
Can course platforms mark up third party courses?
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Platforms can mark up courses they list, with the provider set correctly to the institution that runs the course.
Should each course intake have separate markup?
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Use hasCourseInstance entries for each intake on the same course page rather than separate pages.