Not all Udemy courses come with a subscription — most require individual purchase
A Udemy subscription gives you access to a rotating catalog of courses, but it does not unlock every course on the platform. Udemy maintains two separate systems: courses available through subscription (sometimes called "Udemy Plus" or included in monthly plans) and courses you buy individually. The subscription catalog changes regularly, so a course available this month may not be next month, and vice versa.
When you search or browse Udemy, the course page tells you whether that specific course is included in your subscription plan or requires a separate purchase. If a course is not in your subscription, you will see a price and a "Buy" button instead of an "Enroll" button. This matters because subscription courses cost nothing extra once you are subscribed, but non-subscription courses typically range from $15 to $200 depending on the instructor and topic.
Key Takeaways
- Udemy subscriptions include access to a specific set of courses that rotates monthly, not the entire platform catalog.
- Each course page shows whether it is included in your subscription plan or requires a separate purchase at checkout.
- Subscription courses cost nothing extra once you are subscribed; non-subscription courses have individual prices you pay upfront.
- The subscription catalog varies by region and subscription tier, so the same course may be included for one subscriber but not another.
- You can filter search results to show only subscription-included courses, which saves time when browsing.
How to tell if a course is included in your subscription
When you view any course page on Udemy, look at the enrollment button and the price display. If the course is included in your subscription, the button will say "Enroll Now" and show no price, or it will say "Included in your subscription." If the course requires a separate purchase, you will see a price (usually $14.99 to $199.99) and a "Buy Now" or "Add to Cart" button.
You can also filter your search results to show only subscription-included courses. On the left side of the search results page, look for a filter labeled "Subscription Included" or similar wording depending on your region. Checking that box narrows the results to only courses you can take without paying extra. This is the fastest way to browse if you want to stay within your subscription.
What determines which courses are in the subscription catalog
Udemy negotiates with each instructor about whether their course is available through subscription or sold individually. Instructors can choose to include their course in the subscription program, which means Udemy pays them a share of subscription revenue rather than keeping all the purchase price. Some instructors prefer the subscription model because it reaches more students; others prefer individual sales because they earn more per student.
The subscription catalog also depends on your region and subscription tier. A course included in Udemy Plus in the United States may not be included in the same plan in Europe or Asia, because Udemy negotiates rights and pricing by region. If you have a lower-tier subscription, you may see fewer included courses than someone with a higher-tier plan, though this varies by how Udemy structures its offerings at any given time.
Why courses move in and out of the subscription catalog
Udemy rotates the subscription catalog to manage costs and keep the offering fresh. When a course is very popular, Udemy may remove it from subscription temporarily to encourage individual purchases, then add it back later. When a course is new or an instructor wants to promote it, they may add it to the subscription catalog for a limited time. These changes happen without notice to subscribers.
If you find a course you want to take and it is not currently in your subscription, you have two options: wait to see if it enters the catalog later, or purchase it individually. Udemy frequently runs sales on individual courses (often 80 to 90 percent off the listed price), so if you are willing to wait, you may find a better deal than the full price shown on the course page.
Subscription tiers and what each includes
Udemy offers different subscription plans at different price points, and each includes access to a different portion of the subscription catalog. A basic monthly subscription typically includes hundreds of courses, while a higher-tier annual plan may include more. The exact number of courses and which specific courses are included changes over time and by region.
When you sign up for a subscription, Udemy shows you an estimate of how many courses are included, but this number is not fixed. The best way to know what you will have access to is to log in and use the subscription filter to see the current catalog. If you are considering a subscription, spend a few minutes searching for courses in your areas of interest and checking whether they are included before you commit to a plan.
What happens if a course leaves the subscription catalog
If you are already enrolled in a course through your subscription and that course is later removed from the catalog, you keep access to it. Udemy does not revoke your enrollment retroactively. You can continue watching, rewatching, and downloading course materials as long as your subscription remains active. This protection applies only to courses you enrolled in while they were included in your subscription.
If you have not yet enrolled in a course and it leaves the subscription catalog, you will need to purchase it individually to take it. There is no way to "save" a course for later if it is currently in your subscription but you have not enrolled yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the full subscription catalog before I subscribe?
You can browse the subscription catalog without subscribing by using the subscription filter on the search page, but you will not see every course until you log in or create an account. Once you create a free account, you can filter and search the included courses to get a sense of what is available in your region before you pay for a subscription.
If I cancel my subscription, do I lose access to courses I enrolled in?
Yes. When your subscription ends, you lose access to all courses you enrolled in through the subscription. Any courses you purchased individually remain yours permanently. This is why some people buy individual courses for topics they want to keep long-term and use their subscription for courses they want to explore without committing to a purchase.
Why is a course I want to take not in my subscription?
The instructor chose not to include it in the subscription program, or it is not available in your region's subscription catalog. You can purchase it individually, or you can check back later — some courses rotate in and out of the subscription catalog. You can also contact Udemy support to ask whether a specific course will be added to the subscription in the future, though they cannot may provide it.
Do I have to buy courses individually if they are not in my subscription?
No. You can take only subscription-included courses if you prefer. Many subscribers use their plan to explore topics without spending extra, and purchase individual courses only when they find something outside the subscription that they really want. Both approaches are common.