edX affiliate program

What edX is

edX offers online courses and programs from universities and companies, from single courses to professional certificates and degrees. Many courses can be audited for free, and learners pay for a verified certificate or for courses that are paid only. That free first step is useful for affiliates: readers can try a course before they buy.

What it pays

edX says affiliates earn a competitive commission on revenue from thousands of courses and programs. Commission is paid only on valid purchases of verified certificates and paid only courses through your tracked links, so a reader who enrols in the free audit track does not earn you anything until they upgrade. The rate itself is shown inside the program on Impact rather than on the public page.

Tracking and joining

The cookie lasts 60 days from the first referral, which suits course decisions that take time. You apply by creating an account on Impact and requesting the edX program. Affiliates also get a monthly newsletter with promotions, deals and courses to feature.

How to use it well

Link to a specific course or certificate that matches the reader's goal, rather than the edX home page, and mention that the course can be audited first. Professional certificates from recognised universities convert better than general interest courses, because the certificate is the thing people pay for.

Who it suits

Career and study content, university and degree comparison sites, and creators covering skills where a recognised certificate matters, such as data, business, computer science and project management.

Our take

A trusted brand with a generous 60 day cookie. Commission only comes when a learner pays for a certificate, so point readers at the paid outcome. Check your rate inside Impact before building content. Ungraded until there is a payout record.