When Kotlin was announced as an official language for Android in 2017, I didn’t rush to learn it. Java felt familiar, and I didn’t see the point in switching. Then one weekend, I tried rewriting a small project in Kotlin. Suddenly, everything was cleaner. No more endless boilerplate. Null safety built right in. Functional features that just worked. I didn’t just like Kotlin—I wanted to use it everywhere.
That was my turning point. And I’ve seen the same story play out with countless devs. Kotlin starts as “the thing Android makes you use” and ends up becoming your favorite language.
Fast forward to 2025: Kotlin is no longer just about Android. It’s powering full-stack apps with Ktor, showing up in Spring projects, and even being used in multi-platform codebases. If you’re serious about mobile or curious about modern backend dev, it’s time to get fluent.
The hard part? Figuring out where to start. Kotlin has great docs, but scattered tutorials and YouTube crash courses often leave you with gaps. That’s why I pulled together this list of the best Kotlin courses for 2026.
My top recommendation is Educative.io’s Kotlin Guide, since it’s interactive and requires zero setup. But depending on your goals—Android apps, backend systems, or advanced Kotlin features—there’s something here for you.
1. The Ultimate Guide to Kotlin Programming – Educative.io (Top Pick)
If setup struggles have ever killed your momentum, you’ll love this: Educative runs entirely in your browser. No IntelliJ installs, no Android Studio setup—you just open the course and start coding Kotlin.
The lessons start simple: variables, optionals, functions, and control flow. Then you move into Kotlin-specific goodies like data classes, lambdas, and null safety. The best part? Inline exercises. Instead of passively reading, you practice until it sticks.
This is the best starting point for absolute beginners or Java developers who want a smooth transition. It doesn’t cover Android or frameworks like Ktor—that’s by design. First, you learn the language, then you build on it.
2. Kotlin for Java Developers – Coursera (JetBrains)
Who better to learn from than Kotlin’s creators themselves? JetBrains partnered with Coursera to design this course specifically for Java developers.
You’ll see Java and Kotlin side by side, learning why Kotlin’s features—like null safety and coroutines—are such a big deal. If you’re coming from years of Java, this is one of the best Kotlin courses to retrain your brain without feeling lost.
3. The Complete Kotlin Developer Course – Udemy
Want a big, project-driven boot camp? This Udemy course is it. It starts with the basics but quickly moves into Android apps and backend projects.
It’s long—30+ hours—and requires commitment, but by the end you’ll have multiple portfolio-ready projects. One of the best Kotlin courses if you want a single, comprehensive path from beginner to job-ready.
4. Android App Development Masterclass using Kotlin – Udemy
If your goal is Android apps, this is the course to take. It skips the detours and puts Kotlin in the context of building Android apps with Jetpack, navigation, and architecture components.
It’s less about language theory and more about building actual apps, making it one of the best Kotlin courses for mobile-first learners.
5. Kotlin Bootcamp for Programmers – Udacity (Google)
This one’s free and created by Google. It’s designed for developers who already know some programming and want to get up to speed with Kotlin quickly.
The pace is brisk, but you’ll cover the essentials with hands-on challenges. As one of the best Kotlin courses, it’s especially valuable because it reflects how Google wants developers to learn Kotlin for Android.
6. Kotlin Essentials – Pluralsight
Short on time? Pluralsight’s Kotlin Essentials is broken down into bite-sized modules. You’ll learn syntax, classes, and functional features without being overwhelmed.
It won’t get you to Android production apps, but it’s one of the best Kotlin courses if you want a professional-level primer in just a few hours.
7. Developing Android Apps with Kotlin – Udacity (Google)
Another official Google-backed course, but this one dives into building Android apps step by step. You’ll work inside Android Studio, design UIs, and ship working apps while learning Kotlin along the way.
For anyone who wants to combine learning Kotlin with actual Android projects, this is easily one of the best Kotlin courses out there.
8. Kotlin Developer Nanodegree – Udacity
This is Udacity’s more advanced, career-focused option. You’ll get project reviews, mentorship, and exposure to coroutines, architecture patterns, and best practices.
It’s pricey, but if you want the structured guidance of a bootcamp plus real feedback, it’s one of the best Kotlin courses to invest in.
9. Kotlin Fundamentals – JetBrains Academy (Hyperskill)
JetBrains Academy lets you learn Kotlin while building real projects. You’ll solve challenges in IntelliJ IDEA (Kotlin’s home turf) while mastering language features.
It’s more advanced than beginner courses, but for devs who thrive on project-based learning, it’s one of the best Kotlin courses for growing beyond the basics.
10. Kotlin for Android Developers – Kodeco (formerly Ray Wenderlich)
Kodeco’s tutorials have a cult following among mobile devs. Their Kotlin for Android Developers track is polished, detailed, and focused on practical Android development.
If you like hands-on tutorials with strong visuals, this is one of the best Kotlin courses you’ll find for Android-focused learning.
11. Advanced Kotlin Programming – Pluralsight
Once you’ve got the basics, this course takes you deeper into DSLs, functional programming, and coroutines.
It’s not for beginners, but if you’re already comfortable with Kotlin and want to sharpen your production-level skills, this is one of the best Kotlin courses for advanced learners.
How to Choose Among the Best Kotlin Courses
- Absolute beginner? Start with Educative.io’s Kotlin Guide.
- Java background? Try Coursera’s Kotlin for Java Developers or Google’s Bootcamp.
- Want Android apps? Check out Udemy’s Android Masterclass or Udacity’s Developing Android Apps.
- On a budget? Free resources like Google’s Bootcamp and Udacity’s intro courses are solid.
- Already know the basics? Level up with Pluralsight’s Advanced Kotlin Programming or JetBrains Academy.
Wrapping Up
Kotlin has gone from “new kid on the block” to the default language for Android and a rising star in backend and cross-platform work. It’s concise, safe, and modern—everything Java devs wished they had years ago.
The best Kotlin courses don’t just teach you syntax. They help you think in Kotlin, handle nulls safely, use coroutines effectively, and build apps that actually ship.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start simple. Educative.io’s Kotlin Guide gets you coding right away without the friction of setup. Once you’ve nailed the fundamentals, you can branch out into Android apps, backend frameworks like Ktor, or advanced coroutines.
By the time you’re done, Kotlin won’t just be another language you “know.” It’ll be a tool you reach for because it makes development faster, safer, and honestly—more fun.
Have you taken any of these Kotlin courses or found another that really clicked for you? Share your picks in the comments—your story could help someone else choose their path.
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