Global Educational Tourism Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

Global Educational Tourism Market was valued at USD 456.6 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,402.1 Billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 11.57% during the forecast period 2024 – 2033.

Educational tourism is a form of travel where individuals, particularly students, journey to different places primarily to learn and gain new educational experiences. This type of tourism often involves visits to academic institutions, historical sites, cultural landmarks, and participation in specialized programs, workshops, or courses that offer hands-on learning opportunities.

It provides an enriching experience that combines travel with education, fostering global understanding, personal growth, and academic enrichment.

Educational Tourism Market: Growth Factors

Increased Government Support and Policies

Governments around the world are increasingly recognizing the value of educational tourism in enhancing cultural exchange and improving educational standards. Many countries have implemented policies to attract international students and educational tourists.

For instance, the United States remains a leading destination for educational tourism, partly due to the various visa programs and initiatives to attract international students. According to the Institute of International Education, there were over 1 Billion international students in the U.S. during the 2020/2021 academic year, contributing approximately $39 billion to the U.S. economy.

Similarly, countries like Canada and Australia have developed comprehensive strategies to boost their educational tourism sectors, offering post-graduation work permits and simplified visa processes to attract more students.

Rising Middle-Class Income and Mobility

The global middle class is expanding, particularly in emerging economies such as China, India, and Brazil. This demographic shift is increasing the demand for educational tourism as more families can afford to send their children abroad for education.

According to the OECD, the global middle class is expected to grow from 3.6 billion in 2020 to 5.3 billion by 2030, with significant increases in Asia . This rise in disposable income and the prioritization of quality education are driving more students to seek educational opportunities abroad.

In China, the number of outbound students has been steadily increasing, with over 700,000 students studying abroad in 2019, according to the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China.

Educational Tourism Market: Restraints

High Costs of International Education

The cost of studying abroad, including tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, can be prohibitive for many students and their families. This is a significant barrier to the growth of the educational tourism market.

For instance, the average cost of attending a public university in the United States for international students can exceed $25,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). When combined with living expenses, the total cost can be a significant burden.

In the UK, the average tuition fee for international students is around £12,000 per year, which, along with accommodation and other expenses, can be challenging for many families to afford.

Geopolitical Tensions and Visa Restrictions

Geopolitical instability and strict visa regulations can negatively impact the flow of educational tourists. Changes in government policies and international relations can create uncertainties and barriers for students wishing to study abroad.

For instance, recent geopolitical tensions between China and several Western countries have led to increased visa scrutiny and travel restrictions, affecting the number of Chinese students going to these countries for education. Additionally, the tightening of immigration policies in countries like the United States has led to a decline in new international student enrollments in recent years.

Educational Tourism Market: Opportunities

Expansion of Online and Hybrid Learning Models

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online and hybrid learning models, which present new opportunities for educational tourism. These models allow institutions to reach a global audience without the need for students to relocate.

According to UNESCO, the number of students engaged in online learning surged during the pandemic, with over 1.6 billion students affected by school closures at the peak of the crisis . This shift has led many educational institutions to develop robust online programs, making it possible for students to access quality education from anywhere in the world.

Growing Demand for Skill-Based and Experiential Learning

There is an increasing demand for educational experiences that go beyond traditional classroom learning, focusing on skill-based and experiential education. This trend is driving the growth of programs that offer practical experiences, internships, and cultural immersion.

The European Commission’s Erasmus+ program, for example, supports over 800,000 learners each year in gaining skills and experience through study, training, and work placements abroad.

Additionally, UNESCO highlights the growing importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in addressing skills gaps and improving employability, particularly in developing countries.

Educational Tourism Market: Segmentation Analysis

Based on age group, the Global Tourism Market is segmented into Less Than 15 Years, 16-25 Years, 26-40 Years, 41-55 Years. Among all these segments 16-25 Years held the highest market share in 2023. The 16-25 years age group is typically composed of individuals who are either in higher secondary school, college, or university.

This demographic is the most likely to engage in educational tourism due to study abroad programs, internships, exchange programs, and language learning courses. They have both the time and the need to enhance their education and career prospects, making them the most active participants in educational tourism.

The “Less Than 15 Years” age group is experiencing rapid growth due to an increasing trend among parents to expose their children to international education at an early age. Summer camps, cultural exchange programs, and international school trips are becoming more popular, contributing to the growth of this subsegment.

Based on Education Type, the Global Tourism Market is segmented into Primary, Secondary, College, and Post-graduation. Among all these segments College held the highest market share in 2023. College students make up the bulk of educational tourists as they are at a stage where gaining international experience can significantly enhance their academic and professional prospects.

They participate in exchange programs, internships, semester abroad programs, and specialized courses abroad, driving the demand in this subsegment. The post-graduation subsegment is growing quickly due to the increasing number of students pursuing advanced degrees abroad.

With the rise of global competition in the job market, many students seek specialized education and research opportunities overseas to gain a competitive edge. Additionally, scholarships and funding opportunities for post-graduate studies are increasing, further driving growth.

Based on Occupation, Global Tourism Market is segmented into Students, Teachers, Government Officials, Corporation Managers, Enterprise Owners, Workers and Others. Among all these segments College held the highest market share in 2023.

Students are the primary participants in educational tourism as the core purpose of this market segment is education-related travel. They engage in a wide range of activities, including language courses, cultural immersion programs, exchange programs, and higher education opportunities abroad, making them the leading subsegment.

The fastest-growing subsegment is teachers, driven by professional development programs, workshops, conferences, and exchange programs designed to improve teaching skills and knowledge. There is a growing emphasis on enhancing educational quality and teaching standards globally, leading to increased opportunities for teachers to engage in educational tourism for professional growth.

Report Scope

Educational Tourism Market: Regional Analysis

North America stands out as the leading region in the global educational tourism market. This dominance is largely attributed to the United States and Canada, both of which are home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and educational institutions.

The allure of high-quality education, cutting-edge research facilities, and diverse academic programs attracts a significant number of international students. Additionally, the region’s well-established infrastructure, robust economy, and supportive governmental policies for international students further bolster its leadership.

Educational tourism in North America benefits from extensive cultural exchange programs and scholarships, which make it a prime destination for learners from around the globe.

North America’s leadership is underpinned by its historical reputation and consistent quality in higher education. The presence of globally recognized institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford plays a critical role.

Furthermore, the region offers a multicultural environment, advanced technological integration in education, and extensive professional opportunities post-graduation, making it a preferred choice for students worldwide.

The Asia Pacific region is the fastest growing in the global educational tourism market. This rapid growth can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, countries like China, India, South Korea, and Japan are heavily investing in their educational infrastructure, aiming to become global educational hubs.

The region’s economic growth has increased the disposable incomes of families, enabling more students to seek educational opportunities abroad. Moreover, the Asia Pacific is witnessing an increase in collaborations between local universities and international institutions, enhancing the attractiveness of studying in the region.

Additionally, governments in these countries are implementing favorable policies to attract international students and promote cross-border educational exchanges.

On the other hand, the Asia Pacific’s rapid growth is driven by its emerging economies and strategic focus on education as a critical sector for development. Countries in this region are not only improving their own educational standards but also becoming more appealing destinations for students from neighboring countries.

Initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Educational Exchange Program and India’s Study in India campaign are designed to attract international students and showcase the region’s growing educational prowess. Additionally, the cost of education in the Asia Pacific is often more affordable compared to Western countries, adding to its appeal for budget-conscious students seeking quality education.

Educational Tourism Market: Recent Developments

• In May 2024, EF Education First, a leader in international education, launched hybrid learning programs combining online and in-person experiences. This initiative aims to make educational tourism more accessible by reducing the need for long-term travel while maintaining immersive learning experiences. Students can start courses online and later travel for shorter, intensive sessions, blending the benefits of both modalities.

• In April 2024, CISabroad introduced new internship opportunities in emerging markets such as Vietnam, Kenya, and Colombia. This expansion aims to provide students with unique learning experiences in diverse cultural and economic environments, aligning with the growing demand for programs that offer practical experience and global exposure.

• In March 2024, Study Group, an education provider specializing in university pathways, announced a partnership with several Australian universities to enhance their international student programs. This collaboration focuses on creating tailored pathways for international students, providing them with support services and cultural immersion activities, and thereby strengthening Australia’s position in the educational tourism market.

• In February 2024, The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) launched Virtual Global Internships, allowing students to gain international work experience remotely. This development responds to travel restrictions and the need for flexible learning options, enabling students to engage with companies worldwide without the need for physical travel, thus broadening the scope of educational tourism.

• In January 2024, IES Abroad implemented a Green Travel Initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of educational tours. The initiative includes partnerships with eco-friendly travel agencies, incorporation of sustainable practices in their programs, and offering courses focused on environmental studies and sustainability. This move not only addresses environmental concerns but also educates students on the importance of sustainable travel practices.

List of the prominent players in the Educational Tourism Market:

• EF Education First
• WorldStrides
• ACIS Educational Tours
• CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange)
• API (Academic Programs International)
• AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study)
• Contiki (Young Adventurer Tours)
• TravelBound
• SGI (Study Group International)
• BUNTE Reisebüro (BUNTE Educational Tours)
• Others

These key players are adopting various organic and inorganic growth strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, expansion, strategic alliances, new product launches, etc. to enhance their business operations and revenues.

The Educational Tourism Market is segmented as follows:

By Age Group

• Less Than 15 Years
• 16-25 Years
• 26-40 Years
• 41-55 Years

By Education Type

• Primary
• Secondary
• College
• Post-graduation

By Occupation

• Students
• Teacher
• Government Officials
• Corporation Managers
• Enterprise Owners
• Workers
• Others

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America