Educational Tourism Market

Educational Tourism Market Size and Share:

The global educational tourism market size was valued at USD 466.85 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 1,291.50 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.37% from 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a market share of over 28.8% in 2024. Significant growth in the education industry, favorable government policies, and inflating disposable income of consumers represent some of the key factors driving the market.

A major driver in the educational tourism market is the increasing demand for international cultural exposure and language learning opportunities. Students and professionals alike seek immersive experiences to enhance global competence, language proficiency, and academic credentials. Governments and institutions worldwide are promoting exchange programs and scholarships, making international education more accessible. Additionally, globalization and the rise of knowledge-based economies have heightened the value of international certifications and cross-cultural skills. This trend is particularly prominent in developing regions, where studying abroad is perceived as a gateway to better career prospects, further bolstering the growth of educational tourism globally.

The United States plays a pivotal role in the educational tourism industry with a 73.70% market share, attracting students worldwide with its prestigious institutions, diverse programs, and cutting-edge research opportunities. It is known for its quality education and cultural diversity, the U.S. is a prime destination for international students seeking degrees, short-term exchanges, or specialized training. Additionally, government initiatives, such as the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, enhance its appeal by offering work experience opportunities. Along with this, in the 2023/2024 academic year, the U.S. hosted an all-time high of 1,126,690 international students, a 7% growth from 2022/2023. Major cities like Boston, New York, and San Francisco serve as educational hubs, further driving inbound tourism. The U.S. also promotes outbound educational tourism through exchange programs, fostering global academic collaboration..

Educational Tourism Market Trends:

Rising government initiatives

The global educational tourism sector is spurred by governments toward growth as they ensure ease of international collaboration along with access to educational traveling and other schemes such as scholarship and student exchange, a visa, and partnerships that might be associated with international institutions, among others. For example, the U.S.-India Higher Education Collaboration Program provides further strength to educational exchange opportunities, joint research activities, and partnerships between two universities. According to the US Embassy and Consulates in India, in 2022 over 200,000 students in India went to pursue higher education in the U.S. That is an increase of 19 percent in a year. The European Commission also reported that Erasmus+, the flagship program for education and training under the EU umbrella, supported 26,000 projects and benefited over 73,000 organizations in the year 2022. This initiative also provides mobility opportunities to over 1.2 million students, educators, and youth workers. Furthermore, these initiatives do not only promote student mobility but also cultural exchange and foster global partnerships. Accordingly, government support can be seen as the basis for educational tourism growth.

Growing globalization and cross-cultural exchange

Educational tourism is driven by the increasing desire for cross-cultural exposure and global learning experiences. Students and professionals actively seek opportunities to study, train, or participate in exchange programs abroad, aiming to acquire diverse perspectives and develop skills that are highly valued in today’s interconnected world. According to UNESCO, international student mobility surpassed 6 million in 2022, underscoring the rising demand for educational tourism. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia are among the top destinations for international learners, offering renowned institutions and robust educational infrastructures. Furthermore, data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicates that approximately 4.5% of tertiary students globally pursue education outside their home countries, emphasizing the growing appeal of international education. This trend is bolstered by academic institutions offering specialized programs, cultural immersion experiences, and collaborative learning environments that cater to the evolving aspirations of global learners.

Emergence of specialized learning programs

Institutions and governments are increasingly developing specialized programs, such as STEM-focused tours, language immersion courses, and cultural heritage expeditions, to meet the changing needs of global learners. These programs appeal to students who want hands-on, experiential education that complements traditional academics. Association of International Educators (NAFSA) reports that the number of U.S. students studying abroad for credit increased by 49% in the 2022–2023 academic year to 280,716 participants. This huge rebound in study-abroad participation demonstrates a growing demand for educational tourism. In fact, it is driven by institutions that provide programs unique enough to be of interest to students who would like to learn alongside other cultures. MIT's Global Teaching Labs is one of those programs where students travel abroad to teach local school pupils STEM subjects, thus adding an academic and cultural experience. The Goethe-Institute also offers immersion German language courses with cultural exploration for international participants. Smithsonian Student Adventures has other specialized expeditions, including archaeology studies in Italy and environmental science programs in Costa Rica, which blend academic rigor with real-world experiences. Such customized offerings are a great example of how experiential learning is changing the global educational tourism market.

Educational Tourism Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global educational tourism market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on age group, education, and occupation.

Analysis by Age Group:

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

16-25 years stands as the largest component in 2024, holding around 39.8% of the market as the demographic primarily consists of high school and college students who are keen on exploring global education opportunities. They often participate in exchange programs, study abroad initiatives, and language immersion courses, which are increasingly viewed as essential for enhancing academic qualifications and career prospects. The appeal of experiencing different cultures, acquiring new skills, and networking in diverse environments drives this age group’s strong participation. Additionally, many young individuals are supported by scholarships, student visa programs, and affordable travel options, making educational tourism a viable and attractive option during these formative years of their educational journey.

Analysis by Education:

• Primary
• Secondary
• College
• Post-Graduation

In 2024, colleges lead the educational tourism market with a share of approximately 37.6%. This dominance is driven by the increasing number of students pursuing higher education abroad for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Colleges offer a wide range of programs, including specialized courses and research opportunities, which attract students seeking to enhance their academic qualifications and career prospects. The global recognition of top colleges in North America, Europe, and Asia further solidifies their appeal. Many students opt for exchange programs, internships, and study tours organized by colleges, offering immersive educational experiences. Additionally, universities and colleges often collaborate with international institutions, creating pathways for students to gain international exposure, thus boosting the market share of colleges in educational tourism.

Analysis by Occupation:

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

In 2024, students account for the majority of the market at around 30.0% driven by the increasing number of students seeking international educational experiences, such as studying abroad, language courses, and exchange programs. The global desire for quality education, coupled with the opportunities to experience different cultures, fuels this demand. Additionally, many students are drawn to renowned institutions offering specialized courses and research programs that enhance their academic credentials and future career prospects. Government initiatives, scholarships, and partnerships between educational institutions also make studying abroad more accessible. These factors collectively contribute to the dominant share of students in the educational tourism market.

Regional Analysis:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

In 2024, North America accounted for the largest market share of over 28.8% due to the region's world-renowned educational institutions and diverse academic programs that attract international students. The U.S. and Canada offer high-quality education across various fields, making them top destinations for academic tourists. Additionally, North America’s strong cultural appeal, advanced infrastructure, and government-backed student visa programs further bolster its market position. The region's thriving higher education sector, combined with research and exchange programs, draws students seeking enhanced academic and professional opportunities. Furthermore, increasing collaboration between educational institutions and tourism agencies has led to growth in short-term educational travel experiences, contributing to North America's leading market share in the sector.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Educational Tourism Market Analysis

The United States remains the most popular destination for international students. International students now account for 6% of the total higher education population in the U.S. and contributed over USD 50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The reasons for this include the world-class quality of U.S. institutions, diverse academic programs, and the opportunity to experience different cultures. All these point to the increased global demand for U.S. higher education and the importance that international students play in the U.S. educational tourism market. This indicates increased enrollment and reinforces America's position as the world's most significant educational center, gathering students from all parts of the globe seeking the ultimate, high-quality academic experience.

Europe Educational Tourism Market Analysis

Erasmus+ is one of the growth drivers for the European educational tourism market. It has increased student mobility and cross-border educational opportunities significantly. According to the European Commission, in 2022, the program supported 26,000 projects and offered more than 1.2 million learning mobility opportunities. The Erasmus+ program supports student and staff exchanges, research collaborations, and cultural experiences, which makes Europe an attractive destination for international students. This further encourages students to spend part of their academic curriculum in a foreign country, increases interning, and helps promote partnerships between universities to bring together students from across different European universities. Thus, it strengthens Europe as a leader in international education, while Erasmus+ furthers inclusivity through student support in the form of grants, scholarships, or other means to enhance diversity in educational tourism, providing access to more individuals through international learning experiences. With its continued focus on promoting intercultural dialogue and academic excellence, Erasmus+ contributes to the growth of Europe's educational tourism market and fosters stronger international ties in the academic sector.

Asia Pacific Educational Tourism Market Analysis

The Asia Pacific education tourism market is booming at various levels through multiple initiatives meant for international student attraction. As an initiative, it presents the study in India scholarship offering USD 3,200 for meritorious students who based themselves on scores in their PRAGATII Exams to more global students, thus easier education within Indian boundaries. In addition, participating institutions offer fee waivers of 100%, 50%, and 25%. All these steps are in line with the target set by India to attract 200,000 international students by 2024. In contrast, Australia remains a preferred destination for international education in the region. According to the Australian Government Department of Education, the total number of international students studying in Australia during January-September 2024 was 824,951. These initiatives, besides other government programs and regional collaborations, are hugely contributing to the growth of the Asia Pacific educational tourism market.

Latin America Educational Tourism Market Analysis

The latest UNESCO data reveals that there were over 89,000 post-secondary students of Brazil studying abroad in 2022, a trend that indicates increasing international education in Latin America. This increased student mobility is a significant driver for the region's educational tourism market. Governments in Latin America are also playing an important role by offering scholarships and financial support to students pursuing education abroad. For example, Brazil has "Science Without Borders" and Argentina "Becas Progresar", which are intended to promote higher education exchange. More importantly, more income in the hands of the middle class in Latin America has increased disposable incomes, opening up international education for a larger student population. The desire to specialize in professional skills, good quality educational institutions, and internationalization is pushing the demand for quality education globally by students moving to these locations, where top-quality institutions are provided, mainly the United States, Canada, and Europe. Latin American is expected to follow this spurt.

Middle East and Africa Educational Tourism Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa educational tourism market has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, driven by the increasing number of students going abroad for higher education. This trend has largely been fueled by government-sponsored scholarship programs, like Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP), which supported thousands of students in studying at top international universities. Many other countries in the region, including Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Egypt, Oman, Libya, and Iraq, have adopted similar initiatives because they are cognizant of the long-term economic and developmental advantages of international exposure and quality education. According to UNESCO data from 2012, Saudi Arabia was the fifth largest country of origin for international students, with 62,500 students studying abroad, while Iran ranked tenth with 51,600 students. While there have been further rises in the perception of international education, a part of this growth was fueled by a similar rise in the number of self-funded students coming from this region and entering the MEA educational tourism market.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the educational tourism market is shaped by a mix of institutions, travel agencies, and educational service providers vying to attract students and professionals. Key players focus on offering diverse programs that cater to various academic, cultural, and professional interests. Customization of experiences, such as language immersion courses and study-abroad programs, is a significant differentiator. Technological advancements, including virtual tours and AI-based counseling, have enhanced service delivery and engagement. Partnerships with government bodies and educational institutions are critical for ensuring credibility and reach. Additionally, players emphasize affordability and seamless logistical support, such as visa assistance and accommodation services, to gain a competitive edge and meet the rising demand for accessible and high-quality educational tourism.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the educational tourism market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• AAI Edutourz Pvt. Ltd.
• ACE Cultural Tours
• ACIS Educational Tours
• Atlantis Erudition & Travel Services Pvt. Ltd.
• Capital Tours Inc.
• Educational Tours, Inc.
• EF Education First
• Global Educational Travel
• Goireland
• Qadri International Education Consultancy
• World Expeditions Travel Group Pty Ltd.

Latest News and Developments:

• In February 2024, Mastereign Group, Singapore's distinguished educational training company, will partner with STIC Travel Group, India's travel services representation company, which is renowned for its efforts in creating a new stream of educational tourism. In this singular partnership, exclusive educational tours designed specifically for Indian students will be introduced, revolutionizing learning experiences.
• In October 2023, The UNWTO's Global Education Forum strongly underscored the importance of education in shaping tourism's future. It was mainly about providing tourism professionals with skills that conform to the trends of sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation. Discussions focused on partnerships between educational institutions and the tourism sector in bridging gaps in terms of skills, and making education accessible and inclusive to achieve sustainable tourism practices worldwide. This is the only means through which the sector could build long-term resilience.
• In August 2023, Egypt launched the EGYAID Initiative with Minister Ayman Ashour at its helm. Under this initiative, Egypt aims to be an educational tourism hub in the region by offering scholarships to students, improving infrastructure, and promoting its universities on international platforms. EGYAID combines education with heritage to attract international students as part of Egypt's knowledge-based economy and to create a global leader in higher education.

Educational Tourism Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the educational tourism market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global educational tourism market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the educational tourism industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.