Educational Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Age Group, By Education Type (College, Post-Graduation), By Occupation, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global educational tourism market size was estimated at USD 365.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.0% from 2023 to 2030. The increasing government initiatives to boost the global reputation as a destination for education tourism, the demand for the authentic regional learning experience, and the growing global demand for international travel for attractive destinations, artifacts and activities are key factors boosting educational tourism. Moreover, niche consumer segments like researchers also travel to various places for interdisciplinary studies and to get familiar with new ideas.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on educational tourism. Due to several countries shutting down aviation operations and locking their boundaries, students could not travel for their education. According to an article by Indian Express, before the viral outbreak, 132,620 Indian students had chosen Canada for their higher studies, but the number dipped to 43,624 in 2020. In the later stages of the pandemic, only fully vaccinated students, after two weeks of the second dose, were eligible to travel, after completing all the formalities.

The lack of access to a high-quality education is a major factor pushing consumers to migrate for better educational opportunities. Countries such as the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Ireland are one of the most preferred destinations for education. The educational institutions in such places have higher academic standards, and follow rigorous practices to maintain quality as well as are well supported to be able to offer top-notch education to its students. According to the latest QS World Ranking 2023, 27 universities of the top 100 are from the U.S.

Students migrating for education is a stressful situation. However, several educational institutions have a great support system for such students. Government aid, scholarships, workshops, and loans, are some ways these institutes offer additional support for students if they choose to travel for education. Traveling for education also exposes students to various cultures and diversity. Places like the U.S. and Canada are melting pots for many races and ethnicities. Employers today prefer students with a multicultural background, which can only be gained when a student travels for education.

Flexible immigration laws encourage several consumers globally to opt for educational tourism. Several immigration programs are devised in a way to push more and more students to opt for permanent residency and become an active part of the country’s labor force. The Express Entry immigration program of Canada encourages international students graduating from Canadian universities to opt for temporary residence or permanent residency in the country. 

Traveling long distances has become relatively easier over the years. With airplane fares becoming more accessible and increasing connectivity through roads, rails, and waterways, traveling long distances is not seen as a big hurdle toward educational tourism. In addition, traveling is seen as a good way of learning. A survey conducted by the Wagner Group suggests that 60% of students who have taken educational trips score better in exams than their counterparts.

Age Group Insights

In terms of age group, the 16-25 years of age segment dominated the market with a share of 40% in 2022. These are typically the college and post-graduation years in terms of education. Consumers of this age group wish to increase their prospects of international jobs, diversify their experience, learn a new culture, and imbibe new skills. In 2019, 2,082 students were studying at the University of Toronto, Canada; 1,134 Indian students at Columbia University in the U.S. and 1,901 Indian students at the University of Cambridge, the U.K. This age group will continue to drive the market, thanks to the burgeoning career aspirations powered by global exposure and the need for rich networking, transcending borders.

The less than 15 years age group will grow at the highest CAGR of 14.6% in the forecast period. Getting admission to a good institution is highly competitive, and high grades are not the only determinant for securing admission to such prestigious places. A formal abroad experience as a teenager acts as a key factor that sets them apart in the admission pool, giving them a higher chance of acceptance. There are several high school study abroad programs for high school students, that help enhance their skills and enable cross-cultural learning. For instance, the AFS Study French in France program is spread over 11 months where the students live with a French family, attend school and learn about the French culture first-hand. 

Occupation Insights 

The student segment dominated the occupation category with 30% in 2022. Easier traveling policies through affordable means of travel and straightforward visas for students are factors that are propelling the market growth. According to ICEF Monitor, 1,061,511 Chinese students were studying abroad in 2021. In addition, educational tourism is one of the best ways to acquire global skills and access professional opportunities in a new place. 

The government officials’ segment is projected to undergo educational tourism in the forecast period with a CAGR of 15.1%. Many civil servants get to travel to different places for training purposes, attending modules, conferences, and seminars, or for assignments. For instance, according to Indian law, an officer can take paid leaves to pursue higher education in or outside the country to study job-relevant courses.

Education Type Insights

In terms of education type, the college segment dominated the market share with 36%. High clarity toward specialization degrees, flexible immigration laws, and affordable college options are major factors propelling this segment. Several consumers prefer to migrate for college purposes due to a lack of choices in their local area. A college degree from a prestigious institution increases chances of good employment or even a good college for post-graduation. The U.S., Canada, and the U.K. are some countries that remain ideal choices for college migration due to the availability of good education and flexible immigration laws.

The post-graduation segment is projected to grow at a robust rate of 14.2% in the forecast period. A postgraduate degree is comparatively cheaper than a graduate one due to its shorter span. Moreover, the student has a chance to work alongside their education, which aids in handling their expenses. Overseas education offers flexibility in terms of exploration and experimentation. These factors will boost this segment in the forecast period.

Regional Insights 

Asia Pacific dominated this market with a share of 38% in 2022. India and China remain the top countries in the world whose citizens travel to other nations for education. An article by Ivy Panda suggests that 77% of all international students in the U.S. are from Asia. Parental influence, university rankings, the promise of a better career, and the role of agents as well as alumni act as major factors influencing students from these regions to undertake educational tourism. 

Middle East & Africa project a CAGR of 13.3% in the forecast period. Various strategies are undertaken to attract consumers from this region to academically acclaimed institutes in North America and Europe. The Middle East Student Recruitment Tour for instance is a program where college and university students from the U.S. travel to Dubai, Doha, and Manama to build lasting connections with Middle East students.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of a few established players and new entrants. Many big players are increasing their focus on the growing trend of educational tourism. Players in the market are diversifying their service offering to maintain market share.

• In August 2019, Atlantis Erudition &Travel Services introduced a new program called Astrotrek. This included activities such as astronomy, stargazing, astrophotography, and adventure activities such as wall climbing, zip-lining, etc.

• In July 2020, global investment firm Permira invested in EF Education First Kids & Teens business headquartered in Switzerland with schools in China and Indonesia. To drive the expansion of EF Kids & Teens, this strategic alliance will bring together EF's market dominance and Permira's experience and resources.

Some prominent players in the global educational tourism market include:

• World Expeditions Travel Group Pty Ltd

• ACE CULTURAL TOURS

• Atlantis Erudition &Travel Services

• Kesari Tours Pvt. Ltd.

• ATG Travel

• Global Educational Travel

• Educational Tours, Inc.

• AAI EDUTOURZ

• EF Education First

• Capital Tours, Inc

Educational Tourism Market Report Scope

Global Educational Tourism Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global educational tourism market report based on age group, education type, occupation, and region:

• Age Group Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • Less Than 15 Years

  • 16-25 Years

  • 26-40 Years

  • 41-55 Years

• Education Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • Primary

  • Secondary

  • College

  • Post-graduation

• Occupation Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • Students

  • Teachers

  • Government Officials

  • Corporation Managers

  • Enterprise Owners

  • Workers

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil