Educational Tourism Market

How big is the Educational Tourism Market in 2026?

The Educational Tourism Market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 17.2% between 2026 and 2036, growing from USD 88.4 billion in 2026 to USD 432.4 billion by 2036. The 2025 estimated value was USD 75.5 billion. [1]

The global educational tourism market was valued at USD 75.5 billion in 2025 and is estimated at USD 88.4 billion in 2026. According to Future Market Insights, the market is projected to reach USD 432.4 billion by 2036 at a CAGR of 17.2%. Increasing participation in international education programs and demand for language learning are expected to support market growth. Academic Programs leads the service category with a 45.0% share in 2026, while Short Term Programs holds the leading position by duration.

Universities and educational travel providers are expanding their offerings to include professional training and subject-specific learning experiences. Government-supported student mobility programs such as Erasmus+ are also creating opportunities for international participation.[1, 2, 3]

Key Market Trends & Insights

• By Service, Academic Programs leads the market with a 45.0% share in 2026, supported by international university programs and organized academic mobility. [1]
• By Program Duration, Short Term Programs holds the leading position as students and professionals seek courses that fit their available time. [1]
• By Participant Type, Students represents the leading category, with participation across school-level programs and university education. [1]
• By Application, demand covers higher education, language learning, skill development, cultural exchange and research-based programs. [1]

Regional Highlights

• Fastest-growing profiled country: France (23.2% CAGR, 2026 to 2036). [1]
• By country: Italy (21.5%) and Spain (19.8%) follow, while the United States records the lowest profiled CAGR at 12.9%. [1]
• European countries benefit from established academic exchange frameworks and a wide range of language and cultural learning programs. Program costs and entry requirements remain important factors in destination selection. [2, 10]

Market Size & Forecast

Table 1: Market Size and Forecast for the Educational Tourism Market (USD billion and percentage), 2025 to 2036

Metric	Value
2025 Market Size	USD 75.5 billion
Estimated Market Size in 2026	USD 88.4 billion
Projected Market Size by 2036	USD 432.4 billion
CAGR, 2026 to 2036	17.2%
Added Revenue, 2026 to 2036	USD 344.0 billion
Market Expansion Multiple	4.9x

Demand for educational tourism is supported by students pursuing academic qualifications, language proficiency and practical learning experiences outside their home countries. Universities and education providers are introducing programs with different durations to accommodate students and working professionals. The European Commission's Erasmus+ framework provides an organized route for international academic mobility, while private providers offer language courses and specialized learning experiences. However, tuition fees, accommodation expenses and entry requirements can influence participation. Providers offering suitable courses with clear admission requirements and reliable local support are expected to attract demand during the forecast period. [2, 6, 10]

Educational Mobility and Program Development

Educational tourism covers different forms of learning-related travel. Institutional exchange programs, language courses and professional training have different entry requirements and delivery arrangements. Recent developments show how government programs and private operators are expanding the available options.

Table 2: Industry Indicators for the Educational Tourism Market, 2025 to 2026

Indicator	Data Point	Why It Matters	Source
European academic mobility	Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026 covers higher-education student and staff mobility.	Provides a framework for international academic participation.	[2]
Specialized study programs	CIEE expanded its spring 2026 portfolio to include ecology, sustainability and smart-city programs.	Adds courses focused on specific subjects.	[3]
Canadian study permits	Up to 408,000 permits expected in 2026, including 155,000 new arrivals and 253,000 extensions.	Separates new recruitment opportunities from renewals.	[10]
French student mobility	Campus France Chiffres clés 2025: Student Mobility Data Collection, published May 2025. Supports assessment of international student participation and destination trends. [11]	Supports assessment of participation and destination trends.	[11]
Italian education scholarships	Government scholarships offered for the 2026–2027 academic year.	Provides a funding route for eligible international students.	[12]

Analyst Perspective

"The learning objective gives a trip its purpose. Providers earn the booking when they can show how the course, location and support arrangements fit that objective and the participant's available time. Program variety helps only when the choices are understandable and the delivery is dependable."

Ronak Shah, Principal Consultant, Future Market Insights.

A short course or learning trip can fit within a school break or a period away from work. This gives providers a way to serve learners who cannot commit to a semester or full year. The program still needs enough depth to justify the travel: language practice, field visits and guided activities should connect with the stated purpose. EF offers language courses across different ages and durations, while Kaplan’s portfolio includes language learning and exam preparation. Their ranges show how duration can be adapted to different objectives. [6, 7]

How is the educational tourism market segmented?

The educational tourism market is segmented by seven primary categories and region: Service, Program Duration, Participant Type, Age Group, Booking Mode, Accommodation Type and Application. In 2026, Academic Programs leads service revenue with 45.0%, while Short Term Programs and Students lead their respective categories. [1]

By Service: Academic Programs, University Exchange Programs, Study Abroad Programs, Skill Based Learning Programs, Experiential Learning Programs, STEM Learning Tours.

By Program Duration: Short Term Programs, Medium Term Programs, Long Term Programs.

By Participant Type: Students (including School Students and University Students), Professionals, Lifelong Learners.

By Age Group: Below 18 Years, 18 To 25 Years, 26 To 40 Years, Above 40 Years.

By Booking Mode: Direct Booking, Travel Agencies, Online Platforms.

By Accommodation Type: University Accommodation, Homestay, Hotels And Hostels.

By Application: Language Learning, Higher Education, Skill Development, Cultural Exchange, Research And Training.

By Region: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Why does Academic Programs lead service revenue?

Academic Programs is expected to account for 45.0% of service revenue in 2026, supported by international university education, academic exchanges and structured learning programs. [1, 2]

Table 3: Service Share for the Educational Tourism Market (percentage share), 2026

Service	Share (2026)
Academic Programs	45.0%
Other Segments Combined	55.0%
Total	100.0%

Table 4: Service Focus and Market Growth for the Educational Tourism Market, 2026 to 2036

Metric	Value
Global CAGR (2026 to 2036)	17.2%
Leading Segment	Academic Programs

Academic Programs leads educational tourism demand as students travel internationally to pursue degree courses, semester exchanges and other structured academic programs. Universities and education organizations offer programs that combine classroom learning with international experience. CIEE provides study-abroad programs across multiple destinations, while AIFS offers academic courses and international internships. Institutional partnerships and recognized course structures are expected to support the Academic Programs segment during the forecast period. [4, 5]

• Academic Programs accounts for 45.0% of service revenue in 2026, supported by university education and institutional exchange programs.
• The Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026 includes higher-education mobility for students and staff, providing an organized route for academic travel. [2]

Why do Short Term Programs lead the program-duration category?

Short Term Programs leads the program-duration category in 2026. Flexible language courses, workshops and practical learning experiences allow participation without committing to a full academic year. [1, 6, 7]

Short Term Programs allows students and working professionals to participate in overseas learning without committing to a full academic year. Language schools, training providers and educational travel operators offer courses lasting from a few days to several weeks. These programs can be scheduled around school breaks or professional commitments. EF Education First offers language courses for different age groups, while Kaplan International provides language learning and examination preparation programs. Availability of shorter courses is expected to support demand among participants looking for specific learning outcomes within a limited period. [6, 7]

• Short Term Programs leads the program-duration category in 2026, supported by flexible course schedules.
• EF Education First offers language-abroad programs for school students, university-age participants and adults. [6]

What are the drivers, restraints and opportunities in educational tourism?

Academic mobility and experiential learning support demand, affordability and entry uncertainty constrain bookings, and flexible subject-led programs create opportunities.

• Driver: Learners and institutions seek academic, language and practical experiences available through a destination-based program.
• Restraint: Total cost, entry arrangements and uncertainty over academic or professional fit can prevent participation.
• Opportunity: Short formats, internships and subject-led travel can serve learners outside the traditional semester-exchange model.

Driver. Institutional mobility channels give providers a recurring basis for program planning. Courses, exchange agreements and funding windows create a calendar around which students can prepare. Erasmus+ provides one such framework for higher-education mobility in 2026. Outside that route, language schools and independent operators attract participants through their own courses and destinations. In both cases, demand depends on a learning objective that justifies the time and total cost of travel. [2]

Restraint. The program fee is only part of the commitment. Participants also consider travel, living expenses and time away from study or work. Entry rules can change the timetable or destination choice. Canada’s official 2026 allocation notice expects up to 408,000 study permits, including both new arrivals and extensions, illustrating why operators need to distinguish new intake from the overall permit total. Providers with several destinations can offer alternatives, but they must still confirm that the replacement program meets the learner’s needs. [10]

Opportunity. A focused subject can create a program that does not depend on a full academic year abroad. CIEE’s spring 2026 expansion adds ecology and sustainability travel alongside smart-city learning. AIFS offers international internships that can complement a degree, while Road Scholar serves adult interests through educational travel. These models create different routes to participation. Their commercial value depends on clear content, appropriate support and a schedule suited to the target learner. [3, 5, 9]

Which country CAGRs are profiled in the educational tourism market?

The country outlook covers 2026 to 2036. [1]

Country	CAGR 2026 to 2036
France	23.2%
Italy	21.5%
Spain	19.8%
Germany	14.6%
United States	12.9%

Country-wise Analysis

France

Campus France maintains a dedicated student-mobility data series, with the Chiffres clés 2025 edition published in May 2025.That institutional focus sits alongside the country’s language and cultural learning offer. France’s market forecast is 23.2% CAGR from 2026 to 2036. Providers need to connect the destination’s appeal with a usable academic or language program, including the schedule and accommodation. For a student choosing an extended stay, the course’s relationship to their broader studies matters; for a shorter visit, focused learning activities can give the trip a clear purpose. [1, 11]

Italy

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships for eligible foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad for the 2026–2027 academic year. This creates a defined funding route within the wider study market. Italy is forecast at 21.5% CAGR over 2026 to 2036. Academic and experiential programs can draw on the same destination while serving different objectives. Providers must distinguish a qualification-based stay from a cultural course or short learning visit, because admission requirements, duration and the support needed are different. [1, 12]

Spain

Spain combines academic exchange with Spanish-language and cultural programs. SEPIE publishes the 2026 Erasmus+ call and program information, while operators such as WorldStrides offer subject and language study at destinations including Seville. The country outlook is 19.8% CAGR through 2036. The commercial opportunity is to combine the course with practical local access: accommodation, transport and activities need to support learning rather than simply extend the itinerary. Schools and universities also need a clear view of how the chosen program serves their students. [1, 8, 13]

Germany

Germany’s forecast CAGR is 14.6% for 2026 to 2036. DAAD’s admissions information makes the recognition of prior qualifications a central part of the study pathway. That gives preparation and counseling a practical role before the participant commits to a stay. Language courses, exchange programs and research-oriented travel serve different audiences, so providers need to explain the purpose and requirements of each. A destination’s academic reputation can attract interest, but the participant still needs a suitable course and a workable plan for living there. [1, 14]

United States

University study and international exchange remain central to the U.S. educational-travel proposition, with the Open Doors data series tracking student mobility. AIFS also lists internship opportunities in the United States, including New York, showing another pathway into a learning stay. The country forecast is 12.9% CAGR over 2026 to 2036. Operators can compete through academic and professional fit, but they must clarify the program structure and support. An internship, a language course and a semester abroad create different expectations for the participant. [1, 15, 16]

Who are the notable companies in the educational tourism market?

EF Education First, CIEE, WorldStrides, Kaplan International, Study Group, AIFS Abroad, Road Scholar and Meridean Overseas are notable participants.

Providers occupy different parts of the learner’s journey. EF and Kaplan offer language courses abroad. CIEE, WorldStrides and AIFS organize study or experiential programs; Study Group works through university pathways; Road Scholar focuses on adult learning travel. Meridean Overseas provides counseling and application support for students considering education abroad. These businesses should be assessed against the task they perform, because an admissions adviser and a destination program operator address different needs. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18]

• Study and experiential programs: CIEE, WorldStrides and AIFS Abroad.
• Language learning and academic pathways: EF Education First, Kaplan International and Study Group.
• Adult learning and admissions support: Road Scholar and Meridean Overseas.

Competitive Benchmarking: Educational Tourism Market

Provider	Core Offer	Participant Focus	Delivery Model	Program Position
EF Education First	Language courses abroad	Students and adults	Destination-based language programs	Language immersion
CIEE	Study abroad and custom programs	Students and institutions	Multiple study locations and formats	Academic and experiential learning
WorldStrides	Educational travel and higher education	School and university learners	Tours, study abroad and custom programs	Learning-oriented travel
Kaplan International	Language courses	Students and professionals	Language schools with accommodation choices	Language and exam preparation
Study Group	International university pathways	International students	University partnerships and study centers	Academic preparation
AIFS Abroad	Study and internships	Students and early-career learners	Study, internship and combined programs	Academic and work experience
Road Scholar	Learning adventures	Adult lifelong learners	Organized educational travel	Personal enrichment
Meridean Overseas	Study-abroad counseling	Students seeking overseas education	Advisory and application support	Course and destination selection

Providers differ in course content, participant focus, delivery format and local support. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18]

Key Developments in the Educational Tourism Market

• For spring 2026, CIEE expanded its portfolio around ecology, sustainability and smart cities, including new programs, courses and study locations. The expansion links destination travel with defined learning themes. [3]
• The European Commission’s 2026 Erasmus+ Programme Guide sets out the framework for education and training mobility, including higher-education students and staff. [2]
• Canada’s 2026 study-permit allocation notice, issued in November 2025, expects up to 408,000 permits, comprising 155,000 for new arrivals and 253,000 extensions. These categories have different implications for education providers planning intake. [10]

Key Players in the Educational Tourism Market

Study Abroad and Experiential Programs

• CIEE
• WorldStrides
• American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS Abroad)

Language and University Preparation

• EF Education First
• Kaplan International
• Study Group

Adult Learning and Education Advisory

• Road Scholar
• Meridean Overseas

Educational Tourism Market - Report Scope

Coverage Field	Report Scope
Market Breakdown	Service; Program Duration; Participant Type; Age Group; Booking Mode; Accommodation Type; Application
Quantitative Units	Revenue in USD billion
Market Definition	Travel-linked learning programs and services covering academic study, language immersion, cultural exchange, skills development and professional learning. Excludes wholly online learning without travel and ordinary leisure travel without a learning program.
Regions Covered	North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; East Asia; South Asia and Pacific; Middle East and Africa
Countries Profiled	France; Italy; Spain; Germany; United States
Providers Profiled	EF Education First; CIEE; WorldStrides; Kaplan International; Study Group; AIFS Abroad; Road Scholar; Meridean Overseas
2025 Market Value	USD 75.5 billion
2026 Market Value	USD 88.4 billion
2036 Forecast Value	USD 432.4 billion
CAGR	17.2%
Forecast Period	2026 to 2036

Educational Tourism Market - Research Methodology

Research Area	Coverage
Market Coverage	Travel-linked academic, language, cultural and professional learning programs.
Industry Evidence	Official mobility frameworks, student information resources, program portfolios and government entry-related announcements.
Country Analysis	Learning pathways, institutional context, destination programs and participant support.
Competitive Analysis	Program purpose, learner audience, delivery model, accommodation and on-site support.

Educational Tourism Market by Segments

Educational Tourism Market segmented by Service:

• Academic Programs
  • Language Learning Programs
    • English Language Programs
      • Foreign Language Immersion
  • University Exchange Programs
    • Semester Exchange
    • Short Term Exchange
  • Study Abroad Programs
    • Degree Programs
    • Certification Courses
  • Skill Based Learning Programs
    • Vocational Training
      • Technical Skills
      • Professional Courses
  • Experiential Learning Programs
    • Cultural Exchange Programs
      • Heritage Learning
      • Local Immersion
  • STEM Learning Tours
    • Science Tours
    • Technology Workshops

Educational Tourism Market segmented by Program Duration:

• Short Term Programs
  • Up To 2 Weeks
    • Workshops
      • Camps
  • Medium Term Programs
    • 2 Weeks To 6 Months
      • Certification Courses
      • Exchange Programs
  • Long Term Programs
    • Above 6 Months
      • Degree Programs
      • Full Academic Courses

Educational Tourism Market segmented by Participant Type:

• Students
  • School Students
    • Primary Education
      • Secondary Education
  • University Students
    • Undergraduate
    • Postgraduate
  • Professionals
    • Skill Development
      • Executive Programs
      • Corporate Training
  • Lifelong Learners
    • Adult Education
      • Hobby Learning
      • Cultural Programs

Educational Tourism Market segmented by Age Group:

• Below 18 Years
  • School Level
    • Junior Programs
      • Summer Camps
  • 18 To 25 Years
    • University Level
      • Exchange Programs
      • Degree Programs
  • 26 To 40 Years
    • Professional Level
      • Skill Development
      • Career Enhancement
  • Above 40 Years
    • Lifelong Learning
      • Cultural Tourism
      • Personal Enrichment

Educational Tourism Market segmented by Booking Mode:

• Direct Booking
  • Institution Booking
    • University Partnerships
      • School Tie Ups
  • Travel Agencies
    • Education Travel Agencies
      • Customized Programs
      • Group Bookings
  • Online Platforms
    • E Learning Platforms
      • Course Booking
      • Digital Enrollment

Educational Tourism Market segmented by Accommodation Type:

• University Accommodation
  • Dormitories
    • On Campus Stay
      • Shared Housing
  • Homestay
    • Local Families
      • Cultural Immersion
      • Language Practice
  • Hotels And Hostels
    • Independent Stay
      • Short Term Stay
      • Budget Accommodation

Educational Tourism Market segmented by Application:

• Language Learning
  • English Learning
    • Test Preparation
      • Fluency Programs
  • Higher Education
    • Degree Programs
      • Undergraduate Studies
      • Postgraduate Studies
  • Skill Development
    • Technical Training
      • Vocational Courses
      • Professional Skills
  • Cultural Exchange
    • International Exposure
      • Heritage Learning
      • Cultural Programs
  • Research And Training
    • Field Research
      • Academic Projects
      • Internships

Educational Tourism Market by Region

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of Latin America
• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • France
  • Nordics
  • Benelux
  • Rest of Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
  • Russia
  • Poland
  • Hungary
  • Balkan and Baltic Countries
  • Rest of Eastern Europe
• East Asia
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
• South Asia and Pacific
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Australia and New Zealand
  • Rest of South Asia and Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Other GCC Countries
  • Türkiye
  • South Africa
  • Other African Union Countries
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa

Research Sources and Bibliography

• [1] WorldStrides. Higher Education Programs.
• [2] European Commission. Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026.
• [3] CIEE. Spring 2026 portfolio expansion: Ecology, Sustainability and Smart Cities.
• [4] CIEE. College Study Abroad.
• [5] AIFS Abroad. Program FAQs and International Internships.
• [6] EF Education First. Language Courses Abroad.
• [7] Kaplan International. Language Courses.
• [8] SEPIE. Erasmus+ Call and Programme Guide 2026.
• [9] Road Scholar. Adult Educational Travel and Scholarships.
• [10] Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (2025, November 25). 2026 study-permit allocations.
• [11] Campus France (2026, September). Chiffres clés 2026: Student Mobility Data Collection.
• [12] Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year.
• [13] DAAD. Requirements for Studying in Germany.
• [14] Institute of International Education. Open Doors Data on International Student Mobility.
• [15] AIFS Abroad. United States Programs.
• [16] Study Group. International Pathway Programmes.
• [17] Meridean Overseas. Overseas Education and Study Abroad Services.

This Report Answers

• What was the educational tourism market value in 2025?
• How large is the market in 2026 and what is forecast for 2036?
• Why does Academic Programs lead service revenue?
• What supports demand for short programs?
• How do the five profiled country outlooks compare?
• Which provider models serve students, professionals and lifelong learners?
• How do accommodation and local support affect program choice?
• What opportunities arise from internships and subject-led travel?