EDUCATIONAL TOURISM MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025-2032)

Educational Tourism Market Size And Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecasts (2025-2032)

The educational tourism market is estimated to be valued at USD 4,70,500.00 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 10,53,197.0 Mn by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways

• By Type of Educational Experience, Academic Tours acquire the prominent share of 51.4% in 2025 due to high demand for structured learning trips.
• Based on Age Group, the 16-25 years segment is expected to hold 41.7% share of the market in 2025, driven by their strong desire to experience different culture and broaden their educational horizon.
• Based on Occupation, Student segment leads the market holding an estimated share of 40.3% in 2025, driven by their need to evaluate career interest and network.
• Based on Region, North America is projected to lead the global educational tourism market in 2025 with a 34.7% share, driven by world’s top universities and colleges located in the U.S. and Canada.

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Market Overview

The educational tourism market has seen steady growth over the past few years, and this trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. The rise of globalization and increasing student mobility have boosted the number of students pursing higher education abroad. Moreover, the growing education expenditures across developing nations and overall rising disposable incomes are increasing the affordability of education tourism. Key countries including the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and Germany remain top destinations for education tourism. However, new emerging markets, such as China, Brazil, and India, are witnessing increased traction due to lower costs and the growing education infrastructure. Overall, significant cross-border enrollment figures and higher international student inflows point to a very promising outlook for the educational tourism market.

Current Events and their Impact on the Educational Tourism Market

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Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Educational Tourism Market

The integration of artificial intelligence into educational tourism is revolutionizing the education industry by enhancing the learning experience, including personalized learning, virtual tours, and data analysis for understanding student performance and travel trends. The incorporation of AR/VR for virtual campus tours may attract students. AI-powered learning platform can customize online learning to reduce the need for basic language or cultural programs, as student learn more effectively from home.

In May 2025, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) established the Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute (SAII) to integrate AI into education and research. SAII will offer specialized programs like BSc and BBA in AI, incorporating interdisciplinary minors from fields like health sciences, fintech, and data science. This initiative aims to equip students with technical expertise and interdisciplinary knowledge to become responsible innovators.

Segmental Insights

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 Educational Tourism Market Insights, By Age Group: Educational Aspirations Fuel Tourism among Youth

In terms of age group, 16-25 years contributes 41.7% share of the market owing to their strong desire to experience different cultures and broaden their educational horizons. This segment sees overseas education as an opportunity for personal growth and career advancement in the long run. The chance to independently explore new places without parental supervision also adds to the thrill of international travel during youth. Living and studying abroad in their formative years helps develop communication skills, global perspectives, and self-reliance - valuable assets that give this segment an edge in an increasingly interconnected world.

According to the most recent figures from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), more than 1.8 million Indian students are studying overseas in 2025, marking a significant increase from 1.3 million two years earlier.

Educational Tourism Market Insights, By Type of Educational Experience: Academic Tours hold the dominant share of 51.4%

Academic Tours acquired the prominent share of 51.4% in 2025. This segment fuels growth in the educational tourism market by offering students opportunities to engage in experiential learning that combines academic objectives with cultural exposure. Educational institutions and tour operators are designing programs that enhance students' understanding of global subjects, making academic tours highly preferred among learners and educators alike.

Symbiosis International (Deemed University), has been on the move with academic tourism in its academic curriculum in international exposure. For instance, 2025, when the Symbiosis University of Artificial Intelligence Institute (SAII) was able to execute special curricula study tours abroad and conduct internships abroad with its programs. Students were exposed to Global AI methods and ​ innovations that no Indian University is doing thus far, bringing special global exposure to the students.

Educational Tourism Market Insights, By Education Type: Hands-on Learning beyond the Classroom

In terms of education type, college segment contributes 32.8% share of the market as students seek to supplement their degrees with experiential learning. International exchange programs, semester abroad options, study tours, and internships are popular choices that bring education to life. Beyond textbooks, colleges offer opportunities to apply concepts in real work settings overseas. Immersive cultural experiences through volunteer work or research projects also allow this segment to gain transferable soft skills and distinguish themselves in a competitive job market. Such well-rounded college credentials with a global edge are highly valued by employers.

In May 2025, SGT University recently hosted 13 nursing students and two faculty members from Utah Tech University, USA, under its Global Connects Initiative. The two-week program offered participants a comprehensive experience combining advanced clinical training, exposure to traditional Indian healing practices, and rich cultural immersion.

Educational Tourism Market Insights, By Occupation: Career Exploration Drives Students Segment Growth

In terms of occupation, students segment contributes 40.3% educational tourism market share driven by their need to evaluate career interests and network for future prospects. Temporary overseas study and internships provide low-stake exposure to different professions across borders. The valuable industry exposure and international credentials help narrow academic and job choices. Some students also see value in developing social and professional connections in strategic global markets during their studies. International qualifications combined with an international mindset widen career pathways for this segment in today's globalized hiring landscape.

In April 2025, StudyAdelaide launched 'Employment Connect,' a comprehensive career hub designed to assist international students in securing employment opportunities during and after their studies in South Australia. The initiative includes the award-winning Job Shop, which connects students with part-time, casual, and volunteer roles across various industries. Such initiatives are contributing to the educational tourism sector.

Regional Insights

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North America Educational Tourism Market Analysis and Trends

North America has established itself as the dominant region in the global educational tourism market with 34.70% of the market share. With some of the world’s top universities and colleges located across the U.S. and Canada, it draws hundreds of thousands of international students each year pursuing higher education degrees. According to IIE Open Doors, the United States hosted an all-time high of more than 1.1 million international students. 1,126,690 international students from more than 210 places of origin studied at U.S. higher education institutions during the 2023/2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous academic year.

In 2024, the United States hosted a record 1,126,690 international students, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores North America’s dominant role in the global educational tourism market, powered by its top-tier universities and diverse academic offerings.

Asia Pacific Educational Tourism Market Analysis and Trends

The educational tourism market in Asia Pacific is witnessing the fastest growth globally. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia are proactively promoting their education systems and establishing partnerships with schools and universities abroad. Being relatively affordable in comparison to developed markets, these nations have collectively emerged as an attractive nearshore study destination. Singapore in particular has implemented initiatives to enhance its profile as a regional education hub. Its efforts in recent years to attract international branch campuses of reputed European and American institutions have paid off. The presence of international schools and boarding schools also makes it a popular choice for overseas secondary education. Meanwhile, countries like Malaysia and Thailand are leveraging their natural beauty, diverse cultures, and friendly people to attract language and vocational learners. Collaborations with tourism boards provide bundled travel-study packages.

In March 2025, the ASEAN Universities Exhibition and Forum (AEF2025) convened in Kuala Lumpur, uniting over 90 institutions from across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The event emphasized strengthening regional academic partnerships to enhance global competitiveness. The nation's role in bridging universities, governments, and industries, ensuring education remains central to regional progress.

Educational Tourism Market Outlook Country-wise

The United States Educational Tourism Market Trends

The U.S. educational tourism is characteries by the increasing popularity of study-abroad programs and specialized educational experiences offered by institutions like Harvard University, the University of California system, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The United States is a popular destination of education tourism due to tis strong educational institutions, diverse academic programs, and multicultural environment. International students are attracted by the quality of US education, the opportunity to experience different cultures, and the potential for professional development. For instance, Harvard Summer School continues to welcome over 5,000 students from more than 100 countries each year and provides the opportunities to experience an immersive program, such as a faculty-led study-abroad course in locations such as Georgia and Denmark. These programs combine serious academics with exposure to the different cultures.

India Educational Tourism Market Trends

India educational tourism marker is experiencing a rapid growth, fueled by the country’s increasing demand for international education, limited domestic higher education opportunities, and the appeal of global exposure. For instance, in 2024, a significant number of Indian students chose to pursue higher education abroad, with the total reaching 13,35,878, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. 

Market Report Scope

Educational Tourism Market Driver

• Attraction to foreign cultures and experiences

The desire to broaden one's horizons and immerse oneself in new cultures has been a major driver of educational tourism in recent years. Young students and professionals are increasingly eager to travel overseas not just for academics but to learn about different ways of life. Studying abroad provides a unique opportunity to experience the day-to-day life in another country - from living with a host family to interacting with local students. It exposes travelers to new customs, cuisine, arts, and festivals they may never encounter just by visiting as a tourist. Many travelers return home with improved language skills as well as a deeper understanding and appreciation of other societies. This is further propelling the educational tourism market demand.

• Skill development for career aspirations

A second major factor driving interest in educational tourism is the focus on skills and credentials required by globally mobile careers. In the modern workforce characterized by rapid technology changes, young professionals recognize the need to constantly reskill and adapt. While domestic qualifications are still valuable, many seek international experiences to gain edge over competitors. Studying or training overseas is seen as an investment in one's long-term employability and career progression within multinational companies and international organizations.

Participating in skill-based programs, from coding boot camps to hospitality training, provides an opportunity to learn alongside internationally diverse peers. The multi-cultural work environment improves communication, collaboration and social skills. It also allows networking vital for future roles requiring interaction across borders. Mastering selects foreign languages, especially Spanish, Mandarin, French, and German, has also grown in demand from employers seeking candidates with multi-lingual abilities to serve global clients and markets.

In June 2025, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), inaugurated ‘NAVYA’ (Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls) in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh.

Educational Tourism Market Opportunities

• Emergence of new destinations

The emergence of new destinations has a huge potential to drive growth in the educational tourism market. As the world becomes more interconnected and accessible, students are displaying greater willingness to study in new and less traditional locations. This presents valuable opportunities for countries and regions to establish themselves as niche education hubs. For Instance, South and Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia are increasingly attracting international students with their unique environments and relatively low costs of living. These countries offer high-quality academic programs taught in English, as well as immersive cultural tourism experiences different from traditional Western study abroad options.

For instance, Cambodia witnessed a 23% rise in international enrollments in recent years. This shift breaks the established dominance of traditional destinations like the U.S., U.K. and Australia. With many education seekers now expanding their scope beyond academics - that is, exploring the cultural diversity of places and lifestyle fit - education hubs like Cambodia are ripe for the taking. In some cases, customized offerings and solid value propositions could see them rapidly elevated in the global educational tourism market.

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Rome Business School and the University of Vaasa launched their inaugural joint study tour. The programs, themed “Managing in a Multicultural Environment,” brought together 18 professionals from Finland for an immersive experience combining academic sessions, business case projects, and company visits.
• In September 2024, Saudi Arabia launched a comprehensive tourism education initiative aimed at enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of its tourism sector. The program will assess 102 national tourism education and training programs throughout 2024, in collaboration with UN Tourism, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation.
• In October 2024, the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and the UK's Association of Colleges (AoC) initiated the U.S.-UK Community College and Technical Education Exchange, supported by the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation. This program pairs U.S. and UK colleges to develop student exchanges emphasizing sustainability and green skills.

Analyst Viewpoint: Educational Tourism Market

Educational tourism represents a dynamic sector where learning experiences intersect with travel, creating immersive opportunities for knowledge acquisition beyond traditional classroom settings. The market demonstrates robust momentum driven by increasing globalization of education, rising disposable incomes among middle-class families, and growing recognition of experiential learning benefits. Digital connectivity has amplified awareness of international educational programs, while universities and institutions actively promote study-abroad initiatives to enhance their global footprint.

However, several restraints challenge market expansion, including visa complications, geopolitical tensions, and safety concerns in certain destinations. Economic uncertainties and currency fluctuations significantly impact affordability, particularly for longer-duration programs. Post-pandemic travel hesitancy and health protocols continue creating barriers for international educational exchanges.

The Asia-Pacific region emerges as the fastest-growing market, propelled by China and India's expanding middle class seeking quality education abroad. Europe maintains dominance due to established academic heritage, diverse cultural offerings, and relatively streamlined mobility within the Eurozone. North America remains attractive for higher education pursuits, particularly in STEM fields.

Substantial opportunities exist in emerging markets developing educational infrastructure and in specialized niches like environmental conservation programs, language immersion experiences, and professional skill development tours. Technology integration through virtual pre-trip orientations and hybrid learning models presents innovative pathways. The sector's evolution toward sustainable and culturally responsible tourism practices aligns with contemporary traveler values, positioning educational tourism for continued expansion despite cyclical challenges.

Market Segmentation

• Age Group Insights
  • Less Than 15 Years
  • 16-25 Years
  • 26-40 Years
  • 41-55 Years
•  Education Type Insights
  • Primary
  • Secondary
  • College
  • Post-graduation
•  Occupation Insights
  • Students
  • Teachers
  • Government Officials
  • Corporation Managers
  • Enterprise Owners
  • Workers
  • Others
• Regional Insights
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • World Expeditions Travel Group Pty Ltd.
  • Global Educational Travel
  • Signum International AG
  • AAI Edutourz
  • WorldStrides, Inc.

Sources

Primary Research Interviews from the following stakeholders

Stakeholders

• Interviews with travel agency operators, academic program coordinators, international education administrators, school and university travel managers, tourism board officials, and cultural program facilitators across leading markets.

Databases

• UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
• World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Education and Cultural Tourism Data
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) – Education at a Glance
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Reports
• Ministry of Education (various countries)
• Bureau of Economic Analysis (U.S.) – Travel & Education Expenditure
• Eurostat – Education Mobility & Tourism Data
• China National Tourism Administration (CNTA)
• Japan Tourism Agency (JTA)
• Korea Tourism Organization (KTO)

Magazines

• Travel Weekly – Education & Youth Travel Features
• National Geographic Traveller – Learning Edition
• The PIE News (Platform for International Education)
• School Travel Organiser
• Edutourism Insights
• Educational Travel Magazine
• Youth Travel Compass
• Adventure Travel Trade Association – Education Tourism Features

Journals

• Journal of Travel Research
• Annals of Tourism Research
• Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change
• Journal of International Students
• Tourism Management
• Higher Education
• International Journal of Educational Management
• Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research

Newspapers

• The Wall Street Journal – Education and Global Mobility
• The Guardian – Global Education & Travel Special Reports
• The Economic Times – Tourism & Education Policy
• The Times of India – International Education & Travel
• The New York Times – Learning Abroad Section
• Financial Times – Education and Cultural Mobility
• The Australian – Education & Youth Tourism

Associations

• United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – Education Tourism Committee
• The Forum on Education Abroad
• NAFSA Association of International Educators
• International Youth Travel Confederation (IYTC)
• World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation
• American Association of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
• National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
• International Association of Universities (IAU) – Global Education Mobility

Public Domain Sources

• Ministry of Tourism (Government of India)
• Department of Education and Training (Australia)
• U.S. Department of Education – International and Cultural Exchange Office
• British Council – Education & Mobility Reports
• European Commission – Education and Culture Directorate-General
• Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
• Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – Education Travel Expenditure Data
• StudyPortals and Campus France reports (government-supported international student platforms)
• NITI Aayog – Education Mobility and Youth Development Frameworks

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool, and Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for last 8 years

*Definition The educational tourism market involves tourists and students who travel internationally or domestically primarily for the purpose of studying or taking educational programs or courses at educational institutions. This market focuses on students looking to study abroad for a semester, summer, or year-long programs as well as lifelong learners traveling to participate in educational workshops, seminars, camps, and language immersion programs centered around a wide variety of subject areas and topics of interest.