English Language Learning Market by Methodology (Blended Learning, Offline Learning, Online Learning), Learning Mode, Age Group, End User (Individual Learners, Educational Institutes, Government Bodies, Corporate Learners), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2031

English Language Learning Market Size & Forecast

The English Language Learning Market is expected to reach $88.1 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2024 to 2031. The minimal cost of English language learning apps, the growing importance of English in business & professional areas, and rising investments in start-ups & small companies teaching English. The increasing spending on the education sector and transnational education (TNE) is expected to create market growth opportunities. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) & robot technology, and e-learning are major trends in the global English language learning market. However, the dearth of trained professionals to teach English is a major challenge for the players operating in this market.

English Language Learning Market Growth Drivers

Rising Importance of English in Business & Professional Areas is Expected to Drive Market Growth

English is a lingua franca or a common language that allows people who do not share a dialect to communicate. While standard Chinese and Spanish have the honor of being the languages with the most native speakers globally, English is the most used official language and the most widely spoken second language. In addition to the large population speaking English, it has become the most widely used language in the world of trade and commerce over the past decade or two. As a result, having excellent knowledge of English for business has become vital for success in any employee’s career. Enhanced communication skills in English can result in an improved social life and better job opportunities in the future. From job interviews to the actual professional world, communication skills are crucial, and being proficient in English means being able to communicate clearly and effectively.

Proficiency in the language has also made it a vital part of success in the highly competitive corporate world. Many reputed organizations worldwide rely on English as a means of communication in everything from emails to corporate documentation to even popular and well-read business resources in print and electronic media. Fluency in written and spoken English is critical in many aspects of corporate life, from securing employment to communicating with clientele and achieving cohesive business partnerships worldwide. English is the dominant business language if a person wishes to be a part of the global workforce. Global companies such as Airbus SE (Netherlands), Mercedes-Benz Group AG (Germany), Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. (Japan), Nokia Corporation (Finland), Groupe Renault (France), and Microsoft Corporation (U.S.) have mandated English as their official corporate language. Although it is not considered an official corporate language, it is the only language that everyone can generally speak in common.

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Increasing Investments in Start-ups Accelerating the Development of English Language Learning Platforms

Language education start-ups are evolving rapidly to cater to the needs of millions of learners. The global demand for higher education is expected to increase, with nearly 600 million students projected to be enrolled in universities worldwide by 2040. This growth in learning is expected to encourage language education start-ups to enhance their offerings, including English language learning platforms. The high growth potential of the English language learning market has led to an increase in investments and funding for language education start-ups and companies, for instance, in 2020, MyBuddy.ai (U.S.), an EdTech start-up, received an investment of approximately USD 1 million from the Venture capital firm LETA Capital. This investment was aimed at improving the company’s language learning mobile app (which features an AI-voice virtual tutor that teaches spoken English to children) and launching the app in new regions. Similarly, in 2020, Multibhashi (India) received an undisclosed amount in funding from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), Param Capital, and Cactus Communications to invest in building new tech features and ramping up its marketing capabilities to expand its Personalized English Learning Platform.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, in 2022, Indian EdTech start-ups received a total investment of approximately USD 3.94 billion through 155 deals. Such investments are helping language learning start-ups develop newer, more enhanced English language learning solutions, driving the growth of this market.

English Language Learning Market Opportunity

Increasing Government Spending on the Education Sector Expected to Generate Market Growth Opportunities

Most developed countries have made significant improvements in their educational performance over the last decade. Increased government spending on the education sector has helped in the development of a skilled workforce, promoted innovation, and ensured social progress. Investments in the education sector are improving infrastructure and enhancing teaching and learning. Increasing government focus on the education sector in the form of supportive initiatives and policies is expected to generate growth opportunities for the players in this market. Governments are allocating larger budgets to the education sector to improve infrastructure across schools and educational institutions and facilitate better learning. For instance, in 2022, the federal, state, and local governments in the U.S. announced plans to provide USD 764.7 billion (USD 15,120 per pupil) in funding for K-12 public education. Also, public education spending at the national level serviced 50.58 million K-12 students and 19.64 million post-secondary students. Luxembourg spent USD 22,700 per pupil—more than any other OECD country. Adtionally, in 2020, general government expenditure on education in the EU amounted to USD 670.95 billion (EUR 671 billion), which was 5.0% of the region’s GDP. Also in 2020, India allocated USD 13.4 billion (INR 993 billion) for the education sector, of which USD 405 million (INR 30 billion) was earmarked for skill development programs. The country’s New Education Policy has over 200,000 new additions to improve the education sector.

Such investments and funding, coupled with the increasing adoption of English as a global language, are expected to create growth opportunities for the players operating in the English language learning market.

Growth in Transnational Education (TNE) Expected to Accelerate the Expansion of the English Language Learning Market

Transnational education reduces capital outflow, provides students with multiple learning options, creates opportunities for competitive development among foreign and local institutions, and hence improves the quality of education. Students can access education without leaving their home country or region. It can help reduce the brain drain from developing countries. Transnational education allows working professionals to upgrade their qualifications while working full time as they have a limited scope for qualification enhancement through local education systems. It allows individuals to obtain qualifications without leaving their home country and employment. Transnational education is becoming increasingly popular as it provides internationally recognized education at students’ doorsteps. As English is the global language for business, students from countries that do not use English as their primary language can leverage transnational education to develop their English language skills. Thus, growth in transnational education is expected to support the adoption of English language learning programs and platforms, generating growth opportunities for the players operating in this market.

English Language Learning Market Trends

Increasing Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in the Delivery of Language Education

Robotics has added a new dimension to the language learning industry. Robot-assisted Language Learning (RALL) is defined as the use of robots to teach people language expression and comprehension skills. The robot takes learners away from screens and even provides human-like facial expressions to bring the learning process closer to human interactions. It allows learners to interact with real-life physical environments, which is considered important for language development. Also, robots allow for more natural interactions than other forms of technology due to their appearance (humanoid or animal-like). Many robots use nonverbal cues such as pointing, eye gazes, and other gestures. Thus, robots are generally recognized as more credible, helpful, informative, and enjoyable to interact with than animated characters. Thus, the field of robot-assisted language learning is developing rapidly.

English teaching robots have been in high demand in places with a shortage of native English speakers. In 2020, robots had become an effective and safe way for students and teachers to work together while complying with social distancing guidelines. Many players are developing English-teaching AI robots, such as the Elias Robot from Utelias Technologies Oy (Finland), which delivers ready-made courses designed by experienced teachers for several languages and skill levels. The robot enables students to learn languages through conversations.

English Language Learning Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Methodology: In 2024, the Blended Learning Segment is Expected to Dominate the English Language Learning Market

Based on methodology, the English language learning market is segmented into blended learning, offline learning, and online learning. In 2024, the blended learning segment is expected to account for the largest share of 52.4% of the English language learning market. The increasing demand for personalized learning, the growing adoption of advanced offline & online learning systems for students and working professionals, the rising importance of effective learning methodology, and students’ preference for learning at their own pace and flexibility are driving the growth of this segment.

However, the online learning segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly attributed to the increasing user base for mobile phones, the growing digitalization in the education sector, the increasing budget allocations and investments for E-learning programs, and the emergence of new online learning platforms after the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Learning Mode: In 2024, the Tutoring is Expected to Dominate the English Language Learning Market

Based on learning mode, the English language learning market is segmented into self-learning apps and applications and tutoring. In 2024, the tutoring segment is estimated to reach revenue of USD 38.1 billion of the total English language learning market. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing need for personalized and flexible language education experiences and the need for real-time feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and language usage with the convenience of in-person interaction.

However, the self-learning apps and applications segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the increasing consumer acceptance of low-cost technology-based products, the emergence of new online learning platforms after the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing digitalization of educational content, the need for scalable, flexible, and customizable solutions for language learning.

By Age Group: In 2024, the 13-17 years Segment to Dominate the English Language Learning Market

Based on sector, the global English language learning market is segmented into <13 Years, 13-17 Years, 18-20 Years, 21-30 Years, 31-40 Years, and >40 Years. In 2024, the 13-17 years segment is expected to account for the largest share of 28.1% of the global English language learning market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the increasing digitization of public schools, the rising number of English learners, the significant increase in smartphone users, the increasing demand for kids' learning apps, the rising preference for interactive and engaging learning experiences, and increasing need for immersive and practical language practice. Also, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period.

By End User: In 2024, the Individual Learners Segment to Dominate the English Language Learning Market

Based on end user, the global English language learning market is segmented into individual learners, educational institutes, government bodies, and corporate learners. In 2024, the individual learners segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global English language learning market. The segment is expected to reach USD 18.6 billion by 2024. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the rise in adoption of smart devices coupled with faster internet penetration, the increasing need for transmission of live content on the internet for better brand engagement and student reach, the surging social media platforms, and the high number of established language learning sites. Also, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Geographical Analysis

By Geogrpahy: In 2024, the Asia-Pacific to Dominate the English Language Learning Market

In 2024, Asia-Pacific market is expected to account for the largest share of 54.0% of the global English language learning market. Asia-Pacific English language learning market is estimated to be worth USD 22.7 billion in 2024. The large market share of this market is attributed to the increasing digitalization of educational content, increasing demand for language skills to work and collaborate across borders, wide availability of E-learning courses, and growing popularity of English learning programs in the region, growing Internet penetration, increasing government focus on education through various initiatives, and the growing need to enhance employability and competitiveness in the future job opportunities. Moreover, the market in Asia-Pacific is also projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

English Language Learning Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players' product portfolios and geographic presence and the key growth strategies adopted by them over the past 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the English language learning market are Cambridge University Press (U.K.), New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. (China), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company (U.S.), McGraw-Hill Education, Inc. (U.S.), Duolingo Inc. (U.S.), Berlitz Corporation (U.S.), Busuu  Ltd (U.K.), Babbel GmbH (Germany), Linguistica 360, Inc. (U.S.), Mondly (Romania), ELSA Corp. (U.S.), FluentU (A part of Enux Education Limited) (China), Memrise Inc. (U.K.), Mango Languages (U.S.), Rosetta Stone Ltd. (A part of IXL Learning, Inc.) (U.S.), Inlingua International Ltd. (Switzerland), Sanako Corporation (Finland), Transparent Language, Inc. (U.S.), and Open Education LLC (U.S.).

English Language Learning Market Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In November 2023, Babbel (Germany) partnered with the FSC Indigenous Foundation (Panama), a global Indigenous organization working with and for Indigenous peoples worldwide, to offer English lessons to Indigenous Peoples around the world. Babbel will support Indigenous Peoples with the self-paced learning app as well as its live classes with teachers to learn English..
• In June 2022, Duolingo (U.S.) partnered with HBO Max (U.S.) for an HBO Original series, House of the Dragon. The company launched an updated High Valyrian course, the fictional language spoken in the show, including over 150 new words and more than 700 new sentences..
• In April 2022, Udemy (U.S.) partnered with WOONGJIN THINKBIG Co Ltd (South Korea), an education company, to expand the company’s global footprint, bringing Udemy and its corporate learning solution, Udemy Business, to more learners, instructors, and organizations in the Korean market.

English Language Learning Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the English Language Learning Market Report: