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

The English Language Learning Market was valued at $41.6 billion in 2023. This market is projected to reach $91.1 billion by 2031 from an estimated $45.0 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.

English Language Learning Market Size & Forecast

Key factors driving the growth of this market include the rising importance of English in business & professional areas, increasing investments in start-ups & small companies teaching English, and the minimal cost of English language learning apps.

Furthermore, the increasing spending on the education sector and transnational education (TNE) is expected to create market growth opportunities.

Key Findings in the English Language Learning Market

• By Methodology: In 2024, the Blended Learning Segment to Dominate the English Language Learning Market in 2024
• By Learning Mode: In 2024, the Tutoring Segment is Expected to Dominate the English Language Learning Market
• By Age Group: In 2024, the 13-17 Years Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the English Language Learning Market
• By End User: In 2024, the Individual Learners Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the English Language Learning Market
• By Geography: Asia-Pacific Dominates the English Language Learning Market in 2024

English Language Learning Market Drivers

Rising Importance of English in Business and Professional Areas

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 are 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 also 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.

According to Babbel GmbH (Germany), in 2021, out of the world’s approximately 7.8 billion population, 1.35 billion speak English. About 360 million people speak English as their first language. Also, in Europe, it is estimated that more than 212 million English speakers are present, and in India, there are approximately 265 million speakers of English. English is spread throughout the Americas, making it hard to tabulate exactly, but it is likely around 350 million. Most native English speakers live in the U.S.— about 297.4 million. Another 30 million native English speakers reside in Canada.

Proficiency in the language has become 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. Research worldwide shows that cross-border business communication is often conducted in English, and many international companies expect employees to be fluent in English. For instance,

• 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. Further, it is estimated that over 50% of the pages on the Internet are written in English, which means that more online information is available to people who can read English.
• In an ITT Motion Technologies Gmbh (Italy) engineering company, every senior employee is expected to speak English, and most communications are delivered in English. Although it is not considered an official corporate language, it is the only language that everyone can generally speak in common.

In addition, English has become the global language of business to such an extent that it is the official standard in certain industries, such as shipping and aviation. As a result, proficiency in English has become a near-mandatory requirement for critical roles like airline pilots and naval officers. Today’s competitive corporate culture demands not only a strong command of spoken English but also an equally impressive ability in written communication. This is because most business communication, including emails, presentations, sales and marketing materials, and corporate legal documents, is conducted in English.

English Language Learning Market Trends

E-LEARNING

E-learning is growing rapidly and enabling individuals from different geographies to stay connected and learn different courses through the Internet. The flexibility in learning, low cost, easy accessibility, growing investments in digital learning activities, and increased effectiveness through animated learning are some factors favoring the market’s growth. Moreover, in recent years, users have developed an appreciation for the ease of access and improved effectiveness of new animated, engaging, and interactive learning tools. The increased number of internet users, growing access to broadband, and mobile phones with online capabilities fuel market growth.

These training modules offer continuous and effective learning at optimal costs and provide customized course content that meets the specific requirements of end-users. Also, the availability of visually engaging interfaces in E-learning increases employee productivity over traditional learning methods. Several companies are focusing on offering enhanced learning experiences through e-learning platforms for easy-to-access online courses. In 2020, the British Council (U.K.) opened its English language learning online through myClass Online, MyTutor, Primary Plus, and Secondary Plus, focusing on skills development and knowledge-building. The myClass Online allows learners to study at their own pace and live online English classes with expert teachers.

People’s rising interest in distance language learning is likely to benefit the E-learning industry. Distance language learning has proved to be the best option for language learners to receive instructions in an adaptable environment. This allows flexibility to the learners and also helps to manage time for those under the pressure of fulfilling business or personal responsibilities. Also, if pursued through universities or certified institutes, distance learning offers face-to-face interaction with native speakers, which speeds up the learning process and provides tailored lessons per the learners’ abilities. Therefore, with technological improvements in learning and teaching, interest in E-learning platforms is growing globally, ultimately driving the market’s growth.

English Language Learning Market Opportunities

Increasing Spending on the Education Sector

Over the past decade, most developed countries have seen little improvement in their educational performance. National governments have made significant investments to tackle this challenge. According to the Brookings Institution (U.S.), the total public expenditure on education in developing countries has also witnessed immense growth in recent years. For instance, in Sub-Saharan Africa, government expenditure on education increased from 15.9% in 2016 to 18% in 2018. Similarly, in Cambodia, these values increased from 15.1% in 2015 to 16% in 2018. The rising focus of governments on the education sector through initiatives such as investments or new policies is expected to provide opportunities for the language learning markets. Besides, various investments and initiatives have been undertaken by governments to improve schools and educational institutions. For instance:

• In 2022, in the U.S., the Federal, state, and local governments will provide USD 764.7 billion or USD 15,120 per pupil to fund K-12 public education. Also, in the U.S., public education spending at the national level services 50.58 million K-12 students and 19.64 million postsecondary students. Luxembourg spends USD 22,700 per pupil, more than any of the other OECD nations spend on education.
• According to Eurostat, in 2020, the general government expenditure in the EU on education amounted to USD 670.95 (EUR 671) billion or 5.0 % of GDP.
• In 2020, India allocated USD 13.4 billion (INR 993 billion) for the education sector. Out of this, USD 405 million (INR 30 billion) was earmarked for skill development programs, and also over 200,000 new additions have been made to the New Education Policy.
• In 2019, the Chinese central government officially issued an educational development plan—China’s education modernization 2035. This plan was intended to reform and develop the country’s education sector by incorporating modern technologies.
• In 2018, the Canadian government launched the International Education Strategy (2019-2024) to encourage students to gain new skills through study and improve online services for the education sector.

Such investments and initiatives by governments across the globe, along with the acceptance of English as a global language, are expected to create lucrative opportunities for players operating in the English language learning market.

Transnational Education (TNE)

Transnational education (TNE) is education delivered in a country other than the country in which the awarding institution is based. There are five popular modes widely used in transnational education: branch campus, franchising or partnership, articulation or twinning, distance or virtual education, and study abroad. The dynamics of internationalization are changing. Many students who traditionally would have traveled overseas to study for an international qualification are now pursuing foreign degrees from their homes through an array of collaborative arrangements with degree-awarding institutions from major education-exporting countries. The education sector was one of the industries hit hard by the pandemic and was forced to transform its operational model. International enrollment declined significantly due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, with universities affected across the globe. While the global pandemic severely impacted international student mobility, other segments of the education sector, such as Online Programme Management, edtech, and TNE, have significantly increased their growth trajectory.

Transnational education helps develop local skills, reduces capital outflow, and puts pressure on local education systems. It offers various options for students, creates opportunities for competition development among foreign and local institutions, and hence quality improvement. 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 for obtaining qualifications without leaving the home country and employment. Transnational education is increasingly becoming popular as it provides internationally recognized education at the students’ doorsteps. The reduction of government subsidies to Western universities has created a need for alternative ways to generate income to offset the financial shortfall. As a result, Western institutions for higher education have become heavily dependent on onshore fee-paying international students. Thus, the increasing demand for transnational education can boost the demand for ELL products, thereby providing lucrative opportunities for the growth of the market.

English Language Learning Market Analysis: Top Market Opportunity

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

Based on offering, the global English language learning market is segmented into blended learning, offline learning, and online learning. In 2024, the blended learning segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the global English language learning market. Traditional and digital learning methods offer a complex and diverse learning environment, significantly increasing students’ motivation to learn. Technology advancements and internet access have changed the teaching process for all languages. Blended learning is also known as hybrid learning or mixed learning process. It comprises two or more learning methods: face-to-face teaching and online learning. Additionally, this learning methodology offers many advantages, including learning from independent locations and offering learners the same training opportunities at all locations.

Blended learning offers materials that students can access anywhere at any time while enjoying the benefits of face-to-face support and instruction. Additionally, it is an agile learning method that can be tailored to the company's requirements. The growing adoption of personalized learning solutions to create courseware and procure courses unique to employees’ needs has led to the increased adoption of blended English language learning in the corporate sector. The large share of this segment is attributed to the growing need for personalized learning for students, the surge in the importance of effective learning methodology, the rising incorporation of microlearning, and the need to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

However, the online learning segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Geographical Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the English Language Learning Market in 2024

In 2024, Asia-Pacific is estimated to account for the largest share of the global English language learning market. 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.

Key Companies

The report includes a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the key growth strategies adopted by key market players over the past three years. The key players profiled in the global English language learning market report 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 Online S.L. (Spain), Babble 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 Industry 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

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