Educational Tourism Market Report 2026

The educational tourism market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $428.52 billion in 2025 to $480.44 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in international student mobility, increasing emphasis on experiential education, expansion of cultural exchange initiatives, rising disposable income for education travel, development of organized educational tour providers.

The educational tourism market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $755.48 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion of lifelong learning trends, increasing use of virtual and hybrid educational tourism models, rising demand for interdisciplinary learning experiences, growth of sustainable and responsible tourism, increasing institutional partnerships for global education. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of experiential learning travel programs, rising demand for cultural and heritage immersion tours, growing integration of digital learning tools in travel, expansion of study abroad and exchange programs, enhanced focus on skill-oriented educational travel.

The increasing demand for international education is expected to drive the growth of the educational tourism market in the coming years. This demand is fueled by globalization, improved career prospects, access to higher-quality academic programs, opportunities for cultural exchange, the availability of specialized fields of study, and economic expansion in emerging markets. International education supports educational tourism by encouraging students and educators to travel abroad for academic programs, cultural exposure, and research activities, thereby strengthening global connections and intercultural understanding. For example, in November 2024, ICEF Monitor - a Germany-based intelligence platform for international student recruitment - reported that New Zealand hosted nearly 70,000 international students in 2023, compared with about 41,500 in 2022, representing a 67% increase and demonstrating strong growth in cross-border study interest. Therefore, the rising demand for international education is contributing to the expansion of the educational tourism market.

Companies operating in the educational tourism market are increasingly investing in technological innovations such as digital, prescription-style booking and fulfillment platforms to gain a competitive edge. These platforms function as integrated systems that allow educators and institutions to recommend curated educational travel programs, arrange itineraries, manage documentation, and coordinate logistics through a single digital interface that connects travel providers and participants - similar to the workflow of prescription delivery systems, simplifying access and compliance. This development enhances operational efficiency, improves customization of learning experiences, and supports timely coordination of group travel. For instance, in February 2024, STIC Travels Private Limited, a Singapore-based travel services provider, collaborated with Mastereign Group to launch a portfolio of innovative educational tour programs focused on immersive learning in sustainability, technology, and cultural heritage. These offerings feature tailored itineraries, curriculum-aligned content, and coordinated travel support for academic institutions. While this trend broadens global learning opportunities, it also underscores the need for reliable digital infrastructure and clear educational frameworks to ensure high-quality delivery.

In February 2024, STIC Travel, an India-based travel service provider, collaborated with Mastereign Group to advance educational tourism for Indian students. This partnership will introduce innovative educational tours tailored for the Indian market, focusing on immersive learning experiences in Singapore. Mastereign Group will organize these educational tours, offering students insights into Singapore's sustainability initiatives, technological advancements, and cultural heritage. Mastereign Group, based in Singapore, is a professional training and coaching company that provides educational tours, cultural exchange, and enrichment programs.

Major companies operating in the educational tourism market are EF Education First, CIEE Council on International Educational Exchange, American Institute For Foreign Study, Road Scholar, Brightspark Travel Inc., ACIS Educational Tours, Academic Programs International, Cultural Vistas, WEP International, Straight A Tours, Global Volunteers, GVI Company, Futures Abroad, Capital Tours Inc., AAI Edutourz Pvt Ltd., Wessex Educational Travel, NST Student Travel, Explorica, Rustic Pathways, WorldStrides.

North America was the largest region in the educational tourism market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the educational tourism market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the educational tourism market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The educational tourism market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as educational programs and courses, cultural immersion activities, visits to institutions, workshops and seminars, volunteering opportunities, and support services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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