Study Abroad Training Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Preparation and Consulting), By Application (Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies), and Regional Forecast to 2032

Last Updated: 09 January 2025

STUDY ABROAD TRAINING MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Study Abroad Training market size expanded rapidly XX  in 2024 and is projected to grow substantially XX by 2032, exhibiting a prodigious CAGR XX during the forecast period.

The global study abroad training market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with rising globalization and student mobility leading to this trend. Increasing globalization in recent years has provided a pathway for students, especially in developing economies, to engage in international education as the way forward in seeking good career prospects and experiencing the wider world. Specialized preparation services include language training, standardized test preparation, visa consultation, cultural orientation and admission counseling in preparation to study abroad. Other popular destination countries are still the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia, thereby demanding a constant market for a study abroad training that would particularly target a certain university as well as requirements needed before entering that country. Finally, technology continues to progress in areas like virtual study abroad training, as well as AI counseling, further enhancing access to, as well as tailoring these study abroad training sessions toward, the customer's desires.

GLOBAL CRISES IMPACTING STUDY ABROAD TRAINING MARKETCOVID-19 IMPACT

Study Abroad Training Industry Had a Negative Effect Due to temporary disruption during COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the study abroad training market, which experienced temporary disruptions but catalyzed innovation. In 2020, most countries implemented travel restrictions, causing students to defer or cancel their plans to study abroad. Training institutions experienced an abrupt drop in demand for in-person services, including language classes and cultural workshops. However, the industry adapted quickly by shifting to online platforms, providing virtual modules of training and counsel platforms, providing virtual modules of training and counseling. The digital shift ensured that the business continued uninterrupted during the pandemic and reached out to students in remote areas beyond the market’s previous boundaries. Recovery post-pandemic has been robust as pent-up demand for international education has led to a resurgence in the market. Hybrid models are now mainstream which combine online and in-person training to accommodate the wide choice of  student preferences.

LATEST TREND

"Growing applications of AI to Drive Market Growth"

A few trends are emerging within the study abroad training market and are shaping its new horizon. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being increasingly applied to counseling services, making institutions offer recommendations specific to the profile of the student concerned along with the preferences and goals of a career. The test-optional admission training is gaining popularity because  many universities have relaxed standardized test requirements like SAT and GRE. Sustainable education and social responsibility are other factors driving the market. The training programs are focused on eco-friendly travel practices and cross-cultural sensitivity. Finally, the partnerships between the training providers and universities are becoming stronger and are making the application and admission process smoother for the students.

STUDY ABROAD TRAINING MARKET SEGMENTATION

BY TYPE

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into preparation and consulting

• Preparation: This category includes preparation for admission exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT. These tests measure a student's aptitude and subject knowledge, and for this reason, they have become an integral part of university application procedures, particularly in the United States, Canada, and a few European nations. Preparing services for these exams include customized mentoring, practice tests and analysis of performance. This category has registered rapid growth owing to rising competition among students to gain entry into the elite institutions, hence fueling the demand for organized and high-quality preparation courses.
• Consulting: It's the type of service offered to guide students through all those complex processes related to application for universities and visa processes. Services include helping in preparing personal statements, getting the recommendation letters, financial documents, and visa interview preparations. Training in this segment includes conducting cultural orientation sessions that help acclimatize the students with the host country’s environment be it academic or social. This segment has gained significant attention as a value-added service especially when the countries are being tight-fisted in their policies related to issuing visas in some countries.

BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies

• Undergraduate: Training services for undergraduate studies for high school students aiming to study abroad in a bachelor's program. This is majorly SAT/ACT preparation training, language proficiency, and holistic application consulting. There is a high demand because the undergraduate process is long and requires a good-rounded profile, including extracurricular activities and community service. The USA, Canada, and the UK are significant destinations for undergraduate applicants; hence, this segment continues to be strong in terms of demand.
• Postgraduate: The biggest portion in the study abroad training market is postgraduate application training. The course targets those college graduates who want to pursue their master’s or MBA and doctoral programs abroad. Such application training would heavily require preparation for standardized tests like GRE and GMAT, besides tailoring and perfecting the statement of purpose writing. Students prefer advanced guidance because of specialized requirements for admission and to be aligned with career objectives. In this regard, the USA, Germany, and Australia have been leading countries in attracting postgraduate applicants.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.                

DRIVING FACTORS

"Increasing global exposure to Boost the Market"

Several factors drive the study abroad training market, including increasing student aspiration for global exposure, perceived value of international degrees in the job market, and increasing affordability of studying abroad due to scholarships and financial aid. Many host countries have government policies that make international education attractive, including post-graduation work permits and immigration-friendly initiatives. Additionally, with increased awareness and accessibility among target learners through the spread of education fairs and digital marketing strategies used by training providers, more prospects will be available. Other positive market factors include growth in middle-class population sizes of developing countries, notably Asian, which have rapidly grown in disposable income being devoted to education and are driving the Study Abroad Training market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

"High Cost of Study Abroad Training to Potentially Impede Market Growth"

The study abroad training market is also beset with some challenges that hamper growth. All this contributes to a high cost for training programs, application fees, and tuition. Political tension and changes in visa policies in key host countries will remain a source of uncertainty for students and training providers. Intense competition between local and international training providers. Intense competition between local and international training institutions has led to price wars that have affected profitability. Also, a language gap and cultural differences, fear of accustoming to a different atmosphere also do not let some students look for study abroad programs; thereby, limiting the possible number of customers for the services of training.

OPPORTUNITY

"Innovation To Create Opportunity for the Product in the Market"

There are so many opportunities for growth and innovation in the study abroad training market. The increasing demand for virtual training solutions offers providers the chance to expand their services globally without the need for physical infrastructure. Collaboration with universities and education agents in emerging markets, such as Africa and Latin America, could unlock new revenue streams. Furthermore, there is scope for diversification into niche segments, such as specialized training for STEM, business, or creative arts students. Training providers can also capitalize on the rising popularity of short-term programs and exchange programs, which require less commitment than full-degree programs. Additionally, the focus on holistic development, including soft skills and intercultural competence, opens avenues for new program offerings.

CHALLENGE

"Significant investment Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers"

The study abroad training market must navigate several challenges to sustain its growth. One of the major challenges is to keep up with constantly changing visa policies and admission criteria which are country and institution specific. Providers also face the challenge of maintaining the quality of training in online and hybrid formats, which require significant investment in technology and skilled personnel. Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity are becoming increasingly important and thus require  continuous updates in training curricula. Another threat to traditional training providers is the competition from free or low-cost online resources and direct university counseling services.

STUDY ABROAD TRAINING MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

•  NORTH AMERICA

North America, primarily the United States and Canada, are the leading regions for study abroad training. The United States remains the most popular destination for international students, owing to its world-class universities and varied academic programs and hence driving the Study Abroad Training market. Training providers in this region are usually specialized in preparing students for competitive exams like TOEFL and GRE, as well as the complex U.S. visa process. Canada is emerging as a strong competitor with its immigration policies welcoming to immigrants and its quality education reputation. The increased demand for post-graduation work opportunities in Canada has farther increased the need for has  comprehensive training programs that address academic and immigration requirements.

• EUROPE

Europe is the most significant region for the study abroad training market, and the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are the leaders. The UK is a favorite destination for students because of its prestigious universities and short duration of degrees, making it attractive and affordable destination. European training providers focus on language preparation, such as IELTS and French language tests like DELF/DALF for non-native speakers. Germany, with its free or relatively inexpensive education system, is becoming increasingly popular, and hence there is a growing need for training in German language proficiency and application processes. Europe's multicultural environment and diversity in academic offerings make it a favorite destination for international students, and the demand for training services has been steadily increasing.

•   ASIA

Asia is a significant market for study abroad training, both as a source of students and as a growing destination. Countries like China, India, and South Korea are major contributors to the global pool of international students, with a large proportion seeking training services to enhance their chances of admission to top universities. Thes countries also have a significant Study Abroad Training market share in the region. Training providers in Asia focus on standardized test preparation, language training, and visa counseling, often leveraging local networks to reach students. Other emerging destinations that are becoming popular are Singapore and Malaysia due to their high-quality universities and being close to home for Asian students. Technology adoption in Asia has also made it easier for online and hybrid training models to flourish.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion"

The most revolutionary shift that has occurred in the market for study abroad training is the use of new-age technologies by market leaders. Companies such as Kaplan, Inc. (USA) and The Princeton Review (USA) have integrated AI and ML into their platforms. The increasing demand for international education in emerging economies has led industry leaders to expand their presence in regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America. For instance, IDP Education (Australia) has established new offices and collaborated with local agents in India, Vietnam, and Nigeria to tap into the rapidly growing student base in these regions. Similarly, Shiksha Study Abroad (India) has focused on strengthening its presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities in India, offering online and in-person services to reach underserved markets. Strategic partnerships between study abroad training providers and universities, financial institutions, and technology companies are reshaping the industry. For instance, Kaplan, Inc. has entered into collaborations with top U.S. universities to provide preparatory courses directly integrated into their admissions pipelines. This approach streamlines the application process for students and enhances Kaplan's credibility as a trusted partner in international education.

LIST OF TOP STUDY ABROAD TRAINING COMPANIES

• Kaplan, Inc. (USA)
• IDP Education (Australia)
• British Council (UK)
• The Princeton Review (USA)
• Shiksha Study Abroad (India)
• Edukart (India)
• EF Education First (Switzerland)
• CollegeDekho (India)
• Magoosh (USA)
• Canam Consultants (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

 February 2023: IDP Education said it would expand its virtual counseling platform to reach students in remote parts of Asia and Africa to make study abroad training more accessible.April 2023: Kaplan, Inc. collaborated with a few universities in the United States to develop a scholarship-based program targeting students from developing countries and tailored training programs for TOEFL and GRE preparation.

 July 2023: the British Council developed an AI-driven IELTS preparation tool that could be used to improve learning experiences for students all around the world, representing one of the most advanced technological breakthroughs in language learning.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth. The study abroad training market is expected to move toward long-term growth due to heightened aspirations for international education among students as well as the growing number of middle class in countries. Despite the challenges unleashed by the pandemic, that event has accelerated digital transformations in favor of more innovation and inclusion in training provision but for it to be competitive, there needs to be surmounting of cost barriers, geopolitical uncertainties, and the emergence of free resources. On continued investments in technology, partnerships and diversification, the study abroad training industry has huge potential for defining the future of global education.