The Global Education Outlook is HolonIQ's annual analysis on the future of education. The 2025 edition presents over 180 pages of detailed market data, investment & analysis, strategic shifts and trends in education.
The global education market is set to reach almost $10T by 2030, with EarlyChildhood and Workforce Education the fastest growing segments. Angst around AI in education moves toward practical implementation as generative tools become more deeply embedded into standard applications. Investment levels remain in the doldrums, with a ‘back to basics’ mantra from investors. Governments will turn on the taps for vocational education, and international ed is likely to continue one step forward, two steps back.
2025 Global Education Outlook
180 pages of data, insights and analysis on the new education economy
The education market is projected to reach almost US$ 10 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%, driven by several key factors. In the ECE sector, governments are increasing spending through targeted policies and tax incentives. With rising awareness of the long-term benefits of early education and the growing demand for qualified educators, the sector is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7% by 2030. However, workforce shortages pose challenges to this growth. The K-12 education sector is expected to grow at 3.5% CAGR, supported by higher participation rates in emerging economies and significant investment in digital infrastructure. In developed regions, declining birth rates may limit growth potential in this sector.
Post-Secondary Education is projected to grow at 4% CAGR, driven by the increasing acceptance of online learning and government incentives for vocational education. However, rising competition from alternative credentials, strict immigration policies, and high education costs could dampen this growth.
The 6.5% CAGR projected for the Workforce Training segment is fueled by government investments in skill development and the increasing need for upskilling in response to changing labor market dynamics. Constraints on discretionary spending and economic volatility could slow growth.
Figure 1. Government and Private Share of Total Education Spending by Region and Sector, 2023
Investment Trends
2024 saw $1.8B of EdTech Venture Capital, representing the lowest level of investment since 2014, and 2% of total VC since 2010. The hype of 2021 is well and truly over, with greater investor emphasis on the path to profitability. There were 300 M&A deals, with a mix of strategics and PE transactions, 4 IPOs and a handful of take privates with private equity actively pursuing segment leaders.
Figure 2. Global Education Venture Capital Funding, 2010 –2024 in USD Billions
2025 Global Education Outlook
180 pages of data, insights and analysis on the new education economy
HolonIQ’s analysis identifies 20 strategic shifts and 50+ trends across early childhood, K-12, post secondary education, and workforce training. Over the next decade, skills will take center stage as new methods emerge to assess and develop essential future competencies. Technology will continue to drive innovative learning models and experiences, while the gap between research and practice narrows, with a greater emphasis on evidence-based approaches. Holistic education, focused on nurturing both academic and personal growth, will play a critical role in learner success. Sector, sub-sector, and regional insights shed light on strategies, market conditions, workforce changes, and disruptions expected in the coming year and beyond.
Figure 3. Global Education Trends, HolonIQ Platform
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