Massive Open Online Courses Market Analysis

Course Type (Free MOOCs, Paid MOOCs, Freemium MOOCs)

The freemium model segment in the massive open online courses (MOOC) market is projected to dominate with a share of 36.4% in 2037, owing to its offerings for free access to course content with optional paid features. This approach allows users to explore and engage with basic learning resources at no cost while providing the opportunity to upgrade for additional benefits. These benefits include certificates, graded assignments, or exclusive materials. The flexibility of freemium courses attracts a broad audience, including those seeking casual learning, and professionals pursuing certifications. This makes it a powerful driver of user engagement and growth of the segment in the market. In July 2024, Jaro Education announced the launch of Industry-Oriented Freemium Courses under the Lifelong Learning Initiative, designed specifically to prepare the Indian workforce for the future. Such factors are anticipated to further drive the massive open online courses market growth.

Business Model (Subscription-based, Pay-as-you-go, Corporate sponsorships, Government funding)

The subscription-based segments in the business model are gaining traction as these models offer unlimited access to a wide range of courses for a recurring monthly or annual fee. Subscription plans appeal to users who are committed to continuous learning and skill development, providing a cost-effective way to access multiple courses, rather than paying individually. This approach fosters long-term user engagement, as learners are incentivized to explore diverse subjects and stay active on the platform. In September 2021, Scaler Academy announced the launch of a subscription-based upskilling program that was aimed at recreating a college campus-like experience for tech professionals. Market activities, such as this, are boosting the segment’s growth and adoption considerably.

Our in-depth analysis of the massive open online courses (MOOC) market includes the following segments

Platform Type	XMOOC (eXtended Massive Open Online Course) CMOOC (Connectivist Massive Open Online Course)
Subject Area	Business management Computer science and programming Science Humanities Social sciences Health and medicine Education and teaching Engineering Arts and design Mathematics Personal development
Course Type	Free MOOCs Paid MOOCs Freemium MOOCs (basic course free, with paid certificates or additional content)
Learner Type	High school students Undergraduate students Graduate students Corporate learners Professionals Lifelong learners
Provider	Universities Private companies Government organizations
Delivery Mode	Self-paced Instructor-led
Language	English Spanish Mandarin Others
Business Model	Subscription-based Pay-as-you-go Corporate sponsorships Government funding

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In the year 2024, the industry size of the massive open online courses market was over USD 5.6 billion.

The market size for the massive open online courses market is projected to reach USD 26.1 billion by the end of 2037 expanding at a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037.

The major players in the market are edX, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Udacity, and others.

In terms of course type segment, the freemium MOOCs segment is anticipated to garner the largest market share by 2037 and display lucrative growth opportunities during 2025-2037.

The market in North America is projected to hold the largest market share of 33.7% by the end of 2037 and provide more business opportunities in the future.

Massive Open Online Courses Market Analysis