Online University Education - South Africa

South Africa

Highlights

Revenue in the Online University Education market is projected to reach US$355.20m in 2024.
Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 6.17%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$479.20m by 2029.
In the Online University Education market, the number of users is expected to amount to 112.1k users by 2029.
User penetration will be 0.1% in 2024 and is expected to hit 0.2% by 2029.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to amount to US$4.56k.
In global comparison, most revenue will be generated United States (US$82.30bn in 2024).
With a projected rate of 2.3%, the user penetration in the Online University Education market is highest United States.

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The Online University Education market in South Africa is experiencing significant growth and development.

Customer preferences: Customers in South Africa are increasingly turning to online university education as a flexible and convenient alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. The ability to access courses and lectures remotely allows students to study at their own pace and from any location with an internet connection. This is particularly appealing to working professionals and individuals who may not have the time or resources to attend physical classes. Additionally, online university education offers a wide range of course options, allowing students to pursue their specific interests and career goals.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the online university education market in South Africa is the increasing availability and quality of online courses and programs. Many reputable universities and educational institutions are now offering online versions of their degree programs, ensuring that students receive the same level of education and accreditation as their on-campus counterparts. This has helped to overcome the stigma that online education is of lower quality or less rigorous. As a result, more students are opting for online university education as a viable and respected option. Another trend in the market is the rise of online platforms and learning management systems that facilitate the delivery of online courses. These platforms provide a user-friendly interface for students to access course materials, interact with instructors and classmates, and submit assignments. They also offer features such as discussion forums and virtual classrooms, which enhance the online learning experience and foster a sense of community among students.

Local special circumstances: South Africa has a large population of young people who are eager to pursue higher education. However, the country faces challenges in terms of access to quality education, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Online university education can help bridge this gap by providing a more accessible and affordable option for students who may not have the means to relocate or commute to a physical campus. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online learning in South Africa, as educational institutions were forced to shift to remote teaching and learning due to lockdown restrictions.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The development of the online university education market in South Africa is also influenced by macroeconomic factors. The country has a relatively high unemployment rate, and many individuals are seeking to enhance their skills and qualifications to improve their job prospects. Online university education offers a flexible and cost-effective way to acquire new knowledge and credentials, making it an attractive option for those looking to upskill or reskill. Furthermore, South Africa has a rapidly expanding internet penetration rate, with more people gaining access to the internet and digital technologies. This has created a conducive environment for the growth of the online education sector, as more individuals are able to connect and engage in online learning. In conclusion, the Online University Education market in South Africa is experiencing growth and development due to customer preferences for flexible and convenient learning options, the increasing availability and quality of online courses, the rise of online platforms and learning management systems, local special circumstances such as the need for accessible education and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and underlying macroeconomic factors such as the desire to improve job prospects and the expanding internet penetration rate.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and represent what consumers pay for these products and services. The user metrics show the number of customers who have made at least one online purchase within the past 12 months.

Modeling approach / Market size:

Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies, third-party studies and reports, as well as survey results from our primary research (e.g., the Statista Global Consumer Survey). In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, GDP per capita, and internet connection speed. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing. The main drivers are internet users, urban population, usage of key players, and attitudes toward online services.

Additional notes:

The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. GCS data is reweighted for representativeness.