In the winter semester of 2023/24, the obvious majority of students in Germany were enrolled in universities, followed by universities of applied sciences. Smaller numbers were distributed in higher education establishments with a specific subject focus. Class in session In general, for higher education the German academic year is split into the winter and summer semester. Actual class starting and ending dates may differ depending on the type of university or college attended, as well as the type of course. In most cases, the German winter semester starts in October and ends in March, while the summer semester begins in April and ends in September. The time during the semester when no classes take place is called the non-lecture period (vorlesungsfreie Zeit), otherwise known among students as semester vacation (Semesterferien). On average, German university graduates who completed their first degree studied for eight semesters. It is not uncommon to consider a second degree, after getting a Bachelors, for example a Masters . Tuition-free First-year student numbers have dropped between 2019 and 2022, most probably due to universities being closed and only operating online, because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, numbers have been increasing again since 2023. Optimistically so, the number of students taking out a loan to finance their studies has been generally decreasing, as all 16 German states have abolished tuition fees for first degrees, although there has been an increase again after a low during the corona pandemic.

Snapshot img

Alternative Non Credential Courses Market Size 2024-2028

The alternative non credential courses market size is forecast to increase by USD 15.38 billion at a CAGR of 23.31% between 2023 and 2028. The growth of m-learning is driven by the rising prominence of alternative non-credentialing, the availability of open educational resources, and the emergence of virtual schools. These trends cater to the increasing demand for flexible and accessible education options. However, the market faces challenges such as inadequate cybersecurity measures, which raise concerns over data privacy and safety. Additionally, traditional degree programs pose a competitive threat, as they continue to be valued for their established credibility and recognition. Furthermore, limited demand from developing economies hampers market expansion, as these regions often lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to support m-learning effectively. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the sustained growth and broader adoption of m-learning platforms globally. The report includes historic market data from 2018 - 2022.

Overview of the Market

Request Free Sample

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Boston University: The company offers alternative non credential courses such as MS in Applied Business Analytics, and MS in Supply Chain Management.

The market report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including:

Blue Mountain Community College
Boston University
Colorado State University
Columbia University
Elmira College
Harvard University
Michigan Technological University
Montgomery College
New York Institute of Finance Inc.
New York University
Southern New Hampshire University
Stanford University
Temple University
Tennessee Tech
University of Arkansas
University of Cape Town
University of Illinois
University of Pennsylvania
University of Southern Indiana
University System of New Hampshire
Wake Technical Community College
Yale University

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market research and growth and players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 58% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have provided extensive insight into market forecasting, detailing the regional trends and drivers influencing the market's trajectory throughout the forecast years.

View the Bestselling Market Report Instantly

M-learning refers to mobile learning, enabling students to access educational content on their smartphones or tablets. Open educational resources are freely available materials, often digital, for self-directed learning. Virtual schools deliver instruction online, while internet-enabled devices facilitate remote access to educational content. Non-traditional courses in this market include digital badges, micro-credentials, workshops, bootcamps, and industry certifications. Publishers play a crucial role in producing and promoting these courses, while vendor selection methodologies ensure that learners choose high-quality offerings. Qualitative and quantitative research are essential for evaluating the effectiveness and value of these courses. Skill acquisition is a primary focus of the Market, with practical skills being a significant concern for employers.

Job requirements continue to evolve, necessitating reskilling and upskilling. Training providers offer various solutions to meet these demands, including hybrid and blended learning models. Skill assessment, adaptive learning paths, and blockchain technology facilitate credential verification and lifelong learning. Information technology sectors, such as data science and digital marketing, are major contributors to the Alternative Non-Credential Courses Market. Collaborations between educational institutions, industry partners, and edtech companies are driving standardization, validity, and comparability in these offerings. Employers increasingly adopt skills-based hiring practices, making it essential for learners to acquire relevant, in-demand skills. Economic uncertainties further emphasize the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

Market Segmentation

The non-institutional segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. There ar

In the winter semester 2024/25, around 2.87 million students were enrolled in German universities. This was a slight decrease compared to the previous year, but still around 250,000 more than ten years ago, demonstrating that higher education is becoming a more popular option for people in Germany. Students at German universities The majority of students in Germany are studying to get a bachelor’s degree, however, a significant growing number of students also go on to do a master’s degree. German universities offer students the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects - humanities as well as sciences. The most popular subjects to study among German students in recent years have been law, economics, and social sciences, followed by engineering. Although there are different institutions at which students in Germany can pursue higher education, most students opt to study at a university or university of applied sciences. These types of institutions also offer the most courses for students to choose from. Private universities As well as having state-funded universities, there are also private universities in Germany. As the name suggests, this means that they are not funded by the state, and therefore students must pay the fees for each semester themselves. This model of higher education is more similar to the one found in England or the U.S. Despite the higher tuition fees, the most popular university in Germany is currently a private one, suggesting that there are possibly some advantages to paying more for your education. It is important to note that comparatively only a very small percentage of students attend private universities. This is likely since they are more expensive, and shows the importance of keeping university affordable so that everyone can have the opportunity to pursue further education.