This statistic presents the leading European countries by their level of English proficiency as of March 2019. According to data provided by Klazz, Sweden had the highest percentage of people who were proficient in English at ** percent of the population.

Argentina scored 562 out of a maximum of 800 points in the English Proficiency Index 2023. That was the highest score among all Latin American countries included in the survey. The Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, also received the highest English proficiency score among all the Latin American cities analyzed. Mexico and Haiti received the lowest scores in the region.

In 2023, the United Kingdom had the most students learning English as a foreign language and accounted for ** percent of the total worldwide. ****** in the list was Australia, where ** percent of students studying English as a foreign language were hosted.

Singapore scored 631 out of a maximum of 800 points in the English Proficiency Index 2022, the highest score across the selected Asian countries and territories. In contrast, Thailand reached an English Proficiency Index score of 416 that year.

Using data from reports such as the "English Proficiency Index" (EDU) from Education First, one can see the significant impact of culture, education and globalization on the ability of citizens of different countries to speak English.

In 2023, the growth in the number of students learning English as a foreign language was significant. New Zealand recorded a percentage growth of *** percent between 2022 and 2023.

In 2025, there were around 1.53 billion people worldwide who spoke English either natively or as a second language, slightly more than the 1.18 billion Mandarin Chinese speakers at the time of survey. Hindi and Spanish accounted for the third and fourth most widespread languages that year. Languages in the United States The United States does not have an official language, but the country uses English, specifically American English, for legislation, regulation, and other official pronouncements. The United States is a land of immigration, and the languages spoken in the United States vary as a result of the multicultural population. The second most common language spoken in the United States is Spanish or Spanish Creole, which over than 43 million people spoke at home in 2023. There were also 3.5 million Chinese speakers (including both Mandarin and Cantonese),1.8 million Tagalog speakers, and 1.57 million Vietnamese speakers counted in the United States that year. Different languages at home The percentage of people in the United States speaking a language other than English at home varies from state to state. The state with the highest percentage of population speaking a language other than English is California. About 45 percent of its population was speaking a language other than English at home in 2023.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global English Proficiency Test market size is USD 2965.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.70% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1186.20 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 889.65 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 682.07 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share for more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 148.28 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa hada market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 59.31 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Employers category is experiencing the fastest growth in the English Proficiency Test Market. The rising trend of multinational companies and the global nature of business operations necessitate a workforce proficient in English.

Market Dynamics of English Proficiency Test Market

Key Drivers for English Proficiency Test Market

Increasing Global Mobility of Students and Professionals to Increase the Demand Globally

The increasing global mobility of students and professionals is a significant driver in the English Proficiency Test Market. As educational institutions worldwide, particularly in English-speaking countries, attract a growing number of international students, the need for standardized English proficiency assessments becomes critical. Similarly, professionals seeking employment opportunities in multinational corporations or pursuing career advancements in global markets must demonstrate their English language capabilities. This trend is fueled by globalization and the widespread recognition of English as the lingua franca of business, academia, and technology, thereby boosting the demand for reliable and comprehensive English proficiency tests.

Rising Demand for English in Non-English Speaking Regions to Propel Market Growth

The rising demand for English language skills in non-English speaking regions is another crucial driver of the English Proficiency Test Market. As countries in Asia, Latin America, and Europe increasingly integrate into the global economy, proficiency in English becomes a valuable asset for individuals and businesses. Governments and educational systems in these regions are incorporating English language education into their curricula, and companies are investing in language training for their employees to enhance competitiveness. This growing emphasis on English proficiency is creating substantial opportunities for test providers to expand their offerings and cater to a broader audience, further propelling market growth.

Restraint Factor for the English Proficiency Test Market

High Cost of Test Preparation and Registration Fees to Limit the Sales

A significant restraint in the English Proficiency Test Market is the high cost of test preparation and registration fees. Many potential test-takers, especially students and professionals from developing countries, find these costs prohibitive. The expense of preparatory courses, study materials, and the tests themselves can deter individuals from taking the exams, limiting their opportunities for education and employment in English-speaking regions. This financial barrier not only affects individuals but also impacts the overall market growth, as it reduces the number of people who can afford to demonstrate their English proficiency through standardized tests.

Limited Accessibility in Rural and Remote Regions

One key restraint in the English proficiency test market is the limited availability of authorized test centers and digital infrastructure in rural and remote areas. Many prospective candidates, especially in developing countries, face challenges in reaching testing locations or accessing reliable internet for online examinations. This restricts participation and limits the market’s growth potential in under...

This statistic shows the results of a 2011 survey among American adults on the most important words or phrases one should know when traveling in a non-English speaking country. According to 38 percent, "Thank you" is the most important phrase to know in the respective language when traveling abroad.

As per Cognitive Market Research's latest published report, the Global English Language Learning market size will be $48,053.50 Million by 2028. English Language Learning Industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate will be 6.32% from 2023 to 2030. Key Dynamics of

English Language Learning Market

Key Drivers of

English Language Learning Market

The phenomenon of globalization and the prevalence of English in both business and academia: English continues to serve as the global lingua franca for commerce, higher education, aviation, and diplomatic relations. Both individuals and institutions are investing in English language acquisition to improve employability, gain access to international opportunities, and engage in the exchange of global knowledge.

The growing use of digital learning platforms and mobile applications: Language learning applications, virtual tutors, and AI-enhanced platforms are making the process of learning English more accessible, tailored, and engaging. This technology-driven approach is rapidly proliferating across educational institutions, workplaces, and households around the globe.

Government-supported language education policies and initiatives: Numerous governments are incorporating English as a second language into their national education systems and providing financial support or programs aimed at enhancing proficiency among students and civil servants, particularly in regions such as Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Key Restraints for

English Language Learning Market

The high expense associated with premium courses and certifications: High-quality English language programs, particularly those that feature native instructors or preparation for standardized tests (such as IELTS and TOEFL), can be costly, thereby restricting access for learners from lower-income backgrounds or public educational institutions in underprivileged areas.

The digital divide and inadequate infrastructure in remote locations: Access to online resources for learning English is limited in rural or low-connectivity areas. The absence of devices, reliable internet, or digital literacy skills obstructs the fair adoption of e-learning solutions.

The absence of standardized learning outcomes and quality assurance: With a multitude of providers and diverse curricula available, learners may encounter inconsistent quality, disorganized learning pathways, and challenges in measuring genuine proficiency improvements, particularly outside of formal educational frameworks.

Key Trends in English Language Learning Market

Gamification and AI personalization in language learning applications: Platforms are utilizing AI, speech recognition, and gamified elements to develop interactive and adaptive learning experiences that enhance motivation, retention, and learner engagement.

Increase in English for specific purposes (ESP) programs: Tailored English training for sectors such as medicine, engineering, law, and tourism is on the rise. These specialized programs align language competencies with professional requirements, providing greater ROI for both learners and employers.

Growth of hybrid learning models and virtual classrooms: Blended learning—integrating in-person sessions with digital resources—is gaining traction in educational institutions and corporate environments, allowing for flexibility while preserving the quality of teacher-led instruction. Introduction to English Language Learning

Language learning is a process which involves listening, speaking, reading, writing and other processes by which learners acquire the ability to learn another language. English language has become a necessity in order to sustain a competitive world. In today's globalized world there are many reasons to learn a foreign language and many several benefits to studying English specifically.

English language learning improves and widens employment prospects, improves confidents and person can start a life in English-speaking country and many other benefits. To learn English, a range of different programmes are employed to structure the English language education. These programme models differ depending on the goals of the program and available resources.

There are wide array of ways to learn English language including offline learning, online learning and blended learning. Nowadays studen...

As of February 2025, English was the most popular language for web content, with over 49.4 percent of websites using it. Spanish ranked second, with six percent of web content, while the content in the German language followed, with 5.6 percent. English as the leading online language United States and India, the countries with the most internet users after China, are also the world's biggest English-speaking markets. The internet user base in both countries combined, as of January 2023, was over a billion individuals. This has led to most of the online information being created in English. Consequently, even those who are not native speakers may use it for convenience. Global internet usage by regions As of October 2024, the number of internet users worldwide was 5.52 billion. In the same period, Northern Europe and North America were leading in terms of internet penetration rates worldwide, with around 97 percent of its populations accessing the internet.

The global English Language Learning market size was valued at USD 43,510 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.0% from 2025 to 2033. The market growth is attributed to the increasing demand for English language proficiency in various sectors, such as business, education, and tourism. The growing popularity of digital learning platforms and the increasing number of English language learners in non-native English-speaking countries are also contributing to the market's growth. Key market drivers include the rising globalization of businesses, the increasing number of international students, and the growing popularity of English language proficiency tests. Key market trends include the adoption of digital learning platforms, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for personalized learning, and the growing demand for English language learning in emerging markets. Key market restraints include the lack of qualified English language teachers and the high cost of English language learning programs. The market is segmented by type (digital, through books, in person courses, and application), application (for kids and teens, for adults, for businesses, and for educational and tests), and region (North America, South America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific). This comprehensive report offers in-depth insights into the global English language learning industry, analyzing market trends, growth drivers, challenges, and key industry players.

English Proficiency Test Market Outlook

The global market size for English proficiency tests was valued at approximately USD 2.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 5.1 billion by 2032, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during the forecast period. The growth of the English Proficiency Test market is primarily driven by the increasing globalization of educational and professional opportunities, coupled with the rising importance of English as a global lingua franca.

One of the significant growth factors for the English Proficiency Test market is the burgeoning demand for higher education in English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Students from non-English speaking countries are increasingly required to demonstrate their English language capabilities to gain admission into these institutions. This demand has led to the proliferation of various standardized English tests tailored to assess the language proficiency of non-native speakers. Additionally, the increasing number of international student exchange programs and scholarships further propels the demand for these tests.

Another key driver is the growing trend of global migration for employment purposes. Many multinational corporations and organizations require proof of English proficiency during the hiring process, especially for roles that necessitate extensive communication with international clients or teams. Governments in English-speaking nations have also established English language proficiency as a prerequisite for work visas and immigration, further bolstering the market. The globalization of the workforce and the rise of remote working models have added to the demand for standardized English tests.

Technological advancements in education and assessment systems have also significantly contributed to market growth. The advent of online testing platforms has made it easier for candidates to take English proficiency tests from any location, thereby increasing accessibility and convenience. Online platforms also enable advanced features like instant scoring, personalized feedback, and adaptive testing, making the assessment process more efficient and user-friendly. These technological innovations are expected to continue driving market expansion.

Regionally, the Asia-Pacific region exhibits the highest growth potential in the English Proficiency Test market. Countries like China, India, and South Korea are investing heavily in English education to enhance global competitiveness. The region's growing middle class and increasing emphasis on education and professional development contribute to the rising demand for English proficiency tests. Additionally, regional policies encouraging international education and employment opportunities further support market growth in this region.

Test Type Analysis

The English Proficiency Test market is segmented by test type, including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge English Exams, and others. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) holds a significant share due to its widespread acceptance by educational institutions, employers, and immigration authorities in English-speaking countries. The comprehensive nature of the IELTS test, which evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, makes it a preferred choice for many candidates. Continuous updates to the test format and scoring mechanisms also keep it relevant and widely recognized.

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is another dominant segment, particularly favored by academic institutions in the United States and Canada. TOEFL's focus on academic English makes it suitable for students aiming to pursue higher education in these countries. The test's integration with digital platforms for registration, preparation, and results distribution enhances its accessibility and appeal. The availability of various TOEFL test versions, including the internet-based test (iBT) and the paper-delivered test, caters to different candidate preferences and regional constraints.

The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic has been gaining traction due to its fully computerized format and quick result turnaround. Its algorithmic scoring system reduces human bias and provides a more objective assessment of English proficiency. The PTE Academic test is recognized by numerous universities and governments, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, making it a popular choice among students and immigrants. Continuous improvements in test delivery and scorin

English Language Learning Market size was valued at USD 29.48 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 63.56 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.08% from 2026 to 2032.

Key Market Drivers:

Globalization and International Business Communication: The growing demand for English proficiency in worldwide business is a major driver of the English language learning market. According to a British Council report, 1.75 billion people worldwide speak English at a useful level, with that figure expected to rise to 2 billion by 2020. The expanding use of English in international business situations is driving up the demand for English language learning programs and services.

Growth in International Student Mobility: The growing number of students studying abroad, particularly in English-speaking nations, is driving up demand for English language learning. According to UNESCO, there were over 5.6 million international students worldwide in 2020, with English-speaking countries being popular destinations. This trend increases the need for English language preparatory courses and assessments.

Saudi Arabia SA: International Migrant Stock: Total data was reported at 10,185,945.000 Person in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 8,429,956.000 Person for 2010. Saudi Arabia SA: International Migrant Stock: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 4,199,732.500 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2015, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10,185,945.000 Person in 2015 and a record low of 63,389.000 Person in 1960. Saudi Arabia SA: International Migrant Stock: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. International migrant stock is the number of people born in a country other than that in which they live. It also includes refugees. The data used to estimate the international migrant stock at a particular time are obtained mainly from population censuses. The estimates are derived from the data on foreign-born population--people who have residence in one country but were born in another country. When data on the foreign-born population are not available, data on foreign population--that is, people who are citizens of a country other than the country in which they reside--are used as estimates. After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 people living in one of the newly independent countries who were born in another were classified as international migrants. Estimates of migrant stock in the newly independent states from 1990 on are based on the 1989 census of the Soviet Union. For countries with information on the international migrant stock for at least two points in time, interpolation or extrapolation was used to estimate the international migrant stock on July 1 of the reference years. For countries with only one observation, estimates for the reference years were derived using rates of change in the migrant stock in the years preceding or following the single observation available. A model was used to estimate migrants for countries that had no data.; ; United Nations Population Division, Trends in Total Migrant Stock: 2012 Revision.; Sum;

This Dataset, in 29 files of xlsx format, contains the data of all metrics and accumulated information as they are described in the methodology, results and discussion section of the research article "Exploring the Dominance of the English Language on the Websites of EU Countries".

Chile CL: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data was reported at 2.616 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.171 % for 2010. Chile CL: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 1.434 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2015, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.616 % in 2015 and a record low of 0.818 % in 1990. Chile CL: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Chile – Table CL.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. International migrant stock is the number of people born in a country other than that in which they live. It also includes refugees. The data used to estimate the international migrant stock at a particular time are obtained mainly from population censuses. The estimates are derived from the data on foreign-born population--people who have residence in one country but were born in another country. When data on the foreign-born population are not available, data on foreign population--that is, people who are citizens of a country other than the country in which they reside--are used as estimates. After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 people living in one of the newly independent countries who were born in another were classified as international migrants. Estimates of migrant stock in the newly independent states from 1990 on are based on the 1989 census of the Soviet Union. For countries with information on the international migrant stock for at least two points in time, interpolation or extrapolation was used to estimate the international migrant stock on July 1 of the reference years. For countries with only one observation, estimates for the reference years were derived using rates of change in the migrant stock in the years preceding or following the single observation available. A model was used to estimate migrants for countries that had no data.;United Nations Population Division, Trends in Total Migrant Stock: 2008 Revision.;Weighted average;

The data collected aim to test whether English proficiency levels in a country are positively associated with higher democratic values in that country. English proficiency is sourced from statistics by Education First’s "EF English Proficiency Index" which covers countries' scores for the calendar year 2022 and 2021. The EF English Proficiency Index ranks 111 countries in five different categories based on their English proficiency scores that were calculated from the test results of 2.1 million adults. While democratic values are operationalized through the liberal democracy index from the V-Dem Institute annual report for 2022 and 2021. Additionally, the data is utilized to test whether English language media consumption acts as a mediating variable between English proficiency and democracy levels in a country, while also looking at other possible regression variables. In order to conduct the linear regression analyses for the dats, the software that was utilized for this research was Microsoft Excel.The raw data set consists of 90 nation states in two years from 2022 and 2021. The raw data is utilized for two separate data sets the first of which is democracy indicators which has the regression variables of EPI, HDI, and GDP. For this table set there is a total of 360 data entries. HDI scores are a statistical summary measure that is developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which measures the levels of human development in 190 countries. The data for nominal gross domestic product scores (GDP) are sourced from the World Bank. Having strong regression variables that have been proven to have a positive link with democracy in the data analysis such as GDP and HDI, would allow the regression analysis to identify whether there is a true relationship between English proficiency and democracy levels in a country. While the second data set has a total of 720 data entries and aims to identify English proficiency indicators the data set has 7 various regression variables which include, LDI scores, Years of Mandatory English Education, Heads of States Publicly speaking English, GDP PPP (2021USD), Common Wealth, BBC web traffic and CNN web traffic. The data for years of mandatory English education is sourced from research at the University of Winnipeg and is coded in the data set based on the number of years a country has English as a mandatory subject. The range of this data is from 0 to 13 years of English being mandatory. It is important to note that this data only concerns public schools and does not extend to the private school systems in each country. The data for heads of state publicly speaking English was done through a video data analysis of all heads of state. The data was only used for heads of state who had been in their position for at least a year to ensure the accuracy of the data collected; with a year in power, for heads of state that had not been in their position for a year, data was taken from the previous head of state. This data only takes into account speeches and interviews that were conducted during their incumbency. The data for each country’s GDP PPP scores are sourced from the World Bank, which was last updated for a majority of the countries in 2021 and is tied to the US dollar. Data for the commonwealth will only include members of the commonwealth that have been historically colonized by the United Kingdom. Any country that falls under that category will be coded as 1 and any country that does not will be coded as 0. For BBC and CNN web traffic that data is sourced by using tools in Semrush which provide a rough estimate of how much web traffic each news site generates in each country. Which will be utilized to identify the average number of web traffic for BBC News and CNN World News for both the 2021 and 2022 calendar. The traffic for each country will also be measured per capita, per 10 thousand people to ensure that the population density of a country does not influence the results. The population of each country for both 2021 and 2022 is sourced from the United Nations revision of World Population Prospects of both 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Poland PL: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data was reported at 1.604 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.665 % for 2010. Poland PL: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 2.011 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2015, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.953 % in 1990 and a record low of 1.604 % in 2015. Poland PL: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Poland – Table PL.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. International migrant stock is the number of people born in a country other than that in which they live. It also includes refugees. The data used to estimate the international migrant stock at a particular time are obtained mainly from population censuses. The estimates are derived from the data on foreign-born population--people who have residence in one country but were born in another country. When data on the foreign-born population are not available, data on foreign population--that is, people who are citizens of a country other than the country in which they reside--are used as estimates. After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 people living in one of the newly independent countries who were born in another were classified as international migrants. Estimates of migrant stock in the newly independent states from 1990 on are based on the 1989 census of the Soviet Union. For countries with information on the international migrant stock for at least two points in time, interpolation or extrapolation was used to estimate the international migrant stock on July 1 of the reference years. For countries with only one observation, estimates for the reference years were derived using rates of change in the migrant stock in the years preceding or following the single observation available. A model was used to estimate migrants for countries that had no data.; ; United Nations Population Division, Trends in Total Migrant Stock: 2008 Revision.; Weighted average;

North Korea KP: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data was reported at 0.193 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.180 % for 2010. North Korea KP: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 0.169 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2015, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.193 % in 2015 and a record low of 0.158 % in 2000. North Korea KP: International Migrant Stock: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s North Korea – Table KP.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. International migrant stock is the number of people born in a country other than that in which they live. It also includes refugees. The data used to estimate the international migrant stock at a particular time are obtained mainly from population censuses. The estimates are derived from the data on foreign-born population--people who have residence in one country but were born in another country. When data on the foreign-born population are not available, data on foreign population--that is, people who are citizens of a country other than the country in which they reside--are used as estimates. After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 people living in one of the newly independent countries who were born in another were classified as international migrants. Estimates of migrant stock in the newly independent states from 1990 on are based on the 1989 census of the Soviet Union. For countries with information on the international migrant stock for at least two points in time, interpolation or extrapolation was used to estimate the international migrant stock on July 1 of the reference years. For countries with only one observation, estimates for the reference years were derived using rates of change in the migrant stock in the years preceding or following the single observation available. A model was used to estimate migrants for countries that had no data.; ; United Nations Population Division, Trends in Total Migrant Stock: 2008 Revision.; Weighted average;