A major consolidation is set to reshape the global online learning market as Coursera and Udemy move to combine their platforms.
Coursera and Udemy announced on Wednesday that they have entered into a merger agreement valued at around $2.5 billion. Under the deal, Coursera will acquire Udemy in an all stock transaction, bringing together two of the largest digital learning companies in the world.
The companies said the merger is expected to close in the second half of next year, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent. Once completed, the combined entity aims to strengthen its position across consumer learning, enterprise training, and professional upskilling.
The announcement comes at a difficult period for both firms. Although Coursera and Udemy reported revenue growth in the third quarter of 2025, their share prices declined, reflecting investor concerns about growth and profitability in the competitive online education market.
By joining forces, the companies said they aim to reassure shareholders that their combined scale, content libraries, and enterprise reach can deliver near term value as well as long term growth.
“Through this combination with Coursera, we will create meaningful benefits for our learners, enterprise customers, and instructors, while delivering significant value to our shareholders, who will participate in the substantial upside potential of the combined company,” Udemy CEO Hugo Sarrazin said in a statement.
The merger is also expected to accelerate investments in artificial intelligence driven learning tools. Sarrazin said the combined company will move faster in launching AI powered products as demand for flexible and personalised learning continues to rise.
Coursera recently announced an integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT ecosystem and a content partnership with Anthropic. The merger news follows closely after Udemy introduced its new “AI-powered microlearning experience,” which focuses on shorter and more personalized lessons designed for busy professionals.
Both companies believe the combined platform will be better equipped to address how AI is reshaping the workplace. As AI skills become essential across industries, demand for structured and accessible learning is growing rapidly. Recent data shows that job postings requiring AI skills have increased sharply, and surveys indicate that 1 in 3 hiring managers may overlook candidates who lack these capabilities.
Coursera CEO Greg Hart said, “We’re at a pivotal moment in which AI is rapidly redefining the skills required for every job across every industry. Organizations and individuals around the world need a platform that is as agile as the new and emerging skills learners must master.”
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