Image: Pro-stock Studio / Shutterstock.com.
In 2024, internet users in the EU engaged more in online learning compared to the previous year.
Approximately 33 per cent of internet users in the EU participated in online courses or used online learning materials, marking a 3 per cent increase from 2023.
Ireland had the highest share of online learners, with 61 per cent of internet users taking part in online education, followed by the Netherlands at 59 per cent and Finland at 53 per cent. On the other hand, countries like Romania (10 per cent), Cyprus (11 per cent), and Bulgaria (17 per cent) had significantly lower participation in online education.
Looking at specific online learning methods, 18 per cent of internet users took an online course in 2024, which involves a planned series of learning activities on a specific topic, often resulting in a qualification or certificate. Ireland led with 36 per cent of its internet users taking online courses, followed by Finland and Spain, both at 32 per cent.
Additionally, 29 per cent of internet users used online learning materials, which refer to educational, professional, or personal resources. The Netherlands (53 per cent), Ireland (52 per cent), and Finland (46 per cent) had the highest shares in this category.
Most Popular Online Courses
The most popular online courses in 2024 focused on Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. AI emerged as a key skill, with 40 per cent of the top courses covering the topic. Online learning was also used to enhance soft skills or satisfy personal curiosity. Platforms like Coursera reported an increasing preference for role-specific content to help learners prepare for particular jobs.
Despite the overall rise in online learning participation, online courses remain the least popular activity for internet users. Only 17 per cent of EU citizens aged 16 to 74 have used the internet for online courses, while another 17 per cent engaged in learning for personal purposes.
Communication remains the primary use of the internet for most people, with 85 per cent using it for phone calls, video calls, or messages, and 80 per cent using it for email.
