Nursing Education Market - By Educational Offerings, By Educational Delivery Mode, By Institution Type, By Gender - Global Forecast, 2025-2034

Nursing Education Market Size

The global nursing education market was valued at USD 26.6 billion in 2024. The market is expected to reach from USD 28.2 billion in 2025 to USD 49.4 billion in 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2034, according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc. The high market growth is attributed to the rising global demand for nurses, increasing prevalence of chronic and lifestyle diseases, technological advancements in education, and expanding healthcare infrastructure, among other contributing factors.

Nursing education is the structured process of training individuals to become competent nursing professionals. This includes theoretical teaching along with supervisions and practical work and the acquisition of skills in different areas of healthcare. It includes diploma and certificate courses along with undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programs aimed to equip students with skills to work as nurses, to take on advanced practices, and to assume leadership roles.
 

Leading players in the nursing education market include top institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Duke University, the University of Tokyo, King’s College London, and the Federal University of Health Sciences. They sustain their edge through curriculum innovation, online/hybrid program expansion, and strong clinical partnerships. Significant investments in research, faculty development, and global visibility further enhance their competitiveness.
 

The market has increased from USD 23.6 billion in 2021 and reached USD 25.7 billion in 2023, with the historic growth rate of 4.1%. This growth is the result of the rapid global expansion in the demand for nursing programs along with the shortages of skilled nurses, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the aging population that all assert the requirement for trained nurses.
 

Moreover, the global shortage of skilled nurses is increasing the demand for nursing education programs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there was a shortage of 5.9 million nurses in 2021, with the largest gaps in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported an annual growth of 203,200 job openings for registered nurses until 2031 due to the accelerated growth of the population aged 65 and over.
 

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reported a 3.3% increase in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs in 2022, reflecting the growing student interest in nursing careers. In 2023, the NHS England reported a shortage of 40,000 nurses, demonstrating the continued need for trained nursing professionals across developed healthcare markets.
 

Furthermore, public policies that encourage enrollment through scholarships, grants, and training subsidies act as significant drivers. Countries such as the U.S., UK, and India are implementing initiatives to address the nursing shortage by financially supporting both students and institutions, which is expected to further drive market growth in the coming years.
 

Nursing Education Market Trends

The nursing education market is experiencing several notable trends that are shaping its growth and development. Factors such as rising adoption of simulation-based training, increasing emphasis on specialized nursing programs, expansion of continuing education and lifelong learning, and growth of online and hybrid learning models, among other factors collectively driving industry growth.
 

• The pandemic accelerated the adoption of online platforms for the teaching of nursing, and now blended approaches that integrate virtual teaching with simulation and onsite clinical practice are the new standard. These options are convenient for international nursing students and practitioners alike and remove the need to relocate to access high-quality education.
   
• Healthcare employers are now more than ever searching for trained nurses in geriatrics, oncology, neonatology, and other critical areas. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) projected that employment for nurse practitioners, including specialists, will grow by 45% between 2022 and 2032.
   
• Meanwhile, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has reported in 2022 an increase of 8.7% in enrollment to master’s programs and 10.5% in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
   
• Educational institutions are responding by expanding their master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs to address the complex needs of diverse patient populations. Data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2023) shows that 23% of registered nurses now hold advanced degrees in specialized fields, up from 19% in 2021.
   
• Moreover, nursing curricula are also incorporating interprofessional education, where nursing students train alongside medical, pharmacy, and allied health students. This fosters teamwork, communication, and holistic care delivery skills, reflecting the rising need for collaborative approaches in complex healthcare environments and sustaining market growth.
   

Nursing Education Market Analysis

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Based on the educational offerings, the nursing education market is segmented into degree programs, specializations, and certificate/diploma programs. The degree programs segment has asserted its dominance in the market by securing a significant market share of 60.6% in 2024 owing to the rising demand for advanced practice nurses and the need for higher qualifications to address complex healthcare needs. Growing enrollment in BSN, MSN, and DNP programs further fuels market expansion. The segment is expected to exceed USD 31.3 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period.
 

On the other hand, the specializations segment is expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.7%. The growth of this segment is driven by increasing demand for expertise in fields like geriatrics, oncology, and critical care. Healthcare institutions seek highly skilled nurses to manage complex patient populations effectively.
 

• The degree programs segment continues to dominate the market. Healthcare employers increasingly prefer nurses with BSN, MSN, or higher qualifications to ensure better patient outcomes. Hospitals seeking magnet status also prioritize degree-educated nurses, which is driving enrollment in degree programs over diploma or certificate options.
   
• Degree programs emphasize research, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, which are essential for modern healthcare delivery. This shift pushes nursing students toward higher education pathways that provide strong academic and practical foundations.
   
• Further, the expansion of nursing responsibilities into leadership, policy-making, and advanced clinical practice has boosted demand for BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. Degree programs equip nurses with the competencies needed to handle broader professional responsibilities.
   
• The specializations segment held a revenue of USD 8.5 billion in 2024, with projections indicating a steady expansion at 5.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The segmental growth is driven by the shift toward personalized and precision healthcare, requiring nurses with advanced niche expertise. The growing emphasis on interprofessional education fosters specialized collaboration across healthcare disciplines. Additionally, rising government and institutional funding for advanced certification programs is encouraging nurses to pursue specialized career paths.
   
• The certificate/diploma programs segment held a revenue of USD 2 billion in 2024, with projections indicating a steady expansion at 5.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The growth of the segment is driven by their affordability and shorter duration, making them attractive for quick entry into the workforce. They provide flexible upskilling opportunities for practicing nurses seeking targeted competencies without committing to long-term degrees. Furthermore, increasing demand for vocational training in developing regions is boosting enrollment in such programs.
   

Based on educational delivery mode, the nursing education market is segmented into on-campus programs, hybrid programs, and online programs. The on-campus programs segment dominated the market in 2024, accounting for USD 13.9 billion, and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period.
 

• The nursing programs facilitated on the institute's premises have direct interaction with hospitals, clinics, and with the simulation labs for their practical training. This practical training, acquired on the job, helps polish the skills of the trainees to make them employable by the time they finish their degree.
   
• In-person education helps students to gain a great deal of practical help from the more experienced faculty members and also from their students. These contacts improve student’s abilities to work with others, communicate, and take up leadership positions, skills that are more challenging to acquire in remote settings.
   
• Many students and employers value traditional, structured education pathways. On-campus programs are perceived as more credible, offering rigorous academic oversight and established accreditation, which strengthens career opportunities.
   
• The hybrid programs segment accounted for significant revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% over the forecast period. The growth of the segment is the growing need for flexible learning models that balance theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical training. Advancements in digital platforms and simulation technologies are making hybrid education more effective and accessible. Additionally, these programs attract working professionals and international students by reducing relocation and scheduling barriers.
   
• The online programs segment held a revenue of USD 3.8 billion in 2024, with projections indicating a steady expansion at 7% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The segment is growing due to the increasing demand for remote learning programs that aim to resolve the barrier of distance learning. The affordability of remote learning systems in comparison to physical classrooms has a growing appeal to students. Also, an ever-increasing number of employers who are accepting online nursing degrees is helping to boost the enrollment numbers.
   

Based on institution type, the nursing education market is segmented into public institutions and private institutions. The public institutions segment dominated the market in 2024, accounting for USD 16.2 billion and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period.
 

• Public institutions and universities offer more affordable tuition compared to private institutions, thus making nursing education more accessible. This affordability is helpful to students from various socioeconomic statuses. As a result, enrollment rates in public nursing programs continue to grow steadily.
   
• Additionally, public nursing schools receive substantial government grants that assist them in the construction of modern educational infrastructure. This funding also enables schools to attract and retain highly qualified faculty, ensuring strong academic and clinical training standards.
   
• Government financial backing provides stability, allowing institutions to sustain operations even during economic fluctuations. It further encourages the expansion of nursing programs to meet rising healthcare workforce demands. Overall, this support strengthens the long-term growth and competitiveness of public nursing education institutions.
   
• The private institutions segment accounted for significant revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period. The segment is driven by their ability to offer specialized programs and innovative curricula tailored to emerging healthcare needs. They often provide state-of-the-art facilities and personalized learning experiences that attract high-achieving students. Additionally, strong industry partnerships and placement support enhance their appeal and market growth.
   

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Based on gender, the nursing education market is classified into female and male. The female segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 87.1% in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 44 billion in 2034.
 

• The proportion of female registered nurses is unusually high, for reasons relating to nursing’s longstanding association with care activities within the framework of enduring cultural ideals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) reported that women accounted for 87.4% of registered nurses, while men accounted for 12.6%.
   
• The National Nursing Workforce Survey (2022) has shown that even the women’s participation in nursing education programs is quite significant, as women represent 85.9% of the total nursing graduates. The World Health Organization's State of the World's Nursing Report (2024) shows that among 191 countries, the average female representation in nursing stands at 89%, demonstrating the profession's continued gender distribution pattern.
   
• Further, many nursing roles provide part-time, shift-based, or flexible schedules, making it easier for women to balance professional and family responsibilities. Degree programs and advanced training also offer options for flexible learning paths.
   
• The male segment held a revenue of USD 3.4 billion in 2024, with projections indicating a steady expansion at 4.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The segmental growth is driven by the growing awareness of gender diversity and inclusion in healthcare professions. Expanding career opportunities, competitive salaries, and leadership roles in nursing are attracting more men to the field. Additionally, targeted recruitment campaigns and scholarship programs for male nursing students are supporting increased participation.
   

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North America Nursing Education Market
 

North America dominated the market with the highest market share of 37.3% in 2024.
 

• The U.S. market was valued at USD 8.9 billion and USD 9.3 billion in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The market size reached USD 9.7 billion in 2024, growing from USD 9.5 billion in 2023, and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% between 2025 and 2034.
   
• The nursing shortage in North America stems from an aging nursing workforce and increasing patient demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), approximately 203,200 registered nurse positions need to be filled annually through 2031. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing reports that 22% of RNs plan to retire by 2024, potentially removing over 880,000 nurses from the workforce.
   
• The National Council of State Boards of Nursing indicates that 22% of RNs will retire by 2024 and will be removing 880,000 nurses from the workforce. This expands the gap and slowly declines the nursing program enrollment, which was 3.3% in 2022, as reported by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The nursing programs are to ensure a steady growth of competent nursing professionals.
   
• North American institutions are using the most modern teaching aids, simulation labs, AI-driven learning tools, virtual reality, and telehealth to complete the learner's set of practical skills for the field of nursing.
   
• Further, healthcare providers in the region increasingly require nurses with evidence-based practice skills and specialization in areas like critical care, oncology, and pediatrics. Nursing programs are adapting curricula to meet these professional standards.
  
   

Europe Nursing Education Market
 

Europe market accounted for USD 7.9 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• European countries provide financial aid to nursing students in the form of funding, scholarships, and other monetary rewards. This is to relieve the shortages in the sector. In 2023, the UK Government allocated USD 3.2 billion toward nursing education, which included USD 6,751 in annual maintenance grants toward nursing students. In 2022, Germany, through its “Nursing Care Reform Act,” invested USD 972.3 million toward the nursing education programs.
   
• The French government increased nursing education funding by 25% in 2023 compared to 2021, allocating USD 1.4 billion to support 16,000 additional nursing student positions. Government policies that support higher education and professional development encourage students to enroll in bachelor's and advanced nursing programs.
   
• Additionally, universities partner with public and private hospitals for clinical placements, research, and internships. These collaborations ensure hands-on training, improve employability, and make nursing programs more attractive to prospective students.
  
   

Asia Pacific Nursing Education Market
 

The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.9% during the analysis timeframe.
 

• The Asia Pacific region's large and growing population faces increasing rates of chronic diseases and lifestyle-related health conditions. According to WHO data from 2023, chronic diseases account for 71% of all deaths in the Western Pacific region. The Chinese government reported that diabetes cases increased from 116.4 million in 2021 to 140.5 million in 2023.
   
• In 2022, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that there is a shortage of 2.4 million nursing professionals in India. In an effort to combat such shortages, they have planned to provide 270,000 nurses by 2025. All these aspects of the health care system are a direct result of the booming economy, reflecting an increased demand for nursing education, which in turn drives the growth and development of nursing programs.
   
• Governments and private players are heavily investing in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This infrastructure growth creates strong demand for skilled nursing professionals, boosting enrollments in degree and diploma programs, thereby driving market growth.
  
   

Latin America Nursing Education Market
 

The Latin America market is experiencing robust growth over the analysis timeframe.
 

• The market in Latin America is supported by an increasing number of chronic diseases, the growing elderly population, and the rising demand for healthcare infrastructure, which requires highly skilled healthcare workers. To enhance the quality and increase the accessibility of healthcare in the region, government-subsidized public nursing schools, scholarships, and employment training programs are constructively employed throughout the region. There is also an increase in the complex needs of the patients, which is focusing on the advanced and specialized nursing roles like geriatric and critical care nursing.
   
• Additionally, the integration of technology such as simulation labs, e-learning, and other digital resources improves the quality of training and alters perceptions of nursing as a well-respected and financially stable career. This results in increased enrollment. Educational opportunities and training for both local and international practice are further expanded by private colleges and international partnerships.
   

Middle East and Africa Nursing Education Market
 

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) market is experiencing robust growth over the analysis timeframe.
 

• The regional growth is driven by a combination of healthcare expansion, workforce shortages, and government initiatives. Rapidly growing populations, rising prevalence of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases, and the development of modern hospitals and healthcare facilities have increased demand for skilled nurses. Governments in the region are investing in nursing schools, scholarships, and training programs to address shortages and improve healthcare quality.
   
• Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on specialized nursing roles, advanced practice education, and technological integration through simulation labs and e-learning platforms. The perception of nursing as a stable and respected career, along with international collaborations and accreditation opportunities, further fuels enrollment in nursing education programs.
   

Nursing Education Market Share

The global nursing education market is characterized by the presence of both public and private institutions, each striving to attract students through quality programs, modern facilities, and strong clinical affiliations. Public universities and colleges often leverage government funding, established reputations, and widespread geographic reach to maintain a significant market share, particularly in undergraduate and diploma programs.
 

Private institutions, on the other hand, compete by offering advanced curricula, international accreditations, flexible online or hybrid programs, and state-of-the-art simulation labs to attract both domestic and international students. Leading universities also focus on specialized nursing fields such as critical care, geriatrics, and oncology, creating differentiation in program offerings.
 

Global and regional players are increasingly forming partnerships with healthcare providers, technology companies, and international academic institutions to strengthen their program quality and employability outcomes for graduates. In addition, the adoption of digital learning platforms, AI-driven simulation, and telehealth training is emerging as a key differentiator in attracting tech-savvy students.
 

Competition is also influenced by government initiatives, scholarships, and policies promoting nursing education to address workforce shortages. As a result, institutions are continuously innovating curricula, expanding clinical partnerships, and investing in faculty development to enhance reputation, student outcomes, and market positioning in this increasingly dynamic and growing sector.
 

Nursing Education Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the nursing education industry include:

• AIIMS, New Delhi
• Duke University
• Federal University of Health Sciences
• Jamia Hamdard
• Johns Hopkins University
• Kings College London
• National University of Singapore
• Qatar University
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• The University of Tokyo
• University of Al-Azhar
• University of California
• University of Florida
• University of Manchester
• University of Pennsylvania
  
   
• Duke University

Recognized for its innovative curriculum and leadership in nursing informatics, Duke offers a strong emphasis on research and global health, preparing nurses for advanced practice and policy-making roles.
 

• Johns Hopkins University

Its integration with the Johns Hopkins Hospital system provides unmatched clinical training, while its global health initiatives and top-ranked research output make it a leader in advancing nursing science.
 

• University of Pennsylvania

Known for being consistently ranked among the top nursing schools, Penn Nursing combines rigorous academic programs with strong research funding and partnerships, creating a hub for nurse leaders and scholars.
 

Nursing Education Industry News:

• In August 2025, the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing had led an international collaboration across 20 Caribbean countries to strengthen nursing and midwifery workforce development. Recognized in a peer-reviewed publication, the project boosted Penn Nursing’s visibility and global funding competitiveness. It also enhanced international partnerships, supported cross-border policy alignment, and reinforced leadership in global nursing workforce strategies.
   
• In August 2025, the UCLA School of Nursing had joined the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) with Cedars-Sinai, Charles R. Drew University, and the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute to accelerate healthcare innovation. This collaboration is expected to strengthen UCLA’s access to research infrastructure, enhance funding competitiveness, and attract top talent. Benefiting the global market, it also improved translational training, promoted interdisciplinary research, and reinforced UCLA’s position as a leader in evidence-based nursing education.
   
• In April 2024, the University of Maryland School of Nursing launched a certificate program in data analysis and research methodology to enhance nurse evidence-based practice and quality improvement skills. This initiative is anticipated to support the university’s health informatics offerings and attract data-focused professionals. It also helped develop a workforce skilled in analytics and policy, preparing nurses for leadership in healthcare innovation.
   

The nursing education market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Educational Offerings

• Degree programs
• Specializations
• Certificate/diploma programs

Market, By Educational Delivery Mode

• On-campus programs
• Hybrid programs
• Online programs

Market, By Institution Type

• Public institutions
• Private institutions

Market, By Gender

• Female
• Male

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE