Global ELT
Annual Report 2026
The latest English Language Teaching (ELT) Report, which captures the current state of the global ELT market and provides outlook for the next 12 months
GLOBAL ELT ANNUAL REPORT 2026
About the report
How are the world's leading English Language Teaching (ELT) study destinations adapting to a rapidly changing market?
The global ELT landscape continues to evolve as study destinations respond to policy changes, shifting student demand and growing competitive pressures.
In this webinar, BONARD Education’s experts examined how leading ELT study destinations are navigating today’s market environment, responding to ongoing changes, and which strategies are expected to be most important for strengthening destination positioning in 2026/27.
"The ELT market continues to evolve, with destinations adapting to changing student demand, policy developments and increasing competition. Success in 2026/27 will depend on understanding these shifts, identifying emerging opportunities and making informed strategic decisions based on market intelligence.”
Ivana Bartosik, International Education Director
GLOBAL ELT ANNUAL REPORT 2026
The full report includes data on the following
Leading ELT study destinations
How leading ELT study destinations are navigating the current challenging market environment
Policy & market dynamics
How study destinations are responding to policy pressures, changing student demand and increased competition
Strategic outlook
What strategies will be most important for strengthening study destination positioning in 2026/2027
GLOBAL ELT ANNUAL REPORT 2026
GLOBAL ELT ANNUAL REPORT 2026
Key highlights
Second year of decline
The global ELT sector declined for the second consecutive year, with student numbers falling by 10% and student weeks by 14%.
Affordability reshaping demand
Rising tuition, accommodation and living costs are influencing destination choice, travel decisions and length of stay.
Diverging study destination performance
Australia saw the steepest decline, while South Africa and New Zealand recorded growth in both student numbers and student weeks.
Junior student mobility in China
Junior students are expected to remain the strongest opportunity for growth in China’s ELT market.
GLOBAL ELT ANNUAL REPORT 2026
Webinar
The report was presented during a dedicated webinar on Thursday, the 3th of September.
The webinar featured a panel discussion led by BONARD’s International Education Director, Dr Ivana Bartosik, who was joined by Jacqueline McCafferty (EnglishUSA), Jodie Gray (English UK), Ian Aird (English Australia), Gonzalo Peralta (Languages Canada), and Lorcan O'Conor (English Education Ireland)
CONTACT FORM
Report - Request form
Fill in the form to download the full report with key data and a one-year outlook for the English language sector
To further explore particular international education data and opportunities, please request to speak with one of our experts at education@bonard.com.
