Online learning platforms Coursera and Udemy have agreed to merge in an all-stock transaction valuing the combined company at roughly $2.5 billion, in one of the largest consolidations in the global education technology (EdTech) sector. The deal was announced on December 17, 2025, and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Under the terms of the agreement, Coursera will acquire Udemy, with Udemy shareholders receiving 0.8 shares of Coursera stock for each Udemy share held, implying an equity value of about $930 million for Udemy based on recent market prices.
The merger unites two complementary EdTech models: Coursera’s university-partnered catalogue of courses, professional certificates and degrees with its deep institutional and enterprise reach, and Udemy’s vast marketplace of practitioner-led, skills-focused courses used by learners and companies worldwide.
Executives from both companies said the combined platform is meant to better address global demand for workforce upskilling, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science and software development, amid rapid technological change and evolving employer requirements.
Coursera CEO Greg Hart described the merger as a strategic response to the shifting landscape of skills discovery and career development, citing complementary strengths and scale as key drivers. Udemy CEO Hugo Sarrazin highlighted the potential benefits for learners, enterprise customers and instructors, noting that the combined company could deliver broader opportunities and innovation.
Market reaction was positive on the announcement, with Udemy shares rising sharply and Coursera stock also gaining, reflecting investor optimism about the synergies and growth prospects of the merged entity.
The deal reflects broader consolidation in EdTech as platforms adapt to slower post-pandemic enrollment growth, heightened competition and intensifying demand from employers for scalable, AI-enhanced training solutions.
Regional relevance is evident as demand for digital upskilling continues to grow in fast-expanding markets, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where enterprises and governments are increasingly prioritising workforce development driven by technology adoption and economic diversification strategies. Although neither company is based in the Middle East, the scale and breadth of the combined platform are expected to appeal to learners and corporate clients across the GCC and beyond.
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