Coursera and Udemy have agreed to merge in a transaction valued at roughly $2.5 billion, uniting two of the largest global platforms in digital education.
Under the terms of the deal, Coursera will acquire Udemy through an all-stock agreement.
The companies expect the merger to close in the second half of next year, subject to regulatory clearance and approval from shareholders.
A strategic response to market pressure
The announcement comes as both businesses navigate a challenging period. Although both companies each reported revenue growth in the third quarter of 2025, their share prices continued to slide, reflecting ongoing investor uncertainty around the online learning sector.
By combining forces, the companies aim to strengthen their market position and create a more resilient business with broader reach across individual learners, enterprises, and instructors.
Udemy CEO Hugo Sarrazin said the transaction is intended to unlock long-term value while delivering immediate benefits to users and customers across both platforms.
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Accelerating AI-driven education
Artificial intelligence is a key driver behind the merger. Sarrazin noted that the combined organisation will be able to move faster in developing AI-powered learning products as demand grows for more personalised, adaptive education experiences.
Coursera recently announced integrations with OpenAI’s ChatGPT ecosystem and a content partnership with Anthropic. Udemy, meanwhile, launched an AI-enabled microlearning experience earlier this week, focused on delivering short, personalised lessons designed for time-constrained professionals.
Together, the companies see an opportunity to scale these initiatives more quickly under a shared platform.
Addressing the shift in workplace skills
Both companies also point to rapid changes in the labour market as a motivating factor. As AI reshapes roles across industries, demand for AI-related skills continues to rise. In recent years, job postings requiring AI expertise have surged, with surveys indicating that a significant share of hiring managers now expect candidates to demonstrate AI literacy.
Coursera CEO Greg Hart said organisations and individuals increasingly need flexible platforms that can evolve alongside emerging skill requirements. He added that the merger positions the combined company to better support lifelong learning in an AI-driven economy.
If approved, the deal would mark one of the most significant consolidations in online education to date, signalling a new phase for the sector as platforms scale to meet changing global skills demands.
