Regions for Education Investment in 2025

The global education landscape is expanding fast, presenting lucrative opportunities for investors and education providers to expand their footprint. With growing populations, increased internet penetration, and a heightened demand for quality education, certain regions are emerging as hotspots for investment and expansion in 2025. Global Services in Education (GSE) is at the forefront of this dynamic market, particularly in the K-12 sector.

Here, we explore the top regions for education investment in 2025, that are ripe for development.


East Asia: A Region of Established Demand

East Asia remains a critical region for education investment, driven by its strong cultural emphasis on academic achievement and innovation. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan continue to see high demand for premium education services, international schools, and advanced edtech solutions.

Japan and South Korea, with their established infrastructure, offer opportunities in after-school tutoring, test preparation services, and bilingual school models catering to globally-minded families. Taiwan, on the other hand, provides a growing market for English-language programmes and vocational training. While these markets are mature, there is room for niche offerings such as AI-based personalised learning tools and programmes designed to develop 21st-century skills.

China’s influence in the region also presents indirect opportunities for education providers seeking partnerships or regional expansion. However, investors should consider the competitive landscape and high expectations from both parents and students in East Asia.

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China: Balancing Opportunities and Challenges

China remains a critical market despite recent regulatory shifts. Parents continue to prioritise high-quality education, with demand for international-standard curricula and bilingual education remaining strong.

Strategic investments in hybrid education models, AI-focused learning tools, and niche edtech platforms are promising areas. While stringent regulations require careful planning, the market’s sheer size and spending power make it highly attractive.


Southeast Asia: A Hub of Growth

Southeast Asia continues to shine as a priority region for education investment. With rapid economic growth, urbanisation, and a young, tech-savvy population, countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand are ideal for both traditional schools and edtech platforms.

Opportunities abound in K-12 international schools catering to a burgeoning middle class, alongside digital learning platforms offering language training, STEM education, and test preparation. Navigating local regulatory frameworks and cultural nuances will be key to success in this vibrant market.

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SOUTH KOREA: Setting Up a New School and Legal Requirements to Establish & Operate an Educational Institution in South Korea

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VIETNAM: The Steps to Setting Up a New School and Vietnam’s International Schools – “Raising the Bar and Closing the Gap”

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Middle East: Strategic Expansion in the Gulf

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, are prioritising education as part of their broader economic diversification plans. Government initiatives, such as Saudi Vision 2030, highlight the region’s commitment to fostering educational excellence.

The Middle East presents opportunities in premium international schools, vocational training institutions, and partnerships with government-backed programmes. While competition is fierce, the market’s appetite for innovation and quality creates a fertile ground for growth. Saudi Arabia is definitely the key priority!

Expanding International Schools in Saudi Arabia


Europe: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Europe continues to be a significant player in the global education market, with countries like Italy and France leading the way in demand for innovative education solutions. Both nations offer strong cultural ties to education and growing interest in international school models and bilingual programmes.

In addition to Italy and France, Southern European countries such as Turkey, Greece, Spain, and Portugal present opportunities for affordable private schools and edtech platforms catering to local and expatriate families. These markets are particularly suited for mid-priced offerings that balance quality with accessibility. Europe’s well-established infrastructure and regulatory stability make it an attractive yet competitive region for education investment.

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Africa: A Continent of Potential

Africa’s youthful population and growing demand for quality education make it a compelling region for investment and expansion in 2025. Key markets like Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa are seeing rising interest in affordable private education and scalable edtech solutions.

Investors can focus on developing cost-effective international school models, STEM-focused curricula, and teacher training programmes. Infrastructure challenges and political instability in some areas require careful navigation, but the rewards of entering this untapped market are significant.

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South Asia: The Rising Star

South Asia, particularly India, stands out with its enormous student population and increasing internet penetration. Markets like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also offer untapped potential.

International schools catering to an expanding middle class and investments in edtech platforms such as those focusing on lifelong learning and test preparation are especially promising. While the market is competitive, the demand for high-quality education and training remains insatiable.

India International Schools Expansion


Central Asia: A Market in Development

Central Asia is emerging as a region with growing potential for education investment. Countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan are experiencing steady economic development and a rising demand for education services. However, the market remains in its early stages, with current opportunities concentrated in moderately priced sectors.

Investors may find promise in vocational training centres, affordable private schools, and basic edtech solutions tailored to local needs. While the region’s infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are still developing, its long-term potential makes it worth monitoring.

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Opening New Schools in Kyrgyzstan

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North America: Innovation and Niche Markets

The United States and Canada remain leaders in education innovation. These regions are ideal for niche markets like sports academies and premium private schools.

Schools that differentiate, such as sports academies, exemplify the type of high-value projects with the potential to flourish in North America. Additionally, opportunities exist to acquire underperforming private schools and transform them into profitable, high-quality institutions. However, investors must contend with rising operational costs and intense competition.


Latin America: Emerging Demand

Latin America offers a growing demand for bilingual education and tech-driven learning solutions. Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia stand out as key markets, driven by a rising middle class and an eagerness for education innovation.

Affordable private schools and mobile-first edtech solutions targeting rural and underserved areas are particularly promising. Despite currency and political risks, the region’s long-term potential is undeniable.


Capitalising on Global Opportunities and Key Regions for Education Investment in 2025

The global education market offers diverse opportunities for investment and expansion in 2025. Regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, China, North America, Latin America, Central Asia, and Europe present unique challenges and rewards, requiring tailored strategies to unlock their potential.

Global Services in Education (GSE) is expanding rapidly in the K-12 sector, delivering innovative, high-quality solutions across these key regions. If you are looking to explore investment opportunities or partner with a trusted leader in global education, contact GSE today. Together, we can shape the future of education.

Visit our other articles on specific regions for education investment in 2025 or reach out to us directly to learn more about how GSE is driving excellence in education around the world.

If you want to learn more about the steps required to set up a school check out some of our other articles:

Steps to Setting Up a New School

10 Steps and Articles on How to Set Up a New School

GSE International School Franchise Models

GSE provides specialist services to set up all educational institutions, including international schools, kindergartens, vocational colleges, universities, and online/virtual schools.

GSE has previously operated, or currently operates projects, in the following locations:

India, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, East Timor, Mongolia, Myanmar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia (KSA), UAE, Equatorial Guinea, Zambia, Kenya, Libya, Bahrain, Iraq, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, USA

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CEO and Education Expert Greg Parry

Greg Parry

Internationally renowned for his expertise in education leadership, Greg Parry’s vast experience includes leadership of projects for education institutions throughout Australia, the Middle East, the United States, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. Recognised for his numerous contributions in the education arena, Greg has received the Ministers Award for Excellence in School Leadership based on improvements in school performance and a range of successful principal training and leadership development programs, as well as the School of Excellence Award for Industry/School Partnerships and the School of Excellence Award for Technology Innovation. His company, GSE (Global Services in Education), has been recognised as having the Best Global Brand in International Education in 2015 and 2016.

Considered one of the premier experts in his profession, Greg has trained teachers and principals throughout the world in areas such as critical thinking, language development and leadership. His expertise in school start-up projects, leadership and curriculum development has made him a sought-after authority in this discipline.

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