UPCEA supported the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL)’s comprehensive global study.

WASHINGTON (June 18, 2025) – UPCEA, the online and professional education association, today announced the release of an international study, “Making lifelong learning central to university strategy,” conducted by the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL) and CarringtonCrisp. 

UPCEA (alongside EUCEN) is proud to support the study, which explores the perspectives of both employers and individual learners on the current state and the future of professional learning and development. This collaboration is in alignment with UPCEA and UALL’s continued partnership, articulated at UALL’s 2023 annual meeting though a Letter of Understanding, to identify, develop and carry out programs mutually beneficial to both associations and continuing education internationally.

The report, based on desk research, interviews, and global surveys of 1,255 employers and 10,210 individual learners from around 40 countries in Europe, North America, Latin America, India, Africa and Asia, urges institutions (with the support of government and other stakeholders) embrace new delivery models, forge deeper partnerships with employers, and expand their offerings beyond traditional degree programs.

“The research shows significant demand from organizations and individuals for lifelong learning,” said Jonathan Michie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and President of Kellogg College at the University of Oxford and Chair, Universities Association for Lifelong Learning. “A comprehensive lifelong learning strategy has the power to unlock economic growth, social mobility, and innovation. There is a great opportunity to ensure everyone has the chance to reskill, upskill, and contribute to a dynamic, competitive economy.”

 

KEY FINDINGS

• More than half of employers (51%) plan to increase their training budgets over the next two years, up from 38% over the previous two years. At the same time, employers would like to see universities evolve to better meet their workforce development needs. More than 70% of employers agreed on the importance of universities:
  • Continuing to develop more flexible learning approaches.
  • Offering affordable programmes that deliver practical, work-relevant skills.
  • Becoming more innovative in how they support lifelong learning.
• Flexibility and value for money are the two major demands from both individuals and employers. For individuals, the motivation to engage in further study stems from a desire for skills development (35%) and personal growth (34%), with many also choosing to learn for enjoyment (23%). Individuals expect to engage in education more frequently and to continue learning into retirement. Their preferences are shifting towards shorter, more flexible learning formats, delivered in blended or online formats. 
• For employers, learning is increasingly seen as a strategic tool to improve productivity and efficiency (46%), introduce new technology (39%), develop high potential staff (38%), build more sustainable operations (31%) and working practices (28%). Employers place a strong emphasis on short non-degree university programs, industry certifications, and coaching, although a quarter of employers (25%) remain interested in postgraduate degrees.

“Universities are seen as credible providers, and a growing number are developing innovative approaches to lifelong learning. However, competition is fierce, and universities need to go further,” said Andrew Crisp, co-founder of CarringtonCrisp and study author. “While lifelong learning in universities is not new, the way it is being sought by individuals and employers and how it is provided means systems and strategies need to change. What is right for degrees, doesn’t always work for the short courses that are often in demand. A greater use of technology, partnerships across universities and other providers, alongside more short courses are all part of the future.”

 

STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS

The report offers recommendations for each of the key stakeholder groups:

• Colleges and universities are encouraged to place lifelong learning at the heart of their strategic vision, tailoring it to their unique mission and community role—whether civic engagement, workforce development, or alumni relations. Embracing lifelong learning requires a cultural shift and system redesign to support flexible, often online, learning formats. Institutions must invest in modern delivery tools, re-skill faculty for short-format instruction, and build strong partnerships with employers, governments, and other learning providers. Clear communication about new offerings will be key to reaching learners of all ages and backgrounds.
• Employers must view lifelong learning as a strategic investment in productivity and talent retention. This means embedding skill development into business planning, recognizing existing competencies, and enabling continuous upskilling through time, funding, and communication. As employer-led training investment has declined, revitalizing support across all staff levels is essential to fostering a learning culture. Partnering with colleges and universities to co-create tailored learning initiatives can strengthen workforce capabilities and forge lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.
• Governments must make lifelong learning a national strategic priority, providing the policy stability and investment necessary for universities and employers to confidently build and sustain lifelong learning programs. Universities need targeted funding to innovate and expand provision, especially under current financial pressures. Employers, too, require certainty—through consistent frameworks and long-term commitments—to invest in staff development. 

 “The release of this data reinforces a truth we’ve long recognized: the future of higher education lies in its ability to evolve with the learner,” said Bob Hansen, CEO of UPCEA. “Colleges and universities must think beyond the degree, creating accessible, workforce-relevant experiences that span a lifetime. This study is not just a snapshot of global demand—it’s a call to action.”

 

REPORT AVAILABILITY 

To access the full findings, visit upcea.edu/2025-lifelong-learning-study.

For a summary report, visit upcea.edu/2025-lifelong-learning-summary.

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ABOUT UPCEA

UPCEA is the online and professional education association. Our members continuously reinvent higher education, positively impacting millions of lives. We proudly lead and support them through cutting edge research, professional development, networking and mentorship, conferences and seminars, and stakeholder advocacy. Our collaborative, entrepreneurial community brings together decision makers and influencers in education, industry, research, and policy interested in improving educational access and outcomes. Learn more about us at UPCEA.edu and follow us on social media @UPCEA.

 

CONTACT:

Molly Nelson, UPCEA Vice President for Communications, [email protected]