As the pace of digital transformation accelerates, Coursera’s Global Skills Report 2025 offers a data-rich snapshot of what the future of work looks like. Based on insights from 170+ million learners across 100+ countries, the report covers emerging trends in generative AI (GenAI), cybersecurity, micro-credentials, and skills-based hiring—offering crucial guidance for learners, employers, and policymakers.
🔮 GenAI: From Niche to Norm
GenAI emerges as the fastest-growing skill category on Coursera, with enrollments soaring by 195% year-over-year—averaging 12 enrollments per minute in 2025, up from just 1 per minute in 2023. Over 8 million enrollments have been recorded in GenAI-related courses.
- Asia Pacific sees GenAI enrollments spike by 132%
- Latin America leads with a 425% increase
- Countries like Vietnam (+417%) and Indonesia (+237%) show massive jumps
The newly introduced AI Maturity Index ranks Singapore, Denmark, and Switzerland as global leaders in AI readiness, with metrics drawn from Coursera usage, IMF preparedness scores, and AI research output.
📄 [Ref: Report pp. 5–6, 17]
🛡️ Cybersecurity & Critical Thinking See Rising Demand
Cybersecurity enrollments grow by 106% in Latin America, 20% in Europe, and 14% in Asia Pacific, driven by the increasing digital risk surface from GenAI tools. Despite this, a global shortage of nearly 5 million cybersecurity professionals remains—a gap further widened by underdeveloped upskilling programs in emerging markets.
📄 [Ref: Report p. 6]
📜 Micro-Credentials Are Gaining Real World Value
By 2030, 170 million new jobs are expected to be created—many requiring tech-savvy talent. Micro-credentials, such as Coursera’s Professional Certificates, see a 32% global enrollment increase, with the highest jumps in North America (+37%) and MENA (+36%).
Employers increasingly use micro-credentials as proxies for job readiness—91% say they trust candidates with these certifications more than traditional degrees.
📄 [Ref: Report p. 6–7]
👩💻 The Gender Gap in GenAI
Women now account for 46% of Coursera’s total learners, but only 30% in GenAI courses. While countries like Kazakhstan (43% women in GenAI) set a high bar, global participation still shows a significant gap.
Barriers include confidence issues, lack of mentorship, and course design not tailored to non-tech backgrounds. Beginner-level GenAI courses with female instructors significantly increase engagement.
📄 [Ref: Report p. 7]
🌍 Regional Standouts
- Singapore ranks #1 in the AI Maturity Index and shows the highest labor force participation on Coursera (36%)
- Switzerland tops global skills rankings across business and data science
- India leads globally in GenAI enrollments but ranks low overall in skill proficiency
- Kazakhstan shows inclusive growth, with 56% women learners and a 383% spike in GenAI enrollments
📄 [Ref: Report pp. 14–31]
💼 What It Means for Businesses & Policymakers
With 97% of companies shifting to skills-based hiring, and 85% planning to upskill/reskill employees, this report is a goldmine for workforce planners. Governments are advised to create tax incentives, embed micro-credentials into public education, and fund AI and cybersecurity upskilling—especially for women and youth.