College Vidya Study Finds 30% of Women in Online Education Are Resuming Studies After a Gap

A recent study by College Vidya, India’s leading one-stop solution for online education, highlights a significant shift in women returning to education after a break. According to the findings, three out of ten women enrolling in online education today are resuming studies after a gap, marking a major post-pandemic trend in higher education.

The study with a sample size of 1lakh students reveals that the percentage of women returning to education was below 10% in 2022-23, but has surged significantly post-COVID. The most sought-after program among returning learners is the Online MBA, followed by traditional undergraduate and postgraduate degrees such as BA, MA, BCA, MCA, BCom, MCom, and BSc. The average education gap for these women is 3-5 years, with the majority aged 26-35 years.

The key reasons behind this education gap include financial constraints, lack of family support, marriage, maternity, and career breaks. However, the study finds that 80% of women resuming education are working professionals, motivated primarily by career growth and skill enhancement. The remaining 20% are homemakers who see education as a means for personal development or entrepreneurship.

Geographically, the trend is more prominent in metro cities, but interestingly, many women from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are enrolling in online programs after exposure to metro environments due to work opportunities. The study also highlights that most working professionals choose courses aligned with their careers, while those restarting after a long break often explore new fields.

Despite growing enrollments, women continue to face barriers such as time management, family responsibilities, and financial constraints when resuming education. Addressing this, College Vidya and several universities offer subsidies and financial aid in individual cases, while career guidance counsellors provide mentorship and support to help women transition back into education.

Rohit Gupta, COO, College Vidya, commented on the findings, stating, “The increasing number of women returning to education is an encouraging trend, especially in the online learning space. As flexible education options grow, we are witnessing more working professionals and homemakers choosing to upskill and advance their careers. This shift is not just about earning degrees but about empowering women to re-enter the workforce with confidence and new capabilities.”

With flexible online learning options and career-oriented courses, College Vidya predicts a continued rise in women’s enrollment, particularly in business, technology, and finance-related programs. As time management remains a major challenge, platforms that offer personalized support and flexible learning schedules will play a crucial role in enabling more women to restart their academic journey.