The online school market in 2023 saw a notable rise in turnover, climbing by almost 50 billion rubles on an annual basis. During the same year, about 904 million people engaged with topics related to esotericism, which helped that niche become one of the five most popular categories in Russia. This conclusion comes from a study conducted by GetCourse in collaboration with Tochka Bank, and a copy is available to editors at socialbites.ca for reference [Source: GetCourse and Tochka Bank study].
Looking at ten months as a snapshot, total turnover across GetCourse-listed online schools reached 125 billion rubles, up by 30 billion rubles from 2022. The research also highlights that the average monthly turnover for education-sector companies rose by 29 percent, signaling healthier momentum for providers and learners alike [Source: GetCourse and Tochka Bank study].
The leading segment is Vocational training. In October, its turnover surpassed 2.5 billion rubles, reflecting a strong demand for programs that prepare individuals to work as employees or freelancers. Coaching remains the most sought-after course type within this sector, underscoring a clear preference for practical, career-oriented learning paths [Source: GetCourse and Tochka Bank study].
Coming in second is Health-related education, with revenues exceeding 1.3 billion rubles. Online schools in this category cover nutrition, therapeutic massage, and related wellness techniques, indicating broad consumer interest in personal well-being and health improvement through digital formats [Source: GetCourse and Tochka Bank study].
Following these, Psychology and Earnings each report revenues above 1.3 billion rubles. In psychology, child-focused programs are particularly prevalent, while entrepreneurship education drives the earnings segment, highlighting the appeal of skills that translate into practical, income-generating opportunities [Source: GetCourse and Tochka Bank study].
Beyond esotericism, other high-performing areas include Financial Literacy with about 739 million rubles, Hobbies at 625 million, Fitness around 412 million, and Relationships approximately 244 million rubles. A smaller but notable category listed as Astrology registers about 195 million rubles in turnover [Source: GetCourse and Tochka Bank study].
Historically, the online education market in Russia has shown rapid evolution, with providers continually refining course offerings to match demand, ensure accessibility, and deliver tangible outcomes for learners in a digital-first landscape. This trajectory has been shaped by shifts in consumer behavior, technology adoption, and broader trends in the education sector [Source: GetCourse and Tochka Bank study].
In the broader context, consumers have increasingly prioritized clarity and value when selecting online courses. There is growing awareness about avoiding misleading or misrepresented programs, especially in segments with rapid growth or marketing hype. Critics emphasize the importance of transparent curricula, qualified instructors, and reliable outcomes to build trust and sustain growth in the online learning ecosystem [Source: GetCourse and Tochka Bank study].