UK Education & Training Online Universities/E-Learning - PPC Market Share Analysis March 2026

Leveraging Adthena’s Whole Market View, this analysis explores recent trends in Google Ads for the UK Online Universities/E-Learning category from the last month. Our Data Analyst, Ask Arlo provides commentary on key findings.

Online Universities/E-Learning – UK

Google AI Overview visibility for Education & Training Online Universities/E-Learning UK

See how often AIOs appear and how search intent is distributed across buying signals.

AIO Frequency

How often a Google AI overview appears on search terms relevant to this category.

Frequency Percentage
Frequency 25.8265784151
74.1734215849
25%

Complex Query Frequency

A complex query is a longer, more detailed search that often contains multiple keywords, specific conditions, or multi-part questions.

Frequency Percentage
Frequency 61
39
61%

Search Intent Distribution

Breakdown of search queries by their underlying goal.

Intent Distribution
Investigational 18%
Transactional 2%
Navigational 0%
Seasonal 0%
Local 0%
Problem Solving 12%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Market Exposure

Share of Clicks for top 10 UK Education & Training Online Universities/E-Learning brands

Here are the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Clicks for the last month.

Share of Clicks - Last month
Share of Clicks - Last month
Domain Share of clicks
udemy.com 18.41
readingeggs.co.uk 15.34
coursera.org 11.26
open.ac.uk 6.64
superprof.co.uk 3.94
arden.ac.uk 3.34
skillshare.com 2.67
education.gov.uk 2.42
edx.org 2.38
learndirect.com 2.02
others 31.58
  • udemy.com - 18.41%
  • readingeggs.co.uk - 15.34%
  • coursera.org - 11.26%
  • open.ac.uk - 6.64%
  • superprof.co.uk - 3.94%
  • arden.ac.uk - 3.34%
  • skillshare.com - 2.67%
  • education.gov.uk - 2.42%
  • edx.org - 2.38%
  • learndirect.com - 2.02%
  • others - 31.58%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In the education sector’s PPC landscape, Udemy leads with 18.41% click share, followed by Reading Eggs at 15.34%. Coursera captures 11.26%, while ‘others’ collectively hold 31.58%.

Market Exposure

Share of Spend for the top 10 UK Education & Training Online Universities/E-Learning brands

Curious about your market position? Here you can see the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Spend for the last month. 

Share of Spend - Last Month
Share of Spend - Last Month
Date arden.ac.uk readingeggs.co.uk coursera.org icslearn.co.uk open.ac.uk essex.ac.uk udemy.com e-careers.com superprof.co.uk learndirect.com
2026/03/01 7.54% 7.18% 7.55% 6.68% 3.62% 3.57% 3.85% 2.93% 2.32% 2.22%
2026/03/02 9.39% 4.35% 7.09% 6.17% 7.48% 2.91% 3.58% 2.75% 2.68% 2.31%
2026/03/03 6.21% 4.05% 8.42% 6.82% 4.8% 2.63% 4.15% 2.44% 2.48% 2.73%
2026/03/04 5.42% 6.07% 6.71% 6.61% 7.06% 3.23% 2.89% 3.26% 2.59% 2.54%
2026/03/05 5.2% 2.04% 6.17% 6.85% 5.9% 2.76% 4.05% 2.55% 2.75% 3.07%
2026/03/06 7.14% 3.68% 6.04% 6.96% 6.31% 3.28% 3.4% 2.54% 2.8% 2.65%
2026/03/07 5.74% 3.04% 8.44% 5.93% 7.25% 3.08% 3.78% 3.76% 2.04% 1.45%
2026/03/08 6.01% 3.31% 9.21% 5.62% 5.06% 2.96% 5.37% 3.21% 2.22% 1.87%
2026/03/09 4.38% 2.04% 7.01% 5.95% 6.21% 3.35% 4.04% 2.64% 3.11% 2.99%
2026/03/10 4.5% 3.39% 8.42% 4.47% 5.01% 3.61% 4.39% 2.1% 3.22% 2.98%
2026/03/11 6.15% 1.06% 5.22% 5.82% 5.29% 3.6% 4.39% 2.02% 2.47% 2.74%
2026/03/12 7.08% 3.89% 8.28% 5.18% 8.91% 3.4% 3.42% 2.11% 2.09% 2.16%
2026/03/13 4.46% 3.26% 6.97% 5.75% 9.47% 2.95% 3.47% 2.19% 2.56% 2.84%
2026/03/14 4.8% 6.01% 9.37% 5.16% 4.53% 2.8% 3.96% 3.02% 3.03% 2.86%
2026/03/15 3.91% 7.62% 9.08% 5.76% 6.75% 2.69% 4.32% 3.03% 2.4% 1.49%
2026/03/16 6.5% 4.48% 7.69% 6.1% 8.11% 2.92% 3.61% 1.72% 2.15% 2.08%
2026/03/17 6.88% 3.82% 7.01% 6.36% 8.82% 3.6% 3.12% 1.84% 2.52% 3.24%
2026/03/18 7.99% 6.48% 6.05% 6.68% 5.59% 2.42% 4.2% 1.97% 2.77% 2.45%
2026/03/19 6.93% 8.61% 6.93% 6.5% 6.98% 3.09% 4.25% 2.35% 1.52% 2.09%
2026/03/20 5.46% 6.79% 8.16% 5.69% 7.5% 3.15% 4.6% 1.7% 2.98% 3.29%
2026/03/21 6.67% 8.17% 6.44% 6.69% 6.86% 3.41% 3.97% 2.52% 3.01% 1.83%
2026/03/22 7.23% 3.88% 7.88% 6.49% 8.29% 2.69% 3.95% 3.43% 2.67% 2.78%
2026/03/23 8.4% 5.57% 7.42% 6.69% 8.92% 3.88% 3.47% 2.29% 2.19% 2.45%
2026/03/24 6.84% 3.8% 6.97% 6.33% 8.78% 3.58% 3.1% 1.84% 2.51% 3.23%
2026/03/25 8.21% 3.54% 7.52% 6.88% 6.44% 3.26% 4.92% 2.23% 3.54% 2.49%
2026/03/26 8.63% 4.3% 8.58% 5.69% 6.63% 3.77% 5.11% 1.85% 3.89% 2.53%
2026/03/27 4.82% 4.41% 7.79% 5.69% 9.21% 3.87% 4.57% 2.22% 3.67% 3.45%
2026/03/28 6.79% 4.74% 8.02% 6.07% 9.61% 3.47% 4.4% 2.92% 3.3% 1.53%
2026/03/29 4.92% 3.29% 6.6% 5.82% 9.16% 3.86% 4.33% 2.83% 2.83% 2.12%
2026/03/30 5.14% 4.23% 7.63% 6.1% 3.86% 4.57% 4.77% 2.86% 3.65% 3.02%
2026/03/31 6.7% 6.48% 6.35% 5.82% 4.7% 4.06% 3.82% 3.17% 3.07% 2.97%
  • arden.ac.uk
  • readingeggs.co.uk
  • coursera.org
  • icslearn.co.uk
  • open.ac.uk
  • essex.ac.uk
  • udemy.com
  • e-careers.com
  • superprof.co.uk
  • learndirect.com

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In March 2026, Coursera.org led PPC spend, peaking mid-month. Open.ac.uk surged late March, while Readingeggs.co.uk fluctuated. Arden.ac.uk maintained steady growth, finishing strong.

Market Exposure

Competitor Count for UK Education & Training Online Universities/E-Learning

Ever wondered how many competitors you’re up against in your industry? Well look no further, here we can see the number of advertisers bidding over the last month. 

Competitor Count - Last month
Competitor Count - Last month
Date Competitor Count
2026/03/01 303
2026/03/02 331
2026/03/03 319
2026/03/04 325
2026/03/05 314
2026/03/06 325
2026/03/07 325
2026/03/08 326
2026/03/09 338
2026/03/10 335
2026/03/11 345
2026/03/12 327
2026/03/13 334
2026/03/14 326
2026/03/15 330
2026/03/16 334
2026/03/17 346
2026/03/18 324
2026/03/19 326
2026/03/20 337
2026/03/21 324
2026/03/22 326
2026/03/23 328
2026/03/24 346
2026/03/25 316
2026/03/26 309
2026/03/27 309
2026/03/28 315
2026/03/29 316
2026/03/30 317
2026/03/31 302

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

March saw a dynamic shift in advertisers, peaking at 346 on the 17th and 24th. The month concluded with a dip to 302, reflecting fluctuating engagement.

Campaign Efficiency

Market Loss & Market Gains for UK Education & Training Online Universities/E-Learning

Here we’re looking at the Top 10 biggest industry movers by market share gains and losses for the last 30 days.

Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Name Market Trend
readingeggs.co.uk 4.24%
udemy.com 1.82%
arden.ac.uk 0.66%
superprof.co.uk 0.45%
datacamp.com 0.44%
coursera.org -0.83%
quizlet.com -0.89%
openstudycollege.com -0.94%
masterclass.com -1.04%
open.ac.uk -2.49%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Readingeggs.co.uk surged with a 4.24% increase, while open.ac.uk faced a 2.49% decline.

Campaign Efficiency

UK Education & Training Online Universities/E-Learning Share of Impressions

Take a look at the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Impressions over the last month.

Date readingeggs.co.uk arden.ac.uk udemy.com coursera.org open.ac.uk education.gov.uk preply.com icslearn.co.uk theaimgroup.co.uk openstudycollege.com
2026/03/01 10.81% 10.72% 8.31% 7.04% 2.54% 2.84% 1.62% 2.55% 1.51% 1.86%
2026/03/02 6.7% 15.84% 7.68% 6.55% 6.8% 2.41% 1.28% 2.14% 1.81% 2.45%
2026/03/03 6.71% 9.73% 9.9% 8.32% 3.44% 3.31% 1.67% 2.79% 1.73% 3.13%
2026/03/04 10.05% 7.44% 6.77% 6.31% 6.49% 3.18% 1.76% 2.88% 1.96% 2.91%
2026/03/05 3.39% 6.61% 9.11% 5.59% 4.38% 3.2% 1.55% 2.77% 2.31% 2.99%
2026/03/06 5.81% 12.37% 7.99% 5.42% 4.32% 3.24% 2.15% 2.71% 1.59% 2.87%
2026/03/07 4.62% 8.96% 8.31% 7.45% 6.04% 2.88% 1.59% 2.84% 0.87% 4.57%
2026/03/08 5.57% 9.73% 12.69% 8.28% 3.24% 1.81% 2.29% 2.39% 0.5% 2.54%
2026/03/09 4% 4.7% 9.2% 7.17% 5.29% 2.35% 3.68% 2.6% 1.74% 2.53%
2026/03/10 5.61% 5.87% 9.89% 8.36% 3.09% 2.15% 3.92% 1.82% 1.91% 3.96%
2026/03/11 2.02% 10.07% 10.43% 4.81% 3.34% 3.74% 2.69% 2.74% 1.96% 2.87%
2026/03/12 6.34% 10.62% 6.87% 7.16% 8.53% 2.33% 1.71% 2.21% 2.01% 1.97%
2026/03/13 5.07% 5.52% 7.71% 6.25% 8.86% 2.13% 2.28% 2.38% 2.77% 4.01%
2026/03/14 8.77% 7.38% 8.03% 8.29% 2.74% 2.91% 2.49% 2.28% 2.75% 4.86%
2026/03/15 11.3% 4.6% 8.94% 7.44% 6.29% 2.3% 2.45% 2.71% 2.19% 2.63%
2026/03/16 6.99% 9.99% 7.4% 6.49% 6.66% 2.36% 1.66% 2.33% 2.59% 1.81%
2026/03/17 6.36% 12.72% 6.5% 5.82% 6.31% 2.55% 2.07% 2.53% 3.98% 1.64%
2026/03/18 9.46% 13.06% 8.91% 5.13% 3.52% 1.56% 2.28% 2.7% 4.31% 1.54%
2026/03/19 12.73% 11.18% 9% 5.87% 4.7% 0.02% 1.87% 2.5% 2.61% 1.96%
2026/03/20 10.5% 8.24% 10.06% 7.25% 4.38% 0.77% 2.42% 2.18% 2.11% 1.59%
2026/03/21 12.03% 10.13% 8.04% 5.44% 4.71% 3.36% 2.08% 2.41% 2.41% 3.52%
2026/03/22 6.49% 11.81% 8.26% 7.38% 5.42% 3.05% 1.83% 2.21% 1.91% 1.85%
2026/03/23 8.46% 13.03% 7.51% 6.43% 6.51% 2.41% 2.12% 2.26% 2.64% 1.65%
2026/03/24 6.36% 12.72% 6.5% 5.82% 6.31% 2.55% 2.07% 2.53% 3.98% 1.64%
2026/03/25 6.05% 12.97% 11.22% 7.2% 4.04% 3.37% 2.34% 2.37% 3.41% 1.42%
2026/03/26 6.83% 13.81% 10.64% 7.42% 3.73% 2.12% 2.38% 1.68% 3.02% 3.3%
2026/03/27 7.02% 6.82% 10.93% 7.38% 6.17% 3.04% 1.9% 1.98% 4.09% 2.17%
2026/03/28 7.1% 10.98% 9.2% 6.92% 6.29% 3.42% 2.52% 2.02% 1.09% 4.63%
2026/03/29 5.56% 5.19% 8.99% 5.74% 6.04% 3.43% 2.69% 1.99% 1.41% 1.73%
2026/03/30 7.58% 6.19% 10.47% 7.36% 2.45% 3.73% 3.34% 2.4% 1.07% 2.06%
2026/03/31 10.31% 9.88% 8.36% 6.15% 2.95% 2.93% 2.39% 2.15% 2.07% 1.78%
  • readingeggs.co.uk
  • arden.ac.uk
  • udemy.com
  • coursera.org
  • open.ac.uk
  • education.gov.uk
  • preply.com
  • icslearn.co.uk
  • theaimgroup.co.uk
  • openstudycollege.com

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In March 2026, “readingeggs.co.uk” saw fluctuating impressions, peaking at 12.73% on the 19th. “arden.ac.uk” maintained a strong presence, peaking at 15.84% on the 2nd. “udemy.com” consistently performed well, with a high of 12.69% on the 8th. “coursera.org” had a steady month, peaking at 8.36% on the 10th. “open.ac.uk” showed variability, peaking at 8.86% on the 13th. “education.gov.uk” had a low presence, peaking at 3.74% on the 30th. “preply.com” remained stable, peaking at 3.92% on the 10th. “icslearn.co.uk” had a consistent month, peaking at 2.88% on the 4th. “theaimgroup.co.uk” saw a peak of 4.31% on the 18th. “openstudycollege.com” fluctuated, peaking at 4.86% on the 14th. The month concluded with “arden.ac.uk” leading, followed by “readingeggs.co.uk” and “udemy.com”.

Campaign Efficiency

Google Text Ad Copy Insights & Creative Trends for UK Education & Training Online Universities/E-Learning

Ever wondered how your rivals’ ads are doing? Here we can see the top-performing ads in the industry over the last month.

Google Text Ad Copy Insights & Creative Trends for UK Education & Training Online Universities/E-Learning - Last month
  1. 1
    University Open Courses https://study.arden.ac.uk

    Online Intakes Now Open — Accredited Qualifications, 24/7 Online Access To Study Materials, Student Support. Gain A...

  2. 2
    Online Learning Platform https://www.pluralsight.com

    Leader in Tech Upskilling — Learn by doing. Get hands-on AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity and Data skills. Start a Free Trial! Forrester...

  3. 3
    Reading Eggs - Learn to Read https://www.readingeggs.co.uk

    Reading Program for Ages 2–13 — kidSAFE certified, ad-free and lessons to match your child's ability all in one program. Reading Eggs is the multi‑award winning online reading program for...

  4. 4
    Free Online Courses - Government Funded https://www.theaimgroup.co.uk

    Free Education Courses. Fully Government Funded for UK Residents 19+ Years. Nationally Recognised Qualifications. Build Your...

  5. 5
    Udemy - Courses On Demand | Best-Selling Online Courses https://www.udemy.com

    Shop thousands of high-quality on-demand online courses. Start learning today. Find the right instructor for you. Choose from many topics, skill levels, and languages. Watch In-Demand Courses.

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In the competitive landscape of online education, Arden University highlights accredited qualifications and 24/7 access. Pluralsight emphasizes tech upskilling with hands-on AI and cybersecurity courses. Reading Eggs offers a kidSAFE certified reading program for ages 2–13. The AIM Group provides government-funded courses for UK residents, while Udemy showcases a vast array of on-demand courses across various topics and skill levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Success Stories

Get the full picture

See this data specific to your brand performance

The data on this page is just a sample of the billions of data points we hold at Adthena. The insights generated by Ask Arlo, leverage real-time GenAI to answer questions about your search data.

Our search consultants can introduce you to Whole Market View data that is specific to your organization, based on the size of the relevant search term and competitor universe, and the locations that you need monitoring.

Related reports