GenAI skills surge globally; UK, US and Australia lag behind
Demand for generative AI skills is accelerating rapidly, with enrolments in online GenAI courses rising 195% year-on-year; Switzerland, Netherlands and Sweden top global rankings.
Drawing on data from learners in more than 100 countries, the report from Coursera identifies GenAI as the fastest-growing digital skill globally, now averaging 12 enrolments per minute in 2025. India leads all countries in GenAI course participation, and Latin America has experienced a 425% increase, more than any other region.
Countries such as the United Kingdom (ranked 22nd), the United States (27th), and Australia (23rd) trail behind their European counterparts in overall skills proficiency. Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Sweden top the global rankings.
The research also introduces a new AI Maturity Index, which ranks countries on their readiness to adopt and apply AI capabilities. Singapore, Denmark, and Switzerland lead this index, reflecting their strength in converting AI learning into practical innovation.
Findings include:
- Cybersecurity enrolments are rising, up 106% in Latin America, but remain insufficient relative to workforce demand.
- Women make up just 32% of enrolments in GenAI courses, compared to 46% of all courses.
Greg Hart, CEO of Coursera, the global learning platform and organisation behind the research, said the findings offer “a clear call to action to support a more inclusive, AI-driven economy.”
The 2025 Global Skills Report is based on Coursera platform data from more than 170 million learners worldwide, and incorporates economic indicators from sources including the World Bank, IMF and OECD. It reflects trends from over 100 countries and includes regional comparisons across key technology, business and data skill domains.