Online learning platform edX has collaborated with Shorelight to open a new online study abroad hub for Indian students wishing to study in the US. 

The tools aim will be to connect edX’s students with further undergraduate programs at US institutions on top of its own courses. 

The catalogue of programs, which is provided by Shorelight – an international agency mostly sending to US institutions – features over 3,000 courses at institutions including University of Illinois Chicago and American University. 

Students will be able to evaluate their best-fit programs and apply directly through Shorelight’s system to eventually enrol. 

“We’re excited to introduce edX learners to the diverse programs offered through Shorelight, bridging geographical boundaries and expanding the horizons of countless students,” said Shorelight CEO Tom Dretler. 

edX, which is an online learning hub that’s available worldwide, offers courses in executive education, professional certificates to show employers, microbachelor and micromaster programs and boot camps.

The company, which was acquired by US edtech giant 2U in 2021 for $800m, slates India as its second largest market provider in terms of learner numbers – with the US itself being the largest. 

“We’re excited to introduce edX learners to the diverse programs offered through Shorelight”

edX cited this growth, with almost 200,000 Indian students studying in the US in 2022, according to Open Doors, as the reason for the study abroad hub.

IIE’s latest snapshot also predicted that India would overtake China in terms of numbers in the next five years.

“We are committed to providing learners in India with greater access to relevant, affordable, and high-quality programs from the world’s best colleges and universities,” said 2U’s CEO Christopher Paucek.

edX said its “millions of learners” will be able to benefit from Shorelight’s resources through the collaboration. The company’s CEO, Anant Agarwal, said on Twitter that the opportunities provided by the collaboration will “change lives”.

“The study abroad hub on edX further enhances our ability to support international learners seeking to study in-person overseas – expanding our global footprint and meeting the needs of a significant and growing segment of the education market,” he added. 

Dretler said Shorelight would be “steadfast in its mission” to help international students into US institutions. 

“Our partnership with edX enables us to share this mission with an even broader audience globally,” he added.

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