Sarrazin is of the opinion that online education is entering a new phase—one in which AI not only enhances access to knowledge but also transforms learning methodologies. “What we can achieve with AI, if executed properly, is personalization, adaptive learning, and widespread reskilling,” he stated.
With over 17 million learners and 9,000 instructors in India, the country stands as one of Udemy’s key markets. The platform currently provides around 2,400 courses in various Indian languages and collaborates with prominent domestic firms, especially in IT and manufacturing.
Udemy’s learners by country
| United States | 14 million+ |
| Canada | 2 million+ |
| Mexico | 1.8 million+ |
| Brazil | Nearly 6 million |
| Japan | 2 million+ |
| India | Nearly 17 million |
| Australia | 1.2 million+ |
| UK | 2.8 million+ |
| Spain | 1.4 million+ |
| Germany | 1.9 million+ |
The implementation of AI at Udemy aims to enhance, rather than replace, the role of instructors. “The model that Udemy employs is heavily reliant on instructors or creators… we believe that AI, in conjunction with the instructor, creates a significant impact,” Sarrazin noted.
The company is developing tools to automate the creation of assessments, facilitate multilingual delivery, and even generate customized visuals to enhance course materials. This technology is also being adapted for enterprises, enabling them to easily establish internal learning programs.
In India, demand is driven by tech-savvy learners seeking certifications in AWS, Google Cloud, programming languages, and now, AI itself. The platform offers over 4,000 AI-related courses. Nevertheless, interest is not confined to tech. Fields like design, communication, and English as a second language continue to witness significant growth.
A key element of Udemy’s AI approach is interactivity. Learners can engage in role-playing simulations, receive real-time feedback in coding labs, and experience adaptive content delivery tailored to their responses and progress. “This will fundamentally change the learning experience, also in the workflow,” Sarrazin remarked.
Gamification is another element planned for the future—though with restraint. Sarrazin commented that light, appropriately targeted incentives could encourage learners to stay on course, especially when tied to professional outcomes such as certification or demonstrating skill recency to employers.
Concerns surrounding AI hallucinations, or inaccurate outputs, are being addressed through continuous model enhancements and safeguards. Sarrazin recognized the risks but likened them to receiving imperfect advice from a colleague or professor. The essential point, he emphasized, is to balance automation with human judgment and real-world applicability.
Udemy is also taking a thoughtful approach to pricing. Sarrazin mentioned that future pricing may be tied to outcomes, distinguishing between a learner pursuing a creative hobby and someone chasing a data science certification with clear career advantages.
Looking forward, the company envisions itself not merely as a learning platform but as a comprehensive reskilling engine. “Our goal is to become the AI platform for reskilling the workforce of the future,” Sarrazin stated. With India’s vast learner base and demand for technical skills, it is evident that the country will play a vital role in realizing that vision.
