GALWAY, IRELAND – November 2025

Alison, one of the world’s largest online learning platforms, has announced the launch of Alison Offline Learning, a unique world-first initiative of this scale, enabling learners without reliable internet access to pursue education at any time via its app. With nearly a third of the global population still offline, this move brings Alison’s 6,000+ CPD-accredited courses directly into the hands of millions who have long been excluded from the digital education revolution.

While internet connectivity has expanded dramatically in recent years, around 32% of the global population remains offline, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This challenge is most acute in the Global South, where many live in areas with limited digital infrastructure, unaffordable data, or inconsistent electricity. For these learners, access to online education has often remained out of reach. Alison’s Offline Learning decisively addresses this challenge, transforming remote learning aspirations into tangible achievement.

The Alison App, already downloaded over 12 million times worldwide, now presents two highly affordable offline learning solutions:

- Alison Lite: A once-off payment of $1 per course enables users to download and access their chosen course offline - ideal for learners with focused goals or limited device storage.

- Alison Unlimited: A monthly subscription from $5 grants offline access to all 6,000+ courses in Alison’s extensive library, covering skills from digital literacy and entrepreneurship to languages, health, and beyond.

Empowering Learners Beyond Connectivity Barriers

“Too many people around the world are excluded from learning because they happen to live in a place where the internet is unreliable, unaffordable, or simply unavailable,” said Ciaran Cannon, Vice President of Global Affairs at Alison. “Offline Learning is our answer to that injustice. For a very low fee, learners can now download what they need and study at their own pace, without ever needing to stay connected.”

This innovative, accessible education solution enables learners to download individual modules or entire free online courses, optimally balancing storage capacity with bandwidth availability. Progress seamlessly auto-syncs upon reconnection, ensuring learners can earn their valuable certificates and diplomas. This flexible design is critical for users navigating data restrictions or intermittent power supply. Downloads can be easily managed and removed to optimise device space for new course content. 

This initiative decisively closes a vital access gap. In low-income countries, for instance, a mere 27% of the population uses the internet (ITU, 2024). Across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and rural Latin America, learners grapple with a triple challenge: infrastructure, affordability, and digital literacy. While Alison has always championed free online learning, this new offline feature dramatically expands that reach, actively bridging the digital divide.

“A student in rural Kenya, a community leader in Bangladesh, or a mother reskilling in remote Bolivia can now access the same high-quality learning experience as someone in New York or London,” Cannon added. “This isn’t just about education. It’s about opportunity, dignity, and the right to self-determination. Our new offline offering is going to have a truly remarkable impact, particularly in empowering women, youth, and displaced populations.”

Moreover, this feature significantly enhances the study experience for everyday mobile learners, commuters, and professionals on the go, making professional development more flexible and convenient than ever.

How Offline Learning Works

The Alison Lite and Alison Unlimited plans are immediately available on Android and iOS, upholding Alison’s core commitment to accessibility and affordability. All course content is meticulously developed in collaboration with subject-matter experts and strictly adheres to international CPD (Continuing Professional Development) standards. Key operational features include intuitive, modular downloads and a reliable auto-sync facility for saving progress. Assessments are completed once the learner is back online.

This development marks a monumental step forward in Alison’s mission to make education truly universal. With over 50 million registered learners across 193 countries, Alison consistently expands global education access, now pushing beyond the very limits of internet connectivity.

Alison's Vision for Global Accessibility 

Alison’s strategic investment in offline learning solutions forms a crucial part of its broader roadmap to fundamentally enhance global accessibility. Upcoming developments include comprehensive multilingual support, further expanded mobile learning capabilities, and a dedicated recruitment platform connecting employers with skilled graduates. With its rapidly expanding learner base, Alison remains steadfastly committed to ensuring education knows no boundaries — digital or otherwise.

Ends

Media Contact

For further information, contact the Alison Media Team at [email protected].

Multimedia/Resource Links

Explore Offline Learning Courses

Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube

About Alison

Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively — at zero cost.

The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare, and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.

For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workforce Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing, English Language Proficiency, Numeracy, Verbal and Abstract Reasoning tests.

To further support career development, learners also gain access to a Career Guide, Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App.

In 2025, Alison is launching a Global Recruitment Service to connect employers directly with skilled, motivated learners. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with full Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.

Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.