With the global e-learning market projected to reach $374.3 billion by 2026, education affiliate programs are opening doors to unprecedented earning opportunities for both content creators and educators.
From online course platforms to textbook publishers, the education niche is booming with profitable affiliate partnerships. Top players like Udemy, Coursera, and MasterClass offer competitive commission rates ranging from 10% to 45% per sale.
The best part?
You don't need to be a teacher to succeed. With over 82 million learners using platforms like Coursera and 100,000+ creators generating $1 billion through Teachable, the potential for earnings is substantial.
Ready to transform your educational influence into a steady revenue stream? Let's explore the most lucrative education affiliate programs available.
How to Choose the Right Education Affiliate Program?
Selecting the most suitable education affiliate program is crucial for maximizing your earnings and providing value to your audience. When evaluating potential programs, consider the following key factors:
Commission Rates and Cookie Duration
The commission rate, the percentage of each sale you'll earn, is vital. Higher commission rates can translate to higher earnings, but you should also assess the average product pricing. Some programs may offer lower commission rates but on higher-priced products, potentially resulting in larger commissions overall.
Additionally, pay close attention to the cookie duration or the length of time a user's click is tracked. Longer cookie durations increase the chances of earning commissions, even if the purchase happens days or weeks after the initial click.
Relevance to Your Audience's Interests
The relevance of the educational products or services to your niche and target audience is paramount. Promoting irrelevant offerings is unlikely to convert well and may damage your credibility with your audience. Thoroughly understand your audience's needs, interests, and skill levels to identify programs that cater to their specific requirements.
Quality and Reputation of Courses/Products
Research the quality and reputation of the educational resources you'll be promoting. Look for reputable institutions, experienced instructors, and positive reviews from past students. Promoting low-quality or untrustworthy products can harm your relationship with your audience and impact your long-term success as an affiliate.
Top Education Affiliate Programs Delivering the Best
| Program Name | Commission Rate (%) | Cookie Duration (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Udemy | 10% | 7 days |
| Thinkific | 30% | 90 days |
| Skillshare | 40% | 30 days |
| Coursera | 10%-45% | 30 days |
| Kajabi | 30% | 30 days |
| TalentLMS | 20% | 60 days |
| 360training | 15% | 60 days |
| MasterClass | 25% | 30 days |
| Times Tales | 15% | 90 days |
| Outschool | 50% per sale | 30 days |
| Bionic Turtle | 20% | 60 days |
| TEFL Academy | 10% | 30 days |
| Rosetta Stone | 7% | 30 days |
| TextBooks.com | 5% | – |
| Linux Foundation | 20% | 120 days |
| Princeton Review | 8% | 45 days |
1. Udemy
Udemy's Education Affiliate Program offers content creators and influencers an excellent opportunity to monetize their platforms by promoting online courses. With over 155,000 courses spanning diverse topics like programming, marketing, and personal development, affiliates have a vast selection to promote.
The program provides up to 15% commission per sale, with a 7-day cookie duration. Affiliates can leverage deep linking capabilities, tracking assets, and promotional materials to drive sales effectively. Udemy's marketplace insights tool aids niche research, ensuring affiliates promote relevant courses.
The minimum payout threshold is $50, with payment options including PayPal and bank transfer. Udemy's affiliate program is available through major networks like Rakuten, Awin, and AdmitAd, catering to a global audience.
2. Thinkific
Thinkific is an online course platform that offers a highly rewarding education affiliate program. With a 30% recurring commission on all monthly or annual paid plans, affiliates can earn substantial passive income by promoting Thinkific's course creation tools to their audience. The program offers a generous 90-day cookie duration, allowing ample time for referrals to convert.
Thinkific empowers course creators with a user-friendly interface, comprehensive marketing tools, and seamless integration with over 100 business applications. Its robust features include multimedia course content support, student engagement tracking, and customizable website themes. Pricing plans range from $49 to $499 monthly.
Affiliates can leverage Thinkific's extensive resources, including banners, text links, and a dedicated marketing team, to drive traffic from various sources like blogs, social media, and email lists.
3. Skillshare
Skillshare is an online education platform offering courses in creative fields like design, illustration, photography, and more. Its affiliate program allows content creators, bloggers, and influencers to earn commissions by promoting Skillshare's extensive catalog of over 39,000 classes taught by industry experts.
With a 40% commission rate, up to $67 per new customer referral, affiliates can monetize their audiences across blogs, social media, email newsletters, and other channels. The program features real-time tracking, monthly payouts via PayPal or EFT, and a 30-day cookie duration. Skillshare's affordable subscription model, diverse course offerings, and user-friendly platform make it an attractive choice for learners seeking professional development or personal enrichment.
4. Coursera
Coursera is an online education platform that offers a rewarding affiliate program for content creators and influencers in the education niche. With over 7,000 courses from top universities and institutions, Coursera's affiliate program allows partners to earn commissions ranging from 20% to 45% on course sales, specializations, and professional certificates.
The program stands out with its diverse course catalog spanning IT, business, personal development, and more, catering to learners of all skill levels. Affiliates can leverage Coursera's global brand recognition and user base to drive targeted traffic through custom marketing materials and deep linking capabilities. The 30-day cookie duration and potential for recurring commissions on subscription purchases further enhance the program's appeal.
5. Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that empowers knowledge entrepreneurs to create, market, and sell online courses, coaching programs, and membership sites. With a 30% lifetime commission rate, affiliates can monetize their audience and earn passive income.
The program provides custom campaign links, promotional assets, and email templates to help affiliates effectively market Kajabi. Affiliates can leverage various traffic sources, including websites, blogs, social media, podcasts, and email lists. The program has no strict qualification criteria, making it accessible to established marketers and newcomers.
6. TalentLMS
TalentLMS offers an Education Affiliate Program that allows individuals and organizations to promote its cloud-based learning management system (LMS) and earn commissions.
When someone signs up for a paid TalentLMS plan through the affiliate link, the affiliate earns a recurring commission, typically 30% of the customer's monthly or annual subscription fee. Affiliates can leverage various marketing channels to drive targeted traffic and maximize their earnings potential, including websites, social media, email lists, and more.
TalentLMS offers competitive pricing plans starting from $59 per month, catering to businesses of all sizes. With its comprehensive course creation tools, gamification features, and seamless integrations, TalentLMS empowers affiliates to promote a powerful and versatile LMS solution to their audience.
7. 360training
360training is an online education platform offering professional certification and workforce training courses across diverse industries like healthcare, insurance, real estate, food & beverage, environmental safety, and HR. Their Education Affiliate Program allows affiliates to promote these courses and earn a 15% commission on sales, with an average order size of $80 and a 60-day referral period.
Affiliates receive dedicated support from an Affiliate Program Manager, unique banner codes, text links for websites and email campaigns, and real-time tracking. 360training has partnered with over 1500 e-learning providers, delivering courses to over 3 million learners globally.
8. MasterClass
MasterClass is an online education platform that offers affiliate marketing opportunities through its Education Affiliate Program. With a 25% commission rate and a 30-day cookie duration, affiliates can earn by promoting MasterClass's high-quality video courses taught by renowned experts across various fields.
The program accepts worldwide traffic sources, including social media and banner advertisements. The program operates on a cost-per-sale (CPS) model, with payments made via PayPal or wire transfer and no minimum payout threshold.
MasterClass provides affiliates with promotional materials and a user-friendly dashboard for tracking performance metrics. Its commitment to innovation and quality in online learning makes it an attractive choice for publishers in the education and online courses niche.
9. Times Tales
Times Tales is an innovative mnemonic-based math supplement designed to help kids learn multiplication tables effortlessly. Its Education Affiliate Program offers a 15% commission on all product sales, including the Times Tales Storybook, Workbook, and Video Course. With a 90-day cookie duration and payments via PayPal, affiliates can earn recurring income by promoting Times Tales' unique visual storytelling approach to math education.
Affiliates can leverage various marketing tools and resources to drive targeted traffic from parents, teachers, and homeschoolers seeking effective math solutions. With a low payout threshold of $10 and high-quality educational products, Times Tales' Affiliate Program presents an excellent opportunity for content creators in the education niche to monetize their platforms while helping children excel in math.
10. Outschool
Outschool is an online education platform offering diverse interactive classes for kids aged 3-18. With a 20% commission rate and a 30-day cookie duration, affiliates can monetize their audience's interest in enriching their children's learning experiences.
Outschool's affiliate program stands out with its user-friendly interface, providing affiliates with a wide selection of promotional materials, including banners, videos, and text links. Affiliates can earn recurring commissions by promoting Outschool's diverse class offerings, covering subjects like coding, arts, languages, and more. The program offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, bank transfer, and check, with a low payout threshold of $25.
11. Bionic Turtle
Bionic Turtle is an education affiliate program that offers comprehensive online courses and test prep materials for finance professionals. With a focus on the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certifications, Bionic Turtle provides a robust platform for affiliates to promote high-quality educational resources.
The program offers a 20% commission rate on course sales, with a 60-day cookie duration. Affiliates can leverage Bionic Turtle's reputation and expertise in the finance industry to attract potential customers interested in advancing their careers. The courses cover various topics, including risk management, investment analysis, and financial planning, catering to a diverse audience.
Additionally, the program offers excellent support and training to ensure affiliates' success in promoting educational products. With courses priced at around $800, affiliates can earn substantial commissions per referral, making Bionic Turtle an attractive choice for those in the finance education niche.
12. TEFL Academy
The TEFL Academy offers an Education Affiliate Program that allows individuals to earn commissions by promoting its internationally accredited TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) courses. With a 10% commission rate on each sale and a 30-day cookie duration, affiliates can monetize their website traffic or social media following.
The program is hosted on the ShareASale network, providing access to marketing materials, a dedicated affiliate manager, and real-time reporting. Affiliates can earn between $20-$60 per referral, depending on the course purchased. Payment options include ACH direct deposit or wire transfer.
The TEFL Academy's courses are designed for aspiring English teachers seeking TEFL certification to teach abroad or online.
13. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone, a renowned language learning platform, offers marketers an enticing Education Affiliate Program. With courses in over 25 languages, affiliates can promote high-quality language education resources to their audience. The program offers a commission rate of up to 10% on course sales and an extended 45-day cookie duration, ensuring affiliates earn from every qualified purchase.
Affiliates can confidently promote these courses, backed by Rosetta Stone's reputation for excellence. The program provides promotional tools like banners, text links, and course collections to aid affiliates' marketing efforts.
Pricing models range from a three-month subscription at $11.99/month to a lifetime access plan for $179, catering to diverse learner needs. With a wide range of advertising verticals and traffic sources, affiliates can effectively reach their target audience and maximize their earning potential through this Education Affiliate Program.
14. TextBooks.com
TextBooks.com is an education affiliate program that allows affiliates to earn commissions by promoting affordable textbooks for students. With a vast selection of over 7 million textbook titles, affiliates can cater to various academic needs. The program offers commission rates of up to 5% on textbook sales and rentals, with an average payout of $4.98 per transaction.
The program's 18% conversion rate and high EPC of $90.42 indicate its potential for generating substantial earnings. Affiliates can leverage multiple traffic sources, including email marketing, social media, and content marketing, to drive sales and maximize their earnings from this education-focused affiliate program.
15. Linux Foundation
The Linux Foundation offers a comprehensive education affiliate program, providing training and certification in open-source technologies. With courses covering Linux, cloud computing, blockchain, and more, affiliates can promote in-demand skills to a wide audience. The program features a 20% commission rate on sales, with a 60-day cookie duration, allowing ample time for conversions. Affiliates benefit from an average course price of $400, potentially earning $80+ per sale.
The Linux Foundation's reputation and 20 years of experience in the growing open-source industry make it an attractive option for education affiliates. The program is free to join, with a low $50 payout threshold. Affiliates can access banners, text links, and tracking tools through the ShareASale network. With the Linux Foundation's trusted resources and comprehensive courses, affiliates can confidently promote valuable training to their audience.
16. Princeton Review
The Princeton Review offers a compelling education affiliate program, allowing partners to promote its renowned test prep and admissions services. With competitive commission rates of up to 8% per sale and a 45-day cookie duration, affiliates can earn substantial revenue by referring students to The Princeton Review's expert-created online courses, video lessons, and practice tests.
Covering a wide range of standardized tests, including SAT, ACT, AP, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT, The Princeton Review caters to students from 6th grade through college. Affiliates benefit from exclusive marketing tools, banners, email templates, and the trust and credibility of The Princeton Review's 40-year legacy in helping students achieve their academic goals. The program's high EPC of over $900 and average order value of around $1,000 make it an attractive choice for education affiliates seeking to maximize their earnings potential.
Trends in Online Education
The online education landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing learner needs. Here are some notable trends shaping the future of online education:
- Growth of e-learning and virtual classrooms: Online learning platforms and virtual classroom environments are becoming increasingly popular, offering flexibility and accessibility to learners worldwide.
- Micro-credentials and nano-degrees: Short, focused courses and certifications, known as micro-credentials or nano-degrees, are gaining traction as a way to acquire specific skills and competencies quickly.
- Upskilling and professional development courses: With the rapid pace of technological change, there is a growing demand for upskilling and professional development courses to help individuals stay relevant and competitive in their careers.
- Increasing use of video-based learning: Video content is becoming a prevalent medium for online education, as it offers an engaging and immersive learning experience, catering to different learning styles and enhancing knowledge retention.
Answering Common Queries on Education Affiliate Programs
What is the Typical Commission Rate for education affiliate programs?
Commission rates for education affiliate programs can range from 10-45% per sale, with some programs like Skillshare offering up to 40% commission. The average commission rate seems to be around 20-30%.
What is the Importance Of Cookie Duration for education affiliates?
Cookie duration, which tracks the referral period, is crucial as many students take time to decide on an online course purchase. Longer cookie durations of 30-90 days allow affiliates to earn commissions even if the purchase happens weeks after the initial click.
How can affiliates Determine if an Education Program is Relevant to their audience?
Affiliates should assess their audience's interests, skill levels, career goals, and learning preferences to identify courses that cater to those needs. Promoting irrelevant courses is unlikely to convert well.
What Kind of Marketing Materials do education affiliate programs typically provide?
Most programs provide a range of marketing assets like banners, videos, email swipes, unique tracking links, and sometimes a dedicated affiliate manager to support promotional efforts.
Can Affiliates Earn Recurring Commissions from Education Programs?
Yes, some programs like Thinkific offer recurring commissions on monthly or annual subscription plans, allowing affiliates to earn passive income from a single referral over an extended period.
Are there any Education Affiliate Programs Focused on Test Preparation?
Programs like Bionic Turtle (CFA and FRM certifications) and The TEFL Academy (Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification) offer test prep resources that affiliates can promote.
Power of Education Affiliate Marketing
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, the opportunities in the education affiliate marketing space are truly exhilarating. The e-learning market is projected to surpass a staggering $350 billion by the end of this year, fueled by the insatiable demand for accessible, high-quality online education.
I firmly believe strategically aligning ourselves with the right education affiliate programs can open a world of passive income potential while empowering learners worldwide. With commission rates ranging from 10% to 45% and a rapidly growing e-learning market, there's never been a better time to start your journey in education affiliate marketing.
Remember, success comes from choosing programs that align with your audience's needs and creating valuable, authentic content that helps learners make the right decisions.
