Coursera has announced a workforce reduction following its acquisition of Udemy, although the online education platform has not disclosed the number of employees affected. The company said the move forms part of its post-merger integration strategy aimed at optimizing its cost structure and operational model.
Coursera expects to incur restructuring charges ranging between $8 million and $11 million, primarily related to severance payments and employee benefits for affected staff.
The company did not immediately respond to requests seeking details on the number of impacted employees. As of December 31, 2025, Coursera employed 1,307 full-time employees, while Udemy had 1,380 full-time employees.
Furthermore, the layoffs follow Coursera’s completion of its merger with Udemy on May 11, creating a combined edtech company focused on improving operational efficiency, strengthening its business model, and generating long-term cost synergies.
Additionally, Coursera stated that it expects most of the restructuring costs associated with the workforce reduction to be cash expenditures, which the company will recognize during the third and fourth quarters of the financial year.
Meanwhile, the company noted that the timeline for eliminating certain positions could extend beyond 2026 in some countries due to local labor regulations, statutory consultation requirements, and legal obligations governing workforce reductions.
The announcement also reflects a broader trend across the global technology sector, where companies continue to streamline operations and reduce costs amid evolving market conditions. According to Layoffs.fyi, more than 200 technology companies have collectively laid off over 119,400 employees so far this year, highlighting the continued wave of workforce restructuring across the industry.
Moreover, the integration of Coursera and Udemy represents one of the most significant developments in the online education and EdTech sectors. By combining their platforms, the companies aim to strengthen their market position, expand learning offerings, improve operational efficiencies, and deliver enhanced value to learners, businesses, and institutional customers worldwide.
As the post-merger integration progresses, Coursera is expected to continue aligning its workforce, operations, and technology infrastructure to support long-term growth while navigating changing market dynamics in the competitive online learning industry.
Coursera’s decision to reduce its workforce marks another important step in its integration with Udemy. While the company has not disclosed the number of affected employees, it expects to incur up to $11 million in restructuring costs as it streamlines operations and optimizes its business. The move also underscores the broader trend of cost optimization and workforce restructuring across the global technology and EdTech sectors.
