In a world where the cost and rigidity of traditional higher education often become barriers for working professionals, Mr Firoz Thairinil, Founder and CEO of UniAthena, has introduced a paradigm shift. By building an education model anchored in accessibility and affordability, UniAthena is not only disrupting the edtech space but also making quality learning more inclusive across the globe. In this exclusive interview with Higher Education Plus, Mr Thairinil shares his vision, the innovations powering UniAthena, and his insights into the future of online learning.
Q. UniAthena is built on principles of accessibility and affordability. What specific gaps in global education were you aiming to bridge with this model?
Higher education was increasingly viewed as a pathway to career growth for professionals. While programmes were available for working individuals, they were often unfeasible in practice. Traditional classroom delivery, rigid schedules, dense learning materials, and exorbitant fees made it inaccessible to many.
With UniAthena, we aimed to overcome these barriers by offering a delivery model that integrates seamlessly into the busy lives of full-time professionals. Our self-paced learning approach—featuring byte-sized, easily digestible content in video, textual, and assessment formats—is as effective as traditional methods. Most importantly, we focus on affordability, with flexible instalment plans to ensure access for learners from diverse economic backgrounds.
Q. How does UniAthena ensure the relevance and pragmatism of its courses in a rapidly evolving job market?
Our academic team is committed to designing industry-aligned, application-driven course materials. We continuously expand our portfolio of over 600 short courses, ensuring every programme responds to evolving skill requirements. Our mission is to equip learners with the competencies necessary to succeed, and with a learner base of over 3 million, we are confident in the impact we’ve made.
Q. How do you see the role of technology, especially AI and automation, shaping the future of affordable education platforms?
AI and automation are poised to transform the education sector, especially in making quality education affordable and engaging. From personalised AI-generated learning paths and automated administrative tasks to gamification and AR/VR-based learning, these technologies will redefine learning experiences. The possibilities are endless, and we are excited about the journey ahead.
Q. The education space is becoming increasingly crowded. How does UniAthena differentiate itself in terms of learner experience and outcomes?
Our strength lies in our commitment to accessible and affordable learning. We offer hundreds of short courses for free, and our academic programmes are flexibly delivered and competitively priced. Testimonials from learners often highlight how our platform helped them secure jobs, promotions, or salary increments. The relevance and practicality of our 20+ domain courses—designed by industry experts—consistently empower learners to upskill and succeed.
Q. What innovations in edtech do you believe will have the most significant impact on learner engagement and success in the next few years?
AI will undeniably play a central role. By enabling scalable, personalised learning, AI allows platforms like ours to provide tailored support and real-time feedback. This personalised approach fosters deeper engagement and improves outcomes. Furthermore, AI can support educators in curriculum design, teaching strategies, and classroom management—benefiting the entire learning ecosystem.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers in the field of education?
Aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers must embrace failure and resilience. Failure is more common than success in business, but adaptation, innovation, and a strong understanding of market dynamics can lead to enduring impact. Embrace change, embrace failure, and you’ll likely achieve more than you imagined.
As the digital learning landscape continues to evolve, leaders like Mr Firoz Thairinil are pushing the boundaries of what education can look like—flexible, affordable, and meaningful. UniAthena’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right vision and technology, education can be both a right and a reality for everyone.
