Nowadays considerable attention is given worldwide to the competitiveness, innovation, labour productivity, knowledge-based economy and digital economy. In the context of globalization, internationalization and post-industrial society universities are considered as drivers for territorial development while educational services are deemed a national/regional competitive advantage. In this respect, in recent times, we have witnessed a rapid growth of the global e-learning market. According to Global Industry Analyst the worldwide revenue of the global e-learning market was $52,6 billion in 2010 and is expected to reach $ 241 billion by 2022. The paper is devoted to the analysis of the peculiarities of e-learning and online learning practices of the leading exporters of higher education. The main features of online learning as an aspect of internationalization of higher education are considered. The current status and future development of online learning in the Russian Federation are determined.
