Introduction

Low-code and no-code are changing how you approach technology in education. They make it possible for you, as an educator or administrator, to build robust digital solutions without needing advanced programming skills.

You’re likely feeling the pressure to modernize and keep up with the fast-changing digital world. That’s why digital transformation is more important than ever. You can use technology whether you work at a school, college, or university. It will help you improve accessibility, personalize learning, and streamline administrative tasks—all while preparing your students for a tech-driven future.

Low-code/no-code tools put you at the forefront of this transformation. They let you quickly create interactive learning modules, customized learning management systems, and data-driven solutions tailored to your students’ diverse needs. By democratizing app development, these platforms help you to innovate and respond swiftly to changing educational demands, often at a fraction of the cost and time compared to traditional software development. 

The impact is enormous: The global low-code development market is projected to reach approximately $36.4 billion by 2027 and grow to $187 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 31.9% from 2021 to 2027. 

In this blog, you’ll explore the basics of low-code and no-code for higher education platforms, their role in transforming education, real-world applications, key benefits of low code no code, and the top seven low-code/no-code platforms you should know about. 

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or edtech enthusiast, you’ll see how these innovative tools are reshaping education and unlocking exciting new possibilities for teaching and learning.

What are low-code/no-code platforms?

Low-code and no-code platforms are software development tools that simplify the application creation process by using visual interfaces and pre-built components, reducing or eliminating the need for manual coding. 

These platforms are designed to make app development accessible to a broader audience, including non-technical users, while also speeding up the development process for technical professionals.

The distinction between low-code and no-code for higher education lies in their target audience and functionality. Low-code platforms are ideal for creating complex, enterprise-grade applications with customization options, while no-code platforms focus on rapidly developing simple applications for small-scale projects. 

Below is a detailed comparison:

Aspect Low-code platforms No-code platforms 
Target users Developers and IT professionals with some programming knowledge Citizen developers like business analysts 
Development complexity Supports complex applications with customization options Best for simple applications with limited customization
Customization options Allows adding custom code for advanced features Limited to pre-built templates and drag-and-drop interfaces
Integration capabilities Robust integration with legacy systems and third-party tools Limited integration capabilities
Scalability Suitable for scalable, high-performance applications May struggle with scalability as business needs grow
Maintenance Includes tools for long-term application management Simpler maintenance, but may require migration for advanced needs
Speed of development Reduces manual coding, but may take longer for complex customization Enables rapid prototyping and quick deployment
Governance and compliance Built-in tools for governance and security May lack advanced governance features
Cost implications Higher initial investment, but saves costs through efficiency Cost-effective for startups and small businesses
Best use cases Enterprise-level applications, complex workflows Landing pages, internal tools, and prototypes

Why does the education industry need low-code/no-code tools?

If you’re in education, you know how important it is to keep up with technology. Low-code and no-code for higher education platforms can help you do this faster and easier. 

Here’s why these tools are essential for the education industry:

  • Save time and money: Build apps and digital tools quickly without hiring expensive developers.
  • No coding skills needed: Create solutions even if you don’t have a technical background.
  • Customize learning: Design interactive lessons and personalized content that fit your students’ needs.
  • Improve accessibility: Make sure all students, including those with disabilities, can access your materials.
  • Empower educators: Give teachers and staff the power to create and update tools independently.
  • Boost student engagement: Let students experiment with app-building to develop tech skills and creativity.
  • Scale easily: Adjust and expand your digital tools as your institution grows or changes.
  • Automate tasks: Streamline administrative work like attendance, grading, and communication.
  • Integrate systems: Connect different platforms and data sources for smoother operations.
  • Stay agile: Quickly respond to new challenges or opportunities without long development cycles.

Using low-code/no-code higher education platforms can transform your educational environment, making it more innovative, inclusive, and efficient.

Also, read our latest article, “A 2025 guide to low code automation: features, benefits, and use-cases.” 

Key benefits of low-code/no-code tools in education

The benefits of low-code platforms and no-code for higher education platforms are transforming how you develop digital tools and enhance learning experiences in education.

Here’s how these platforms can benefit you:

  • Ease of use: Create apps and tools easily with intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces—no coding skills are required.
  • Faster development: Build educational content quickly to adapt to changing needs without delays.
  • Cost-effective: Save money by reducing the need for expensive developers, making digital transformation more affordable for your school or university.
  • Customization: Tailor apps and eLearning modules to fit your specific classroom or institutional needs, making your solutions more relevant and effective.
  • Enhanced engagement: Use interactive features like gamification, quizzes, and multimedia to keep your students engaged and help them retain knowledge better.
  • Inclusivity and accessibility: Create content that meets accessibility standards, ensuring all your learners, including those with disabilities, can benefit.
  • Collaboration: Enable students and teachers to collaborate easily on projects, boosting teamwork and communication skills.
  • Scalability: Scale your digital solutions effortlessly as your student base grows or your educational needs evolve.
  • Real-time feedback: Give students immediate results on their work, encouraging hands-on learning and improving problem-solving abilities.
  • Career readiness: Help students develop valuable skills, such as computational thinking, app design, and project management, that will prepare them for tech-driven careers.

Using low-code/no-code for higher education platforms allows you to focus on innovation while making education more accessible, engaging, and ready for the future.

Real-world applications of low-code/no-code tools in the education industry

Low-code and no-code for higher education platforms are transforming the education industry by enabling institutions to develop innovative solutions without extensive technical expertise. 

Here’s how you can use low-code/no-code for higher education platforms to transform education:

  • Interactive learning modules: You can create engaging lessons using multimedia, quizzes, and gamification. These modules help boost your students’ engagement and improve their information retention.
  • Custom Learning Management Systems (LMS): Design LMS platforms tailored to your needs. Track student progress, manage resources, and simplify administrative tasks—all without complex coding.
  • Language learning apps: Build adaptive language apps that personalize lessons based on each student’s progress, making language learning more effective and enjoyable.
  • Simulations and virtual labs: Create simulations and virtual labs for science and technical subjects. These hands-on tools help your students grasp complex concepts more easily.
  • Accessibility features: Make sure your content is inclusive by designing it to meet accessibility standards so all students, including those with disabilities, can participate fully.
  • Collaborative tools: Develop apps encouraging collaboration between students and educators, fostering teamwork and communication in virtual classrooms.

You can innovate, adapt, and deliver impactful educational experiences more efficiently than ever using these applications.

Top low-code/no-code platforms for the education industry

Low-code/no-code for higher education platforms revolutionizes education by enabling institutions to develop custom applications quickly and efficiently. 

Below is an overview of some of the top platforms and their key features:

  1. ToolJet
AI-powered, open-source, low-code, no-code platform designed for building custom internal tools and applications with ease-ToolJet

Image source

ToolJet is an AI-powered, open-source, low-code, no-code platform designed for building custom internal tools and applications with ease. It offers extensive integration capabilities and robust security features, making it ideal for educational institutions.

Key features:

  • Drag-and-drop app builder with 60+ pre-built components like tables, charts, and forms.
  • Seamless integration with 60+ data sources such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Google Sheets, and APIs.
  • Built-in PostgreSQL-based database (ToolJet DB) for scalable data management.
  • Workflow automation to streamline complex processes.
  • Enterprise-grade security with Single Sign-On (SSO) and audit logs.
  • Multiplayer editing for real-time collaboration among team members.
  • Deployment options include cloud hosting, self-hosting via Docker/Kubernetes, or local prototyping.
  1. Mendix
Low-code platform focused on enterprise-grade application development-Mendix

Image source

Mendix is a powerful low-code platform focused on enterprise-grade application development. It is well-suited for large educational institutions needing scalable and highly customizable solutions.

Key features:

  • Supports both low-code and no-code development for diverse user needs.
  • Advanced integration capabilities with legacy systems and third-party tools.
  • Built-in AI and machine learning features for intelligent applications.
  • Comprehensive governance tools to ensure compliance with data privacy standards.
  • Multi-cloud deployment options, including private cloud and on-premises.
  1. Appsmith
Open-source platform for rapidly building internal tools-Appsmith

Image source

Appsmith is an open-source platform for rapidly building internal tools. It’s perfect for creating dashboards and portals for educational use.

Key features:

  • Drag-and-drop interface for creating custom applications in minutes.
  • Integration with popular databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and APIs.
  • Pre-built widgets such as tables, charts, and forms for quick UI creation.
  • Role-based access control to manage user permissions effectively.
  • Open-source flexibility for customization.
  1. DronaHQ
Low-code platform tailored for workflow automation and mobile_web app development-DronaHQ

Image source

DronaHQ is a low-code platform tailored for workflow automation and mobile/web app development. It’s ideal for automating administrative processes in educational institutions.

Key features:

  • Visual interface with drag-and-drop components for rapid app development.
  • Pre-built templates to accelerate workflows like attendance tracking or feedback collection.
  • Integration with databases, APIs, and third-party tools.
  • Mobile-first design capabilities for creating responsive apps.
  1. OutSystems
Low-code platform that excels in building scalable applications with advanced customization options-outsystems

Image source

OutSystems is a robust, low-code platform that excels in building scalable applications with advanced customization options. It’s ideal for creating complex education management systems.

Key features:

  • Drag-and-drop UI builder with extensive customization capabilities.
  • AI-powered tools to optimize application performance and user experience.
  • Strong integration capabilities with external systems and APIs.
  • Built-in analytics to monitor application usage and performance.
  • Enterprise-grade security features to protect sensitive data.
  1. Microsoft Power Apps
No-code_low-code platform that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 tools-Microsoft power apps

Image source

Microsoft Power Apps is a no-code/low-code platform that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 tools, making it a popular choice in education.

Key features:

  • Easy integration with Microsoft products like Teams, SharePoint, and Excel.
  • Pre-built templates for quick app creation tailored to educational needs.
  • AI builder to add intelligence to applications without coding expertise.
  • Role-based access control to manage permissions securely.
  • Cloud-based deployment through Microsoft Azure.

These platforms cater to various needs in the education industry, from creating interactive learning modules to automating administrative workflows. Choosing the right platform depends on your institution’s size, technical expertise, and specific requirements.

How Emeritus partnered with ToolJet to transform operations

Emeritus collaboration with ToolJet to increase the work efficiency

Emeritus, a leading edtech company committed to teaching future skills to a global audience, faced significant operational challenges due to disconnected systems and inefficient internal interfaces. 

With over 500,000 learners across 80 countries and a large tech team, the company struggled with productivity and scalability bottlenecks. By partnering with ToolJet, Emeritus successfully addressed these issues, enhanced user experience, and improved internal operations.

The challenges Emeritus faced

Emeritus encountered several issues that impacted efficiency:

  • Inefficient internal interfaces: The platform used for enrollment lacked operational efficiency, resulting in a suboptimal admin experience for non-technical teams.
  • Data Silos: Disconnected internal systems led to data silos and information gaps, decreasing efficiency across teams.
  • High development costs: Existing development methods require substantial resources, affecting productivity and increasing salary overheads.
  • Slow response to market needs: These challenges collectively impacted Emeritus’ ability to expand and respond quickly to market demands.

How ToolJet helped

ToolJet provided Emeritus with the tools to overcome these challenges:

  • User-friendly interface: Employees with less technical knowledge could quickly learn and develop applications faster.
  • Smooth integrations: ToolJet easily integrated with existing data sources like BigQuery, Salesforce, Canvas, and ZenDesk, breaking down data silos.
  • Granular user access controls: ToolJet provided user access controls based on roles, ensuring secure handling of sensitive information.
  • Cost-effective solutions: ToolJet offered reliable solutions that reduced dependency on engineering resources for internal tools, resulting in lower deployment time and costs.

The deployment of ToolJet resulted in several key improvements:

  • Enhanced operational efficiency: Streamlined internal processes and improved the admin experience, increasing productivity.
  • Improved scalability: Enabled Emeritus to handle a growing number of learners and expand its offerings without being constrained by development bottlenecks.
  • Cost savings: Reduced dependency on engineering resources and decreased deployment time, resulting in significant cost savings.
  • Better user experience: Elevated user experience for internal teams and learners, contributing to overall satisfaction and engagement.

By adopting ToolJet, Emeritus transformed its operations, achieving greater efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. This ultimately enhanced its ability to deliver high-quality education to learners worldwide.

Conclusion

Low-code and no-code for higher education platforms are reshaping the education landscape. It’s helping educators and administrators like you rapidly develop customized digital solutions without deep technical expertise. 

As the education sector faces increasing pressure to modernize, using such tools becomes essential. These tools cannot only deliver inclusive, scalable solutions but also offer future-ready learning experiences.

ToolJet stands out as a robust, open-source, low-code/no-code for higher education platform that perfectly aligns with these needs. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, seamless integrations, and robust customization capabilities, ToolJet enables you to build tailored applications. From real-time dashboards to compliance trackers, we have all the solutions your business needs. 

By adopting ToolJet, you can break down development bottlenecks, reduce costs, and accelerate your institution’s digital transformation, ultimately unlocking new teaching, learning, and administration possibilities. 

Sign up for free today to lead innovation. 

FAQ

1. What are education management solutions?

Education management solutions are software platforms designed to streamline academic and administrative tasks in schools, colleges, and universities. They help manage student data, enrollment, attendance, fee collection, and reporting while improving operational efficiency.

2. How do education data management solutions benefit institutions?

These solutions centralize data storage, allowing educators and administrators to access, analyze, and manage information efficiently. They enhance decision-making by providing real-time insights into student performance, attendance, and institutional metrics.

3. What are code solutions in education?

Code solutions refer to tools or platforms that enable educators and institutions to develop custom applications or automate processes using programming or low-code/no-code technologies. These solutions help build tailored systems for learning management, compliance tracking, and more.

4. What are the benefits of low-code/no-code platforms in education?

Low-code/no-code platforms simplify app development by enabling educators to create tools without coding expertise. Benefits include faster development, cost savings, customization, improved engagement through interactive features, and scalability to meet evolving needs.

5. How can no-code platforms be used in higher education?

No-code platforms empower higher education institutions to design custom applications for managing admissions, tracking student progress, creating collaborative tools, and building accessible learning modules—all without extensive technical expertise.