Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to aggregate and synthesize existing research findings in the realm of educational financing considering the adoption of educational technology (EdTech). Design/methodology/approach: The study involves the application of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Model, considering the journal articles from the last 10 years (2013 through 2023) obtained from the EBSCO and Emerald Insight databases to perform a systematic literature review. Findings: EdTech has given institutions new sources of income. The demand for online courses, credentials and other digital learning tools is rising, opening up new revenue potential for schools. Take-now-pay-post-placement is a new business model for the upskilling sector that enables learners to enroll in pertinent upskilling courses and pay back once they are placed (at a higher salary). Originality/value: The development of technology has significantly lowered the overall educational cost, democratized access to education and empowered people to take charge of their education regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. With technology acting as a potent instrument to facilitate learning and close access barriers to education, this trend is expected to continue.