Australia Tertiary Enrollment
School enrollment, tertiary (% gross) SE.TER.ENRR
Australia's tertiary enrollment was 103.05% in 2025, ranked 11th globally. This represents a 1.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2015–2025.
Overview
Australia's tertiary enrollment stood at 103.05% in 2025, a decline of +1.60pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 103.05% by 2025. Australia ranked 11th globally.
Australia’s tertiary enrolment ratio fell from its all‑time peak of 119.68 % in 2016 to 103.05 % in 2025, placing the country 11th globally and below peers such as Norway (103.54 %) and Singapore (102.24 %). The ten‑year decline reflects a gradual reduction in the proportion of the population aged 25‑34 attaining higher education, a pattern that contrasts with the modest growth observed in many OECD members during the same period. While the 2025 figure remains well above the global average, the downward trajectory suggests that recent policy shifts, demographic ageing and tighter labour‑market demands may be dampening university participation. If Australia sustains current reforms aimed at expanding vocational pathways and enhancing financial support for students, the enrolment ratio could stabilise; however, further tightening of admission standards or prolonged economic uncertainty could accelerate the decline.
Data & projection
| Year | Tertiary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 101.63% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 103.05% | - | - |
| 2025 | 103.05% | −1.60pp | #11 |
| 2023 | 104.65% | −1.59pp | #8 |
| 2022 | 106.24% | −6.45pp | #5 |
| 2021 | 112.69% | +2.55pp | #3 |
| 2020 | 110.14% | +0.38pp | #3 |
| 2019 | 109.76% | +6.44pp | #3 |
| 2018 | 103.32% | −6.67pp | #4 |
| 2017 | 109.99% | −9.69pp | #3 |
| 2016 | 119.68% | +0.00pp | #2 |
| 2015 | 119.68% | – | #1 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Australia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw tertiary enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia's tertiary enrollment was 103.05% in 2025. Ranked 11th globally. This represents a 1.5% decrease from the previous year.
Australia's tertiary enrollment peaked at 119.68% in 2016.
The lowest tertiary enrollment in Australia was 103.05% in 2025.
Australia ranks 11th globally in tertiary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.TER.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
Australia's tertiary enrollment is projected to reach 103.05% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tertiary enrollment of Australia in 2025 was 103.05%. This ranks 11th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_australia_tertiary-enrollment,
title = {Australia Tertiary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/australia/tertiary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}