Bulgaria Education Spending
Government expenditure on education as % of GDP SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS
Bulgaria's education spending was 5.09% in 2025, ranked 50th globally. This represents a 13.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Bulgaria's education spending stood at 5.09% in 2025, a rise of +0.59% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.09% by 2025. Bulgaria ranked 50th globally.
Bulgaria's education spending has fluctuated significantly over the past 29 years, with a notable peak in 1991 at 5.43% of the country's GDP. This peak coincided with the country's transition to a post-communist market-based economy, as Bulgaria sought to establish a new educational framework. Conversely, the lowest point, 2.23% in 1996, likely reflects the economic instability and austerity measures implemented during this period. Currently, Bulgaria ranks #50 globally in terms of education spending, with a value of 5.09% in 2025. This places it in close proximity to peer countries like Grenada, which also ranks at 5.23%. Notably, Bulgaria's education spending has been relatively stable in recent years, suggesting a level of commitment to investing in human capital. However, a significant increase in government spending on education or a shift in Bulgaria's economic priorities could alter this trajectory, potentially propelling the country further up the global rankings.
Data & projection
| Year | Education Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 5.09% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.09% | +0.59% | #50 |
| 2022 | 4.50% | −0.21% | #95 |
| 2021 | 4.71% | +0.23% | #98 |
| 2020 | 4.48% | +0.27% | #90 |
| 2019 | 4.21% | +0.16% | #89 |
| 2018 | 4.05% | −0.03% | #79 |
| 2017 | 4.08% | +0.02% | #85 |
| 2013 | 4.06% | +0.58% | #68 |
| 2012 | 3.48% | −0.07% | #57 |
| 2011 | 3.55% | −0.31% | #55 |
| 2010 | 3.86% | −0.42% | #63 |
| 2009 | 4.27% | +0.06% | #48 |
| 2008 | 4.22% | +0.54% | #52 |
| 2007 | 3.68% | −0.22% | #43 |
| 2006 | 3.90% | −0.21% | #48 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bulgaria matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw education spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgaria's education spending was 5.09% in 2025. Ranked 50th globally. This represents a 13.1% increase from the previous year.
Bulgaria's education spending peaked at 5.43% in 1991.
The lowest education spending in Bulgaria was 2.23% in 1996.
Bulgaria ranks 50th globally in education spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bulgaria's education spending is projected to reach 5.09% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The education spending of Bulgaria in 2025 was 5.09%. This ranks 50th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bulgaria_education-spending-gdp,
title = {Bulgaria Education Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bulgaria/education-spending-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}