Canada Primary Enrollment
School enrollment, primary (% gross) SE.PRM.ENRR
Canada's primary enrollment was 93.15% in 2025, ranked 140th globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Canada's primary enrollment stood at 93.15% in 2025, a decline of +1.80pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 93.15% by 2025. Canada ranked 140th globally.
Canada’s primary school enrollment has slipped from an all‑time peak of 99.86 % in 2015 to a trough of 93.15 % in 2025, placing the country 140th globally and just below the Philippines (93.38 %) and Lao PDR (93.14 %). The 22‑year series shows a steady decline after the mid‑2010s, eroding the near‑universal coverage recorded at the turn of the millennium (99.42 % in 2000). The drop coincides with broader demographic shifts, including lower birth rates and increasing regional disparities in access to schooling, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities. While the current level remains relatively high compared with many lower‑income economies, the downward trajectory signals mounting challenges for maintaining universal primary education. Strengthening outreach programs, expanding early‑childhood services, and addressing socioeconomic barriers will be essential to reverse the decline and restore Canada’s enrollment rates toward the high levels seen in the early 2000s.
Data & projection
| Year | Primary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 92.49% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 93.15% | - | - |
| 2025 | 93.15% | −1.80pp | #140 |
| 2023 | 94.95% | +0.21pp | #122 |
| 2022 | 94.74% | −0.48pp | #125 |
| 2021 | 95.23% | −1.68pp | #124 |
| 2020 | 96.91% | −0.28pp | #119 |
| 2019 | 97.19% | −1.47pp | #117 |
| 2018 | 98.66% | +0.03pp | #105 |
| 2017 | 98.63% | +0.08pp | #108 |
| 2016 | 98.55% | −1.31pp | #116 |
| 2015 | 99.86% | +0.33pp | #105 |
| 2014 | 99.53% | +0.14pp | #107 |
| 2013 | 99.39% | −0.10pp | #104 |
| 2012 | 99.49% | +0.93pp | #110 |
| 2011 | 98.56% | −0.57pp | #121 |
| 2010 | 99.13% | −0.47pp | #119 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Canada matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw primary enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada's primary enrollment was 93.15% in 2025. Ranked 140th globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from the previous year.
Canada's primary enrollment peaked at 99.86% in 2015.
The lowest primary enrollment in Canada was 93.15% in 2025.
Canada ranks 140th globally in primary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.PRM.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
Canada's primary enrollment is projected to reach 93.15% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The primary enrollment of Canada in 2025 was 93.15%. This ranks 140th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_canada_primary-enrollment,
title = {Canada Primary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/canada/primary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}