France Tertiary Enrollment
School enrollment, tertiary (% gross) SE.TER.ENRR
France's tertiary enrollment was 72.93% in 2025, ranked 48th globally. This represents a 3.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
France's tertiary enrollment stood at 72.93% in 2025, a rise of +2.48pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 72.93% by 2025. France ranked 48th globally.
France's tertiary enrollment rate has experienced a significant increase over the past two and a half decades, with the latest figure standing at 72.93% in 2025. This represents the highest tertiary enrollment rate recorded for the country, surpassing the 2002 trough of 50.25% and the 2000 baseline of 50.60%. In comparison, Ecuador boasts the highest tertiary enrollment rate among peer countries, at 74.52%. France's steady improvement in tertiary enrollment can be seen in the steady climb from 50.60% in 2000 to the current rate of 72.93%. However, this rate still lags behind that of peer countries such as Serbia, which reached 74.62% in 2025. To continue improving, France may need to address potential barriers to higher education, such as affordability and accessibility, as changes in these areas could significantly impact the trajectory of tertiary enrollment in the country.
Data & projection
| Year | Tertiary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 73.74% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 72.93% | - | - |
| 2025 | 72.93% | +2.48pp | #48 |
| 2023 | 70.45% | −1.06pp | #42 |
| 2022 | 71.51% | +1.57pp | #41 |
| 2021 | 69.94% | +1.07pp | #45 |
| 2020 | 68.87% | +1.14pp | #40 |
| 2019 | 67.73% | +0.19pp | #41 |
| 2018 | 67.54% | +1.74pp | #40 |
| 2017 | 65.80% | +1.07pp | #44 |
| 2016 | 64.73% | +1.94pp | #43 |
| 2015 | 62.79% | +1.28pp | #41 |
| 2014 | 61.51% | +1.66pp | #43 |
| 2013 | 59.85% | +1.94pp | #43 |
| 2012 | 57.91% | +2.28pp | #42 |
| 2011 | 55.63% | +0.74pp | #44 |
| 2010 | 54.88% | +2.11pp | #43 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
France matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw tertiary enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
France's tertiary enrollment was 72.93% in 2025. Ranked 48th globally. This represents a 3.5% increase from the previous year.
France's tertiary enrollment peaked at 72.93% in 2025.
The lowest tertiary enrollment in France was 50.25% in 2002.
France ranks 48th globally in tertiary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.TER.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
France's tertiary enrollment is projected to reach 72.93% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tertiary enrollment of France in 2025 was 72.93%. This ranks 48th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_france_tertiary-enrollment,
title = {France Tertiary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/france/tertiary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}