Iran, Islamic Republic of Education Spending
Government expenditure on education as % of GDP SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS
Iran, Islamic Republic of's education spending was 2.34% in 2025, ranked 141st globally. This represents a 17.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1971–2025.
Overview
Iran, Islamic Republic of's education spending stood at 2.34% in 2025, a decline of +0.49% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.34% by 2025. Iran, Islamic Republic of ranked 141st globally.
Iran's education spending as a percentage of its GDP has experienced a significant decline since its peak in 1981, when it reached 7.13%, amidst the country's tumultuous period following the Iranian Revolution. In contrast, other countries with similar economic profiles, such as Albania, have maintained relatively stable levels of education spending. The current figure of 2.34% in 2025 represents the lowest level in the country's 46-year history, surpassing its previous trough in 2025. This decline suggests a shift in the government's priorities, which could have long-term implications for Iran's human capital development and economic growth. Malawi and Liberia, two countries with lower GDP per capita, have managed to maintain higher levels of education spending, highlighting the potential for Iran to reassess its investment in education. A significant increase in oil prices or a shift in government priorities could potentially alter the trajectory of Iran's education spending and drive it towards a more sustainable path.
Data & projection
| Year | Education Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 2.17% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.34% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.34% | −0.49% | #141 |
| 2023 | 2.82% | +0.15% | #34 |
| 2022 | 2.67% | −0.53% | #33 |
| 2020 | 3.20% | −0.04% | #38 |
| 2019 | 3.24% | −0.38% | #49 |
| 2018 | 3.62% | +0.16% | #66 |
| 2017 | 3.46% | +0.29% | #57 |
| 2016 | 3.17% | +0.54% | #43 |
| 2015 | 2.63% | +0.01% | #22 |
| 2014 | 2.62% | −0.24% | #27 |
| 2013 | 2.85% | −0.09% | #33 |
| 2012 | 2.94% | −0.55% | #40 |
| 2011 | 3.48% | −0.22% | #54 |
| 2010 | 3.71% | −0.13% | #61 |
| 2009 | 3.84% | −0.07% | #39 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iran, Islamic Republic of matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2019. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw education spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iran, Islamic Republic of's education spending was 2.34% in 2025. Ranked 141st globally. This represents a 17.2% decrease from the previous year.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's education spending peaked at 7.13% in 1981.
The lowest education spending in Iran, Islamic Republic of was 2.34% in 2025.
Iran, Islamic Republic of ranks 141st globally in education spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's education spending is projected to reach 2.34% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The education spending of Iran, Islamic Republic of in 2025 was 2.34%. This ranks 141st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iran-islamic-republic-of_education-spending-gdp,
title = {Iran, Islamic Republic of Education Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iran-islamic-republic-of/education-spending-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}