Malaysia Education Spending
Government expenditure on education as % of GDP SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS
Malaysia's education spending was 3.19% in 2025, ranked 117th globally. This represents a 9.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1971–2025.
Overview
Malaysia's education spending stood at 3.19% in 2025, a decline of +0.33% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.19% by 2025. Malaysia ranked 117th globally.
Malaysia’s public education expenditure has fallen to 3.19 % of GDP in 2025, placing it at rank 117 globally and representing the lowest level recorded since the series began in 1971 when spending stood at 4.55 % of GDP. The indicator peaked in 2002 at 7.66 % of GDP before a gradual decline over the subsequent two decades, reaching a trough in 2025. This downward trajectory contrasts with peer economies such as Tanzania, which recorded 3.20 % of GDP in the same year, and Serbia, at 3.12 %. The long‑term reduction may reflect shifting fiscal priorities, demographic changes, or pressures on public finances, yet the persistent decline suggests that without renewed policy emphasis on education funding, Malaysia’s share of GDP devoted to schooling is likely to remain modest in the near term.
Data & projection
| Year | Education Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 3.02% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 3.19% | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.19% | −0.33% | #117 |
| 2023 | 3.51% | +0.02% | #55 |
| 2022 | 3.50% | −0.76% | #59 |
| 2021 | 4.26% | +0.35% | #83 |
| 2020 | 3.91% | −0.25% | #64 |
| 2019 | 4.16% | −0.32% | #84 |
| 2018 | 4.48% | −0.20% | #95 |
| 2017 | 4.68% | −0.08% | #111 |
| 2016 | 4.75% | −0.14% | #95 |
| 2015 | 4.89% | −0.32% | #106 |
| 2014 | 5.21% | −0.27% | #115 |
| 2013 | 5.48% | −0.26% | #117 |
| 2012 | 5.74% | −0.02% | #119 |
| 2011 | 5.76% | +0.80% | #118 |
| 2010 | 4.97% | −1.01% | #88 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw education spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's education spending was 3.19% in 2025. Ranked 117th globally. This represents a 9.3% decrease from the previous year.
Malaysia's education spending peaked at 7.66% in 2002.
The lowest education spending in Malaysia was 3.19% in 2025.
Malaysia ranks 117th globally in education spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malaysia's education spending is projected to reach 3.19% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The education spending of Malaysia in 2025 was 3.19%. This ranks 117th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_education-spending-gdp,
title = {Malaysia Education Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/education-spending-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}