Pakistan Education Spending
Government expenditure on education as % of GDP SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS
Pakistan's education spending was 1.73% in 2025, ranked 156th globally. This represents a 11.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1971–2025.
Overview
Pakistan's education spending stood at 1.73% in 2025, a decline of +0.22% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.73% by 2025. Pakistan ranked 156th globally.
Pakistan's education spending, as a percentage of its GDP, has experienced fluctuations over the past five decades. The country's all-time peak in education spending was recorded in 1997, amounting to 3.02% of GDP. Conversely, the lowest point was witnessed in 2004, with spending plummeting to 1.44% of GDP. Although Pakistan's education spending has shown some improvement, currently standing at 1.73% of GDP, it still ranks relatively low globally. A comparison with its peer countries reveals that Pakistan's education spending is comparable to Guinea's, which also stands at 1.73% of GDP. The fluctuating trend in education spending in Pakistan is reflective of the country's broader economic and governance challenges. A sustained increase in education spending can be achieved if Pakistan addresses its fiscal constraints and prioritizes education in its development agenda.
Data & projection
| Year | Education Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.67% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.73% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.73% | −0.22% | #156 |
| 2023 | 1.95% | −0.03% | #17 |
| 2022 | 1.97% | +0.29% | #15 |
| 2021 | 1.69% | −0.37% | #9 |
| 2020 | 2.06% | −0.16% | #11 |
| 2019 | 2.21% | −0.12% | #21 |
| 2018 | 2.33% | −0.24% | #19 |
| 2017 | 2.58% | −0.09% | #25 |
| 2016 | 2.67% | +0.28% | #23 |
| 2015 | 2.39% | +0.18% | #17 |
| 2014 | 2.20% | −0.03% | #14 |
| 2013 | 2.24% | +0.26% | #15 |
| 2012 | 1.98% | −0.02% | #13 |
| 2011 | 2.00% | −0.05% | #12 |
| 2010 | 2.05% | −0.13% | #17 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Pakistan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw education spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistan's education spending was 1.73% in 2025. Ranked 156th globally. This represents a 11.3% decrease from the previous year.
Pakistan's education spending peaked at 3.02% in 1997.
The lowest education spending in Pakistan was 1.44% in 2004.
Pakistan ranks 156th globally in education spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Pakistan's education spending is projected to reach 1.73% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The education spending of Pakistan in 2025 was 1.73%. This ranks 156th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_pakistan_education-spending-gdp,
title = {Pakistan Education Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/pakistan/education-spending-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}