Singapore Education Spending
Government expenditure on education as % of GDP SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS
Singapore's education spending was 1.97% in 2025, ranked 151st globally. This represents a 10.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1971–2025.
Overview
Singapore's education spending stood at 1.97% in 2025, a decline of +0.22% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.97% by 2025. Singapore ranked 151st globally.
Singapore's education spending has experienced a significant decline over the past few decades. In 1971, the country allocated 3.11% of its GDP towards education, a figure that peaked at 3.98% in 2003. However, this trend reversed in 2025, with education spending plummeting to 1.97% of GDP, ranking Singapore 151 globally. This decline is particularly notable when compared to peer countries such as Central African Republic, which allocated 1.98% of its GDP towards education in 2025. The decrease in education spending in Singapore is a notable departure from its historical trajectory, which prioritized education as a key driver of economic growth. With a strong emphasis on human capital development, Singapore's economic competitiveness relies heavily on a well-educated workforce. A continuation of this trend could potentially undermine the country's long-term economic prospects, highlighting the need for policymakers to reassess their priorities and adjust education spending accordingly.
Data & projection
| Year | Education Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 1.63% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1.80% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.97% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.97% | −0.22% | #151 |
| 2024 | 2.19% | +0.04% | #3 |
| 2023 | 2.15% | −0.34% | #18 |
| 2022 | 2.49% | −0.34% | #24 |
| 2021 | 2.82% | +0.14% | #28 |
| 2020 | 2.69% | −0.04% | #26 |
| 2019 | 2.73% | −0.13% | #29 |
| 2018 | 2.86% | −0.02% | #35 |
| 2017 | 2.88% | −0.07% | #38 |
| 2016 | 2.94% | −0.05% | #33 |
| 2015 | 2.99% | −0.02% | #31 |
| 2014 | 3.01% | +0.16% | #37 |
| 2013 | 2.85% | −0.22% | #34 |
| 2012 | 3.07% | +0.04% | #44 |
| 2011 | 3.03% | −0.05% | #40 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Singapore matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw education spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Singapore's education spending was 1.97% in 2025. Ranked 151st globally. This represents a 10.2% decrease from the previous year.
Singapore's education spending peaked at 3.98% in 2003.
The lowest education spending in Singapore was 1.97% in 2025.
Singapore ranks 151st globally in education spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Singapore's education spending is projected to reach 1.97% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The education spending of Singapore in 2025 was 1.97%. This ranks 151st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_singapore_education-spending-gdp,
title = {Singapore Education Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/singapore/education-spending-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}