South Africa Primary Completion Rate
Primary completion rate (% of relevant age group) SE.PRM.CMPT.ZS
Overview
South Africa's primary completion rate stood at 98.30% in 2025, a rise of +2.97pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 98.30% by 2025. South Africa ranked 54th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Primary Completion Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 99.21% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 98.30% | - | - |
| 2025 | 98.30% | +2.97pp | #54 |
| 2023 | 95.33% | −1.77pp | #72 |
| 2022 | 97.10% | +1.88pp | #67 |
| 2021 | 95.22% | +2.56pp | #78 |
| 2020 | 92.66% | −0.35pp | #90 |
| 2019 | 93.01% | +0.56pp | #92 |
| 2018 | 92.45% | +2.18pp | #91 |
| 2016 | 90.27% | −1.06pp | #102 |
| 2015 | 91.34% | +1.83pp | #97 |
| 2004 | 89.51% | +5.99pp | #85 |
| 2003 | 83.51% | +4.36pp | #86 |
| 2002 | 79.15% | +6.58pp | #92 |
| 2000 | 72.58% | +1.82pp | #84 |
| 1999 | 70.76% | −4.67pp | #41 |
| 1998 | 75.43% | −6.78pp | #21 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw primary completion rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's primary completion rate was 98.30% in 2025. Ranked 54th globally. This represents a 3.1% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's primary completion rate peaked at 98.30% in 2025.
The lowest primary completion rate in South Africa was 70.76% in 1999.
South Africa ranks 54th globally in primary completion rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.PRM.CMPT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's primary completion rate is projected to reach 98.30% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The primary completion rate of South Africa in 2025 was 98.30%. This ranks 54th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_primary-completion-rate,
title = {South Africa Primary Completion Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/primary-completion-rate},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}