South Africa Primary Enrollment
School enrollment, primary (% gross) SE.PRM.ENRR
South Africa's primary enrollment was 102.63% in 2025, ranked 64th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
South Africa's primary enrollment stood at 102.63% in 2025, a rise of +0.86pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 102.63% by 2025. South Africa ranked 64th globally.
South Africa's primary enrollment rate has fluctuated over the years, with the latest figure standing at 102.63% in 2025. This is slightly below the all-time peak of 107.31% achieved in 2015, but significantly higher than the trough of 79.08% recorded in 1986. In comparison to its peers, South Africa's enrollment rate is closely matched by countries such as Spain, which has a rate of 102.46%, and Italy, with a rate of 102.42%. The country's enrollment rate has been steadily increasing since the 1986 low, but has been experiencing a gradual decline since the 2015 peak. As South Africa continues to navigate its educational landscape, a shift in policy or investment in education infrastructure could potentially alter the trajectory of its primary enrollment trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Primary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 102.87% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 102.63% | - | - |
| 2025 | 102.63% | +0.86pp | #64 |
| 2023 | 101.77% | −0.63pp | #64 |
| 2022 | 102.40% | +0.66pp | #57 |
| 2021 | 101.74% | +0.44pp | #60 |
| 2020 | 101.30% | +0.18pp | #74 |
| 2019 | 101.12% | +0.70pp | #74 |
| 2018 | 100.42% | −1.16pp | #81 |
| 2017 | 101.58% | −1.84pp | #77 |
| 2016 | 103.42% | −3.89pp | #69 |
| 2015 | 107.31% | +3.11pp | #38 |
| 2014 | 104.20% | +0.11pp | #65 |
| 2013 | 104.09% | −0.62pp | #65 |
| 2012 | 104.71% | +0.66pp | #63 |
| 2011 | 104.05% | +0.61pp | #70 |
| 2010 | 103.44% | +0.84pp | #75 |
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 enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's primary enrollment was 102.63% in 2025. Ranked 64th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's primary enrollment peaked at 107.31% in 2015.
The lowest primary enrollment in South Africa was 79.08% in 1986.
South Africa ranks 64th globally in primary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.PRM.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's primary enrollment is projected to reach 102.63% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The primary enrollment of South Africa in 2025 was 102.63%. This ranks 64th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_primary-enrollment,
title = {South Africa Primary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/primary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}