Sri Lanka Tertiary Enrollment
School enrollment, tertiary (% gross) SE.TER.ENRR
Sri Lanka's tertiary enrollment was 22.61% in 2025, ranked 114th globally. This represents a 9.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's tertiary enrollment stood at 22.61% in 2025, a rise of +1.87pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 22.61% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 114th globally.
Sri Lanka’s tertiary enrollment rate has risen substantially from a historic low of 1.06% in 1970 to reach 22.61% in 2025, marking both its all-time peak and a significant expansion in access to higher education over five decades. This level places Sri Lanka 114th globally, positioning it just below peer nations such as Turkmenistan and Luxembourg, both at 22.67%, and slightly above Cambodia at 21.89%. The steady climb reflects long-term investments in education infrastructure and policy initiatives aimed at broadening participation in higher learning, despite periodic economic and political challenges. While the 2025 figure represents a milestone, the rate remains modest in global comparison, suggesting constraints related to capacity, equity, or labor market alignment. The trajectory indicates gradual progress, but sustained growth will depend on increased public funding, improved quality assurance, and stronger linkages between academic programs and workforce needs. Without targeted reforms to address access disparities and institutional bottlenecks, the upward trend may plateau.
Data & projection
| Year | Tertiary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 23.09% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 22.61% | - | - |
| 2025 | 22.61% | +1.87pp | #114 |
| 2023 | 20.74% | −1.63pp | #101 |
| 2022 | 22.37% | +1.59pp | #102 |
| 2021 | 20.78% | +0.62pp | #106 |
| 2020 | 20.16% | +0.71pp | #106 |
| 2019 | 19.46% | +1.57pp | #106 |
| 2018 | 17.89% | +0.69pp | #106 |
| 2017 | 17.19% | +0.04pp | #109 |
| 2016 | 17.15% | −1.02pp | #110 |
| 2015 | 18.17% | +0.30pp | #111 |
| 2014 | 17.87% | +0.10pp | #102 |
| 2013 | 17.77% | +1.44pp | #98 |
| 2012 | 16.32% | +1.65pp | #103 |
| 2011 | 14.67% | −1.17pp | #97 |
| 2010 | 15.84% | +11.09pp | #94 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sri Lanka matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw tertiary enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's tertiary enrollment was 22.61% in 2025. Ranked 114th globally. This represents a 9.0% increase from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's tertiary enrollment peaked at 22.61% in 2025.
The lowest tertiary enrollment in Sri Lanka was 1.06% in 1970.
Sri Lanka ranks 114th globally in tertiary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.TER.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's tertiary enrollment is projected to reach 22.61% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tertiary enrollment of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 22.61%. This ranks 114th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_tertiary-enrollment,
title = {Sri Lanka Tertiary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/tertiary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}