United Kingdom Tertiary Enrollment
School enrollment, tertiary (% gross) SE.TER.ENRR
United Kingdom's tertiary enrollment was 90.51% in 2025, ranked 17th globally. This represents a 12.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
United Kingdom's tertiary enrollment stood at 90.51% in 2025, a rise of +10.01pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 90.51% by 2025. United Kingdom ranked 17th globally.
The United Kingdom’s tertiary‑level enrolment rate has risen sharply over the past 25 years, climbing from 57.37 % in 2000 to an all‑time high of 90.51 % in 2025, which places the country 17th globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after a pronounced trough of 56.49 % in 2015, indicating a rapid expansion of higher‑education capacity and broader participation policies in the following decade. Compared with peer nations, the United Kingdom’s 2025 figure is marginally below Uruguay’s 90.66 % and slightly above the Netherlands’ 89.72 %, reflecting a competitive position among advanced economies. The sustained increase mirrors demographic shifts, government investment in tuition frameworks, and growing demand for skilled labour. If current policy emphasis on widening participation and funding reforms persists, the United Kingdom is likely to maintain its high enrolment level, with only modest room for further gains unless new initiatives expand capacity or address emerging skill gaps.
Data & projection
| Year | Tertiary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 94.55% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 90.51% | - | - |
| 2025 | 90.51% | +10.01pp | #17 |
| 2023 | 80.50% | +0.77pp | #22 |
| 2022 | 79.73% | +3.01pp | #24 |
| 2021 | 76.72% | +7.35pp | #32 |
| 2020 | 69.37% | +3.89pp | #38 |
| 2019 | 65.48% | +4.36pp | #46 |
| 2018 | 61.13% | +1.49pp | #49 |
| 2017 | 59.63% | +1.52pp | #54 |
| 2016 | 58.11% | +1.62pp | #56 |
| 2015 | 56.49% | −0.08pp | #54 |
| 2014 | 56.57% | −0.25pp | #48 |
| 2013 | 56.82% | −2.35pp | #45 |
| 2012 | 59.17% | −0.17pp | #40 |
| 2011 | 59.34% | −0.50pp | #39 |
| 2010 | 59.85% | +0.75pp | #35 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw tertiary enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's tertiary enrollment was 90.51% in 2025. Ranked 17th globally. This represents a 12.4% increase from the previous year.
United Kingdom's tertiary enrollment peaked at 90.51% in 2025.
The lowest tertiary enrollment in United Kingdom was 56.49% in 2015.
United Kingdom ranks 17th globally in tertiary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.TER.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Kingdom's tertiary enrollment is projected to reach 90.51% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tertiary enrollment of United Kingdom in 2025 was 90.51%. This ranks 17th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_tertiary-enrollment,
title = {United Kingdom Tertiary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/tertiary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}