Education Spending: Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste's education spending is currently 5.241 % of GDP as of 2023. # Timor-Leste Education Spending Timor-Leste allocated 5.
Current (2023)
5.241 % of GDP
+76.2% y/y
Peak (2009)
12.902 % of GDP
Low (2021)
2.974 % of GDP
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
2008–2023 · 15 pts
Education Spending — Timor-Leste
2008 — 2023
Education Spending — Timor-Leste
Analysis# Timor-Leste Education Spending
Timor-Leste allocated 5.241% of GDP to education in 2023, a significant decline from its all-time peak of 12.902% in 2009. The country has reduced education spending by 39.6% over the 2008–2023 period, though the current figure remains above the historical low of 2.974% recorded in 2021. This recovery from the 2021 nadir suggests renewed commitment to the sector after years of contraction.
The most striking pattern emerges between 2014 and 2019, when spending fell from 7.514% to 4.18%—a sharp 44% drop in just five years. The downward pressure continued through 2021 before reversing course in 2023. Whether this recent uptick signals sustained investment or a temporary fluctuation remains unclear, but the rebound offers modest hope that the sector may stabilize after a decade of declining priorities.
Historical Data
15 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5.241 % of GDP | +76.23% |
| 2021 | 2.974 % of GDP | -18.59% |
| 2020 | 3.653 % of GDP | -12.61% |
| 2019 | 4.18 % of GDP | -38.96% |
| 2018 | 6.848 % of GDP | -4.50% |
| 2017 | 7.171 % of GDP | -11.77% |
| 2016 | 8.128 % of GDP | -4.00% |
| 2015 | 8.467 % of GDP | +12.68% |
| 2014 | 7.514 % of GDP | +32.62% |
| 2013 | 5.666 % of GDP | -20.89% |
| 2012 | 7.162 % of GDP | -29.74% |
| 2011 | 10.194 % of GDP | -8.22% |
| 2010 | 11.107 % of GDP | -13.91% |
| 2009 | 12.902 % of GDP | +48.81% |
| 2008 | 8.67 % of GDP | — |
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No demographic data available.