Education Spending: Malaysia
Malaysia's education spending is currently 3.515 % of GDP as of 2023. # Malaysia Education Spending Malaysia allocated 3.
Current (2023)
3.515 % of GDP
+0.5% y/y
Peak (2002)
7.658 % of GDP
Low (2022)
3.499 % of GDP
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1971–2023 · 39 pts
Education Spending — Malaysia
1971 — 2023
Education Spending — Malaysia
Analysis# Malaysia Education Spending
Malaysia allocated 3.515% of GDP to education in 2023, representing a concerning decline from its peak of 7.658% in 2002. The current figure sits just above the all-time low of 3.499% recorded in 2022, reflecting a 22.8% reduction in education spending relative to GDP since 1971. This downward pressure underscores a fundamental shift in Malaysia's fiscal priorities over the past two decades.
The decline accelerated sharply after 2014, when education spending stood at 5.213% of GDP. Year-over-year cuts continued through 2020, dropping to 3.912%. While a modest uptick occurred in 2021 (4.261%), spending reverted to historic lows in 2022 and 2023. The stagnation at these minimal levels suggests Malaysia's education sector faces sustained resource constraints, with no clear indication of reversal in the near term.
Historical Data
39 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3.515 % of GDP | +0.46% |
| 2022 | 3.499 % of GDP | -17.88% |
| 2021 | 4.261 % of GDP | +8.92% |
| 2020 | 3.912 % of GDP | -5.92% |
| 2019 | 4.158 % of GDP | -7.17% |
| 2018 | 4.479 % of GDP | -4.19% |
| 2017 | 4.675 % of GDP | -1.62% |
| 2016 | 4.752 % of GDP | -2.92% |
| 2015 | 4.895 % of GDP | -6.10% |
| 2014 | 5.213 % of GDP | -4.89% |
| 2013 | 5.481 % of GDP | -4.50% |
| 2012 | 5.739 % of GDP | -0.42% |
| 2011 | 5.763 % of GDP | +16.05% |
| 2010 | 4.966 % of GDP | -16.87% |
| 2009 | 5.974 % of GDP | +50.90% |
| 2008 | 3.959 % of GDP | -9.47% |
| 2007 | 4.373 % of GDP | -2.52% |
| 2006 | 4.486 % of GDP | -24.27% |
| 2004 | 5.924 % of GDP | -21.04% |
| 2003 | 7.503 % of GDP | -2.02% |
Show all 39 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 7.658 % of GDP | +2.32% |
| 2001 | 7.484 % of GDP | +25.32% |
| 2000 | 5.972 % of GDP | +5.01% |
| 1999 | 5.687 % of GDP | +23.10% |
| 1997 | 4.62 % of GDP | -5.98% |
| 1996 | 4.914 % of GDP | +13.15% |
| 1995 | 4.343 % of GDP | -7.69% |
| 1994 | 4.705 % of GDP | +1.07% |
| 1993 | 4.655 % of GDP | -8.92% |
| 1992 | 5.111 % of GDP | -19.21% |
| 1987 | 6.326 % of GDP | -12.66% |
| 1986 | 7.243 % of GDP | +18.52% |
| 1985 | 6.111 % of GDP | +7.85% |
| 1984 | 5.666 % of GDP | -19.44% |
| 1982 | 7.033 % of GDP | +5.02% |
| 1981 | 6.697 % of GDP | +16.96% |
| 1980 | 5.726 % of GDP | +12.54% |
| 1979 | 5.088 % of GDP | +11.80% |
| 1971 | 4.551 % of GDP | — |
Related Data
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For Malaysia
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