Education Spending: Singapore
Singapore's education spending is currently 2.191 % of GDP as of 2024. # Singapore Education Spending Singapore allocated 2.
Current (2024)
2.191 % of GDP
+4.1% y/y
Peak (2003)
3.982 % of GDP
Low (2023)
2.104 % of GDP
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1971–2024 · 39 pts
Education Spending — Singapore
1971 — 2024
Education Spending — Singapore
Analysis# Singapore Education Spending
Singapore allocated 2.191% of its GDP to education in 2024, representing a modest uptick from 2023's low of 2.104%. This current level remains substantially below the nation's all-time peak of 3.982% in 2003, marking a 29.5% decline over the five-decade period since 1971. The gap between current spending and the historical high underscores a significant recalibration of education's fiscal priority within Singapore's economy.
The downward trajectory accelerated sharply between 2015 and 2023, dropping from 2.992% to 2.104% in eight years. A slight recovery in 2024 suggests possible stabilization, though spending remains at historically subdued levels. Whether this modest rebound signals a sustained reversal or temporary fluctuation will determine Singapore's future investment capacity in human capital development.
Historical Data
39 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2.191 % of GDP | +4.13% |
| 2023 | 2.104 % of GDP | -14.99% |
| 2022 | 2.475 % of GDP | -12.45% |
| 2021 | 2.827 % of GDP | +5.01% |
| 2020 | 2.692 % of GDP | -1.32% |
| 2019 | 2.728 % of GDP | -4.38% |
| 2018 | 2.853 % of GDP | -0.90% |
| 2017 | 2.879 % of GDP | -2.24% |
| 2016 | 2.945 % of GDP | -1.57% |
| 2015 | 2.992 % of GDP | -0.73% |
| 2014 | 3.014 % of GDP | +5.61% |
| 2013 | 2.854 % of GDP | -7.07% |
| 2012 | 3.071 % of GDP | +1.32% |
| 2011 | 3.031 % of GDP | -1.59% |
| 2010 | 3.08 % of GDP | +2.33% |
| 2009 | 3.01 % of GDP | +8.86% |
| 2008 | 2.765 % of GDP | -6.18% |
| 2007 | 2.947 % of GDP | +3.08% |
| 2006 | 2.859 % of GDP | -10.54% |
| 2005 | 3.196 % of GDP | -12.51% |
Show all 39 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3.653 % of GDP | -8.26% |
| 2003 | 3.982 % of GDP | +2.66% |
| 2002 | 3.879 % of GDP | +9.48% |
| 2001 | 3.543 % of GDP | +6.68% |
| 2000 | 3.321 % of GDP | -9.06% |
| 1988 | 3.652 % of GDP | -7.50% |
| 1983 | 3.948 % of GDP | +20.81% |
| 1982 | 3.268 % of GDP | +26.47% |
| 1981 | 2.584 % of GDP | +0.94% |
| 1980 | 2.56 % of GDP | +13.83% |
| 1979 | 2.249 % of GDP | -1.83% |
| 1978 | 2.291 % of GDP | -6.53% |
| 1977 | 2.451 % of GDP | -8.95% |
| 1976 | 2.692 % of GDP | +10.37% |
| 1975 | 2.439 % of GDP | +2.09% |
| 1974 | 2.389 % of GDP | -4.02% |
| 1973 | 2.489 % of GDP | -13.21% |
| 1972 | 2.868 % of GDP | -7.78% |
| 1971 | 3.11 % of GDP | — |
Related Data
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For Singapore
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Demographics
People & population data