Education Spending: South Africa
South Africa's education spending is currently 6.021 % of GDP as of 2024. # South Africa Education Spending South Africa allocated 6.
Current (2024)
6.021 % of GDP
-1.7% y/y
Peak (2021)
6.555 % of GDP
Low (2003)
4.352 % of GDP
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1987–2024 · 34 pts
Education Spending — South Africa
1987 — 2024
Education Spending — South Africa
Analysis# South Africa Education Spending
South Africa allocated 6.021% of its GDP to education in 2024, maintaining a commitment to the sector that has grown substantially over nearly four decades. This represents a 26.7% increase since 1987, when spending stood at roughly 4.76% of GDP. The all-time peak occurred in 2021 at 6.555%, while the lowest point came in 2003 at 4.352%, underscoring significant fluctuations in prioritization across the measurement period.
A sharp acceleration began around 2018, driven by increased investments through the 2020-2021 period when spending reached its historical maximum. Since the 2021 peak, education spending has declined modestly—dropping 0.534 percentage points by 2024. The recent downward trajectory across 2021-2024 suggests a slight deprioritization, though current levels remain elevated relative to most of the historical record.
Historical Data
34 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6.021 % of GDP | -1.67% |
| 2023 | 6.123 % of GDP | -0.54% |
| 2022 | 6.156 % of GDP | -6.09% |
| 2021 | 6.555 % of GDP | +6.22% |
| 2020 | 6.171 % of GDP | +4.38% |
| 2019 | 5.912 % of GDP | +4.75% |
| 2018 | 5.644 % of GDP | +0.80% |
| 2017 | 5.599 % of GDP | +2.85% |
| 2016 | 5.444 % of GDP | -0.71% |
| 2015 | 5.483 % of GDP | -0.13% |
| 2014 | 5.49 % of GDP | +2.60% |
| 2013 | 5.351 % of GDP | -3.11% |
| 2012 | 5.523 % of GDP | +4.42% |
| 2011 | 5.289 % of GDP | +3.00% |
| 2010 | 5.135 % of GDP | +7.86% |
| 2009 | 4.761 % of GDP | +8.85% |
| 2008 | 4.374 % of GDP | -1.64% |
| 2007 | 4.447 % of GDP | -1.77% |
| 2006 | 4.527 % of GDP | +0.04% |
| 2005 | 4.525 % of GDP | +0.35% |
Show all 34 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 4.509 % of GDP | +3.61% |
| 2003 | 4.352 % of GDP | -4.27% |
| 2002 | 4.546 % of GDP | -1.94% |
| 2001 | 4.636 % of GDP | -5.56% |
| 2000 | 4.909 % of GDP | -7.22% |
| 1999 | 5.291 % of GDP | +4.83% |
| 1996 | 5.047 % of GDP | -4.74% |
| 1994 | 5.298 % of GDP | -1.69% |
| 1993 | 5.389 % of GDP | +2.45% |
| 1991 | 5.26 % of GDP | +11.96% |
| 1990 | 4.698 % of GDP | +5.76% |
| 1989 | 4.442 % of GDP | -8.49% |
| 1988 | 4.854 % of GDP | +2.10% |
| 1987 | 4.754 % of GDP | — |
Related Data
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For South Africa
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