Guyana: education

How much does Guyana spend on education?

Guyana budgeted G$183.6 billion for the education sector in 2026, after spending G$183.5 billion in 2025, according to the Budget Speech 2026. Education was 13.3% of the national budget in 2025, according to the budget's indicator table. The University of Guyana is allocated G$14.5 billion in 2026.

The budget reports 10,805 scholarships awarded through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning in 2025, with G$5.8 billion set aside for scholarships in 2026. Its indicator table puts trained teachers at 86% of the teaching force in 2025 and the matriculation rate at 30%.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: Budget Speech 2026 (PDF)

How many teenagers in Guyana are in school?

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, gross secondary school enrolment in Guyana was 91.4% in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2012, at 102.6%; its low point was 2023, at 84.5%. It is 12th highest of 22 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 91.6%. Of 100 countries with 2024 data, 57th highest.

What is university enrolment in Guyana?

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts gross tertiary enrolment in Guyana at 26.4% in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. Latin America & Caribbean median: 38.0%; Guyana is 8th highest of 12. Worldwide: 64th of 90.

What is the literacy rate in Guyana?

In 2020, the adult literacy rate in Guyana was 85.6%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Latin America & Caribbean median: 94.5%; Guyana is 12th highest of 12. Worldwide: 29th of 41.

What share of GDP does Guyana spend on education?

In 2018, government spending on education in Guyana was 4.5% of GDP, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Since 2005 it has ranged from 2.2% of GDP (2009) to 8.1% of GDP (2005). It is 17th highest of 32 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 4.5% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 75th of 157.