Nauru: education

What is the literacy rate in Nauru?

89.6% of people aged 15 and over in Nauru were literate at the 2021 census, 86.5% of men and 92.6% of women, according to the Nauru Bureau of Statistics' census analytical report. Youth literacy (ages 15 to 24) was 87.2%.

The census also shows school attendance of 81.1% among 7 to 12 year olds and 59.5% among 13 to 18 year olds. Of adults over 15, 89.2% had secondary education as their highest level and 4.2% tertiary. The 2024–25 household survey found that 34% of 15 to 24 year olds were in formal or non-formal education. Literacy is reported by households, not tested.

Official sources: Nauru Bureau of Statistics: 2021 Population and Housing Census, analytical report (PDF) · Nauru Bureau of Statistics: 2024–25 Household Income and Expenditure Survey report (PDF)

How many children in Nauru are in primary school?

93.7%: that is net primary school enrolment in Nauru for 2016, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. That compares with 77.5% in 2007. East Asia & Pacific median: 94.2%; Nauru is 13th highest of 20. World rank, highest first: 74th of 133.

How many teenagers in Nauru are in school?

The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2025, is 94.5%. That is the highest since at least 2005.

What is the literacy rate in Nauru?

In 2023, the adult literacy rate in Nauru was 96.6%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 96.6%, and Nauru placed 3rd highest of 5. Worldwide: 10th of 33.

What share of GDP does Nauru spend on education?

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, government spending on education in Nauru was 5.8% of GDP in 2023. Its high point since 2007 was 2017, at 6.3% of GDP; its low point was 2007, at 4.2% of GDP. East Asia & Pacific median: 3.8% of GDP; Nauru is 6th highest of 20. Of 112 countries with 2023 data, 16th highest.

How many students does each teacher have in Nauru?

In 2016, the number of primary pupils per teacher in Nauru was 40, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. No year since 2005 has been higher. East Asia & Pacific median: 18; Nauru is 2nd highest of 20. World rank, highest first: 19th of 136.

What is the primary completion rate in Nauru?

The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2025, is 86.4%. That is the lowest since at least 2007.