8 answers, 1 from Singapore's own official bodies, with a link to each figure.
96,969 students were enrolled in first-degree university courses in Singapore in 2024, according to the Department of Statistics (SingStat): 50,748 men and 46,221 women. In 2023 there were 96,875.
The figures cover first-degree (undergraduate) courses; higher-degree enrolment is counted in a separate SingStat table. SingStat also breaks enrolment down by type of course, and publishes separate tables for polytechnic diploma and higher-degree courses.
The figures below use one definition for every country, so they can differ from national figures.
In 2017, net primary school enrolment in Singapore was 99.7%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. It is 1st highest of 16 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 94.6%. World rank, highest first: 5th of 134.
In 2023, gross secondary school enrolment in Singapore was 103.1%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The peak was 107.7% in 2016 and the low 103.0% in 2021. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 94.0%, and Singapore placed 4th highest of 22. Of 138 countries with 2023 data, 37th highest.
In 2023, gross tertiary enrolment in Singapore was 97.3%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Since 2010 it has ranged from 83.9% (2016) to 102.0% (2012). It is 3rd highest of 21 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 44.2%. Worldwide: 9th of 120.
97.7%: that is the adult literacy rate in Singapore for 2021, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. That is the highest since at least 2010. East Asia & Pacific median: 95.8%; Singapore is 2nd highest of 5. Of 43 countries with 2021 data, 8th highest.
2.2% of GDP: that is government spending on education in Singapore for 2024, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The peak was 3.2% of GDP in 2005 and the low 2.1% of GDP in 2023. East Asia & Pacific median: 5.2% of GDP; Singapore is 5th highest of 5. Of 36 countries with 2024 data, 34th highest.
In 2017, the number of primary pupils per teacher in Singapore was 15, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. That compares with 18 in 2009. It is 16th highest of 18 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 18. Worldwide: 88th of 130.
In 2023, the primary completion rate in Singapore was 96.8%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. No year since 2016 has been lower. It is 13th highest of 23 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 98.3%. Worldwide: 60th of 131.
Read on 14 October 2026. Definitions · Report an error