8 answers, 1 from Timor-Leste's own official bodies, with a link to each figure.
69.4% of people aged 15 and over in Timor-Leste could read and write in 2022, up from 65.8% in 2016, according to the World Bank, which uses UNESCO Institute for Statistics data based on the 2022 census.
Literacy is counted in any language, and in Timor-Leste people may read Tetum, Portuguese, Indonesian or English. Census literacy is usually self-reported rather than tested. The Ministry of Education runs schools and adult literacy programmes.
The figures below use one definition for every country, so they can differ from national figures.
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, net primary school enrolment in Timor-Leste was 92.3% in 2018. The peak was 93.7% in 2017 and the low 83.0% in 2008. East Asia & Pacific median: 93.1%; Timor-Leste is 6th highest of 9. World rank, highest first: 39th of 69.
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, gross secondary school enrolment in Timor-Leste was 84.7% in 2020. The peak was 85.1% in 2019 and the low 57.1% in 2008. East Asia & Pacific median: 90.5%; Timor-Leste is 15th highest of 23. Worldwide: 99th of 136.
31.0%: that is gross tertiary enrolment in Timor-Leste for 2023, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. That compares with 17.7% in 2010. East Asia & Pacific median: 44.2%; Timor-Leste is 17th highest of 21. Of 120 countries with 2023 data, 88th highest.
In 2022, the adult literacy rate in Timor-Leste was 69.4%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. In 2010 the figure was 58.3%. It is 7th highest of 7 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 95.8%. Of 44 countries with 2022 data, 36th highest.
5.2% of GDP: that is government spending on education in Timor-Leste for 2023, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Since 2008 it has ranged from 3.0% of GDP (2021) to 12.9% of GDP (2009). East Asia & Pacific median: 3.8% of GDP; Timor-Leste is 7th highest of 20. Worldwide: 23rd of 112.
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the number of primary pupils per teacher in Timor-Leste was 27 in 2018. It was 30 in 2010. It is 3rd highest of 13 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 20. Of 85 countries with 2018 data, 27th highest.
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the primary completion rate in Timor-Leste was 93.2% in 2023. The peak was 102.0% in 2019 and the low 75.2% in 2010. East Asia & Pacific median: 98.3%; Timor-Leste is 16th highest of 23. Of 131 countries with 2023 data, 86th highest.
Read on 14 October 2026. Definitions · Report an error