Trinidad and Tobago: education

How much does Trinidad and Tobago spend on education?

The 2027 budget allocates TT$8.033 billion to education and training, according to the Budget Statement 2027 presented on 12 October 2026. Government spending on education was 3.2% of GDP in 2023, according to the World Bank, using UNESCO data.

Spending on the Government Assistance for Tertiary Education (GATE) programme was estimated at TT$380.0 million in fiscal 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance's Review of the Economy 2026. Budget figures are allocations and may differ from what is spent.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: Budget Statement 2027 (PDF) · World Bank: Government expenditure on education, Trinidad and Tobago

How many people in Trinidad and Tobago go to university?

The gross tertiary enrolment ratio in Trinidad and Tobago was 23.8% in 2024, according to the World Bank, using UNESCO data. The ratio compares the number enrolled in tertiary education, of any age, with the population in the five-year age group after secondary school.

Tuition support for tertiary students is provided through the GATE programme, with spending estimated at TT$380.0 million in fiscal 2026 in the Ministry of Finance's Review of the Economy 2026. The ratio can exceed or fall short of actual participation because it counts students of any age.

Official sources: World Bank: School enrollment, tertiary, Trinidad and Tobago · Ministry of Finance: Review of the Economy 2026 (PDF)

How many children in Trinidad and Tobago go to secondary school?

The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2024, is 95.7%. It was 84.3% in 2004. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 91.6%, and Trinidad and Tobago placed 10th highest of 22. Of 100 countries with 2024 data, 46th highest.

How many students are in higher education in Trinidad and Tobago?

The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2024, is 23.8%. It was 11.8% in 2004. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 38.0%, and Trinidad and Tobago placed 10th highest of 12. Worldwide: 66th of 90.

What is Trinidad and Tobago's education spending?

The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2023, is 3.2% of GDP. Since 2010 it has ranged from 2.8% of GDP (2022) to 4.4% of GDP (2015). Latin America & Caribbean median: 3.8% of GDP; Trinidad and Tobago is 17th highest of 26. Worldwide: 70th of 112.

How many children in Trinidad and Tobago complete primary school?

91.6%: that is the primary completion rate in Trinidad and Tobago for 2023, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 96.2%, and Trinidad and Tobago placed 17th highest of 23. Of 131 countries with 2023 data, 91st highest.