South Africa: Education spending, percent of government spending

The latest value from 2025 is 19.14 percent, an increase from 18.52 percent in 2024. In comparison, the world average is 13.56 percent, based on data from 55 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1987 to 2025 is 13.56 percent. The minimum value, 0 percent, was reached in 1987 while the maximum of 20.47 percent was recorded in 2001. See the global rankings or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

Definition: General government expenditure on education (current, capital, and transfers) is expressed as a percentage of total general government expenditure on all sectors (including health, education, social services, etc.). It includes expenditure funded by transfers from international sources to government. General government usually refers to local, regional and central governments.