How do governments allocate public spending on education?

Education spending averaged 10.6% of total government expenditure in OECD countries in 2019, of which roughly three-quarters was directed at non-tertiary education. Specifically on primary education, this varied between 7.3% in South Africa and 1.5% in Germany (noting the variety of primary school systems and differences in absolute levels of economic output and government budgets).

Equity in education aims to create a level playing field for all children by supporting those who need it most. Bolstering pre-primary (ECEC) provision and home learning environments for disadvantaged children has significant benefits for children – and for the long-term resilience of societies and economies. But governments must make difficult choices on how much they want to allocate budgets to the provision of different aspects of education as well as other essential public services.

Learn more: Education at a Glance 2022