"Global Higher Education Growth: Student Enrollment Doubles in 20 Years, but Inequality Remains"

 The number of students enrolled in higher education worldwide has increased from about 100 million in 2000 to 269 million in 2024, representing 43% of the population in age of attending higher education (typically 18-24 years old).

However, this growth masks stark regional disparities, with 80% of young people in Western Europe and Northern America enrolled in higher education, 59% in Latin America and the Caribbean, 37% in the Arab States region, 30% in South and West Asia, and 9% in sub-Saharan Africa.

Private institutions continue to account for a third of global enrollment, with the highest share in Latin America and the Caribbean (49% in 2023). In countries such as Brazil, Chile, Japan and the Republic of Korea, 4 in every 5 students attends a private higher education institution. The report shows that only one third of countries legally mandate tuition-free public higher education.

This new report shows increasing demand for higher education, which plays an irreplaceable role in building sustainable societies. Yet this expansion does not always translate into equitable opportunities, highlighting the need for innovative financing models to deliver quality, inclusive higher education. Through major initiatives such as the Global Convention on Higher Education and the Qualifications Passport, UNESCO will continue to support countries in delivering high-quality higher education opportunities to everyone.

Khaled El-EnanyUNESCO Director-General