Education around the world in figures

Key figures on education worldwide enable the measurement of the’access to the school, the quality of education, the shortage of teachers and the funding required to guarantee the right to education.

Do all children go to school? How many actually learn anything? Are there enough teachers? Global data show that progress is being made in education in some countries, but that the right to free, inclusive, high-quality education is still far from being guaranteed for everyone.

Last data update: 2026.

Key points

• 273 million children and young people are not in school worldwide.
• In low- and middle-income countries, 7 out of 10 children 10-year-olds cannot read and understand a simple text.
• 739 million adults are still unable to read and write; two-thirds are women.
• We will need to 44 million teachers additional resources by 2030 to achieve universal primary and secondary education.
• International aid for education could fall by more than 25 % by 2027.
• SDG 4, which aims to ensure quality education for all by 2030, is still a long way from being achieved.

Key figures on education worldwide

There will be a shortfall of 68.8 million teachers by 2030 to provide every child with access to primary and secondary education: 24.4 million primary teachers and 44.4 million secondary teachers (UNESCO, 2016).

International aid to education is expected to decline by 12% by 2022 and to fall by $2 billion as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (UNESCO, 2020).

What the figures tell us about education around the world

The figures do not tell the story of a single crisis, but several factors that combine : children unable to attend school, pupils who are not learning enough, adults who are being left behind, a shortage of teachers and insufficient funding.

1. Millions of children are still not in school

273 million children and young people are not in school worldwide.

This figure has risen for the seventh year running. It serves as a reminder that the right to education remains fragile, particularly in countries affected by poverty, conflict, population displacement or climate crises.

“One in six children, teenagers or young people is excluded from education.”

2. Going to school isn’t always enough to learn

In low- and middle-income countries, 7 out of 10 children aged 10 cannot read and understand a simple text.

This learning crisis means that many children are enrolled at school but do not acquire the basic skills needed to continue their education, go on to further training or envisage a career.

“Attending school does not always guarantee that a child will be able to read, write and do arithmetic.”

3. Illiteracy still affects millions of adults

739 million adults still cannot read or write anywhere in the world.

Two-thirds are women. Illiteracy restricts access to employment, rights, healthcare, information and civic participation. It can also make it more difficult to support children’s education.

“Education does not end in childhood.”

4. The world is short of teachers

We will need to recruit 44 million teachers additional resources by 2030 to achieve universal primary and secondary education.

Without a sufficient number of trained teachers, classes remain overcrowded, pupils receive less support and the quality of learning struggles to improve.

“There can be no quality education without trained teachers.”

5. Education remains underfunded

Nearly $100 billion a year are lacking to help countries achieve their educational goals.

At the same time, international aid for education could fall by more than 25 % by 2027. This decline poses a particular threat to countries where external aid funds a significant proportion of school expenditure.

“Less funding means fewer schools, fewer teachers and fewer children receiving support.”

6. The goal of education for all by 2030 is slipping further out of reach

L'SDG 4 aims to achieve high-quality, inclusive and equitable education for all by 2030.

However, the current figures show that this objective is at risk: too many children are still not in school, basic learning is not guaranteed, there is a shortage of teachers, and funding is not keeping pace with needs.

“2030 is fast approaching, but the right to education remains out of reach for millions of children.”

Why are these figures stagnating or getting worse?

There are several factors behind these difficulties. They often reinforce one another and affect the most vulnerable children first.

• Poverty : some families cannot afford the costs associated with school fees, transport, school supplies or meals.
• Conflicts and humanitarian crises : the school may close, be destroyed, become inaccessible or too dangerous.
• Population movements : Displaced children and refugee children often have their education interrupted.
• Climate change : floods, droughts, cyclones and heatwaves disrupt school life and put families under strain.
• Discrimination : girls, children with disabilities, children from minority groups or those living in remote areas face greater obstacles.
• The lack of public funding : without adequate funding, governments struggle to build schools, recruit teachers and improve learning outcomes.

What needs to be done to guarantee the right to education?

To ensure the right to education calls for action to be taken on several fronts, simultaneously.

• Sustainable funding for education systems, to build schools, equip classrooms and support families.
• Training, recruiting and supporting teachers, as they play a key role in the quality of learning.
• Making school accessible to the most vulnerable children, particularly in rural areas, deprived neighbourhoods and crisis situations.
• Tackling social and economic barriers to school attendance, such as child labour, early marriage or discrimination.
• Strengthening core learning, in reading, writing, numeracy and basic skills.
• Developing lifelong learning, for young people who have left the education system too early and adults who have not received an education.

Action Education’s work to promote the right to education

Action Education has been working for over 40 years to champion access to quality education for all, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalised communities.

In 2024, our operating expenditure covered 69 educational projects in 16 countries. These initiatives are aimed, in particular, at improving access to schooling, the quality of learning, early years education, vocational training, education for girls and women, inclusion and education in crisis situations.

Because every figure represents children, families and communities, Action Education is working to ensure that the right to education is not merely a promise, but becomes a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions about Education Around the World

How many children around the world do not go to school?

According to UNESCO, 273 million children and young people worldwide are not in school. This figure has been rising for the seventh year running.

Why are so many children unable to attend school?

The main causes are poverty, conflict, population displacement, discrimination, a lack of schools, remote locations, a shortage of teachers, and climatic or economic crises.

What is the learning crisis?

The learning crisis refers to the fact that many children start school without having acquired basic skills. In low- and middle-income countries, 7 out of 10 children aged 10 cannot read and understand a simple text.

How many adults worldwide are illiterate?

According to UNESCO, 739 million adults are still unable to read and write. Two-thirds of them are women.

How many teachers are there not enough of worldwide?

UNESCO estimates that 44 million additional teachers will be needed by 2030 to ensure universal primary and secondary education.

Why is there a lack of funding for education?

National budgets allocated to education remain inadequate in many countries. International aid for education is also falling, whilst needs are increasing due to population growth, crises and the need to improve the quality of learning.

How does Action Education work to improve education around the world?

Action Education runs educational projects in 13 countries with the aim of improving access to schooling, the quality of learning, inclusion, girls’ education, vocational training and education in crisis situations.