Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 04 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Malaysia: Education & Knowledge
How far does a country's schooling carry its children?
Malaysia is placed joint 131st of 198 countries on education & knowledge in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: Out-of-School Rate, Primary 11.97 (2024); Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary 85.43 (2024).
Share
Education & Knowledge
joint131st
of 198 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
- 11.97Out-of-School Rate, Primary, 2024Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
- 85.43Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary, 2024Children one year before primary entry age in organised learning (%)
- 63.26Upper Secondary Completion Rate, 2025Upper secondary completion rate (%)
- 3.515Government Spending on Education, 2023Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Malaysia on education & knowledge — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used — or, for a survey-based key, each country’s latest reading; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
Key 1 of 4
Out-of-School Rate, Primary
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
Latest reading per country, 2014–2024 · Malaysia’s is from 2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0
11.97
Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
Lower is better
Malaysia: 11.97. Across the 192 countries at their latest reading, values run from 0.004 (United Arab Emirates) to 65.6 (Equatorial Guinea); the world median is 3.691.
- World median
- 3.691
- Best in South-eastern Asia
- 0.212 Singapore
- Land neighbours
- Brunei 3.612 · Indonesia 1.071 · Thailand 0.552
Key 2 of 4
Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
Latest reading per country, 2014–2024 · Malaysia’s is from 2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0
85.43
Children one year before primary entry age in organised learning (%)
Higher is better
Malaysia: 85.43. Across the 187 countries at their latest reading, values run from 3.411 (Yemen) to 100 (United Arab Emirates); the world median is 85.9.
- World median
- 85.9
- Best in South-eastern Asia
- 96.66 Thailand
- Land neighbours
- Brunei 77.29 · Indonesia 88.16 · Thailand 96.66
Key 3 of 4
Upper Secondary Completion Rate
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY-SA 4.0
63.26
Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Higher is better
Malaysia: 63.26. Across the 164 countries in this edition, values run from 2.13 (South Sudan) to 99.27 (South Korea); the world median is 64.87.
- World median
- 64.87
- Best in South-eastern Asia
- 73.54 Philippines
- Land neighbours
- Indonesia 72.75 · Thailand 72.72
Key 4 of 4
Government Spending on Education
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
2023 edition · data for 2023 · CC BY-SA 4.0
3.515
Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Higher is better
Malaysia: 3.515. Across the 123 countries in this edition, values run from 0 (Somalia) to 16.39 (Kiribati); the world median is 3.709.
- World median
- 3.709
- Best in South-eastern Asia
- 5.241 Timor-Leste
- Land neighbours
- Indonesia 1.275 · Thailand 2.521
02Over time
Which way Malaysia is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
Out-of-School Rate, Primary
Out-of-school rate, primary age (%) · lower is better
MalaysiaWorld median
Malaysia rose from 2.804 in 2000 to 11.97 in 2024; the world median went from 8.642 to 3.691.
Every year’s figures
Year Malaysia World median 2024 11.97 3.691 2023 9.14 3.393 2022 12.46 3.002 2021 12.12 3.330 2020 11.77 2.678 2019 10.90 2.758 2018 7.81 2.439 2017 7.94 2.907 2016 8.03 2.954 2015 7.85 3.052 2014 7.00 3.904 2013 5.48 3.413 2012 5.33 3.408 2011 5.07 3.626 2010 4.62 3.491 2009 4.00 3.577 2008 4.23 3.878 2007 4.49 4.029 2006 5.42 4.338 2005 3.25 4.571 2004 4.32 3.791 2003 6.87 4.412 2002 7.08 4.144 2001 4.85 4.051 2000 2.80 8.642 Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary
Children one year before primary entry age in organised learning (%) · higher is better
MalaysiaWorld median
Malaysia rose from 75.83 in 2000 to 85.43 in 2024; the world median went from 66.32 to 85.9.
Every year’s figures
Year Malaysia World median 2024 85.43 85.9 2023 82.94 87.6 2022 78.29 87.7 2021 77.64 87.0 2020 82.18 88.3 2019 82.14 88.8 2018 84.82 89.6 2017 86.77 87.4 2016 82.80 87.9 2015 — 88.2 2014 — 89.2 2013 — 88.0 2012 — 85.4 2011 — 86.2 2010 83.53 86.1 2009 80.60 84.8 2008 79.97 85.8 2007 81.01 86.7 2006 74.97 84.0 2005 74.38 82.2 2004 75.63 81.8 2003 78.31 78.3 2002 75.86 80.0 2001 — 80.8 2000 75.83 66.3 Upper Secondary Completion Rate
Upper secondary completion rate (%) · higher is better
MalaysiaWorld median
Malaysia rose from 28.17 in 2000 to 63.26 in 2025; the world median went from 38 to 64.87.
Every year’s figures
Year Malaysia World median 2025 63 64.9 2024 62 65.0 2023 61 64.2 2022 59 63.6 2021 58 62.9 2020 57 62.2 2019 55 61.5 2018 54 60.9 2017 52 60.5 2016 51 60.1 2015 50 58.9 2014 48 57.0 2013 47 54.7 2012 46 52.4 2011 45 50.9 2010 43 49.5 2009 42 48.5 2008 40 47.4 2007 39 46.2 2006 38 45.0 2005 37 43.8 2004 35 42.9 2003 34 41.6 2002 33 40.3 2001 31 39.0 2000 28 38.0 Government Spending on Education
Government expenditure on education (% of GDP) · higher is better
MalaysiaWorld median
Malaysia fell from 5.972 in 2000 to 3.515 in 2023; the world median went from 3.886 to 3.709.
Every year’s figures
Year Malaysia World median 2023 3.515 3.7092 2022 3.499 4.0570 2021 4.261 4.2611 2020 3.912 4.4056 2019 4.158 4.1407 2018 4.479 4.2159 2017 4.675 4.1401 2016 4.752 4.2342 2015 4.895 4.2386 2014 5.213 4.2005 2013 5.481 4.3493 2012 5.739 4.0348 2011 5.763 3.9987 2010 4.966 4.1396 2009 5.974 4.6638 2008 3.959 4.4226 2007 4.373 4.1717 2006 4.486 4.0593 2005 — 4.0557 2004 5.924 3.9745 2003 7.503 4.1595 2002 7.658 4.0173 2001 7.484 4.1002 2000 5.972 3.8861
03In context
Malaysia beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 198 countries on education & knowledge, never a place within the region.
Malaysia and the countries it borders
Standing among all 198; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | Out-of-School Rate, PrimaryOut-of-school rate, primary age (%) | Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before PrimaryChildren one year before primary entry age in organised learning (%) | Upper Secondary Completion RateUpper secondary completion rate (%) | Government Spending on EducationGovernment expenditure on education (% of GDP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Thailand | 74th | 0.552 | 96.66 | 72.72 | 2.521 |
 Indonesiacompare | 117th | 1.071 | 88.16 | 72.75 | 1.275 |
 Brunei | 127th | 3.612 | 77.29 | — | — |
| Malaysia | =131st | 11.97 | 85.43 | 63.26 | 3.515 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across South-eastern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 198.
Placed either side on education & knowledge
The countries immediately above and below Malaysia in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Malaysia is ahead of the world, and behind
36 more statistics filed under education & knowledge, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median16
Statistics on which Malaysia does better than the middle country measured.
Primary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · world median 97.4399.8397.43▲ Improved since 2015
Malaysia: 99.83 · world median 97.43 · Primary completion rate (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 7.94 to 100; higher is better.
Position 15th of 165 · derived.
Pupils per Qualified Teacher, PrimaryUIS · 2024 · world median 20.671220.67No real change since 2014
Malaysia: 12 · world median 20.67 · Primary pupils per qualified teacher (headcount basis). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 8.244 to 284.7; lower is better.
Position 83rd of 92 · derived, 1st = worst.
Lower Secondary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · world median 89.2198.789.21▲ Improved since 2015
Malaysia: 98.7 · world median 89.21 · Lower secondary completion rate (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 13.73 to 100; higher is better.
Position 30th of 164 · derived.
Primary Schools with Internet for TeachingUIS · 2024 · world median 98.6610098.66No real change since 2016
Malaysia: 100 · world median 98.66 · Primary schools with internet access for teaching (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Inbound Mobility Rate, TertiaryUIS · 2024 · world median 5.49412.475.494No real change since 2014
Malaysia: 12.47 · world median 5.494 · Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 87.12; higher is better.
Position 19th of 75 · derived.
Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of PrimaryUIS · 2023 · world median 43.86443.8No earlier reading
Malaysia: 64 · world median 43.8 · Pupils at the end of primary reaching minimum proficiency in mathematics (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 1.8 to 93.42; higher is better.
Harmonized Test ScoresWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 414.32445.68414.32▲ Improved since 2010
Malaysia: 445.68 · world median 414.32 · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 304.92 to 575.27; higher is better.
Position 57th of 172 · derived.
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment RateUIS · 2024 · world median 65.9381.1265.93No real change since 2016
Malaysia: 81.12 · world median 65.93 · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.779 to 99.85; higher is better.
Position 42nd of 120 · derived.
Learning-Adjusted Years of SchoolWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 7.9418.8897.941▲ Improved since 2010
Malaysia: 8.889 · world median 7.941 · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 2.207 to 12.81; higher is better.
Position 60th of 172 · derived.
Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 9.93311.099.933▲ Improved since 2013
Malaysia: 11.09 · world median 9.933 · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 1.412 to 14.3; higher is better.
Position 68th of 193 · derived.
Intergenerational Persistence in EducationWorld Bank Group · 2017 · world median 0.4460.410.446No earlier reading
Malaysia: 0.41 · world median 0.446 · Correlation between own and parents' years of schooling, born 1980–89 (0–1). World Bank Group, 2017 edition, data for 2017.
Published values in that edition run from 0.123 to 0.66; lower is better.
Position 96th of 153 · derived, 1st = worst.
Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · 2024 · world median 701.951,218701.95No earlier reading
Malaysia: 1,218 · world median 701.95 · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.446 to 18,130; higher is better.
Position 57th of 145 · derived.
Adult Literacy RateUIS · 2024 · world median 93.9995.7793.99No earlier reading
Malaysia: 95.77 · world median 93.99 · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 26.83 to 100; higher is better.
Position 74th of 172 · derived.
Youth Literacy RateUIS · 2024 · world median 98.2298.7998.22No earlier reading
Malaysia: 98.79 · world median 98.22 · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 36.7 to 100; higher is better.
Qualified Teachers in Primary EducationUIS · 2024 · world median 93.6694.0293.66▼ Worsened since 2014
Malaysia: 94.02 · world median 93.66 · Primary teachers with the minimum qualifications their country requires (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Gender Parity Index, Tertiary EnrolmentUIS · 2024 · world median 1.2441.3051.244No real change since 2014
Malaysia: 1.305 · world median 1.244 · Adjusted gender parity index, tertiary gross enrolment (1 = parity). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.74 to 1.83; higher is better.
Position 60th of 95 · derived.
Behind the world median13
Statistics on which Malaysia does worse than the middle country measured.
Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of PrimaryUIS · 2023 · world median 60.085860.08No earlier reading
Malaysia: 58 · world median 60.08 · Pupils at the end of primary reaching minimum proficiency in reading (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 2 to 98.78; higher is better.
Learning PovertyWorld Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 2023 · world median 34.0242.0334.02No earlier reading
Malaysia: 42.03 · world median 34.02 · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%). World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 2.331 to 98.5; lower is better.
Position 56th of 125 · derived, 1st = worst.
Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Lower SecondaryUIS · 2023 · world median 48.941.0248.9No earlier reading
Malaysia: 41.02 · world median 48.9 · Students at the end of lower secondary reaching minimum proficiency in mathematics (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.73 to 91.73; higher is better.
Tertiary Enrolment RatioUIS · 2024 · world median 52.7738.552.77▼ Worsened since 2014
Malaysia: 38.5 · world median 52.77 · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 2.566 to 141.86; higher is better.
Position 58th of 95 · derived.
Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 13.3412.6813.34▼ Worsened since 2013
Malaysia: 12.68 · world median 13.34 · Expected years of schooling. UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 5.635 to 21.69; higher is better.
Position 125th of 195 · derived.
PISA Science PerformanceOECD · 2022 · world median 446.93416.31446.93▲ Improved since 2012
Malaysia: 416.31 · world median 446.93 · Mean science score. OECD, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 347.1 to 561.43; higher is better.
Position 51st of 79 · derived.
PISA Mathematics PerformanceOECD · 2022 · world median 442.09408.69442.09▲ Improved since 2012
Malaysia: 408.69 · world median 442.09 · Mean mathematics score. OECD, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 336.4 to 574.66; higher is better.
Position 53rd of 79 · derived.
Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of Lower SecondaryUIS · 2022 · world median 58.5941.8858.59No earlier reading
Malaysia: 41.88 · world median 58.59 · Students at the end of lower secondary reaching minimum proficiency in reading (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 5.043 to 88.83; higher is better.
Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.6190.2890.619No real change since 2015
Malaysia: 0.289 · world median 0.619 · Academic freedom index (0–1). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.019 to 0.978; higher is better.
Position 128th of 176 · derived.
PISA Reading PerformanceOECD · 2022 · world median 440.35388.09440.35▲ Improved since 2012
Malaysia: 388.09 · world median 440.35 · Mean reading score. OECD, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 328.84 to 542.55; higher is better.
Position 59th of 79 · derived.
Secondary School EnrolmentUIS · 2024 · world median 93.1980.2893.19▼ Worsened since 2014
Malaysia: 80.28 · world median 93.19 · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 19.87 to 158.55; higher is better.
Position 85th of 109 · derived.
Out-of-School Rate, Lower Secondary AgeUIS · 2024 · world median 6.34317.966.343No real change since 2014
Malaysia: 17.96 · world median 6.343 · Out-of-school rate, lower secondary age (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.011 to 79.71; lower is better.
Position 26th of 116 · derived, 1st = worst.
School Life ExpectancyUIS · 2024 · world median 14.5912.1314.59▼ Worsened since 2014
Malaysia: 12.13 · world median 14.59 · School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 7.478 to 21.01; higher is better.
Position 69th of 77 · derived.
Level with the median, or no median to compare1
Primary Schools with ElectricityUIS · 2024 · world median 100100100▲ Improved since 2016
Malaysia: 100 · world median 100 · Primary schools with access to electricity (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.246 to 100; higher is better.
No better end6
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · world median 2,24058,5752,240No real change since 2022
Malaysia: 58,575 · world median 2,240 · Articles with at least one author at an institution in the country (full counting). OpenAlex (OurResearch), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1 to 1,094,890.
Share of Graduates from ICT ProgrammesUIS · 2023 · world median 5.6017.5315.601Moved since 2015
Malaysia: 7.531 · world median 5.601 · Tertiary graduates from ICT programmes (% of all graduates). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 17.19.
Female Share of ResearchersUIS · 2024 · world median 38.1748.638.17No earlier reading
Malaysia: 48.6 · world median 38.17 · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 76.54.
Female Share of STEM GraduatesUIS · 2023 · world median 35.335.9535.3Moved since 2015
Malaysia: 35.95 · world median 35.3 · STEM graduates who are women (%; 50 = parity). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 8.333 to 55.96.
Outbound Mobility Ratio, TertiaryUIS · 2023 · world median 5.2794.1415.279Moved since 2013
Malaysia: 4.141 · world median 5.279 · Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.333 to 1,724.
Trust in ScientistsWellcome Trust · 2020 · world median 34.3521.5634.35Moved since 2018
Malaysia: 21.56 · world median 34.35 · People aged 15+ who trust scientists in their country 'a lot' (%). Wellcome Trust, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 9.335 to 72.35.
No current reading for Malaysia
Bachelor's or Higher Attainment (last 2022), Government Funding per Primary Student (last 2020), Nobel Prize Laureates by Country of Birth, Research and Development Spending (last 2022), Upper Secondary Attainment (last 2022) and Wealth Parity Index, Lower Secondary Completion. Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Education & Knowledge among Malaysia’s 15 topics
Education & Knowledge is Malaysia’s 13th best-placed topic of 15. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Mobility & Trade6th of 1774/4 keys
- Governance & Institutions40th of 1944/4 keys
- Digital & Technology41st of 1984/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation40th of 1764/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality41st of 1593/3 keys
- Work & Labour63rd of 1824/4 keys
- Peace & Security62nd of 1774/4 keys
- Development & Human Capital91st of 1963/3 keys
- Food & Agriculturejoint 86th of 1844/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Liberties95th of 1984/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience95th of 1934/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing99th of 2004/4 keys
- Education & Knowledgejoint 131st of 1984/4 keys
- Gender & Equalityjoint 131st of 1834/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainabilityjoint 158th of 1864/4 keys
No standing on Energy: too few of those topics’ key statistics are published for this country.
06The top of the list
Who leads on education & knowledge
The three countries placed highest of 198, and the leaders Malaysia can most readily be measured against.
1
United Arab EmiratesWestern Asia
1st of 198 · 2 of 4 keys
Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
2
GreeceSouthern Europe
2nd of 198 · 3 of 4 keys
Photo: User:Ggia derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
3
PolandEastern Europe
3rd of 198 · 3 of 4 keys
Photo: Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich) · CC BY 3.0, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest placed on all 4 keys
Moldova7th4/4 keysHighest in Asia
United Arab Emirates1st2/4 keysHighest in South-eastern Asia
Singapore71st3/4 keysThis page
Malaysia=131st4/4 keys
Positions out of 198 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Questions
Malaysia on education & knowledge: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does Malaysia rank on education & knowledge?
Malaysia is placed joint 131st of 198 countries on Education & Knowledge in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (Out-of-School Rate, Primary, Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary, Upper Secondary Completion Rate and Government Spending on Education). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest Out-of-School Rate, Primary figure for Malaysia?
11.97 in 2024 (out-of-school rate, primary age (%)), according to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). The world median in the same edition was 3.691.
What is the latest Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary figure for Malaysia?
85.43 in 2024 (children one year before primary entry age in organised learning (%)), according to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). The world median in the same edition was 85.9.
How does Malaysia compare with Indonesia on education & knowledge?
Indonesia is placed 117th of 198, and Malaysia joint 131st. Out-of-School Rate, Primary: Indonesia 1.071, Malaysia 11.97; Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary: Indonesia 88.16, Malaysia 85.43; Upper Secondary Completion Rate: Indonesia 72.75, Malaysia 63.26; Government Spending on Education: Indonesia 1.275, Malaysia 3.515.
How have Malaysia’s education & knowledge figures changed?
Out-of-School Rate, Primary rose from 2.804 in 2000 to 11.97 in 2024; Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary rose from 75.83 in 2000 to 85.43 in 2024; Upper Secondary Completion Rate rose from 28.17 in 2000 to 63.26 in 2025; Government Spending on Education fell from 5.972 in 2000 to 3.515 in 2023.
Which education & knowledge statistics are missing for Malaysia?
No current reading is published for Malaysia on Bachelor's or Higher Attainment, Government Funding per Primary Student, Nobel Prize Laureates by Country of Birth, Research and Development Spending, Upper Secondary Attainment and Wealth Parity Index, Lower Secondary Completion. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
08Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
How much children actually learn is only partly covered. International test scores exist for a limited group of countries, and they are published here as context rather than used as a key, because a key must describe most of the world. Universities, research, and youth and adult literacy also appear as context.
How the Education & Knowledge standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The education & knowledge method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary — UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), CC BY-SA 4.0
- Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary — UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), CC BY-SA 4.0
- Upper Secondary Completion Rate — UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), CC BY-SA 4.0
- Government Spending on Education — UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), CC BY-SA 4.0
The other 36 statistics on this page come from 8 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
Malaysia’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Malaysia (banner) — Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0
- United Arab Emirates — Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Greece — User:Ggia derivative work: Jjtkk, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Poland — Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich), CC BY 3.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Malaysia: Education & Knowledge — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/malaysia/education