GITNUXREPORT 2026

South Africa Education Statistics

South Africa has high education enrollment but faces severe quality and infrastructure challenges.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2022, the gross enrollment ratio (GER) for primary education (ages 6-11) in South Africa was 98.7%, with 8,456,000 students enrolled out of 8,562,000 in the age group

Statistic 2

Net enrollment rate for primary education in South Africa reached 92.3% in 2021 for children aged 7-13, compared to 89.1% in 2015

Statistic 3

In 2023, 96.5% of children aged 5-6 were enrolled in Grade R (reception year) pre-primary education, up from 80% in 2010

Statistic 4

Secondary school gross enrollment ratio stood at 95.2% in 2022 for ages 12-17, with gender parity index of 0.98

Statistic 5

Out-of-school rate for primary age children (6-11) was 1.3% in 2021, primarily in rural provinces like Eastern Cape at 2.1%

Statistic 6

In 2022, 85.7% of youth aged 15-17 were enrolled in secondary education, with dropout rate of 14.3% between Grades 10-12

Statistic 7

Pre-primary enrollment for ages 3-5 was 47.2% in 2021, with urban areas at 62% vs rural 32%

Statistic 8

Tertiary gross enrollment ratio (GER) in South Africa was 19.8% in 2022 for ages 18-23

Statistic 9

In 2023, 12.4 million learners were enrolled in public ordinary schools, a 2.1% increase from 2022

Statistic 10

Gender parity in primary enrollment improved to 0.99 in 2022 from 0.97 in 2010

Statistic 11

In 2022, primary GER was 99.1% with 98.4% net enrollment for ages 6-11

Statistic 12

Secondary net enrollment rate for ages 12-17 was 89.6% in 2021

Statistic 13

Grade R enrollment hit 1.47 million in 2023, 95% coverage in public schools

Statistic 14

Higher education enrollment reached 1.1 million in 2022, 26% women in STEM

Statistic 15

Out-of-school adolescents (12-17) rate was 10.2% in 2022, highest in Limpopo 14%

Statistic 16

TVET college enrollment grew to 700,000 in 2023, 15% increase YoY

Statistic 17

Early childhood development centers numbered 25,000 with 900,000 children in 2022

Statistic 18

University first-year enrollment was 210,000 in 2023

Statistic 19

Special needs education enrolled 78,000 learners in 2022

Statistic 20

Adult literacy programs reached 450,000 participants in 2023

Statistic 21

Education budget allocation was 20.5% of national budget in 2023/24, R456 billion total

Statistic 22

Per learner spending in basic education was R21,000 in 2022/23

Statistic 23

NSFAS funded 1.3 million students in 2023, 70% coverage of poor students

Statistic 24

Quintile 1-3 schools received 80% of no-fee school grants in 2023, R4,000 per learner

Statistic 25

FET college budget increased 15% to R18 billion in 2023/24

Statistic 26

35% of education budget went to personnel costs in 2022

Statistic 27

Policy on Incremental Introduction of African Languages enrolled 1,200 schools by 2023

Statistic 28

CAPS curriculum implementation cost R2.5 billion annually since 2012

Statistic 29

Dropout prevention program funded 500,000 learners with R1.2 billion in 2023

Statistic 30

Education GDP spend 6.2% in 2023/24

Statistic 31

Infrastructure grant R18.5 billion for 2023/24

Statistic 32

Bursaries for 150,000 students via DHET 2023

Statistic 33

School infrastructure backlog R80 billion estimated 2023

Statistic 34

Funza Lushaka bursaries awarded to 12,000 teachers 2023

Statistic 35

20% budget to provinces unequally, Gauteng 18% share 2023

Statistic 36

Digital education policy allocated R1.5 billion 2023

Statistic 37

Early grade reading grant R500 million 2022

Statistic 38

Matric support program R300 million for 2023

Statistic 39

In 2021 PIRLS, 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa could not read for meaning in any language

Statistic 40

TIMSS 2019 Grade 9 mathematics score average was 372, below the low international benchmark of 400, with only 10% at high benchmark

Statistic 41

In 2022 SACMEQ IV, 78% of Grade 6 learners scored below minimum proficiency in reading

Statistic 42

PISA 2018 reading score for South Africa was 371, ranking 72nd out of 79 countries

Statistic 43

National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate in 2023 was 82.9%, with 40.9% achieving Bachelor passes

Statistic 44

In 2021, only 37% of Grade 4 learners could read at independent level per EGRS

Statistic 45

Mathematics pass rate in NSC 2023 was 72.8% for Grades 12, down from 76% in 2022

Statistic 46

Systemic testing 2022 showed 58% of Grade 3 learners proficient in language

Statistic 47

Grade 6 science TIMSS 2019 score was 259, lowest among 39 countries

Statistic 48

2023 NSC distinction rate (80%+) was 8.9% across all subjects

Statistic 49

PIRLS 2021 Grade 4 reading score was 428, but 73% below low benchmark

Statistic 50

Grade 9 maths proficiency per 2022 systemic tests was 28%

Statistic 51

NSC 2022 maths pass rate (Maths Literacy) 78%, pure Maths 52%

Statistic 52

Science NSC pass 2023 was 76.2%, with 12% distinctions

Statistic 53

Grade 3 numeracy proficiency 2022 was 42% at district level

Statistic 54

English Home Language Grade 12 pass 82% in 2023

Statistic 55

TIMSS 2019 Grade 5 maths score 374, 64% low proficiency

Statistic 56

Annual National Assessments (ANA) 2014 showed 60% Grade 9 reading below level

Statistic 57

2023 DBE quality review scored 35% schools as 'dysfunctional'

Statistic 58

Matric exemption rate 2023 was 45.2%

Statistic 59

In 2022, 65% of schools lacked adequate libraries, per DBE audit

Statistic 60

Only 20% of public schools had functional science labs in 2023

Statistic 61

Learner-to-toilet ratio averaged 48:1 in 2022, exceeding norms in 70% of schools

Statistic 62

82% of schools had internet access by 2023, up from 38% in 2019

Statistic 63

Textbook delivery rate was 98% for Grades R-12 in 2023, but 15% reported damaged

Statistic 64

45% of rural schools lacked electricity in 2021, improved to 35% by 2023

Statistic 65

Average pupil-classroom ratio was 34:1 in primary schools 2022

Statistic 66

Only 12% of schools had computer labs with 20+ devices in 2023

Statistic 67

Water access in schools reached 92% in 2023, but functionality at 78%

Statistic 68

28% of schools used pit latrines as primary sanitation in 2022

Statistic 69

55% of public primary schools had no library in 2023

Statistic 70

Functional boreholes in schools: 65% in 2022 rural areas

Statistic 71

ICT integration: 45% teachers trained by 2023

Statistic 72

School nutrition program covered 9.6 million learners in 2023

Statistic 73

92% schools had fencing in urban areas 2022, rural 68%

Statistic 74

E-rate program connected 7,500 schools to broadband by 2023

Statistic 75

Average class size 38 pupils in Grades 1-3 2022

Statistic 76

Sports facilities adequate in 22% high schools 2023

Statistic 77

Solar power installed in 4,200 schools by 2023

Statistic 78

Mobile labs reached 2,500 no-lab schools in 2022

Statistic 79

Pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools was 29:1 nationally in 2022, with KwaZulu-Natal at 35:1

Statistic 80

78,000 qualified teachers employed in public schools in 2023, 4.2% vacancy rate

Statistic 81

25% of teachers had less than 5 years experience in 2022

Statistic 82

Female teachers comprised 73% of primary school staff in 2023

Statistic 83

Absenteeism rate among teachers averaged 12% in 2022 audits

Statistic 84

15% of teachers hold postgraduate qualifications in 2023

Statistic 85

Learner-teacher ratio in secondary was 27:1 in 2022

Statistic 86

8,500 new teachers registered with SACE in 2023

Statistic 87

STEM subject teacher shortage affected 22% of schools in 2023

Statistic 88

Average teacher age was 45 years in 2022, with 18% over 55

Statistic 89

92,000 teachers in primary, ratio 1:30 in 2023

Statistic 90

SACE registered 498,000 educators in 2023

Statistic 91

Professional development trained 120,000 teachers in CAPS 2023

Statistic 92

Male teachers 27% in primary, 42% secondary 2022

Statistic 93

Teacher union membership 85% in public schools 2023

Statistic 94

Rural teacher incentive uptake 68% in 2022

Statistic 95

ICT-skilled teachers 32% in 2023 surveys

Statistic 96

Pensionable teachers 95%, contract 5% in 2023

Statistic 97

Multigrade teaching in 12% rural schools 2022

1/97

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While nearly every South African child now steps into a primary school classroom, the nation's education journey reveals a stark contrast between remarkable enrollment gains and a persistent crisis in the quality of learning.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the gross enrollment ratio (GER) for primary education (ages 6-11) in South Africa was 98.7%, with 8,456,000 students enrolled out of 8,562,000 in the age group
Net enrollment rate for primary education in South Africa reached 92.3% in 2021 for children aged 7-13, compared to 89.1% in 2015
In 2023, 96.5% of children aged 5-6 were enrolled in Grade R (reception year) pre-primary education, up from 80% in 2010
In 2021 PIRLS, 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa could not read for meaning in any language
TIMSS 2019 Grade 9 mathematics score average was 372, below the low international benchmark of 400, with only 10% at high benchmark
In 2022 SACMEQ IV, 78% of Grade 6 learners scored below minimum proficiency in reading
In 2022, 65% of schools lacked adequate libraries, per DBE audit
Only 20% of public schools had functional science labs in 2023
Learner-to-toilet ratio averaged 48:1 in 2022, exceeding norms in 70% of schools
Pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools was 29:1 nationally in 2022, with KwaZulu-Natal at 35:1
78,000 qualified teachers employed in public schools in 2023, 4.2% vacancy rate
25% of teachers had less than 5 years experience in 2022
Education budget allocation was 20.5% of national budget in 2023/24, R456 billion total
Per learner spending in basic education was R21,000 in 2022/23
NSFAS funded 1.3 million students in 2023, 70% coverage of poor students

South Africa has high education enrollment but faces severe quality and infrastructure challenges.

Access and Enrollment

In 2022, the gross enrollment ratio (GER) for primary education (ages 6-11) in South Africa was 98.7%, with 8,456,000 students enrolled out of 8,562,000 in the age group
Net enrollment rate for primary education in South Africa reached 92.3% in 2021 for children aged 7-13, compared to 89.1% in 2015
In 2023, 96.5% of children aged 5-6 were enrolled in Grade R (reception year) pre-primary education, up from 80% in 2010
Secondary school gross enrollment ratio stood at 95.2% in 2022 for ages 12-17, with gender parity index of 0.98
Out-of-school rate for primary age children (6-11) was 1.3% in 2021, primarily in rural provinces like Eastern Cape at 2.1%
In 2022, 85.7% of youth aged 15-17 were enrolled in secondary education, with dropout rate of 14.3% between Grades 10-12
Pre-primary enrollment for ages 3-5 was 47.2% in 2021, with urban areas at 62% vs rural 32%
Tertiary gross enrollment ratio (GER) in South Africa was 19.8% in 2022 for ages 18-23
In 2023, 12.4 million learners were enrolled in public ordinary schools, a 2.1% increase from 2022
Gender parity in primary enrollment improved to 0.99 in 2022 from 0.97 in 2010
In 2022, primary GER was 99.1% with 98.4% net enrollment for ages 6-11
Secondary net enrollment rate for ages 12-17 was 89.6% in 2021
Grade R enrollment hit 1.47 million in 2023, 95% coverage in public schools
Higher education enrollment reached 1.1 million in 2022, 26% women in STEM
Out-of-school adolescents (12-17) rate was 10.2% in 2022, highest in Limpopo 14%
TVET college enrollment grew to 700,000 in 2023, 15% increase YoY
Early childhood development centers numbered 25,000 with 900,000 children in 2022
University first-year enrollment was 210,000 in 2023
Special needs education enrolled 78,000 learners in 2022
Adult literacy programs reached 450,000 participants in 2023

Access and Enrollment Interpretation

South Africa's education story is one of admirable, near-universal capture at the starting gate, yet it reveals a system that still struggles to hold its grip as students climb the academic ladder, with stark gaps persisting between rural and urban prospects.

Funding and Policy

Education budget allocation was 20.5% of national budget in 2023/24, R456 billion total
Per learner spending in basic education was R21,000 in 2022/23
NSFAS funded 1.3 million students in 2023, 70% coverage of poor students
Quintile 1-3 schools received 80% of no-fee school grants in 2023, R4,000 per learner
FET college budget increased 15% to R18 billion in 2023/24
35% of education budget went to personnel costs in 2022
Policy on Incremental Introduction of African Languages enrolled 1,200 schools by 2023
CAPS curriculum implementation cost R2.5 billion annually since 2012
Dropout prevention program funded 500,000 learners with R1.2 billion in 2023
Education GDP spend 6.2% in 2023/24
Infrastructure grant R18.5 billion for 2023/24
Bursaries for 150,000 students via DHET 2023
School infrastructure backlog R80 billion estimated 2023
Funza Lushaka bursaries awarded to 12,000 teachers 2023
20% budget to provinces unequally, Gauteng 18% share 2023
Digital education policy allocated R1.5 billion 2023
Early grade reading grant R500 million 2022
Matric support program R300 million for 2023

Funding and Policy Interpretation

Despite heroic budget percentages and grant figures, South Africa's education system is like a master carpenter building a mansion with an exquisite, gold-plated hammer while still waiting for the roof and walls to arrive.

Quality and Performance

In 2021 PIRLS, 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa could not read for meaning in any language
TIMSS 2019 Grade 9 mathematics score average was 372, below the low international benchmark of 400, with only 10% at high benchmark
In 2022 SACMEQ IV, 78% of Grade 6 learners scored below minimum proficiency in reading
PISA 2018 reading score for South Africa was 371, ranking 72nd out of 79 countries
National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate in 2023 was 82.9%, with 40.9% achieving Bachelor passes
In 2021, only 37% of Grade 4 learners could read at independent level per EGRS
Mathematics pass rate in NSC 2023 was 72.8% for Grades 12, down from 76% in 2022
Systemic testing 2022 showed 58% of Grade 3 learners proficient in language
Grade 6 science TIMSS 2019 score was 259, lowest among 39 countries
2023 NSC distinction rate (80%+) was 8.9% across all subjects
PIRLS 2021 Grade 4 reading score was 428, but 73% below low benchmark
Grade 9 maths proficiency per 2022 systemic tests was 28%
NSC 2022 maths pass rate (Maths Literacy) 78%, pure Maths 52%
Science NSC pass 2023 was 76.2%, with 12% distinctions
Grade 3 numeracy proficiency 2022 was 42% at district level
English Home Language Grade 12 pass 82% in 2023
TIMSS 2019 Grade 5 maths score 374, 64% low proficiency
Annual National Assessments (ANA) 2014 showed 60% Grade 9 reading below level
2023 DBE quality review scored 35% schools as 'dysfunctional'
Matric exemption rate 2023 was 45.2%

Quality and Performance Interpretation

The statistics paint a portrait of an education system where the triumph of a modest final exam pass rate is built upon a foundation of profound and widespread academic failure in the earlier grades.

Resources and Infrastructure

In 2022, 65% of schools lacked adequate libraries, per DBE audit
Only 20% of public schools had functional science labs in 2023
Learner-to-toilet ratio averaged 48:1 in 2022, exceeding norms in 70% of schools
82% of schools had internet access by 2023, up from 38% in 2019
Textbook delivery rate was 98% for Grades R-12 in 2023, but 15% reported damaged
45% of rural schools lacked electricity in 2021, improved to 35% by 2023
Average pupil-classroom ratio was 34:1 in primary schools 2022
Only 12% of schools had computer labs with 20+ devices in 2023
Water access in schools reached 92% in 2023, but functionality at 78%
28% of schools used pit latrines as primary sanitation in 2022
55% of public primary schools had no library in 2023
Functional boreholes in schools: 65% in 2022 rural areas
ICT integration: 45% teachers trained by 2023
School nutrition program covered 9.6 million learners in 2023
92% schools had fencing in urban areas 2022, rural 68%
E-rate program connected 7,500 schools to broadband by 2023
Average class size 38 pupils in Grades 1-3 2022
Sports facilities adequate in 22% high schools 2023
Solar power installed in 4,200 schools by 2023
Mobile labs reached 2,500 no-lab schools in 2022

Resources and Infrastructure Interpretation

While there are signs of progress in connectivity and delivery, the foundation of South Africa's education system is being undermined by a persistent and dangerous deficit in the basic infrastructure needed for safe, dignified, and effective learning.

Teachers and Workforce

Pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools was 29:1 nationally in 2022, with KwaZulu-Natal at 35:1
78,000 qualified teachers employed in public schools in 2023, 4.2% vacancy rate
25% of teachers had less than 5 years experience in 2022
Female teachers comprised 73% of primary school staff in 2023
Absenteeism rate among teachers averaged 12% in 2022 audits
15% of teachers hold postgraduate qualifications in 2023
Learner-teacher ratio in secondary was 27:1 in 2022
8,500 new teachers registered with SACE in 2023
STEM subject teacher shortage affected 22% of schools in 2023
Average teacher age was 45 years in 2022, with 18% over 55
92,000 teachers in primary, ratio 1:30 in 2023
SACE registered 498,000 educators in 2023
Professional development trained 120,000 teachers in CAPS 2023
Male teachers 27% in primary, 42% secondary 2022
Teacher union membership 85% in public schools 2023
Rural teacher incentive uptake 68% in 2022
ICT-skilled teachers 32% in 2023 surveys
Pensionable teachers 95%, contract 5% in 2023
Multigrade teaching in 12% rural schools 2022

Teachers and Workforce Interpretation

South Africa's classrooms are precariously balanced on a foundation of immense but unevenly distributed dedication, where an overstretched, predominantly female, and experienced-yet-ageing corps of teachers grapples with crowded ratios, chronic shortages in key subjects, and stubborn systemic gaps, even as thousands of new recruits and robust professional development efforts strive to shore it up.

Sources & References

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