Colombia
The most recent data for Colombia (2020) indicates that the country allocated 5.26% of GDP to public education. This level is close to the international benchmark of 6% and above the regional average.
Attendance data helps illustrate equity trends. In 2022, the gender ratio was 0.97, slightly below the regional average but indicating near gender parity. The wealth parity index was 1.15, showing that children from the wealthiest households remain more likely to attend school than those from the poorest, though the level of inequality is somewhat lower than the regional average.
To complement these figures, our members provide national-level analysis, highlighting important nuances and policy recommendations.
Read our members’ education financing brief
Public financial effort measures the resources devoted to education as a share of GDP and of the national budget. Since 2015, international benchmarks have set 4–6% of GDP and 15–20% of total government spending as reference targets. In Colombia, the most recent data (2020) shows that 5.26% of GDP was spent on education. This level is close to the 6% benchmark and above the regional average, indicating sustained prioritization of the sector.
Public expenditure on education as a % of GDP
Data on per-student spending is not available, limiting further analysis of government priorities.
Attendance data helps illustrate equity trends. In 2022, the gender ratio was 0.97, slightly below the regional average but indicating near gender parity. The wealth parity index was 1.15, showing that children from the wealthiest households remain more likely to attend school than those from the poorest, though the level of inequality is somewhat lower than the regional average.