Ecuador
The figures from Ecuador show persistent challenges in education financing and equity. The most recent data (2023) indicates that the country invested 3.89% of GDP in public education. Education’s share of the public budget was 9.69%, falling far short of the 20% benchmark and the regional average. Public spending per school-age person was USD 998.37 (2023), which also remains below the regional average.
Attendance data points to partial progress. In 2022, the gender ratio was 0.95, indicating near gender parity but slightly under the regional average. The wealth parity index stood at 1.12, showing that wealthier households still enjoy an advantage in school attendance.
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 is measured by the proportion of resources allocated to education as a share of GDP and the national budget. Since 2015, international benchmarks recommend 4–6% of GDP and 15–20% of government expenditure. In Ecuador, the latest available data (2023) shows that 3.89% of GDP was allocated to education—below both the 6% benchmark and the regional average. Education’s share of the public budget was 9.69%, also well below the 20% benchmark and regional average.
Public expenditure on education as a % of GDP
Public expenditure on education as a % of total public expenditure
Per-student spending was USD 998.37, reflecting limited resources and falling short of the regional average.
Public spending per school-age person
- The gender ratio was 0.95 (2022), showing approximate parity between boys and girls but slightly below the regional average.
- The wealth parity index was 1.12, highlighting some inequality in attendance between rich and poor households. This figure, however, is below the regional average, indicating relatively more equal access compared to peers in the region.