Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate (%) 2021
This measures the percentage of female students enrolling in tertiary education, reflecting gender parity in higher education globally.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 |  Greece | 156.854 % | |
2 |  Argentina | 140.307 % | |
3 |  Australia | 135.733 % | |
4 |  Turkey | 126.784 % | |
5 |  Cyprus | 124.217 % | |
6 |  Iceland | 116.91 % | |
7 |  Norway | 113.76 % | |
8 |  Finland | 112.643 % | |
9 |  Sweden | 111.165 % | |
10 |  Puerto Rico | 108.968 % | |
11 |  Latvia | 108.81 % | |
12 |  Spain | 106.822 % | |
13 |  China, Macao SAR | 106.267 % | |
14 |  Chile | 105.963 % | |
15 |  Austria | 105.24 % | |
16 |  Singapore | 102.329 % | |
17 |  China, Hong Kong SAR | 101.945 % | |
18 |  United States | 101.71 % | |
19 |  Slovenia | 100.995 % | |
20 |  New Zealand | 99.257 % | |
21 |  Denmark | 97.541 % | |
22 |  Uruguay | 97.042 % | |
23 |  Netherlands | 96.534 % | |
24 |  Belgium | 95.588 % | |
25 |  Bulgaria | 95.32 % | |
26 |  Canada | 92.927 % | |
27 |  Croatia | 91.677 % | |
28 |  South Korea | 91.624 % | |
29 |  Malta | 91.229 % | |
30 |  Lithuania | 89.634 % | |
31 |  Estonia | 88.895 % | |
32 |  United Kingdom | 88.398 % | |
33 |  Poland | 87.253 % | |
34 |  Fiji | 86.813 % | |
35 |  Ireland | 85.405 % | |
36 |  Mongolia | 84.419 % | |
37 |  Belarus | 84.148 % | |
38 |  Italy | 83.611 % | |
39 |  Serbia | 82.443 % | |
40 |  Czech Republic | 81.555 % | |
41 |  Georgia | 81.265 % | |
42 |  Ukraine | 80.678 % | |
43 |  Portugal | 79.465 % | |
44 |  France | 79.152 % | |
45 |  Germany | 78.786 % | |
46 |  Saudi Arabia | 76.669 % | |
47 |  Switzerland | 75.953 % | |
48 |  Dominican Republic | 74.796 % | |
49 |  Barbados | 73.479 % | |
50 |  China | 73.319 % | |
51 |  Albania | 72.873 % | |
52 |  Republic of Moldova | 71.743 % | |
53 |  Israel | 71.532 % | |
54 |  Brazil | 68.627 % | |
55 |  Qatar | 68.186 % | |
56 |  Algeria | 67.761 % | |
57 |  Cuba | 67.713 % | |
58 |  Bahrain | 67.077 % | |
59 |  Montenegro | 67.035 % | |
60 |  Kuwait | 65.941 % | |
61 |  Hungary | 65.64 % | |
62 |  Panama | 65.105 % | |
63 |  Kazakhstan | 65.092 % | |
64 |  Armenia | 63.588 % | |
65 |  Colombia | 63.163 % | |
66 |  Romania | 62.768 % | |
67 |  United Arab Emirates | 62.581 % | |
68 |  Japan | 61.44 % | |
69 |  Slovakia | 60.786 % | |
70 |  Russia | 59.323 % | |
71 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | 56.159 % | |
72 |  Kyrgyzstan | 56.138 % | |
73 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 56.031 % | |
74 |  Iran | 54.948 % | |
75 |  State of Palestine | 53.898 % | |
76 |  San Marino | 53.381 % | |
77 |  Mauritius | 53.066 % | |
78 |  North Macedonia | 53.033 % | |
79 |  Oman | 52.946 % | |
80 |  Thailand | 49.928 % | |
81 |  Mexico | 48.471 % | |
82 |  Malaysia | 45.242 % | |
83 |  Morocco | 45.144 % | |
84 |  Indonesia | 44.046 % | |
85 |  Tunisia | 42.581 % | |
86 |  Azerbaijan | 42.558 % | |
87 |  Seychelles | 41.252 % | |
88 |  Vietnam | 41.059 % | |
89 |  Maldives | 40.582 % | |
90 |  Philippines | 38.029 % | |
91 |  British Virgin Islands | 37.258 % | |
92 |  Jordan | 37.15 % | |
93 |  Liechtenstein | 36.329 % | |
94 |  Egypt | 35.407 % | |
95 |  Brunei Darussalam | 35.292 % | |
96 |  Namibia | 34.755 % | |
97 |  El Salvador | 34.236 % | |
98 |  India | 32.386 % | |
99 |  Tajikistan | 32.168 % | |
100 |  Belize | 29.908 % | |
101 |  South Africa | 27.575 % | |
102 |  Botswana | 25.834 % | |
103 |  Samoa | 25.787 % | |
104 |  Sri Lanka | 25.777 % | |
105 |  Luxembourg | 22.626 % | |
106 |  Uzbekistan | 20.599 % | |
107 |  Bangladesh | 19.982 % | |
108 |  Ghana | 18.301 % | |
109 |  Andorra | 16.723 % | |
110 |  Bhutan | 16.245 % | |
111 |  Nepal | 15.844 % | |
112 |  Cameroon | 15.177 % | |
113 |  Senegal | 14.082 % | |
114 |  Turkmenistan | 13.949 % | |
115 |  Cambodia | 13.656 % | |
116 |  Laos | 13.332 % | |
117 |  Pakistan | 12.124 % | |
118 |  Suriname | 11.292 % | |
119 |  Côte d'Ivoire | 9.938 % | |
120 |  Benin | 7.056 % | |
121 |  Burkina Faso | 6.876 % | |
122 |  Madagascar | 5.277 % | |
123 |  Tanzania | 3.098 % | |
124 |  Malawi | 1.9 % |
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #124Malawi
- #123Tanzania
- #122Madagascar
- #121Burkina Faso
- #120Benin
- #119Côte d'Ivoire
- #118Suriname
- #117Pakistan
- #116Laos
- #115Cambodia
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2021, Greece led the world in Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate (%) with a remarkable 156.85%, highlighting a significant gender parity achievement in higher education. The global range for this metric extended from a minimum of 1.90% to a maximum of 156.85% across 124 countries. The average Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate (%) globally was 63.28%, providing a benchmark for assessing gender equality in tertiary education enrollment.
Economic Factors and Enrollment Rates
Economic development levels often correlate with Female Tertiary Enrollment Rates. In nations such as Australia (135.73%) and Norway (113.76%), robust economies support expansive educational systems, enabling higher female participation in tertiary education. These countries invest significantly in educational infrastructure and provide financial support to students, facilitating higher enrollment rates.
Conversely, countries like Malawi (1.90%) and Burkina Faso (6.88%) exhibit lower enrollment rates, often due to limited educational resources and economic constraints that hinder access to higher education for women. These nations face challenges such as inadequate funding for education and socio-economic barriers that disproportionately affect female students.
Policy Impact on Female Enrollment
National policies play a crucial role in shaping Female Tertiary Enrollment Rates. In Argentina (140.31%), government initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and providing scholarships have contributed to high female participation in higher education. Similarly, Turkey (126.78%) has implemented policies to encourage female education, resulting in significant enrollment figures.
In contrast, Pakistan (12.12%) and Laos (13.33%) reflect lower enrollment rates, which can be attributed to cultural and policy-related barriers that limit female access to tertiary education. These include societal norms and insufficient policy focus on gender equality in education.
Year-over-Year Trends and Notable Changes
The year 2021 witnessed several noteworthy changes in Female Tertiary Enrollment Rates. Iceland experienced a remarkable increase of 16.88% (16.9%), reflecting the country's ongoing commitment to gender equality and educational reforms. Similarly, Malta saw a rise of 13.87% (17.9%), attributed to initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in higher education.
On the downside, Bahrain recorded a decrease of 8.21% (-10.9%), a significant drop potentially linked to economic fluctuations or shifts in educational policy that may have impacted female enrollment. Kuwait also saw a decline of 7.73% (-10.5%), possibly reflecting similar challenges.
Geographic Disparities in Enrollment
Geographic factors also influence Female Tertiary Enrollment Rates. Northern European countries like Finland (112.64%) and Sweden (111.16%) have consistently high rates, supported by strong educational systems and progressive gender policies. These regions benefit from a culture that prioritizes education and gender equality, providing a conducive environment for female students.
In contrast, Sub-Saharan African countries such as Tanzania (3.10%) and Benin (7.06%) face geographic and infrastructural challenges that hinder access to higher education for women. Limited transportation and school facilities in rural areas further exacerbate these disparities, leading to lower enrollment rates.
The data on Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate (%) in 2021 underscores the significant disparities across regions and highlights the impact of economic, policy, and geographic factors on female education. While some countries demonstrate impressive achievements in gender parity, others continue to face substantial barriers that need to be addressed to achieve equitable access to higher education globally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate (%) in 2021
Which country had the highest female tertiary enrollment rate in 2021?
Greece had the highest female tertiary enrollment rate in 2021, with 157%.
What was the lowest female tertiary enrollment rate by country in 2021?
Malawi had the lowest female tertiary enrollment rate in 2021, with 1.9%.
What was the average female tertiary enrollment rate across all countries in 2021?
The average female tertiary enrollment rate across all countries in 2021 was 63.28%.
What was the median female tertiary enrollment rate in 2021?
The median female tertiary enrollment rate in 2021 was 65.1%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for female tertiary enrollment rates in 2021?
The top 3 countries for female tertiary enrollment rates in 2021 were Greece with 157%, Argentina with 140%, and Australia with 136%.
Which countries were in the bottom 3 for female tertiary enrollment rates in 2021?
The bottom 3 countries for female tertiary enrollment rates in 2021 were Malawi with 1.9%, Tanzania with 3.1%, and Madagascar with 5.28%.
Insights by country
Albania
In 2021, Albania achieved a Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate (%) of 72.8731019839685 %, ranking #51 out of 124 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Albania's commitment to improving educational access for women. Key drivers include government initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in education and a growing emphasis on higher education as a pathway to economic development.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic achieved a rank of #48 with a Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate of 74.7958503277652% in 2021. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's commitment to improving educational access for women. Key drivers include government policies aimed at increasing female participation in higher education and a growing awareness of the importance of women's education for economic development.
Cambodia
Cambodia ranked #115 globally with a Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate of 13.6561596079933 % in 2021. This rate is significantly lower than the global average, indicating challenges in higher education access for women in the country.
Key factors contributing to this statistic include limited economic resources, which affect educational infrastructure, and cultural barriers that may prioritize male education over female. Additionally, ongoing efforts to improve educational policies have yet to yield substantial increases in female enrollment at the tertiary level.
Lithuania
In 2021, Lithuania achieved a Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate (%) of 89.6342010498047 %, ranking #30 out of 124 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's commitment to education. Lithuania's strong emphasis on higher education, supported by government policies and a well-developed educational infrastructure, has contributed significantly to this high enrollment rate among women.
China
In 2021, China achieved a Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate (%) of 73.3186043850246 %, ranking #50 out of 124 countries. This figure is notable as it reflects a commitment to increasing women's access to higher education, although it still trails behind top-ranked countries in the region. Key drivers include government policies aimed at promoting gender equality in education and significant investments in the higher education sector, facilitating greater female participation.
China, Hong Kong SAR
In 2021, China, Hong Kong SAR achieved a Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate (%) of 101.944909344491 %, ranking #17 out of 124 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the region's strong emphasis on higher education for women. Factors contributing to this high enrollment include robust educational policies, significant investment in education, and a cultural commitment to gender equality in academic pursuits.
Georgia
In 2021, Georgia achieved a rank of #41 with a Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate of 81.26495658881 %. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's commitment to education. Contributing factors include government policies that promote gender equality in education and a growing emphasis on higher education as a pathway to economic development.
Australia
In 2021, Australia achieved a Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate (%) of 135.733032226562 %, ranking #3 globally among 124 countries. This rate is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting Australia's commitment to gender equality in education. Contributing factors include robust government policies that support higher education access for women and a strong emphasis on educational attainment as a driver of economic growth.
Finland
In 2021, Finland achieved a remarkable 8th global rank with a Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate of 112.642509460449 %. This rate exceeds the average for many European countries, reflecting Finland's commitment to gender equality in education. Factors contributing to this high enrollment include progressive educational policies, a strong emphasis on equal opportunities, and a robust welfare system that supports students financially.
Algeria
In 2021, Algeria achieved a Female Tertiary Enrollment Rate (%) of 67.7607753417413 %, ranking #56 out of 124 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, showcasing the country's commitment to improving educational access for women. Contributing factors include government initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in education and a growing emphasis on higher education as a pathway to economic development.
Data Source
School enrollment, tertiary, female (% gross) | Data
The dataset is provided by the World Bank and offers statistics on the gross enrollment ratio of females in tertiary education across various countries. It reflects the percentage of female students enrolled in tertiary education institutions relative to the total population of females in the relevant age group.
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