Global Out-of-School Population Rises to 273 Million as Progress Stalls

The global number of children and young people outside school has risen to an estimated 273 million, marking a seventh consecutive year without progress, UNESCO reports.

The 2026 Global Education Monitoring findings show that improvement has slowed across most regions since 2015. Sub-Saharan Africa faces especially severe pressure as population growth outpaces expansion in education systems, while conflict has pushed millions more learners out of classrooms.

The figures underline the need for governments and development partners to protect education financing, reach displaced learners and improve both enrolment and completion. Access gains will remain fragile where schools lack teachers, safety, infrastructure and reliable long-term funding.

Source: UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report.