Over 99% of Saudi children aged 14-16 finished primary school education, supported by parent involvement as well as student positive attitude and satisfaction, according to a Gastat’s Education and Training Statistics 2024 report (pdf).

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Beyond high school: Those aged 15–24 achieved a literacy rate of 99.8%, while some 65% obtained formal or informal education or training, said a separate report (pdf) by Gastat. STEM fields led among university graduates, accounting for 28.94% of majors, followed by health-related and other disciplines, with the average number of schooling years standing at 12.28.

Among the broader working-age population (15 and above), over 29% participated in education or training programs. However, engagement among the youth almost doubled that of adults. Individuals with higher education were the most active learners, reporting a 77.06% engagement rate in skill development.

The majority of the training programs were provided at the workplace, with some 54.63% of trainees registering in employer-sponsored programs. Some 20% of trainees registered for programs offered by higher education institutions, and another 9.38% received instruction at voluntary organizations.

Online learning remains competitive: Virtual and in-person remain the preferred modes of learning, accounting for some 38% each. However, women showed a greater preference for virtual and hybrid learning than men. The diverse offerings reflect a growing flexibility in adult learning environments and caters to an in-kind demand across the Kingdom.

Looking ahead: A reported 60.45% of the population aged 15 and older expressed interest in joining a learning activity in the next three years. Slightly more men (61.02%) than women (59.39%) reported such intentions; however, the high desire for continued learning indicates a widespread cultural shift.

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