Bangladesh Tops South Asia in Master’s and Higher Degree Education

Bangladesh has achieved a significant milestone in regional education, securing the top position in South Asia for the percentage of adults holding a master’s degree or higher. According to the recently released UNESCO World Education Statistics 2025, Bangladesh recorded the highest share of postgraduate educational attainment among its regional peers over the last decade.

The report, which analyzes data from 2015 to 2025, reveals that Bangladesh maintains a regional average of 3.70 percent of adults aged 25 and above with advanced degrees. This performance places the country ahead of larger neighbors and regional competitors in terms of higher education reach.

The UNESCO data highlights a competitive landscape across South Asia, with Bangladesh consistently posting strong numbers. Bangladesh leads the pack with its 3.70 percent average, followed by the Maldives at 3.10 percent and India at 3.05 percent. Pakistan followed with an average of 2.68 percent, while Bhutan and Nepal recorded 1.80 percent and 1.70 percent, respectively. Interestingly, Sri Lanka reported the lowest average in this specific category at 0.77 percent, despite its high general literacy rates.

The findings show that Bangladesh’s journey toward this achievement was marked by consistent progress. Starting at 3.3 percent in 2015, the figure rose significantly to a peak of 4.3 percent by 2019. Despite a data gap in 2020, the country remained resilient, recording 3.7 percent in 2022 and 3.6 percent in 2023.

Education analysts suggest that this upward trend is a direct result of expanded access to universities, a surge in specialized postgraduate tracks, and a growing demand for advanced qualifications in both the civil service and the private corporate sector.

The UNESCO findings are expected to bolster Bangladesh’s influence in regional discussions regarding workforce development and higher education policy. As the country continues to expand its postgraduate programmes, experts believe this data will serve as a catalyst for further investment in academic research and institutional quality. The report concludes that Bangladesh’s performance in postgraduate attainment remains one of the most robust in the territory, signaling a successful move toward workforce modernization.