Uruguay has a literacy rate of 97% and a schooling index of 94%, according to the National Statistics Institute. The illiterate population is mainly concentrated in the rural areas. The private sector in the area of higher education is relatively new in Uruguay. Until 1985, there were no private higher education institutions in Uruguay. The only higher education institution was public, operated with government funding and offered free tuition. Currently, approximately 80% of university students attend the public university while the rest are spread among accredited private universities, non-accredited tertiary level institutions and technical schools.

For the full report, please contact Maria Pacheco, Sector Specialist in Uruguay.