UNHCR report: 5.8 million refugee children out of school as funding cuts bite
6 October 2026
A new UNHCR report estimates 13.1 million school-age refugee children worldwide in 2025.
Nearly half, 5.8 million, are out of school as funding cuts threaten years of progress.
Only 32 per cent were enrolled in secondary school in 2025, against 65 per cent at primary level.
Refugee enrolment in higher education hit a record 11 per cent, with over 450,000 students.
UNHCR is on track for the 15x30 pledge: 15 per cent of refugee youth in higher education by 2030.
High Commissioner Barham Salih urged donors to protect education funding.
School-age refugee children (2025):
13.1 million
Out of school:
5.8 million
Secondary enrolment:
32 per cent
Why it matters for exams: Gives refugee-education figures and the 15x30 target of the UN refugee agency.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees — The UN refugee agency, headed by Barham Salih.