The charts below indicate the average levels of participation in education and the highest education level of adults from 2000 to 2010 in Singapore.
Overall, the average number of years spent at school showed an upward trend in both men and women. As to levels of highest educational achievement, the proportions of primary school qualification, secondary school, and high school qualification declined, while other figures rose apparently.
To begin with, in 2000, adult males spent nearly 9 years on average, and the figure for women was 8 years. In 2010, the average number of years spent at school by men was more than 11 years, compared to about 9 years for women.
Furthermore, in 2000, the proportions of primary school qualification, secondary school, and high school qualification accounted for large shares, 25%, 26%, and 32%, respectively. Undoubtedly, the number of people who were able to attain university and master’s education was limited, with each at 7% and 8%. Then in 2010, the situation was extremely different. The figure for primary school qualification dropped to 2%. And the number of university and master’s qualifications reached 63%.
From 2000 to 2010, the education system in Singapore offered many opportunities to young people to enter university, though there was still inequality between men and women.