Undergraduate Student Population Across Selected Countries in 2022

Undergraduate enrollment levels varied widely across the 13 countries in 2022 because population size, higher education accessibility, and national investment in universities were different across regions. Brazil was the largest contributor with 8.99 million undergraduates, reflecting its large population and expanding public university system. Indonesia, with 5.17 million students, was supported by demographic strength and increasing adoption of tertiary education among young adults. The United Kingdom had 1.73 million students, backed by a mature higher education sector and strong international student participation.
Countries such as Australia, Sweden, and the Netherlands maintained sizable enrollment figures relative to their population, indicating strong educational infrastructure and high tertiary participation. In contrast, Iceland, Mexico, and the UAE reported lower numbers because their smaller populations, limited university capacity, and differing levels of higher education demand were major constraints. These patterns highlighted how demographics, economic development, and investment levels shaped each nation’s undergraduate student base.