Tunisia Ranks First Globally in Share of Higher Education Graduates in Science and Engineering

According to Indicator 2.2.2 of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index, Tunisia holds the top position worldwide for the share of higher education graduates in science and engineering. With a rate of 37.93% in 2023, the country surpasses Uzbekistan (36.76%) and the United Arab Emirates (36.45%).

This ranking highlights the significant weight of scientific and technical training within Tunisia’s higher education system. The indicator encompasses natural sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer science and information technology, manufacturing, engineering, and construction. The rate reflects the proportion of these graduates among all higher education graduates, rather than the total population.

The key question remains how this human capital translates into economic value. The availability of scientific skills is a critical issue for several Tunisian sectors, particularly electronic components, the automotive industry, information technology, and research and development. In these fields, specialized profiles can contribute to improving industrial processes, designing new products, and developing activities with higher added value.

However, the issue of employment remains central. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), the unemployment rate for higher education graduates stood at 22.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025, down from 24.9% in the previous quarter. The rate reached 30.5% for women and 11.7% for men.

These data cover all higher education graduates and do not allow for a specific assessment of the situation for science and engineering graduates. Nevertheless, they underscore the importance of professional prospects and the alignment between educational programs and labor market needs.

Tunisia’s first-place ranking is therefore a favorable indicator. However, the current challenge also lies in the opportunities available to graduates, the needs of businesses, and the conditions necessary for fostering innovation.