What Are the Drivers of Education Attainment in the MENA Region?

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of educational attainment in the MENA region, aiming to address persistent shortcomings in access and outcomes. Using data from the SAHWA Youth Survey (2016), we analyze a sample of youth from five Arab countries and apply an ordered probit model to examine educational attainment across four levels. The results indicate that boys and urban residents are less likely to attain higher levels of education compared to girls and rural residents. Additionally, private tutoring and enrollment in private institutions significantly increase the likelihood of reaching tertiary education. Household characteristics and parental profiles play a critical role in shaping educational outcomes. Country-specific analyses reveal diverse socio-economic and policy environments, underscoring the need for tailored interventions. Robustness checks using ordered logit models confirm the consistency of our findings. This study contributes valuable insights for addressing educational disparities and offers a solid foundation for policy formulation and future studies in the MENA region.