Education is recognised in international law and policy as an essential foundation for individual and social development. While significant progress has been made in improving the availability of basic education, much remains to be done to ensure the full implementation of the right to education globally. This multi-disciplinary study examines the legal rights and obligations connected to education within international development cooperation. The responsibilities of states and of international organisations to respect, protect and fulfil educational rights are analysed. The specific contribution of the World Bank, as the largest multilateral development agency is critiqued. The realization of the right to education worldwide requires the building of bridges between the currently distant disciplines of economics and human rights. This study provides concrete plans for the construction of these bridges.