15 Countries With the Best Education: 2025 Ranking

How well-developed a nation is, can be heavily reliant on the quality of education it provides its citizens. Not only does it shape individual futures but can also predict how competitive a country is on the global stage.

In this article, we highlight the top 15 countries for education in 2025, ranked based on a combination of key performance indicators.

These factors include student achievement in core subjects, equity and accessibility, teacher quality, and investment in education infrastructure.

Global benchmarks like the OECD’s PISA scores, the UNESCO Education Index, and national innovation in curriculum and policy all contribute to the rankings:

• How Are Education Systems Ranked?
• 15 Countries with the Best Education
• Benefits of Choosing a Country With a Good Education System

How Are Education Systems Ranked?

Education systems are ranked according to both quantitative metrics (like test scores) and qualitative assessments (like teacher quality and inclusiveness).

The goal is to measure how well a country prepares students for the future across different stages of education, all the way from early childhood to tertiary institutions.

Key Factors

• Student Performance: Based on standardized tests like PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) measuring reading, math, and science skills.

• Educational Attainment: This refers to the highest level of formal education a person completes. This metric is used to measure the extent to which an individual has pursued and successfully completed educational programs.

• Equity and Inclusiveness: Measures how equally education is distributed across different socio-economic, ethnic, and geographic groups. Systems that support disadvantaged students score higher.

• Quality of Teaching: Includes teacher qualifications, training, student-teacher ratios, and professional development opportunities.

• Public Investment in Education: Assesses how much a country spends on education as a percentage of the GDP or per student.

• Curriculum Innovation: Looks at how modern, flexible, or skill-oriented the national curriculum is.

• Global Competitiveness: Evaluates how education contributes to economic output, workforce skills, and research innovation.

Scoring Systems Used

The following are the most popular or important systems when ranking education:

• PISA (OECD): Countries are ranked based on average student scores in reading, math, and science (scale: 0–600).

• UNESCO Education Index: Part of the Human Development Index (HDI), combining expected and mean years of schooling into a score between 0 and 1.

• World Top 20 Education Poll: Ranks countries based on 6 developmental levels (early childhood to tertiary) and uses a composite score out of 100.

• QS and Times Higher Education (THE) University Rankings: This focuses more on higher education (like universities) and less so on early childhood education but it does impact perceptions of national education quality.

15 Countries with the Best Education

1. Singapore

• PISA Score: 560
• Education Index: 0.832
• WT20 Rank: 11

Singapore’s education system, which receives 3.2% of GDP funding, is known for its efficiency and strength. Starting at age 6, students excel in math, science, and bilingual education, with English as a primary language alongside a mother tongue. Secondary school completion rates are 97%, and 70% of students pursue higher education.

Singapore provides additional tutoring and financial aid for students from low-income families. Its universities, such as the National University of Singapore, are world leaders in business, computer science, and engineering, offering many programs in English. The country’s focus on STEM and innovation prepares students for global competitiveness.

2. China

• PISA Score: 552
• Education Index: 0.799
• WT20 Rank: 13

China’s education system is characterized by its rigorous academic standards and significant investments in public education. The gross enrollment ratio of higher education exceeds 60%, indicating a high rate of enrollment.

The country emphasizes holistic development, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education that includes physical activity and mental health education. China’s focus on STEM fields and innovation has positioned its universities, such as Tsinghua and Peking, among the top in the world.

3. Japan

• PISA Score: 536
• Education Index: 0.848
• WT20 Rank: 6

Japan spends 3.5% of its GDP on education, focusing on technology and cultural values from age 6. High school graduation rates are 95%, and 60% of students pursue tertiary education. Schools offer after-hours support classes and dedicated programs for students with special needs.

Students participate in cleaning their schools, which cultivates a sense of responsibility and community. The country strongly emphasizes entrance examinations, which are critical for advancing to higher levels of education. Despite the pressure, Japanese students perform exceptionally well in international assessments, particularly in science and mathematics. Additionally, universities in Japan are known to specialize in robotics, engineering, and medicine, although most of the programs taught in English are at the graduate level.

4. South Korea

• PISA Score: 527
• Education Index: 0.862
• WT20 Rank: 1

The South Korean education system is known for its intensity and high expectations. Academic success is highly valued, and students spend long hours in school and have private tutoring sessions known as “hagwons.”

South Korea invests 4.1% of its GDP in education, with one of the highest high school graduation rates globally at 98%. Starting at age 6, the system focuses on technology, the arts, and global competitiveness. Schools provide extra tutoring and government-funded programs for low-income families. Universities, such as Seoul National University, are loved for IT, AI, and biomedical sciences, with many English courses that attract international students.

5. Estonia

• PISA Score: 510
• Education Index: 0.869
• WT20 Rank: 26

Estonia’s education system is notable for its digital integration and innovative teaching methods. The central government provides more than 80% of total funding for primary and secondary education to municipal governments.

The country emphasizes a broad curriculum, digital literacy, and student well-being, resulting in high student satisfaction and performance. Estonia’s approach ensures that students receive a holistic education that includes extracurricular activities.

 6. Canada

• PISA Score: 506
• Education Index: 0.899
• WT20 Rank: 19

Canada is another country that invests heavily in education, dedicating 5.9% of its GDP to schooling. Education is free for children aged 6 to 18 and prioritizes bilingualism, STEM, and social sciences. Graduation rates are high, with 88% completing secondary school and 63% pursuing higher education.

Canadian schools offer comprehensive support services, including mental health counseling and special programs for students with disabilities. According to the Global Education Report, Canada comes out on top in especially North America because of its inclusivity and multicultural policies.

The country provides a supportive environment for international students with multicultural universities such as the University of Toronto being globally renowned for research in AI, healthcare, and environmental studies. Nearly all programs are taught in English, with some French options available in Quebec, making Canada an attractive destination for students worldwide.

7. Ireland

• PISA Score: 504
• Education Index: 0.856
• WT20 Rank: 10

Ireland’s education system contributes significantly to students’ emotional and psychological well-being, helping them make sense of the world around them. The government has announced a record €11.8 billion investment in education for budget 2025, a 9% increase from the previous year.

This investment aims to enhance learning outcomes and support an inclusive education system, including extending the free schoolbooks scheme, increasing per-pupil funding, and adding special education staff.

8. United Kingdom

• PISA Score: 503
• Education Index: 0.914
• WT20 Rank: 12

The UK is known for having one of the best education systems in the world. It dedicates 4.3% of its GDP to education. Compulsory schooling starts from ages 5 to 18, and the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, STEM, and literature. High school graduation rates are impressive at 94%, with 50% of students advancing to university.

Schools provide extensive support for students with special needs, including dedicated education plans and access to mental health counselors. The UK also has some of the world’s highest-ranking universities, with the University of Oxford ranked #1 and the University of Cambridge ranked #2 in the latest Times Higher Education World Rankings. These institutions excel in law, humanities, and medicine and offer a wide range of programs taught in English, which makes it a good country for those looking for quality education and a second residence.

 9. Netherlands

• PISA Score: 493
• Education Index: 0.906
• WT20 Rank: 3

The Netherlands is another one of the European countries with one of the best education systems. The country allocates around 5.4% of its GDP to education and promotes equality, practical skills, and digital literacy from the early stages of schooling at age 5.

Over 90% of students graduate from secondary education, with vocational training routes preparing students for careers in engineering, technology, and healthcare. Dutch schools provide tailored support for students with learning challenges, offering remedial classes and special programs for gifted children. Universities, such as the University of Amsterdam, are known to be good in economics, law, and engineering, offering over 2,000 English-taught programs to attract international students.

10. Denmark

• PISA Score: 489
• Education Index: 0.920
• WT20 Rank: 2

Denmark is one of the countries that invest heavily in education, spending nearly 6.4% of its GDP on schooling. Education is free from ages 6 to 16, with an additional focus on sustainability, creativity, and project-based learning. The teacher-student ratio is low, which guarantees personalized attention.

About 80% of students graduate from high school, and higher education is free for EU citizens. Denmark strongly supports students needing extra help, including counseling and tailored learning programs. Danish universities are globally recognized for their programs in renewable energy, environmental engineering, and design, with over 700 programs taught in English.

 11. Belgium

• PISA Score: 489
• Education Index: 0.893
• WT20 Rank: 4

Belgium invests 5.8% of its GDP in education from primary to tertiary levels, one of the highest shares among OECD countries.

The country is undergoing reforms to better align the curriculum with labor market needs, aiming to boost productivity and innovation. These changes focus on improving outcomes while reducing costs.

 12. Finland

• PISA Score: 484
• Education Index: 0.905
• WT20 Rank: 8

Finland’s education system is famous for its innovative methods and investment of 5.7% of its GDP in education. Children start school at age 7, and the system focuses on creativity, problem-solving, and student well-being instead of standardized tests. High school graduation rates are high at 96%, with 43% of students attending university. Finland’s schools are inclusive, providing free meals, counseling, and personalized learning plans for students who need extra help.

Finnish universities are known for their strengths in education sciences, healthcare, and technology, offering over 400 programs taught in English. To top it off, teachers in Finland are highly respected and must hold a master’s degree.

13. Norway

• PISA Score: 484
• Education Index: 0.905
• WT20 Rank: 8

Norway’s education system is one of the most inclusive and well-funded globally, with the government allocating nearly 6.7% of its GDP to education. Education is free from ages 6 to 16, and higher education is heavily subsidized. Early education encourages creativity, while secondary schools emphasize critical thinking, STEM subjects, and multilingual skills, with English as a core requirement.

High school graduation rates are around 80%, and nearly 43% of students pursue tertiary education. Norway also provides significant support for students needing extra help, including individualized learning plans and free special education services. On the other hand, universities excel in renewable energy, marine biology, and engineering, with many programs taught in English.

 14. Germany

• PISA Score: 475
• Education Index: 0.940
• WT20 Rank: 7

Germany is known for its dual education system, which combines academic learning with vocational training and provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The country invests 4.8% of its GDP in education and offers free schooling for ages 6 to 18. High school graduation rates are 88%, and 50% of students pursue higher education.

German schools also provide career counseling and additional resources for students with disabilities. Universities like the Technical University of Munich are known to be great in fields such as engineering, automotive studies, and natural sciences.

 15. Australia

• PISA Score: 487
• Education Index: 0.929
• WT20 Rank: 17

Australia invests 5.3% of its GDP in education, which translates to high enrollment rates and an average expectation that students will complete over 20 years of schooling. Schooling begins at age 5 or 6 and strongly focuses on STEM, agriculture, and the arts. Around 85% of students complete high school, and 35% pursue higher education.

Australia is notable for its programs supporting disadvantaged students, including subsidies, special education services, and rural teaching incentives. Universities are globally recognized for biotechnology, environmental science, and medicine, with most programs taught in English. With a teacher-student ratio of 14:1, classrooms have individualized attention and strong support systems. As an English-speaking nation with a lot to offer, Australia is also one of the best countries for expats to live in. 

Benefits of Choosing a Country With a Good Education System

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Frequently Asked Questions About Countries with Best Education

Which country has the best education in the world?

There isn’t one country that can be singled out as universally the best since different countries exxcel in different areas. But, Finland, the UK, and the Netherlands are consistently  recognized for excellence in education.

Which is the best technical university in the world?

Harvard University, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States consistently rank high in technology and engineering.

How do you rank a public education system?

Education rankings are influenced by:​

• Student Performance: Measured through assessments like PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment).
• Educational Attainment: Levels of literacy and graduation rates.​
• Equity and Access: Inclusivity and support for disadvantaged groups.​
• Investment: Funding for education and teacher training.​

Which university has the most students worldwide?

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in New Delhi, India is often cited as the university with the largest student enrollment in the world. In 2024 alone there were over 7 million students enrolled simultaneously.

How many education levels are there?

According to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED), you can find the following levels of education (to varying degrees):

• Early childhood education
• Primary education
• Lower secondary education
• Upper secondary education
• Post-secondary non-tertiary education
• Short-cycle tertiary education
• Bachelor’s or equivalent
• Master’s or equivalent
• Doctorate or equivalent

Which countries have the best K-12 education systems in 2025?

Top-performing K-12 education systems in 2025 include:​

• Estonia: Recognized as the best in Europe by the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Estonia emphasizes a broad curriculum, digital integration, and student well-being.
• Finland: Known for its student-centered approach, minimal standardized testing, and highly trained teachers.​
• South Korea and Singapore: Consistently high performers in international assessments, focusing on rigorous academics and STEM education.​
• Canada and Netherlands: Praised for equitable education systems and strong student outcomes.

What are the top-ranking countries for STEM education in 2025?

Leading countries in STEM education include:​

• United States: Home to top institutions like MIT and Stanford.​
• Germany: Renowned for engineering and technical education.
• United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia: Offer strong STEM programs and research opportunities. ​
• China: Emerging as a leader with universities like Tsinghua and Peking excelling in STEM fields.

Which European country has the highest education ranking?

Estonia leads the pack in Europe, topping PISA rankings with their strong focus on digital literacy, critical thinking, and student autonomy. ​

Which country has the best teacher-to-student ratio in schools?

Norway and Belgium have the lowest student-to-teacher ratios, averaging around 10 students per teacher, facilitating more face-to-face, personalized instruction to occur.

What international organizations provide education rankings by country?

Key organizations include:​

• OECD: Conducts PISA assessments evaluating student performance.​
• UNESCO: Provides global education statistics and reports.​
• World Bank: Offers data on education systems and policies.​
• U.S. News and World Report: Publishes education rankings and analyses.

How does the UK perform in global K-12 education rankings?

The UK maintains a strong position in global K-12 education rankings, frequently placing in the top 20 according to OECD and global education reports.

It particularly excels in English literacy and humanities, and British curricula such as GCSEs and A-Levels are widely respected internationally. The country is also recognized for offering diverse school options and has strong international appeal due to the prestige of its university system.