Education in the countries of the world differs in many factors: the pedagogical system, the form of the educational process, the means that people invest in learning. depends on the general level of development of the state. Different countries have their own educational systems.
When it comes to studying abroad, many different countries and universities come to mind. The level of quality of education depends on many things, from funding to the structure of education.
It is interesting to note how the students themselves made the choice. It was calculated how popular foreign countries are among foreigners. Germany and England occupy the leading positions, while Poland closes the ranking.
Charles University in Prague is the most prestigious higher education institution in the Czech Republic, the oldest university in Central Europe
Higher education in Europe for foreigners is much cheaper than in the USA and Canada. The cost of one semester at a European university starts from 726 euros. Universities in Denmark, Sweden, France and Germany are considered the most prestigious.
In almost every European country you can find at least one program where training is conducted in English. This option is suitable for those who do not want or do not have the opportunity to learn a new language.
You can enroll in a European university immediately after school and with a minimum set of documents. Usually they require you to provide a certificate (or diploma), a certificate confirming your language proficiency level and a motivation letter.
After graduating from university in Europe, all international students are allowed to stay in the country for some time to look for work and find employment.
In 2020, the most prestigious universities in Europe are:
- Oxford and Cambridge. These are two of the most popular English universities that young people from all over the world dream of enrolling in. Tuition fees at these universities range from 25,000 to 40,000 pounds.
Cambridge University is a UK university, one of the oldest (second after Oxford) and largest in the country
- Technical Institute in Zurich. The cost of training is currently 580 francs, but starting in 2020 prices are expected to increase.
- Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. One of the most popular universities in Germany, which has programs in both German and English.
- University in Helsinki. This university was once free for everyone, but became fee-paying in 2017. The cost of one year at this university starts from 10,000 euros. This university offers programs in Finnish and English.
Technical University of Munich - Technische Universität München - one of the largest German universities and the most prestigious institution of higher education in the eastern part of Germany
When it comes to grants to study in Europe, the most popular option is participation in the Erasmus program. This program aims to exchange students from partner universities. The program covers all expenses for staying at a foreign university.
Higher education in the USA
In the United States of America, education is one of the most expensive in the world. One year at an American university will cost at least $35,000. Prospective students can apply for grants or scholarships, but some only cover part of the cost.
Americans themselves are not happy with the cost of education: students and university graduates complain that after graduation they have to pay off their debt for several more years.
Also, do not forget that in addition to paying for tuition, a student in the USA has other costs - for an apartment, food and health insurance, it costs from $8,000 to $12,000 per year.
The most prestigious universities in America are:
- Stanford. Tuition fees start at $15,000 per year and depend on the chosen program, as well as the degree of study - bachelor's, master's or doctorate.
- MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This technical university is known throughout the world not only for its high level of education, but also for a large number of lectures in the public domain. But the cost of education is not so affordable - from $25,000 per year.
- Institute of Technology in California. The cost of one year of university education is about $50,000.
- Harvard. One of the most expensive options, studying for a foreigner will cost from $55,000 per year.
List of famous universities in the USA
Important indicators in this regard are the educational index, male to female literacy ratio, number of students in secondary schools, and students in colleges and universities. The number of universities, schools, libraries and the readers visiting them is also important. Based on these parameters, a list of the most educated countries in the world was compiled.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a wonderful country with many outstanding attractions, a high standard of living, respect for human rights and medicine. It's no surprise that it ranks among the 10 most educated countries in the world, with a literacy rate of 72%. Higher education is available to every citizen of the country, and from the age of five, education is compulsory for children. There are 579 public libraries and approximately 1,700 colleges in the Netherlands.
New Zealand
New Zealand is located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. The country is not only one of the richest economies in the world, but also one of the most literate countries. New Zealand's education system is classified into three different levels, including basic school, high school and tertiary education. At each of these levels of education, the New Zealand school system is based primarily on functional learning rather than simple memorization of materials. The New Zealand government pays maximum attention to educational institutions. This is why New Zealand's literacy rate is 93%.
Austria
The central European German-speaking country of Austria is one of the strongest economic systems in the world. 98% of Austrians can read and write, which is a very high figure. It is no surprise that Austria is ranked among the most developed countries in the world with a high standard of living, first-class educational institutions and medical services. The first nine years of free and compulsory education are paid for by the government, but further education must be paid for independently. Austria has 23 renowned public universities and 11 private universities, 8 of which are among the best in the world.
France
France is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and the 43rd largest country in the world. The educational index is 99%, indicating one of the highest levels of education among 200 countries worldwide. Several decades ago, the French education system was considered the best in the world, losing its leading position only in the last few years. The French educational system is divided into three stages, including basic, secondary and higher. Among the many universities in the country, 83 are funded by state and public funds.
Canada
The North American country of Canada is not only the second largest country in the world, but also one of the richest in terms of GDP per capita. It is also one of the most educated countries in the world. Living in one of the safest countries, Canadians enjoy a healthy lifestyle with high-quality educational institutions and advanced healthcare. Canada's literacy rate is approximately 99%, and Canada's three-tier education system is similar in many ways to the Dutch school system. 310 thousand teachers teach at basic and senior levels, and approximately 40 thousand teachers are employed in universities and colleges. There are 98 universities and 637 libraries in the country.
Sweden
This Scandinavian country is one of the five most educated countries in the world. Free education is compulsory for children aged 7 to 16 years. Sweden's educational index is 99%. The government tries hard to provide equal free education to every Swedish child. There are 53 public universities and 290 libraries in the country.
Denmark
Denmark not only boasts the strongest economic system in the world. It is also one of the happiest countries on the planet with a literacy rate of 99%, making it one of the most literate in the world. The Danish government spends a huge amount of their GDP on education, which is free for every child. The school system in Denmark offers high-quality education to all children without exception.
Iceland
The Republic of Iceland is a beautiful island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. With a literacy rate of 99.9%, Iceland is one of the three most literate countries in the world. The Icelandic education system is divided into four levels, including preschool, primary, high school and higher education. Education from 6 to 16 years of age is compulsory for everyone without exception. Most schools are funded by the government, which provides free education to children. 82.23% of the country's citizens have higher education. The Icelandic government spends a significant portion of its budget on education, ensuring a high literacy rate.
Norway
Norwegians can be called the healthiest, richest, and most educated people in the world. With a literacy rate of 100%, Norway boasts the world's most highly skilled workforce. A significant portion of tax revenues to the budget is spent on the country's education system. They love reading books here, which is confirmed by the number of public libraries - there are 841 of them in Norway. The school system in Norway is divided into three levels: basic, intermediate and higher. Education is compulsory for children from six to sixteen years of age.
Finland
Finland is a beautiful European country. It rightfully occupies a leading position in the lists of the richest and most literate countries in the world. Finland has been improving its own unique education system for many years. Nine years of education are compulsory for children aged 7 to 16 and are completely free, including government-subsidized nutritious meals. Finns can be called the best readers in the world, judging by the number of libraries in the country. The literacy rate in Finland is 100%.
Considered the standard of academic preparation. The education system in Great Britain is based on centuries-old traditions, but this does not prevent it from being modern and keeping up with new technologies.
Diplomas from English schools and universities are valued all over the world, and the education received is an excellent start for an international career. Every year more than 50 thousand foreign students come here to study.
about country
Great Britain, despite its conservatism, is one of the most prosperous countries in Europe. It played an important role in the creation of parliamentary democracy, the development of world science and art; for several centuries, this country was the legislator in the world of art, literature, music and fashion. Many important discoveries were made in Great Britain: the steam locomotive, the modern bicycle, stereo sound, antibiotics, HTML and many others. The majority of GDP today comes from services, especially banking, insurance, education and tourism, while manufacturing's share is declining, accounting for only 18% of the workforce.
The UK is a great place to practice English and not only because it is the official language. This is also a great opportunity to master the “British accent” and get acquainted with the culture of this great power. The myths about British reserve are somewhat exaggerated - residents will be interested in chatting with you, and any shop assistant will be happy to chat about the weather and local news before handing out a check.
- included in the top 20 countries in terms of happiness according to analysts of the international project “Network of Sustainable Development Solutions” (2014-2016)
- included in the top 10 countries in the world in terms of living standards Prosperity Index-2016 (5th place in terms of conditions for doing business, 6th place in terms of education level)
- London - 3rd place in the ranking of the best cities in the world for students (Best Student Cities-2017)
Secondary education
Each British school has a history and centuries-old traditions passed down from generation to generation. Among the graduates of private schools are members of the royal family and prominent people: Prince William and his father Prince Charles of Wales, British Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and Neville Chamberlain, mathematician and writer Lewis Carroll, Indira Gandhi and many others.
Most British schools are located in small towns or far from populated areas and are surrounded by magnificent nature, which ensures the safety of living and studying for children. Classes are small, 10-15 people each, so the teacher knows each student and his characteristics well. In addition to the main program, an important place is given to creative and sports activities - from field hockey to pottery.
Foreign students can enroll in a private boarding school at the age of 14 for the GCSE program - a high school program, after which the student takes 6-8 exams and then proceeds to the A-level or International Baccalaureate (IB) high school programs. If at A-Level a student chooses 3-4 subjects to study, then at IB - 6 out of 6 thematic blocks: mathematics, art, natural sciences, people and society, foreign languages, basic language and literature. Children choose compulsory and optional subjects according to their plans for higher education. Starting from the 9th grade, university admissions consultants work with students to help them decide on the direction of study, choose suitable universities and prepare well for submitting an application. A high school diploma allows students to enter universities around the world.
Higher education
Great Britain has been a leader in higher education for several centuries. The high quality of education is confirmed by independent ratings.
Of course, the most famous universities with an impeccable reputation, which applicants from all over the world strive to get into, are the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. However, other British universities, for example, University of Edinburgh, University of Exeter. The University of Sheffield provides high-quality training in all areas of knowledge.
- 6 British universities are in the top 20 according to the QS ranking 2016/2017
- 7 universities are in the top 50 according to THE World University Rankings-2016
- 8 universities are in the top 100 of the Shanghai ranking 2016
Before the Industrial Revolution, formal education and advances in technology were unimportant for the majority of people. However, the acceleration of scientific and technological progress has forced us to reconsider society’s attitude towards knowledge and education. Adapting to the modern world, where new developments and technologies appear every year, has become possible only with the help of education and intelligence. That is why it is very important to have an idea of the ranking of countries by level of education in order to know in which countries the training of specialists is carried out at the highest level.
What is the educational level index in the countries of the world?
More than a hundred years ago, the world began to think seriously about universal access to schooling. It should be noted that over the past few decades, significant progress has been achieved in this direction. However, in an era when technological innovation is rapidly outpacing the level of education, it is necessary not only to redouble efforts, but to restructure the entire educational process to suit a changing, unstable world.
Only educated people can rule the modern world
The United Nations periodically provides society with the so-called Human Development Index. The publication of this document contains three key indices.
- Life Expectancy Index.
- Education Index.
- Income index.
How is EI calculated and what does it affect?
The educational level index is calculated based on two main indicators. The first is the expected duration of training. The second is the average duration of study.
Expected duration of education is the amount of time a person needs to obtain a particular level of education. The average duration of education is taken from the average population with completed education. Typically this figure is 25 years and above.
The Education Index is a key indicator of the well-being of societies around the world. This is obvious, since the parameter determines at what level the development of a particular country is. First of all, we mean economic, technological, industrial development, which has a direct impact on the quality of life.
The literacy rate of the adult population, as well as the cumulative proportion of citizens enrolled, is reflected by the education index. Literacy rate calculates the overall percentage of people who can read and write. The cumulative enrollment ratio allows us to determine the percentage of people receiving upbringing or education at all levels.
The index of educational attainment in countries around the world is a combined value of the United Nations Development Programme. It is one of the most significant coefficients of human social development in various countries of the world, and is considered one of the key quantities for determining the Human Development Index.
- Index of the total share of students receiving primary, secondary and higher education (1/3 weight).
- Adult literacy index (2/3 weight).
Ranking of countries by level of education for 2019
The educational level index is standardized as numerical values from 0 (minimum) to 1 (maximum). Developed countries are considered to have a minimum score of 0.8, although many have scores of 0.9 or higher.
The ranking of countries in the world is compiled based on the educational level index. The last such rating was prepared at the end of 2018. According to official data, the TOP 35 countries in the world according to the education level index are as follows:
| RATING | A COUNTRY | INDEX |
| 1 | Germany | 0.940 |
| 2 | Australia | 0.929 |
| 3 | Denmark | 0.920 |
| 4 | Ireland | 0.918 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 0.917 |
| 6 | Norway | 0.915 |
| 7 | UK | 0.914 |
| 8 | Iceland | 0.912 |
| 9 | Netherlands | 0.906 |
| 10 | Finland | 0.905 |
| 11 | Sweden | 0.904 |
| 12 | United States of America | 0.903 |
| 13 | Canada | 0.899 |
| 14 | Switzerland | 0.897 |
| 15 | Belgium | 0.893 |
| 16 | Czech | 0.893 |
| 17 | Slovenia | 0.886 |
| 18 | Lithuania | 0.879 |
| 19 | Israel | 0.874 |
| 20 | Estonia | 0.869 |
| 21 | Latvia | 0.866 |
| 22 | Poland | 0.866 |
| 23 | South Korea | 0.862 |
| 24 | Hong Kong | 0.855 |
| 25 | Austria | 0.852 |
| 26 | Japan | 0.848 |
| 27 | Georgia | 0.845 |
| 28 | Palau | 0.844 |
| 29 | France | 0.840 |
| 30 | Belarus | 0.838 |
| 31 | Greece | 0.838 |
| 32 | Russia | 0.832 |
| 33 | Singapore | 0.832 |
| 34 | Slovakia | 0.831 |
| 35 | Liechtenstein | 0.827 |
If we talk about the leaders of the “anti-rating”, these are mainly underdeveloped countries of Africa and Asia. Due to the poor economic situation and the lack of access of the population to high-quality educational services, the level of education here is quite low:
| 165 | Haiti | 0.433 |
| 166 | Papua New Guinea | 0.430 |
| 167 | Burundi | 0.424 |
| 168 | Ivory Coast | 0.424 |
| 169 | Afghanistan | 0.415 |
| 170 | Syria | 0.412 |
| 171 | Pakistan | 0.411 |
| 172 | Guinea-Bissau | 0.392 |
| 173 | Sierra Leone | 0.390 |
| 174 | Mauritania | 0.389 |
| 175 | Mozambique | 0.385 |
| 176 | Gambia | 0.372 |
| 177 | Senegal | 0.368 |
| 178 | Yemen | 0.349 |
| 179 | Central African Republic | 0.341 |
| 180 | Guinea | 0.339 |
| 181 | Sudan | 0.328 |
| 182 | Ethiopia | 0.327 |
| 183 | Djibouti | 0.309 |
| 184 | Chad | 0.298 |
| 185 | South Sudan | 0.297 |
| 186 | Mali | 0.293 |
| 187 | Burkina Faso | 0.286 |
| 188 | Eritrea | 0.281 |
| 189 | Niger | 0.214 |
- USA,
- Switzerland,
- Denmark,
- Finland,
- Sweden,
- Canada,
- Netherlands,
- UK,
- Singapore,
- Australia.
The main criteria of the Universitas21 university ranking, which generally covers 50 countries around the world, are the effectiveness and efficiency of education. If we compare these indicators with those noted 2 years ago, a slight drop in the level of education was shown in Ukraine and Serbia, Spain and Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey.
There is a rating of the education index of countries, which takes into account 4 parameters - resources, ecology, communications, GDP per capita. The calculations, however, are indicative in nature. So, according to this rating from Universitas21, the TOP 10 countries are lined up as follows:
- Serbia,
- Great Britain,
- Denmark,
- Sweden,
- Finland,
- Portugal,
- Canada,
- Switzerland,
- New Zealand,
- South Africa.
As can be seen from this ranking, several countries with low economic development have noticeably improved in terms of population education index. For example, South Africa is in 10th position, China is in 16th position, India is in 18th position, and Serbia is in 1st place.
Rating for individual areas
Secondary education
If we consider only the area of secondary education, the leading positions here are occupied by:
- Great Britain,
- Finland,
- Switzerland,
- Canada,
- Netherlands.
The British receive high-level secondary education
UK secondary education is truly of high quality. Graduates of British schools have unlimited opportunities to continue their studies at any university in the world.
Finland is the silver medalist. Secondary education in this country, the educational system as a whole, is built on the principles of the USSR school. The skillful combination of theory and practice, the high qualifications of the teaching staff have given their result - secondary education in Finland is in second position in the world rankings.
Swiss secondary education is a win-win preparation for higher achievements. Holders of a Swiss certificate of secondary education need not worry. The road to prestigious educational institutions around the world is open.
Schools in Canada are distinguished by a peculiar feature: here the quality of education is almost uniform for any institution. There are no such sharp differences as, for example, observed in the US secondary education system. Therefore, graduates of any Canadian high school have a high chance of entering universities.
Dutch secondary education is in no way inferior to British education in terms of quality indicators. At the same time, the cost of studying in Dutch schools is half that in British ones. The Dutch secondary education certificate is valued all over the world.
Higher education (bachelor's degree)
The rating of the higher education system is headed by the 5 most prosperous countries in the world. Where there are resources for education, where there is a real need for high-class specialists, money is not spared on education. Therefore, the first line again remains with the UK. Next in descending order are Germany, USA, Australia, Sweden.
British universities do not need unnecessary advertising. Educational institutions with a long history and high educational indicators always claim first roles. The value of a British diploma is beyond doubt.
Germany is ready to provide citizens with free higher education and this is perhaps one of the important points that brings the country to second position in the ranking. A variety of educational programs and diplomas recognized throughout the world.
US universities offer a flexible approach to the education system. Students are offered a wide choice of educational programs. There are many universities where distance education is practiced.
US universities have a very flexible approach to studying
Australian institutes are a whole network of higher education institutions where there are all opportunities to obtain a bachelor's degree. Australia attracts international students with its high quality of education and good career prospects.
The Swedish undergraduate system offers a variety of study programs. Teaching is conducted in English. Sweden is famous for its well-equipped university classrooms. There are many research centers in the country.
Master's degree
Germany consistently holds the first position in the ranking of countries where future masters are provided with the best learning conditions. There are many reasons for this, ranging from the possibility of free education to decent scholarships.
Students of the first Russian-German master's program after a lecture by Guntram Kaiser
Austria is not far behind neighboring Germany. It also offers decent education at reasonable prices. The possibility of free study is not excluded. The learning conditions allow you to combine study and work.
A US master's degree is a good base for obtaining education in a variety of fields. The range of educational programs is impressive. At the same time, the American option is attractive due to its interesting job prospects after training.
In terms of master's degree rankings, the UK is slightly inferior to other countries. However, being in fourth position does not reduce the value of a British diploma. On the contrary, together with a British internship, a master's degree acquires an even higher status.
France occupies fifth place in the world ranking of master's programs. Higher education can be obtained here at low cost. In addition, the option of providing a scholarship is not excluded for students. Good conditions for research activities and a wide choice of specializations.
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Actually, the birthplace of the MBA is the USA, and therefore it is quite natural that the States take first place. There are many business schools throughout the United States that provide students with quality education in the field of business administration.
Chinese MBA school is already competing with the US
Following the Americans, Great Britain is rushing to take over the student market. The second position in the ranking confirms the ability of the British Graduate School of Business to compete on an equal footing in this area. Good schools, professional training, experienced teachers.
Australia confidently holds third place in MBA education. The country is also ready to offer a large number of business schools at different levels. Education here is perfectly combined with an accessible practical base. Job opportunities are open.
The fundamentals of European business are taught in French higher schools. It is not for nothing that French higher education in the field of MBA ranks fourth in the ranking. There is a good selection of prestigious business schools, each of which teaches in full accordance with European standards.
Finally, Canada - the fifth position in the ranking and all the necessary business administration skills after graduating from any university. Canadian education is cheaper than in the US and even in Europe. In Canada, after studying it is easier to gain a foothold - to stay working in your specialty.
Postgraduate studies
The United States was the first in the educational field for graduate students. America provides many universities, a lot of research programs, and well-equipped laboratories. For graduate students in the USA, there is an important factor - support from large businesses in the form of grants and scholarships.
Germany is attractive due to its fundamental approach and contacts with prominent scientists. Third place in the ranking due to the expressed financial support for projects in the field of technical and natural sciences.
Fifth place went to Great Britain. This is quite enough to once again confirm the high level of the scientific base and the degree of qualification of the teaching staff.
Direction of study
It is quite difficult to single out a specific country to rank it based on the area of study. Most countries from the TOP list provide choice in almost all areas. There is no official ranking by area of study. There are some recommendations from the university elite. Based on these recommendations, ratings are created.
Table of ranking of countries by individual areas of higher education
Ranking by cost of education
Some European countries are ready to train foreigners and their citizens, if not for free, then for a purely symbolic price. For example, studying in Germany will cost the average student approximately €500 per year. However, if the student is a foreigner, you will have to spend a larger amount additionally on living in the country of study. But even in this situation, German education promises students costs 10 times less than in Australia.
Rating of countries in the world by cost of education (table)
Today, only two countries remain truly free for education: Finland and Argentina.
Table: comparison of education in Russia and abroad
Russian education | Foreign education |
The main emphasis is on studying the theoretical part | Emphasis is placed on gaining skills in a practical field |
Volumetric approach to learning, when many “extra” subjects are studied | Profile approach to learning with the addition of related subjects |
Availability of higher education | In most countries, higher education is expensive |
Low level of infrastructure and student comfort | Good conditions for studying, high-level infrastructure |
Enrollment of applicants based on Unified State Examination results | Admission of applicants based on the results of a test/exam or based on the average score of the certificate |
Table: comparison of education systems in different countries
| Countries | Positive sides | Negative sides | ||
| Australia, USA, Canada, New Zealand |
|
| High cost of training in most foreign countries. |
|
| Japan, China, South Korea |
| the independence of universities is limited; multifunctionality of educational institutions at a low level; many private universities. The share of government funding is very small; Few technical specialists are trained. Most are humanists; the percentage of graduate students is small. The level of scientific research is low; General education subjects are a priority. Lack of practicing teachers; There is a hierarchy of universities. The presence of bureaucracy is noted; There is no motivation for students during periods of study. |
||
| Countries of Europe |
|
|
||
List of countries by literacy rate for 2019
Food for thought - most countries with an advanced education system have not provided information to the UNESCO organization regarding the literacy level of their own population for the last 10 years.
Countries of the world | Men, % | Women, % |
Afghanistan | ||
Argentina | ||
Azerbaijan | ||
Australia (2009) | ||
Bangladesh | ||
Belarus | ||
Bosnia and Herzegovina | ||
Botswana | ||
Brazil | ||
Bulgaria | ||
Burkina Faso | ||
Cape Verde | ||
Cambodia | ||
Canada (2009) | ||
Central African Republic | ||
Colombia | ||
Comoros | ||
Costa Rica | ||
Ivory Coast | ||
Croatia | ||
Czech Republic (2009) | ||
Denmark (2009) | ||
Djibouti (2009) | ||
Dominica (2009) | ||
Dominican Republic | ||
Salvador | ||
Equatorial Guinea | ||
Fiji (2009) | ||
Finland | ||
Germany (2009) | ||
Grenada (2009) | ||
Guatemala | ||
Guinea-Bissau | ||
Honduras | ||
Iceland (2009) | ||
Indonesia | ||
Ireland | (no data) | (no data) |
Israel (2011) | ||
Japan (2009) | ||
Kazakhstan | ||
Korea (DPRK) | ||
Republic of Korea (2009) | ||
Kyrgyzstan | ||
Luxembourg (2009) | ||
Macedonia | ||
Madagascar | ||
Malaysia | ||
Maldives | ||
Mauritania | ||
Mauritius | ||
Mongolia | ||
Montenegro | ||
Mozambique | ||
Netherlands (2009) | ||
New Zealand (2009) | ||
Nicaragua | ||
Norway (2009) | ||
Pakistan | ||
Papua New Guinea | ||
Paraguay | ||
Philippines | ||
Portugal | ||
Sao Tome and Principe | ||
Saudi Arabia | ||
Seychelles | ||
Sierra Leone | ||
Singapore | ||
Slovakia | ||
Slovenia | ||
Solomon islands | ||
South Africa | ||
South Sudan | ||
Sri Lanka | ||
Swaziland | ||
Sweden (2009) | ||
Switzerland (2009) | ||
Tajikistan | ||
Tanzania | ||
Timor-Leste | ||
Trinidad and Tobago | ||
Turkmenistan | ||
United Arab Emirates | ||
UK (2009) | ||
Uzbekistan | ||
Venezuela | ||
Zimbabwe |
The best countries for educational emigration
According to the results of numerous surveys conducted over the past 5 years, the list of the best countries for educational emigration has not changed much. North America, Europe, Southeast Asia are waiting for future bachelors and masters, graduate students and doctors.
- Great Britain.
- Canada.
- Germany.
- France.
- Australia.
- Sweden.
- Japan.
What benefits does familiarization with the ratings give to a potential student? Of course, information that will help you make the right choice of the country of study and the specific place where you will receive knowledge. Information from ratings will help you more accurately determine your personal capabilities and choose the appropriate education system. Finally, even the issue of the price of training is easier to solve thanks to ratings.
According to data recently released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), more than half of Russian adults have a third-level diploma (2012) - the equivalent of a college degree in the US - more than in any other country surveyed. At the same time, in 2012, less than 4% of Chinese adults had such qualifications, less than in other countries. Edition "24/7 Wall St." represents the 10 countries with the highest rates of adults holding college degrees.
Typically, the most educated populations are in countries where education costs are higher. Spending on education in the six best-educated countries was above the OECD average of $13,957. For example, the cost of such education in the United States is $26,021 per student, the highest in the world.
Despite the magnitude of investment in education, there are exceptions. Korea and the Russian Federation spent less than $10,000 per student in 2011, well below the OECD average. However, they remain among the most educated.
Qualifications do not always translate into great skills and abilities. While only 1 in 4 American college graduates have excellent literacy, in Finland, Japan and the Netherlands the figure is 35%. As Schleicher explains, “We typically evaluate people on formal credentials, but evidence suggests that the value of formal assessment of skills varies widely across countries.”
To determine the most educated countries in the world, "24/7 Wall St." checked in 2012 the 10 countries with the highest number of people aged 25 to 64 with higher education. The data was included as part of the OECD's 2014 Education at a Glance report. Thirty-four OECD member countries and ten non-member countries were considered. The report included data on the proportion of adults completing various levels of education, unemployment rates, and public and private spending on education. We also looked at data from the OECD's Survey of Adult Skills, which included adults' advanced math and reading skills. The most recent figures for national education spending are from 2011.
Here are the most educated countries in the world:
- Percentage of population with higher education: 39.7%
- Average annual growth rate (2005-2012): 5.2% (fourth from top)
- Higher education expenses per student: $16,095 (twelfth from top)
Almost 40% of Irish adults aged between 25 and 64 had a university degree in 2012, 10th among countries ranked by the OECD. Significant growth, since more than ten years ago only 21.6% of adults had completed some form of higher education. Worsening employment chances in recent years have made higher education more attractive to the country's residents. More than 13% of the population was unemployed in 2012, one of the highest levels among the countries examined. However, the unemployment rate for adults with college-level education was relatively low. The pursuit of higher education is particularly attractive to EU nationals as their tuition fees are heavily subsidized by Irish government agencies.
- Percentage of population with higher education: 40.6%
- Average annual growth rate (2000-2011): 2.9% (13th from bottom)
- Higher education expenses per student: $10,582 (15th from bottom)
The global financial crisis has not had as dramatic an impact on higher education spending in New Zealand as in other countries. While public spending on education in a number of OECD member countries fell between 2008 and 2011, public spending on education in New Zealand increased by more than 20% over the same time, one of the largest increases. But still, spending on higher education is low compared to other developed countries. In 2011, $10,582 per student was spent on higher education, less than the OECD average of $13,957. Despite spending below average, however, spending on all other forms of education accounted for 14.6% of New Zealand's total government spending, more than any other country reviewed.
- Percentage of population with higher education: 41.0%
- Average annual growth rate (2000-2011): 4.0% (11th from top)
- Higher education expenses per student: $14,222 (16 from top)
While many national economies, including the US, grew between 2008 and 2011, the UK economy contracted over the same period. Despite the decline, government spending on education as a percentage of GDP increased more than in any other country during this period. The United Kingdom is one of the few countries with a “sustainable approach to financing higher education” according to Schleicher. Every student in the country has access to loans proportional to their income, which means that as long as the student's income does not exceed a certain threshold, the loan is not required to be repaid.
- Percentage of population with higher education: 41.3%
- Average annual growth rate (2000-2011): 3.5% (15th top)
- Expenses for higher education per student: $16,267 (11 from top)
More than $16,000 is spent on higher education per student in Australia, one of the highest levels in the OECD. Australia's higher education system is one of the most popular among international students, attracting 5% of international students. By comparison, the US, which has many times the number of educational institutions, attracts only three times as many international students. And higher education appears to pay off for those graduates who stay in the country. The unemployment rate for college-educated natives is lower than in almost all but a handful of countries assessed in 2012. In addition, almost 18% of adults demonstrate the highest level of literacy as of 2012, significantly higher than the OECD average of 12%.
- Percentage of population with higher education: 41.7%
- Average annual growth rate (2000-2011): 4.8% (8th top)
- Higher education expenses per student: $9,926 (12 from bottom)
Despite spending less than $10,000 per student pursuing higher education in 2011—less than everyone else on the list except Russia—Koreans were among the most educated in the world. Although in 2012, only 13.5% of Korean adults aged 55-64 had completed higher education, but among those aged 25 to 34, this figure was two-thirds. The 50% rate was the largest improvement in a generation of any country. Almost 73% of spending on higher education in 2011 was provided by private sources, the second largest in the world. High levels of private spending lead to increased inequality. However, the growth of educational skills and educational mobility appears to be achieved through relatively objective access to higher education. Koreans were among those most likely to gain access to higher education of all countries assessed, according to OECD data.
- Percentage of population with higher education: 43.1%
- Average annual growth rate (2000-2011): 1.4% (lowest)
- Higher education expenses per student: $26,021 (highest)
In 2011, the US spent more than $26,000 on higher education for the average student, almost double the OECD average of $13,957. Private expenses in the form of tuition fees account for most of these costs. To some extent, the cost of higher education pays off because a large share of adults in the United States have very high levels of qualifications. Due to its slow growth over the past decade, the United States still lags behind many countries. While spending on higher education per average student increased by 10% on average across OECD countries between 2005 and 2011, spending in the United States fell over the same period. And the US is one of six countries that reduced spending on higher education between 2008 and 2011. Like other countries where education is the responsibility of regional governments, college completion rates vary widely across US states, from 29% in Nevada to nearly 71% in the District of Columbia.
- Percentage of population with higher education: 46.4%%
- Average annual growth rate (2000-2011): No Data
- Higher education expenses per student: $11,553 (18 on top)
Most 18-year-old Israelis are required to serve at least two years of compulsory military service. Perhaps as a result, people in the country complete higher education later than in other countries. However, compulsory conscription did not reduce the rate of higher education attainment; in 2012, 46% of adult Israelis had a college degree. Also in 2011, more than $11,500 was spent on higher education for the average student, less than in most other developed countries. Low spending on education in Israel results in low teacher salaries. Newly hired secondary school teachers with minimal training earned less than $19,000 in 2013, with an OECD average salary of more than $32,000.
- Percentage of population with higher education: 46.6%
- Average annual growth rate (2000-2011): 2.8% (12th from bottom)
- Higher education expenses per student: $16,445 (10 on top)
As in the United States, Korea, and the United Kingdom, private spending accounts for the majority of higher education spending in Japan. While this often leads to social inequality, Schleicher explains that, like most Asian countries, Japanese families largely save money for their children's education. Expending more on education and participating in higher education does not always translate into better academic skills. However, in Japan, high spending led to better results, with more than 23% of adults achieving the highest level of skills, almost double the OECD average of 12%. Young students also appear to be well educated, as Japan recently scored extremely well on the Program for International Student Assessment in mathematics in 2012.
- Percentage of population with higher education: 52.6%
- Average annual growth rate (2000-2011): 2.3% (8th bottom)
- Higher education expenses per student: $23,225 (2 on top)
More than half of Canadian adults had a post-secondary education in 2012, the only country other than Russia where the majority of adults have some post-secondary education. Canadian education costs for the average student in 2011 were $23,226, approaching those of the United States. Canadian students of all ages appear to be very well educated. Secondary school students outperformed students in most countries in mathematics in 2012 PISA. And nearly 15% of the country's adults demonstrated the highest level of skills - compared with the OECD average of 12%.
1) Russian Federation
- Percentage of population with higher education: 53.5%
- Average annual growth rate (2000-2011): no data
- Higher education expenses per student: $27,424 (lowest)
More than 53% of Russian adults aged between 25 and 64 in 2012 had some form of higher education, more than any other country assessed by the OECD. The country has achieved such remarkable levels of engagement despite having the lowest spending on higher education. Russia's spending on higher education was just $7,424 per student in 2010, almost half of the OECD average of $13,957. In addition, Russia is one of the few countries where spending on education decreased between 2008 and 2012.