Introduction
The most educated countries in the world have established themselves as beacons of knowledge and innovation, placing education at the forefront of their societal priorities. These nations recognize the transformative power of education in shaping individuals, driving economic growth, and fostering social development. With well-funded educational systems, world-class universities, and a strong emphasis on research and critical thinking, these countries have cultivated highly educated populations that contribute significantly to their respective fields. Their commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education has positioned them as leaders in global education rankings.
Best Countries for Education
# | Country | Completed Tertiary Education |
---|---|---|
1 | South Korea | 69.29% |
2 | Canada | 66.36% |
3 | Japan | 64.81% |
4 | Luxembourg | 63.12% |
5 | Ireland | 62.88% |
6 | Russia | 62.09% |
7 | Lithuania | 57.48% |
8 | United Kingdom | 57.47% |
9 | Netherlands | 55.6% |
10 | Norway | 55.03% |
11 | Australia | 54.31% |
12 | Switzerland | 52.27% |
13 | United States of America | 51.17% |
14 | Belgium | 50.87% |
15 | France | 50.26% |
16 | Sweden | 49.22% |
17 | Denmark | 49.04% |
18 | Spain | 48.73% |
19 | Slovenia | 47.95% |
20 | Portugal | 47.45% |
21 | United Arab Emirates | 47.2% |
22 | Israel | 46.01% |
23 | Latvia | 45.5% |
24 | New Zealand | 45.32% |
25 | Greece | 44.18% |
26 | Estonia | 43.18% |
27 | Austria | 42.44% |
28 | Iceland | 41.92% |
29 | Poland | 40.64% |
30 | Chile | 40.51% |
31 | Finland | 40.06% |
32 | Turkey | 39.83% |
33 | Slovakia | 39.5% |
34 | Germany | 35.88% |
35 | People's Republic of China | 35.8% |
36 | Czech Republic | 35.04% |
37 | Kazakhstan | 34.1% |
38 | Hungary | 32.91% |
39 | Mongolia | 32.6% |
40 | Colombia | 30.53% |
41 | Costa Rica | 30.26% |
42 | Cyprus | 29.8% |
43 | Georgia | 28.4% |
44 | Belarus | 28.3% |
45 | Italy | 28.27% |
46 | Mexico | 27.06% |
47 | Bolivia | 26.8% |
48 | Bulgaria | 26.1% |
49 | Saudi Arabia | 26% |
50 | Venezuela | 25.1% |
51 | Philippines | 24.4% |
52 | Armenia | 24.2% |
53 | Bahrain | 23.3% |
54 | Brazil | 23.03% |
55 | Malta | 21.8% |
56 | Andorra | 21% |
57 | India | 20.5% |
58 | Moldova | 20.1% |
59 | Argentina | 19.03% |
60 | Qatar | 19% |
61 | Indonesia | 18.66% |
62 | Iran | 18.2% |
63 | Oman | 17.1% |
64 | Uzbekistan | 16.4% |
65 | Azerbaijan | 15.7% |
66 | Thailand | 15.6% |
67 | The Bahamas | 15.2% |
68 | South Africa | 14.85% |
69 | Bangladesh | 14.1% |
70 | Albania | 12.9% |
71 | Aruba | 12.8% |
72 | Malaysia | 12.4% |
73 | Uruguay | 11.8% |
74 | Kuwait | 11.1% |
75 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 10.6% |
76 | Vietnam | 10.2% |
77 | Myanmar | 9.3% |
78 | Nigeria | 9% |
79 | El Salvador | 8.4% |
80 | Belize | 7.9% |
81 | Guinea | 6.2% |
82 | Fiji | 5.2% |
83 | Nepal | 4.6% |
84 | Guatemala | 4.3% |
85 | Rwanda | 4.1% |
86 | South Sudan | 3.8% |
87 | Zimbabwe | 3.3% |
88 | Afghanistan | 3.1% |
89 | Madagascar | 2.8% |
90 | Senegal | 2.8% |
91 | Mauritania | 2.5% |
92 | Burkina Faso | 2.1% |
93 | Mozambique | 1.8% |
94 | Uganda | 1.7% |
95 | Mali | 1.6% |
96 | Niger | 1% |
97 | Burundi | 0.9% |
Most Educated Countries in the World
The ten most educated countries in the world, based on their tertiary education rates and rankings, are South Korea, Canada, Japan, Luxembourg, Ireland, Russia, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Norway. South Korea leads the pack as the most educated country in the world, with a tertiary education rate of 69.29%, securing the top spot.
Canada follows closely behind at 66.36%, earning the second position for most educated countries. Japan claims the third spot among the top educated countries, with a tertiary education rate of 64.81%. Luxembourg ranks fourth best educated country, with a rate of 63.12%, while Ireland secures the fifth position at 62.88%.
Russia holds the sixth spot for highest educated country, with a rate of 62.09%, followed by Lithuania at 57.48% in the seventh position. The United Kingdom is the eighth most educated country, with a rate of 57.47%, while the Netherlands claims the ninth spot at 55.60%. Lastly, Norway completes the top ten most educated countries in the world, with a rate of 55.03%.
These countries demonstrate a strong commitment to education, resulting in highly educated populations and contributing to their global prominence in various fields.
The top 10 education countries are :
1. South Korea – 69.29%
2. Canada – 66.36%
3. Japan – 64.81%
4. Luxembourg – 63.12%
5. Ireland – 62.88%
6. Russia – 62.09%
7. Lithuania – 57.48%
8. United Kingdom – 57.47%
9. Netherlands – 55.60%
10. Norway – 55.03%
Most Educated Country in the World
South Korea stands out as the most educated country in the world, boasting an impressive tertiary education rate of 69.29%. With a strong emphasis on education deeply ingrained in its culture, South Korea has made remarkable strides in nurturing an educated population. The country’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its robust educational infrastructure, renowned universities, and rigorous curriculum. By prioritizing education, South Korea has cultivated a highly skilled workforce, stimulated innovation, and achieved significant economic growth.
Education by Country
Afghanistan
Completed Tertiary Education
3.1%
Ranked in the World
#88
Albania
Completed Tertiary Education
12.9%
Ranked in the World
#70
Andorra
Completed Tertiary Education
21%
Ranked in the World
#56
Argentina
Completed Tertiary Education
19.03%
Ranked in the World
#59
Armenia
Completed Tertiary Education
24.2%
Ranked in the World
#52
Aruba
Completed Tertiary Education
12.8%
Ranked in the World
#71
Australia
Completed Tertiary Education
54.31%
Ranked in the World
#11
Australia ranks eleventh, with 54.31% of its population having completed tertiary education. The country's strong education system and renowned universities attract students from all over the world, contributing to its global reputation for academic excellence.
Austria
Completed Tertiary Education
42.44%
Ranked in the World
#27
Azerbaijan
Completed Tertiary Education
15.7%
Ranked in the World
#65
Bahrain
Completed Tertiary Education
23.3%
Ranked in the World
#53
Bangladesh
Completed Tertiary Education
14.1%
Ranked in the World
#69
Belarus
Completed Tertiary Education
28.3%
Ranked in the World
#44
Belgium
Completed Tertiary Education
50.87%
Ranked in the World
#14
Belgium secures the fourteenth position, with 50.87% of its population having attained tertiary education. The country's commitment to providing quality education, along with its bilingual education system, contributes to its high educational standards.
Belize
Completed Tertiary Education
7.9%
Ranked in the World
#80
Bolivia
Completed Tertiary Education
26.8%
Ranked in the World
#47
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Completed Tertiary Education
10.6%
Ranked in the World
#75
Brazil
Completed Tertiary Education
23.03%
Ranked in the World
#54
Bulgaria
Completed Tertiary Education
26.1%
Ranked in the World
#48
Burkina Faso
Completed Tertiary Education
2.1%
Ranked in the World
#92
Burundi
Completed Tertiary Education
0.9%
Ranked in the World
#97
Canada
Completed Tertiary Education
66.36%
Ranked in the World
#2
Canada secures the second position among the best educated countries, with 66.36% of its population having attained tertiary education. Renowned for its world-class universities and inclusive education system, Canada continues to invest in providing accessible education to its citizens.
Chile
Completed Tertiary Education
40.51%
Ranked in the World
#30
Colombia
Completed Tertiary Education
30.53%
Ranked in the World
#40
Costa Rica
Completed Tertiary Education
30.26%
Ranked in the World
#41
Cyprus
Completed Tertiary Education
29.8%
Ranked in the World
#42
Czech Republic
Completed Tertiary Education
35.04%
Ranked in the World
#36
Denmark
Completed Tertiary Education
49.04%
Ranked in the World
#17
Denmark holds the seventeenth position, with 49.04% of its population holding tertiary qualifications. The country's well-funded education system, emphasis on creativity and critical thinking, and high-quality universities contribute to its strong educational outcomes.
El Salvador
Completed Tertiary Education
8.4%
Ranked in the World
#79
Estonia
Completed Tertiary Education
43.18%
Ranked in the World
#26
Fiji
Completed Tertiary Education
5.2%
Ranked in the World
#82
Finland
Completed Tertiary Education
40.06%
Ranked in the World
#31
France
Completed Tertiary Education
50.26%
Ranked in the World
#15
France occupies the fifteenth spot, with 50.26% of its population having completed tertiary education. The country's long-standing tradition of academic excellence, coupled with its strong emphasis on research and innovation, contributes to its high educational attainment levels.
Georgia
Completed Tertiary Education
28.4%
Ranked in the World
#43
Germany
Completed Tertiary Education
35.88%
Ranked in the World
#34
Greece
Completed Tertiary Education
44.18%
Ranked in the World
#25
Guatemala
Completed Tertiary Education
4.3%
Ranked in the World
#84
Guinea
Completed Tertiary Education
6.2%
Ranked in the World
#81
Hungary
Completed Tertiary Education
32.91%
Ranked in the World
#38
Iceland
Completed Tertiary Education
41.92%
Ranked in the World
#28
India
Completed Tertiary Education
20.5%
Ranked in the World
#57
Indonesia
Completed Tertiary Education
18.66%
Ranked in the World
#61
Iran
Completed Tertiary Education
18.2%
Ranked in the World
#62
Ireland
Completed Tertiary Education
62.88%
Ranked in the World
#5
Ireland follows closely in fifth place for most educated countries, with 62.88% of its population having completed tertiary education. The country's well-regarded universities and research opportunities attract students from around the world.
Israel
Completed Tertiary Education
46.01%
Ranked in the World
#22
Italy
Completed Tertiary Education
28.27%
Ranked in the World
#45
Japan
Completed Tertiary Education
64.81%
Ranked in the World
#3
Japan ranks third on the list of countries with the highest education rates, with 64.81% of its population having completed tertiary education. The country's commitment to educational excellence is reflected in its strong academic institutions and high literacy rates.
Kazakhstan
Completed Tertiary Education
34.1%
Ranked in the World
#37
Kuwait
Completed Tertiary Education
11.1%
Ranked in the World
#74
Latvia
Completed Tertiary Education
45.5%
Ranked in the World
#23
Lithuania
Completed Tertiary Education
57.48%
Ranked in the World
#7
Lithuania is the seventh most educated country, with 57.48% of its population having attained tertiary education. The country's investment in education has resulted in a skilled workforce and a competitive knowledge-based economy.
Luxembourg
Completed Tertiary Education
63.12%
Ranked in the World
#4
Luxembourg, a small European nation, stands at the fourth position among the highest educated countries, with 63.12% of its population having achieved tertiary education. The country's prosperous economy and focus on education have propelled it to the forefront of global education rankings.
Madagascar
Completed Tertiary Education
2.8%
Ranked in the World
#89
Malaysia
Completed Tertiary Education
12.4%
Ranked in the World
#72
Mali
Completed Tertiary Education
1.6%
Ranked in the World
#95
Malta
Completed Tertiary Education
21.8%
Ranked in the World
#55
Mauritania
Completed Tertiary Education
2.5%
Ranked in the World
#91
Mexico
Completed Tertiary Education
27.06%
Ranked in the World
#46
Moldova
Completed Tertiary Education
20.1%
Ranked in the World
#58
Mongolia
Completed Tertiary Education
32.6%
Ranked in the World
#39
Mozambique
Completed Tertiary Education
1.8%
Ranked in the World
#93
Myanmar
Completed Tertiary Education
9.3%
Ranked in the World
#77
Nepal
Completed Tertiary Education
4.6%
Ranked in the World
#83
Netherlands
Completed Tertiary Education
55.6%
Ranked in the World
#9
The Netherlands is the ninth country with the highest education in the world, with 55.60% of its population having achieved tertiary education. The country's commitment to quality education and innovation has made it a leader in various fields, including science and technology.
New Zealand
Completed Tertiary Education
45.32%
Ranked in the World
#24
Niger
Completed Tertiary Education
1%
Ranked in the World
#96
Nigeria
Completed Tertiary Education
9%
Ranked in the World
#78
Norway
Completed Tertiary Education
55.03%
Ranked in the World
#10
Norway completes the top ten most educated countries, with 55.03% of its population holding tertiary qualifications. The country's high standard of education, coupled with its focus on sustainability and research, contributes to its well-educated population.
Oman
Completed Tertiary Education
17.1%
Ranked in the World
#63
People's Republic of China
Completed Tertiary Education
35.8%
Ranked in the World
#35
Philippines
Completed Tertiary Education
24.4%
Ranked in the World
#51
Poland
Completed Tertiary Education
40.64%
Ranked in the World
#29
Portugal
Completed Tertiary Education
47.45%
Ranked in the World
#20
Portugal completes the top twenty, with 47.45% of its population having achieved tertiary education. The country's investments in education and efforts to improve access to higher education have resulted in significant progress in educational outcomes.
Qatar
Completed Tertiary Education
19%
Ranked in the World
#60
Russia
Completed Tertiary Education
62.09%
Ranked in the World
#6
Russia is the sixth most educated country in the world, with 62.09% of its population holding tertiary qualifications. With a rich tradition of scientific research and renowned universities, Russia continues to foster intellectual growth and innovation.
Rwanda
Completed Tertiary Education
4.1%
Ranked in the World
#85
Saudi Arabia
Completed Tertiary Education
26%
Ranked in the World
#49
Senegal
Completed Tertiary Education
2.8%
Ranked in the World
#90
Slovakia
Completed Tertiary Education
39.5%
Ranked in the World
#33
Slovenia
Completed Tertiary Education
47.95%
Ranked in the World
#19
Slovenia ranks nineteenth on the list, with 47.95% of its population having attained tertiary education. The country's strong commitment to education, combined with its focus on lifelong learning and vocational training, contributes to its high educational attainment rates.
South Africa
Completed Tertiary Education
14.85%
Ranked in the World
#68
South Korea
Completed Tertiary Education
69.29%
Ranked in the World
#1
South Korea takes the top spot on the list of most educated countries in the world with an impressive 69.29% of its population having completed tertiary education. The country's strong emphasis on education has contributed to its remarkable economic growth and technological advancements.
South Sudan
Completed Tertiary Education
3.8%
Ranked in the World
#86
Spain
Completed Tertiary Education
48.73%
Ranked in the World
#18
Spain secures the eighteenth spot, with 48.73% of its population having completed tertiary education. The country's universities, known for their academic rigor and research contributions, play a crucial role in Spain's educational success.
Sweden
Completed Tertiary Education
49.22%
Ranked in the World
#16
Sweden ranks sixteenth on the list, with 49.22% of its population having achieved tertiary education. The country's investment in education, along with its inclusive and student-centered approach, contributes to its success in producing highly educated individuals.
Switzerland
Completed Tertiary Education
52.27%
Ranked in the World
#12
Switzerland holds the twelfth position, with 52.27% of its population having achieved tertiary education. The country's focus on vocational training and research, coupled with its high standard of education, contributes to its success in producing highly skilled professionals.
Thailand
Completed Tertiary Education
15.6%
Ranked in the World
#66
The Bahamas
Completed Tertiary Education
15.2%
Ranked in the World
#67
Turkey
Completed Tertiary Education
39.83%
Ranked in the World
#32
Uganda
Completed Tertiary Education
1.7%
Ranked in the World
#94
United Arab Emirates
Completed Tertiary Education
47.2%
Ranked in the World
#21
United Kingdom
Completed Tertiary Education
57.47%
Ranked in the World
#8
The United Kingdom is the eighth best educated country, with 57.47% of its population having completed tertiary education. The UK's prestigious universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, contribute to its reputation as a global educational hub.
United States of America
Completed Tertiary Education
51.17%
Ranked in the World
#13
The United States ranks thirteenth, with 51.17% of its population holding tertiary qualifications. Despite its large population, the country's vast network of universities and colleges ensures a significant number of individuals receive higher education.
Uruguay
Completed Tertiary Education
11.8%
Ranked in the World
#73
Uzbekistan
Completed Tertiary Education
16.4%
Ranked in the World
#64
Venezuela
Completed Tertiary Education
25.1%
Ranked in the World
#50
Vietnam
Completed Tertiary Education
10.2%
Ranked in the World
#76
Zimbabwe
Completed Tertiary Education
3.3%
Ranked in the World
#87
Need to survey a highly targeted audience?
Talk to our Experts