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Top 20 Countries with The Best Education System in 2025: Well-Developed & Safest

Updated: 18 November 2025

In today’s world, education is gaining more and more importance in terms of creating personal and professional opportunities for a person’s growth and career. That’s why many parents look for countries with the best education systems for their children.

Proving that around 280,716 US students prefer studying abroad for academic purposes, according to a survey conducted on the 2022/23 academic year, with a 49% increase from the previous year. The popular destinations that the majority of American students go to include Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France. Accordingly, many direct this question: which countries stand out with the best education systems and what makes them different than others?

What to Discover in This Guide?

What Makes a Country’s Education System Best?
Top 20 World Education Rankings List by Country in 2025
20 Best Higher Education Systems in the World
Top 20 Best Education Systems in the World

What Makes a Country’s Education System Best?

Before diving into education rankings by country, let’s consider the measurements that make a country’s education system the best.

1. Equity and accessibility

Not every student around the world is lucky when it comes to reaching equality and accessibility. In terms of equity, we mean that giving each student the same resources and opportunities regardless of their background. On the other hand, access refers to the availability of educational support. For instance, Finland and Canada rank at the top when it comes to equity and accessibility.

2. Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)

PISA measures how well students can use their knowledge in reading, mathematics, and science to solve real-world problems. If a country’s PISA score is high, it demonstrates that students are applying what they have learned.

In 2022, Singapore scored the highest in math, science, and reading, showing how effective its education system is.

3. Curriculum and instruction

If the curriculum and instruction are engaging and clear, it helps students to comprehend each topic better. Therefore, they should be determined carefully to prepare each student well for higher education by Ministry of Education.

4. Literacy Rates

If a population cannot read and write, the education system is poor in that country. So, the higher literacy rate we have, the higher quality education we see in that region, as it gives more hints about the system itself.

5. Enrollment and Completion Rates

Learning how many students attend school successfully and finish each educational stage can help us analyze how accessible the education system is. For instance, South Sudan, Chad, the Central African Republic, Niger, and Somalia have the lowest rates.

6. Teacher and School Quality

We all know how teachers have the capacity to affect our lives as much as well-equipped schools. If a country invests its GDP in education development, it will probably see higher achievement and student satisfaction.

Top 20 World Education Rankings List by Country in 2025

According to the latest data revealed by World Population Review, the best education systems by ranking are listed below.

Country	Rank	Literacy Rate
United States	1	99%
United Kingdom	2	99%
Germany	3	99%
Canada	4	99%
France	5	99%
Switzerland	6	99%
Japan	7	99%
Australia	8	99%
Sweden	9	99%
Denmark	10	99%
Netherlands	11	99%
Norway	12	100%
Finland	13	100%
Italy	14	99.4%
New Zealand	15	99%
Spain	16	98.6%
Austria	17	98%
South Korea	18	98.8%
Belgium	19	99%
Ireland	20	99%

20 Best Higher Education Systems in the World

According to the Times Higher Education’s data for 2026, here are the top-ranked universities in the world.

Rank	University	Country
1	University of Oxford	United Kingdom
2	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	United States
3	Princeton University	United States
4	University of Cambridge	United Kingdom
5	Harvard University	United States
6	Stanford University	United States
7	California Institute of Technology	United States
8	Imperial College London	United Kingdom
9	University of California, Berkeley	United States
10	Yale University	United States
11	ETH Zurich	Switzerland
12	Tsinghua University	China
13	Peking University	China
14	University of Pennsylvania	United States
15	The University of Chicago	United States
16	Johns Hopkins University	United States
17	National University of Singapore	Singapore
18	Cornell University	United States
19	University of California, Los Angeles	United States
20	Columbia University	United States

Top 20 Best Education Systems in the World

1. The United States

Among the countries with the best education systems, the US distinguishes itself with its unique approach to education: there is no national curriculum. Each state decides its own rules, and there are both private and public schools. Homeschooling is also possible if parents want.

Mostly, schools follow a K-12 structure. Between the ages of 3 and 5, most children attend preschool or kindergarten. Then they move on with elementary school and middle school, up to 8 grade. High school takes place between grades 9 and 12.

Higher education includes two years of community college, four-year universities, and graduate programs. The US also has the world’s best university, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, making it a popular destination for many international students.

Although getting a student visa is hard in the US, you can increase your likelihood of getting a residency visa once you get your approval from a SEVP-approved school and pass an interview to prove your intention of education. Additionally, families can consider obtaining an E2 Visa or an EB5 Visa for their kids to get an education in the US.

2. United Kingdom

As one of the English-speaking countries, the United Kingdom has a well-structured and diverse education system with state-funded schools, free of charge, and independent schools. It is divided into five main stages: primary (ages 5-11), secondary (ages 11-16), further (post-16, non-compulsory), and higher education.

In primary and secondary education, children are divided into key stages. Key stages 1 and 2 (ages 5-11) typically cover basic literacy and numeracy. Meanwhile, Key Stage 3-4 (ages 11-16) make students ready for GCSEs or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.

After completing compulsory education up to the age of 16, students can pursue further education, such as vocational training or apprenticeships. Then, they can move on to higher education or institutions.

The UK is also a popular destination for international students thanks to its reputable institutions, such as University College London. Accordingly, in the 2023–2024 academic year, 36,450 students from the United States came to study in the UK, according to the Open Doors data.

Plus, getting a student visa as an international student can be easy compared to other places if you prepare your file carefully and meet the requirements.

3. Germany

Germany stands out with its “dual education system”. It is free and a 9-10-year compulsory. Basically, the German education system combines classroom instruction with experience. It starts with the four years of primary education. After that, the students are guided into different paths based on their general performance.

In primary education, which takes around four years, all children are expected to learn basic subjects. After the primary education, they enter one of several types of schools. These include gymnasium, realschule, hauptschule, gesamtschule, and vocational schools.

In higher education, Germany is home to prestigious universities, including the Technical University of Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians-University. Therefore, it is mostly open to international students with various scholarship benefits and low tuition fees.

4. Canada

The Canadian education system is organized around a mandatory K-12 structure, compulsory between ages 6 to 16 or 18, depending on the province. Therefore, each of the 13 provinces and territories manages its own education policies. However, they have to meet the national quality standards too.

Most students attend public schools, and parents can choose English or French instruction. Additionally, elementary schools typically start with Grade 1 at the age of 6. Then comes secondary, also known as high school. It covers grades 9 through 12. At this stage, students focus on more specialized subjects and prepare for graduation, which qualifies them to pursue post-secondary education at colleges or universities.

In college or university years, students can join vocational or other academic programs. Each university offers academic excellence and ranks well in global rankings. Proving that, McGill University in Montreal ranks 27th, while the University of Toronto ranks 29th in the world’s university rankings in 2025.

At the same time, Canada opens its doors to many international students via its easy student visa option if they meet the legal requirements. Additionally, families can get permanent residency via the Canada Start-Up Visa program and include their children in their application. By doing so, you can give your children access to the Canadian healthcare and education systems.

5. France

The French education system is also one of the top-quality education systems in the world. It offers a high-quality education with a centralized and nationally regulated curriculum. The compulsory education starts from ages 3 to 16, preparing each student for higher education.

In preschool, kids from ages 3 to 6 attend. They basically learn more about the language, numeracy, and creative development while getting ready for elementary school. In the elementary school, students from ages 6 to 11 complete a five-year program covering basic subjects such as mathematics, reading, and science.

Then, they go to middle school from ages 11 to 15. At the end, each student undergoes Diplôme national du brevet, an examination. From ages 15 to 18, they pick one of the following tracks: general, technological, or vocational.

In higher education, students can go to public universities or selective Grandes Écoles, such as Université PSL. France also provides options for international students and families seeking residency. Non-EU students can obtain a student visa to attend French schools or universities. In the meantime, families may pursue long-term residency through work or family reunification visas.

6. Switzerland

26 cantons (meaning state or province) manage the Swiss education system as it is decentralized. Education is compulsory from age 4 to 15 or 16, depending on the canton. In primary school, children basically learn reading, writing, and math from ages 4 or 5 to 15. After primary school, students choose either academic tracks for university or vocational/technical tracks that include apprenticeships.

When it comes to higher education, universities and technical institutes, like ETH Zurich and EPFL, offer world-class programs. Accordingly, students from academic tracks can go to universities, while vocational students can attend Universities of Applied Sciences.

Switzerland also welcomes international students. A student visa allows non-EU students to study. Additionally, families can pursue the Swiss Golden Visa by making a qualifying investment and including their children in their application. Thus, they can provide residency and access to visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, education, and healthcare for their children, as well as themselves.

7. Japan

Japan’s education system offers the highest quality in Asia. Unlike many other countries in Europe, Education is highly standardized nationwide, with a strong emphasis on discipline, respect, and academic achievement.

Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 15. Children start at age 6 and study for six years. They learn reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and moral education. From ages 12 to 15, they continue with junior high school by taking general education and standardized exams at the end of the stage. Then, they move on to high school between the ages of 15 to 18. At this stage, students can choose academic high schools or vocational schools, depending on their career goals.

After the end of high school, students can go to universities once they pass the entrance exams. International students can also find scholarships to study in Japan with a student visa.

8. Australia

Known for its high quality, Australia has a strong emphasis on both academic learning and practical skills. Education is regulated by federal and state governments, and schooling is compulsory from around ages 6 to 16, depending on the state.

Kids start going to school at the age of 5 by studying core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies. After primary school, they move to high school from ages 12 to 18. Here, they come across compulsory subjects like English and mathematics, as well as optional courses in arts, sports, languages, and technology. Once students complete high school, they receive a High School Certificate (HSC). Then, they can pursue higher education at universities or vocational colleges.

Australian universities are recognized worldwide for their academic excellence. They offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in a wide range of fields. The most famous universities that rank well are the University of Melbourne and the University of New South Wales.

Moreover, Australia is also open to international students and offers them many opportunities to study via a student visa. Plus, families can go for permanent residency if they meet the legal requirements.

9. Sweden

Like any other country in Europe, Sweden ensures that every child has the same opportunities to learn and grow. The entire system is managed at the national level, and students are required to attend school from age 6 to 16. Kids start with a preparatory year called förskoleklass at age 6, followed by nine years of compulsory education.

After completing compulsory school, students mostly move on to upper-secondary education, which runs from ages 16 to 19. After upper secondary school, they receive a diploma, and if they want, they can choose an academic path and apply for universities or university colleges.

10. Denmark

The education system in Denmark is free of charge, compulsory between 6 and 16 years old. There is also a private education system preferred for various reasons, such as international English language schools.

The education starts from a very early age. According to the latest data, around 98% of kids go to kindergarten by the age of three. From 6 to 16, children move on to the primary and secondary schools, which are also known as “Folkeskole”, a free public system. However, the focus here is far from the traditional education systems. Teachers encourage creative problem-solving skills, teaching the logic behind each topic.

Once the secondary education process is completed, students can go and choose the best program for themselves in the higher education system. Denmark offers many programs that are suitable and free of charge to Danish people, EU citizens, and Nordic citizens.

11. Netherlands

The Netherlands stands out with its education system that helps students to improve both their academic and professional development. Education is compulsory from ages 5 to 16, and children usually start primary school at age 4 or 5.

After primary school, children go to secondary education, which offers different tracks based on ability and interests. These include pre-university (VWO), senior general secondary (HAVO), and vocational (VMBO) programs.

Higher education in the Netherlands is divided into two main types of institutions: research universities and universities of applied sciences. They are internationally recognized and offer many programs in English. That’s why the country becomes an attractive point for international students too. With the ease of student visas, students can prefer studying here.

12. Norway

In Norway, education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. It is divided into primary school from grades 1-7 and secondary school from grades 8-10, by encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Additionally, the system emphasizes inclusivity and equal opportunity. Therefore, it offers free education for all of its residents by making sure each kid has access to education regardless of their socio-economic background.

After compulsory education, students can choose to continue to upper secondary school, typically from ages 16 to 19. At this stage, they can choose a track that prepares them for either a university or directly into the workforce.

In higher education, students can access Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs. Famous for its internationally recognized programs, Norway also attracts many international students. However, if you come from a non-EU/EEA country, you must apply for a residence permit to study in Norway. Moreover, you can expect to spend around NOK 15,169 per month or NOK 166,859 per year to cover your living expenses.

13. Finland

Often cited as one of the best countries with the best education system, Finland stands out with its equity, quality, and student-centered approach. Education is compulsory from ages 7 to 16, and all students follow the same national curriculum. Thanks to its equity understanding, schools provide free meals, transportation, and learning materials.

After comprehensive school, students can choose between general upper secondary education (lukio) or vocational education and training (VET). In general, in upper secondary education, each children get ready for higher education through academic studies. On the other hand, VET programs generally focus on practical skills and include apprenticeships and workplace training.

Through various well-developed universities, Finland’s higher education also emphasizes the importance of research and academic education. It offers many programs, taught in English too. Thus, the country becomes more and more attractive to international students.

14. Italy

Open Doors’ latest data on 2023-2024 reveals that Italy is the most preferred country among American students, with around 45.067 students. So what makes it so appealing to the US citizens? It is mostly driven by a combination of cultural, academic, and lifestyle factors.

Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, starting with primary school, followed by lower secondary school. In these stages, students mostly focus on general education. After lower secondary school, they move to upper secondary school, which takes around five years. Then comes higher education after passing the Maturità exam, characterized by various programs.

Nowadays, with its growing number of programs in English, it attracts many international students, including Americans. One of the popular reasons for this is university tuition fees, which are approximately €900 to €4,000 annually.

If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, you need a study visa. At this point, families can also go for the Italy Investor Visa for their kids, which requires around €250,000 minimum investment and helps them benefit from living, studying, and even working in Italy.

15. New Zealand

In New Zealand, children begin formal education at age 6, and schooling is mandatory until age 16. The system focused on balancing academic learning with creativity, critical thinking, and personal development. So, to achieve that, the government structures the process through primary and secondary education.

When it comes to higher education, New Zealand offers a range of options. These include universities, institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs), and wānanga, which are Maori-focused institutions.

16. Spain

Located in Southwestern Europe, Spain’s education system starts with primary school for children aged 6 to 12, followed by secondary school for ages 12 to 16. Education is compulsory during these years. After secondary school, students can take the Bachillerato, which is a two-year program to prepare for university. On the other hand, they can choose vocational education, which teaches practical skills for specific jobs.

As Spanish universities follow European standards, some courses are available in English for international students. Proving that, in the 2023-2024 academic year, Spain welcomed around 36,826 students from the United States, placing it second in popularity according to Open Doors.

To study in Spain, you will probably need a student visa once you get your approval letter from an accredited program. On the other hand, families can take the following paths and include their kids in their application: Spain Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa.

17. Austria

If you are looking for a clear overview of Austria’s education system, it begins with compulsory schooling from ages 6 to 15. The first four years take place in primary school. After the primary education, the system becomes more specialized in lower secondary schools, depending on each student’s interests and academic strengths.

In upper secondary and higher education options, you will find two main pathways: vocational and academic. Vocational schools and Austria’s well-known apprenticeship programs mix classroom lessons with practical, hands-on work experience. On the other hand, academic secondary schools prepare students for the Matura, the final exam needed to enter university.

Universities also offer students an opportunity for personal and economic growth with both public and private options. Public universities generally do not charge tuition fees for Austrian, EU, or EEA students and offer a wide range of programs. If you are an international student, you can also find a scholarship opportunity here. However, you should get a residency via a student visa.

18. South Korea

South Korea invests about 5% of its GDP in education. It follows up 6-3-3-4 single ladder education system with both public and private systems. In this system, elementary school lasts for 6 years, middle school and high school each last for 3 years, and university education typically takes 4 years (though junior colleges offer 2- to 3-year programs).

According to the OECD, South Korea stands out with a higher education attainment rate of around 56.2%, compared to the OECD average of 41.9%. Reflecting the country’s strong education quality, Korean students consistently achieve high scores in the PISA rankings, particularly in mathematics, reading, and science.

19. Belgium

There are three language communities in the Belgian education system: Flemish, French, and German-speaking. Each one of them is responsible for organizing their own schools. Children generally begin their education in kindergarten. Then, they go to primary school for six years.

Similarly, secondary school also takes around six years to complete. Here, students are divided into four main tracks: general (GSE), technical, artistic, and vocational.

After completing secondary school, students can enter higher education, which includes universities, university colleges, and arts academies. The programs have mostly affordable tuition fees and have a multilingual environment for international students, too. However, they need to get a Long Stay D visa.

20. Ireland

Known for its high academic standards, Ireland’s education system typically focuses on inclusiveness. Children typically begin their education in primary school. It takes around 8 years. Following this, secondary education is divided into Junior Cycle (three years), an optional Transition Year, and Senior Cycle (two years).

In the Junior Cycle, students come across the state examinations. After that, they move on to a transition year without any exam pressure. Lastly, they receive their leaving certificate in the senior cycle. When they go to college, students experience a strong government support that ensures broad access to research, technology, and innovation.

If you are a non-EU or EEA student, you will need to apply for a Long Stay D visa along with your acceptance letter.

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FAQs on the World’s Best Countries with High Quality of Education

What is the main benefit of studying in countries with the best education systems in the world?

If you are considering studying abroad in one of the countries with leading education systems, you can expect to gain excellent academic preparation, improved employability, and a broader global perspective.

Which country is best for Indian students to live in?

For Indian students, Canada, the US, and the UK are all excellent choices. They offer high-quality education, diverse cultures, and good opportunities for work and post-study immigration. However, it is always up to your personal aims and priorities.

Which country has the poorest education system in the world?

There is not one single country with the “poorest” education system. However, many global rankings point out countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and Cambodia among the lowest-performing countries in terms of educational quality.

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