There are numerous rankings of the best economies in the world, the best cities for entrepreneurship or living. But which nations are the most educated? The Education at a Glance 2013 study examined the educational systems of more than 40 countries and found the most educated nations in terms of the structure, finances, and performance.
With increasing tuition costs, difficult loan conditions, and the high unemployment rate among young people, college education is becoming less available in many parts of the world. Despite the fact that many countries still face the consequences of the financial crisis though, college education still seems to be considered worth the investment. Not surprisingly, the percentage of adults with degrees is the highest in developed nations, but which of these could boast the status of the most educated? According to the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development’ latest report, the most educated countries spend the most on all levels of education. However, some of the top countries in the list, including the highest entry are exceptions to this trend. So, below you will find the top ten most educated countries in the world for 2013. The study enrolled adults aged 25 to 64 from OECD members and G20 countries.
10. Australia
Australia is one of the most popular countries for international students. Allthough it has spend on education only 6.1% of its GDP, the country comes at 10th position with 38.3% of its population having tertiary education.
9. Finland
According to the OECD report, the country has a very effective education system, with investment which continues past secondary school. 39% of the population is with tertiary education.
8. New Zealand
Many New Zealanders continue technical or skill-based education after completing secondary school. The education expenditure for 2013 is the 7th highest, or 7.3% of the GDP. 39.3% of the people are with tertiary education.
7. United Kingdom
Since 2000, the UK has become the second most preferred destination for international students (after the United States). The overall spending has gone up, with private expenditure on tertiary education doubling since 2000. 39.4% of the population have tertiary education.
6. South Korea
According to statistics, only 2.6 of adults having bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent in the country), are unemployed. 40.4% of the overall population has such degrees and the expenditure is 7.6 of GDP, or the 3rd highest in the list.
5. United States
The education expenditure is 7.3% of the GDP, while the population with college degree is 42.5%. This result remains almost unchanged for several years, while the U.S. scores worse than most developed nations in high-level math and reading skills. However, American secondary school teachers earn some of the highest salaries for this profession.
4. Israel
The country has the 5th highest percentage of education expenditure, 7.5% of its GDP. 46.4% of adults have tertiary education. However, the numbers here should be further analyzed, since young men and women in Israel are required to enlist in the military.
3. Japan
The country spends less on education than the average country measured by the OECD. Still, Japan is one of the most educated nations in the world, with 46.4% college graduates.
2. Canada
Canada’s ranking is continuously improving and according to this year’s study, more than half of its population is with tertiary education, or 51.3%. At the same time, it spends only 6.6% of its GDP on education.
1. Russian Federation
Surprisingly for many, Russia tops the list with 53.5% of its population having tertiary education. According to the OECD, Russia has a “historically strong investment in education”. And apparently, it pays off. But the other numbers are not so positive – the country spends only 4.9 of GDP, or a little more than $5,000 per student. In addition, the report warns that Russia may easily lose its first spot, because of the widespread corruption in the education system.
