Education is the foundation for any nation’s growth. The Highest Educated Countries in the world demonstrate that investing in higher education not only empowers citizens but also strengthens economies and societies. One way to measure this progress is through tertiary education attainment, which refers to the percentage of adults who have completed college, university, or a similar higher education program.
According to the most recent data from the OECD and UNESCO, here are the world’s 50 most educated countries, sorted by the proportion of their population having higher education.
Top 50 Most Educated Countries
1. South Korea – 69.6%
South Korea ranks number one, thanks to its highly competitive academic culture and strong focus on science and technology.
2. Canada – 66.4%
Canada is well-known for its accessible colleges and welcoming policies for international students, and it continues to create a skilled workforce.
3. Japan – 64.8%
Japan’s discipline-based education system consistently produces exceptional outcomes, particularly in technology and engineering.
4. Luxembourg – 63.1%
Luxembourg has made significant investments in higher education that meet worldwide standards, despite its modest size.
5. Ireland – 62.9%
Ireland has become a European centre for multinational corporations due to its rapid educational expansion, particularly in the areas of business and IT.
6. Russia – 62.1%
Russia’s excellent educational standards continue to reflect its historical prowess in science and engineering.
7. Israel – 61%
Israel, known for its creativity and research, continues to invest in higher education and technological fields.
8. United Kingdom – 57.5%
The United Kingdom, which is home to Oxford, Cambridge, and several world-class universities, continues to be a global higher education leader.
9. Lithuania – 57.5%
Lithuania has produced a well-educated, youthful population, particularly in engineering and applied sciences.
10. Netherlands – 55.6%
The Netherlands is known for its innovative teaching methods and English-language degree programs.
11. Norway – 55.0%
12. Australia – 54.3%
13. Switzerland – 52.3%
14. United States – 51.2%
15. Belgium – 50.9%
16. France – 50.3%
17. Sweden – 49.2%
18. Denmark – 49.0%
19. Spain – 48.7%
20. Slovenia – 48.0%
21. Portugal – 47.5%
22. Latvia – 45.5%
23. New Zealand – 45.3%
24. Greece – 44.2%
25. Estonia – 43.2%
26. Austria – 42.4%
27. Iceland – 41.9%
28. Poland – 40.6%
29. Chile – 40.5%
30. Finland – 40.1%
31. Turkey – 39.8%
32. Slovakia – 39.5%
33. Germany – 35.9%
34. Czech Republic – 35.0%
35. Hungary – 32.9%
36. Colombia – 30.5%
37. Costa Rica – 30.3%
38. Italy – 28.3%
39. Mexico – 27.1%
40. Brazil – 23.0%
41. India – 20.5%
42. Argentina – 19.0%
43. Indonesia – 18.7%
44. South Africa – 14.9%
45. Saudi Arabia – ~14%
46. Malaysia – ~13%
47. Philippines – ~12%
48. Thailand – ~11%
49. Egypt – ~10%
50. Nigeria – ~9%
Why This Matters
- Countries with higher education levels attract more international corporations and provide better employment prospects.
- A well-educated population promotes creativity, research, and technological advancement.
- Emerging nations, such as India, Brazil, and Indonesia, are rapidly catching up; consequently, the global education landscape is undergoing continuous shifts.
Conclusion
The ranking of the 50 most educated countries demonstrates how investing in education can transform nations. Countries such as South Korea, Canada, and Japan set the standard, but developing countries are progressively gaining the rankings.
For students, this list serves as a reminder that education is more than simply a personal achievement; it is also the driving force behind a country’s future.
