Education Rankings by Country 2020

There are many countries in the world, but which country has the best education system? What country follows a successful education system? In this article I will look at the best education system in the world. The countries with the most successful education system and what you can learn from it. Then I will look at international test scores and where they come from.

The education system in one country differs with another. A country is ranked according to its education system. The world’s best education system is that of Finland, followed by South Korea and Japan. The USA lags behind in comparison to this.” This article gives you the details of the various educational rankings available for countries across the globe.

I think it is worthwhile for students to take the time to read the article carefully as it will give them a better understanding of the education rankings by country 2020.

Additionally, you will also find updated posts on, higher education rankings by country,quality of education by country,u s education ranking 2020,u s education compared to other countries 2019,top 50 most educated countries,which country has the best education system,best educated countries 2019,india education ranking on Collegelearners.

Education Rankings By Country 2020

Which country has the best education system in the world? Not all of us are privileged enough to be born in countries with the best education systems. Some countries may not allow an individual to realize one’s potential in his/her field of study. Some students have impressed in their local education system and want to reach for the sky.

Pursuing education abroad can help students achieve all of these. Living by themselves away from kin makes students more responsible. They also get better with money. Living in a different culture can also offer students a different perspective of living. All in all, it makes students better people.

“Education,” as Nelson Mandela said, “is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Which country has the best education system in the world?

These rankings were based on three equally weighted countries that attribute a well-developed public education system, top-quality education, and whether respondents would consider attending university in that nation. A mix of federally run and decentralized education systems rank highest. Countries With the Best Education System ranking is an annual perception-based global survey of university students, industrialists, academic educational professionals, school teachers, assistant professors, associate professors, adjunct professors, university professors, visiting professors, global business executives, and education policy experts. The survey was conducted from January to April 2020, gathering over 196,300 replies.

Based on this list, the United Kingdom comes out on top as having the most well-developed education system in the world for 2020. In second place is the United States, followed by Australia, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

The 2020 rankings of the world’s best countries for the education system placed France in sixth ahead of Denmark into seventh; while Canada ranked eighth, Germany ninth, and Switzerland tenth. Overall, among the top 15 best countries for the education system in the world for 2020, 1th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th positions are held by Japan, Israel, Finland, Taiwan, and Singapore.

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Rank	Country	Quality Index	Opportunity Index
1	United Kingdom	78.2	69.79
2	United States	72	68.74
3	Australia	70.5	67.52
4	Netherlands	70.3	67.21
5	Sweden	70.1	66.96
6	France	69.9	66.3
7	Denmark	69.8	62.54
8	Canada	69.8	61.01
9	Germany	69.5	60.64
10	Switzerland	68.3	60.12
11	Japan	68.2	59.46
12	Israel	66.9	57
13	Finland	66.8	56.68
14	Taiwan	66.6	55.27
15	Singapore	66	55.22
16	Slovenia	65.8	54.38
17	South Korea	65.2	53.5
18	Norway	65	53.41
19	Belgium	64.2	53.02
20	United Arab Emirates	64	52.94
21	Luxembourg	63.9	52.6
22	New Zealand	63.4	51.77
23	Ireland	62.6	50.91
24	Hungary	62.4	50.62
25	Iceland	62.2	50.49
26	Greece	62.1	50.06
27	Czech Republic	62.1	50.01
28	Liechtenstein	61.3	49.84
29	Cyprus	60.7	49.66
30	Poland	60.4	48.68
31	Estonia	60	48.48
32	Latvia	60	48.33
33	India	59.1	48.21
34	Portugal	59.1	47.77
35	Croatia	59	47.6
36	Russia	58.7	47.08
37	Lithuania	58.4	46.88
38	Saudi Arabia	58.4	46.45
39	Georgia	57.9	46.41
40	Austria	57.3	46.25
41	Slovakia	57	46.25
42	Hong Kong	56.9	46.22
43	Italy	56.9	46.13
44	Kuwait	56.7	45.96
45	Spain	56.1	45.71
46	Brazil	56	45.52
47	Romania	55.8	45.19
48	Uruguay	55.5	45.16
49	Bulgaria	55.4	45.1
50	Serbia	55.2	45.09
51	Bahrain	54.1	44.73
52	Thailand	53.8	44.62
53	Turkey	53.4	44.6
54	Chile	52.7	44.48
55	Kyrgyzstan	52.6	44.36
56	Mexico	52.1	44.34
57	Seychelles	52	44.06
58	Trinidad And Tobago	51.6	43.94
59	Tunisia	51.4	43.93
60	Malta	51.3	43.71
61	Argentina	51.2	43.71
62	Kazakhstan	51	43.65
63	Malaysia	51	43.58
64	Oman	50.6	43.56
65	China	50.3	43.51
66	Puerto Rico	49.1	43.43
67	Qatar	47.3	43.17
68	Albania	47.3	43.02
69	Azerbaijan	47	42.99
70	Indonesia	46.4	42.97
71	South Africa	45.2	42.97
72	Zambia	44.7	42.76
73	Montenegro	43.4	42.66
74	Bahamas	42	42.39
75	Mauritius	41.9	42.36
76	Brunei	39.4	42.15
77	Sri Lanka	39.3	41.96
78	Dominican Republic	39.2	41.85
79	Barbados	36.5	41.58
80	Grenada	36	41.32
81	Costa Rica	35.8	41.15
82	Lebanon	35.3	40.95
83	Pakistan, Islamic Republic	34.7	40.82
84	Colombia	33.8	40.77
85	Gabon	32.8	40.64
86	Turkmenistan	31.9	40.63
87	Maldives	28.5	40.62
88	Jordan	28.2	40.44
89	Libya	27.9	40.3
90	Central African Republic	27.6	40.28
91	Liberia	27.3	40.28
92	Myanmar (Burma)	27.2	40.22
93	Botswana	27	40.16

best education system in the world

Fifty years from now, the whole world will be governed by the youth of their countries. Their knowledge and thoughts will decide the future path of the world. All these decisions will depend on what they have learned now, what they have experienced and what education system they have attended.

In this article, we’ll find out which countries have the best education systems. We will analyze the education system of different countries based on various factors like the rankings given by the reputed ranking institutions like QS Ranking and Times Higher Education, which are established in overseas education. We will also assess their higher education system on factors like research opportunities offered by their institutions and the number of Noble Prize Winners given by any country. Apart from this, we will also consider how much money is allocated for the education of the country. Here, we will analyse the share of country’s GDP spend on the education.

1. United States

The QS World University Rankings comprises of the 150 universities of the top international study destination, US. More than 1.18 million international students were studying in the US in 2017. 77% of these have come from Asia. As per the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report, the most popular courses are Business and Management, Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. Apart from this, the most popular study destinations for students are New York, Texas, and California.

The main highlight of the US universities is their focus towards research oriented learning. Researchers are always at the forefront and are always look out to develop something new. Innovation and creativity always remain at the core of their educational philosophy. In the US, regular testing/homework and classroom participation is mandatory for getting a good result. Students are encouraged to discuss the issues and focus on providing ideas.

The number of Nobel laureates associated with the University of Chicago validates the university’s focus towards producing ideas that make an impact in the world. Till date, 97 Noble Laureates are associated only with the University of Chicago and 90 of them are listed as ‘UChicago’s Nobel Laureates’. The researchers, faculty members, students and other graduates of the university were awarded Nobel Prize and Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. Apart from this, currently there are 13 US cities which are listed in the ‘QS Best Student Cities’ index. Each comprises of established universities and distinct culture and lifestyles. According to the The QS Employer Survey, out of the world’s top 50 universities, 13 universities for graduate employability are from the US. In 2015, the US spent approximately $12,800 per student on elementary and secondary education which is 35% more than the country average of OECD countries.

2. United Kingdom

The UK is the world’s second-leading study destination hosting more than 442,000 international students. Currently, 4 UK’s institutions are ranked amongst the top 10 global institutions. Also, 76 UK universities also feature in the ‘QS World University Rankings 2019’. This signifies the global reputation and popularity of the UK universities.

Even after its referendum on EU membership (2016), it has not lost the appeal among the international students. Because of the popularity of the UK universities led the country being ranked second in the ‘QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2018’. Moreover, 18 UK universities feature in the top 100, and another 11 make it to the top global 200. Even after experieincing its worst ever decline in QS rankings since 2016, UK has not lost its charm as a top study abroad destination amongst the students globally. For the year ending March 2019, the UK has spent 4.2% of its GDP on education.

More than 30 prominent world leaders, 26 Nobel Prize winners, 120 Olympic medalists and 26 British Prime Ministers were educated at the University of Oxford. Noted Indian leaders like Indira Gandhi studied at the Oxford and Mahatma Gandhi was amongst the most famous alumni of the University College London. Also, B.R. Ambedkar, the main architect of the Indian constitution worked on his doctoral thesis at the LSE.

As 10 UK universities feature in the ‘The Global University Employability Ranking 2017’, it is proved that UK universities produce the most employable graduates worldwide.

3. Canada

It is known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. Moreover, 26 Canadian universities appeared in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2018 and the QS World University Rankings 2019 out of which 3 are included in the global top 50. Additionally, 11 more universities are included in the world’ top 300. The most popular study destinations for international students are Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec.

There are different types of education providers in Canada:

• Universities: They focuses on research and provide both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
• Community colleges and technical, applied arts or applied science schools: They offer diplomas, certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and associate’s degrees.

The easy application process, affordable study options, and great post-study opportunities make it the preferred destination for international students. It is preferred by those who are looking for alternatives after strict US immigration laws. According to an International Student Survey conducted by the Canadian Bureau for International Education, 95 percent of students recommend Canada as a study destination and 90 percent of students were satisfied with their studies. In 2014, Canada spent 6.0% of its GDP on education, higher than the average of 5.2% in comparison to the OECD countries. 

Canadian universities are acknowledged for their impactful research work and producing some of the greatest academicians. The University of Toronto has produced 10 Nobel laureates and 5 Canadian Prime Ministers. Additionally, 7 Noble Prize winners and 65 Olympic medalists are associated with the University of British Columbia (UBC).

4. Germany

It is considered the top study destination for non-English speakers of the world. Also, it is considered as the third most popular study destination after the US and the UK. Almost every major city of Germany is home to at least one world-class university. 13 German universities make to the world’s top 250 and 30 in the top 500. This itself is enough to place Germany amongst the world’s best education providers.

Low tuition fees, excellent post-graduate job opportunities, different scholarships schemes and high-quality life are some of the factors which makes it a favorite amongst the higher education aspirants. Also, home to some of the world’s oldest universities, Germany is considered as the hub of innovation and world-class discoveries. On an average, Germany spends 5% of its GDP on education.

LMU Munich established in 1472 has produced 34 Nobel laureates and renowned scientists. Further, 13 Nobel Prizes have been awarded in areas of Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine to the academics related to the Technical University of Munich. In addition to this, the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg University offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across 100 different subjects. The student body of the university represents 130 countries of the world. Apart from producing 56 Nobel laureates, the university has produced influential philosophers, politicians, and scientists.   

One more in the list includes the Humboldt University of Berlin which has given most influential figures to the country like Albert Einstein and Walter Benjamin. The university has also produced an impressive 40 Noble prize winners, a majority in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine. The university library comprises of 6.5 million books and thousands of magazines and journals. Apart from this, RWTH Aachen University has also produced 5 Nobel laureates who were awarded for their extensive work in Physics or Chemistry.

5. Australia

Home to just 24 million people, it is one of the most popular study destinations for international students. Australia’s excellent higher education system was ranked third in the ‘QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2018’. Australia’s Group of Eight (like the US Ivy League) features into the global top 100 and 37 universities appear in the top universities rankings globally. Apart from this, the highest number of institutions of Australia appear in the ‘QS Top 50 Under 50’, which includes world’s leading young universities. Also, top 35 Australian universities feature in the ‘Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2018’. On an average, Australia spends more than 5% of its GDP on the education.

After the UK and the US, Australia is home to the third-highest number of international students. Further, six Nobel Prize winners were among the faculty and alumni of the Australian National University.  Currently, it is run by a Nobel laureate, Brian Schmidt, who won the prestigious prize in 2011 in Physics. Top 5 Australian universities have produced Nobel laureates, scholars and famous world leaders whose work has impacted the world. 5 Australian Prime Ministers attended the oldest university in Australia (since 1851), The University of Sydney. The Booker Prize-winning novelist Peter Carey attended the research powerhouse, Monash University. The University has research and training centers in different parts of the world. Noted Royal Society’s fellows David Boger, David Solomon and Nobel prizewinner Peter Doherty (Physiology and Medicine) used to teach or research at the University of Melbourne. 

what country has the most successful education system?

Education is of paramount importance to an individual as well as society. No matter which region or country we are living in, we must preserve our education system so that it helps us in preserving our knowledge.

Education System

Education helps an individual to grab a basic understanding of civilization and their role as a civilian.

But as the geographical region differ, the education system in different countries differs.

Therefore, in this article, we will get a brief glimpse of 20 such different education systems of the present world and their ranking through a yearly poll.

Note: The list is prepared by considering some factors like developed education system for the public, quality of basic and higher education and rate of students attending university.

Below is a list of 20 education systems in the world.

Sl no	The country with Top Education Systems
1	Finland
2	Japan
3	South Korea
4	Denmark
5	Russia
6	Norway
7	United Kingdom
8	Israel
9	Sweden
10	Hongkong
11	Netherlands
12	Belgium
13	Germany
14	China
15	Singapore
16	Portugal
17	Hungary
18	Estonia
19	France
20	United States

The list of 20 Education Systems

1. Finland

The title is yet to be official; however, according to a survey made recently, Finland has the world’s best education system. The country has been in the limelight since the year 2000 and successfully made into the year 2018.

In fact, when five new parameters were added in the year 2017 for the categorization of best education systems worldwide, Finland managed to perform well and gave a strong competition to South Korea and Japan. The country ranked higher on indicators, like;

• Teachers to student ratio
• Number of passing students in primary schools
• Number of passing students in secondary schools

Power Ranking score: 114

Why does Finland rank as the Top Education System in the World?

• Finland offers free education to citizens with no dead ends.
• The country has been a top performer on every program for International Student Assessment Survey.
• Finland follows American education research and philosophers.(Ex: John Dewey), and are inspired by them

The education system of Finland is celebrated in great esteem and is considered as one of the best education systems in the world. For years, this country outperformed the United States in science, math, and reading.

What are the Major Principles outlaying Finland’s Education System?

There are a couple of facts behind this:

• They have shorter school days(190 days per year)
• There are certain core principles underlying the education system of Finland
• Students are free to choose their educative path

Let’s see how the Education System works in Finland

Finland’s early education system is laid around the concept of learning through play.  Until the age of 6, students aren’t required to attend schools.

They provide basic education when the child turns 7. For the next nine years, they follow a single structure education. They take special steps to revise and revamp their curriculum to meet the needs of each individual.

The Finnish National Agency for Education promotes self-evaluation for both teachers and schools to help them improve them.   Also, Finland does not incorporate national standardized testing but they do evaluations for testing learning outcomes.  One of the other striking features is the free meals.

The upper secondary education is split into two- General and Vocational.

In general education, students have all the freedom to choose their study schedules and in the end, they need to attend a matriculation exam. And these scores are counted for their college applications.

Vocational education is job focused whereas school learning and apprenticeships go hand in hand. Students achieve competence-based qualifications after this.

Higher secondary education is also completely free. Students need to pay only for their books, transportation, and other school supplies.

The colleges of Finland are divided into two- Universities and Universities of applied sciences.

The Universities in Finland, focus on applied sciences, whereas, the Universities of applied sciences stress on practical applications.

How is Finland able to provide universal and comprehensive education to all citizens?

The Finnish people value education and put their time to build a system that adheres to the best education research.

2. Japan

Like Finland, Japan has also maintained its second position for three years. Despite such tough competition by South Korea and other countries, it has been bragging the second position without fail. The main indicator contributing to its success has been – development of an understanding of students between the age of 5 to 14.

Power Ranking score: 104

3. South Korea

South Korea has been a three-time winner of poll (World’s 20 education systems), and it has successfully earned the third position every time. It has given a strong competition to Japan for the second position.

After Japan, only South Korea has worked well in the sector of bringing immense development in students in the age of 5 to 14 years. As per surveyors, the country would have been a strong contender for the 2^nd position, but a few indicators made it lose.

A few indicators which denied South Korea second position in the poll are-

• Fall in test scores of high school students (calculated annually)
• Fall in test scores of graduation students (calculated annually)

Power Ranking score: 101

4. Denmark

Denmark has never been a celebrated country for its ranking in the poll yet it has been known for its developed education system among elites.

Earlier, Denmark was on position 8, but due to passing the five newly included indicators, it has taken a giant leap from 8^th position to 4^th.

The indicator that helped Denmark to jump on the 4^th position is – increased teacher-to-student ration for secondary and primary schools.

Power Ranking score: 94

5. Russia

No matter Russia has gained the 5^th position, yet it should be applauded for being in the top 5 countries with the world’s best education system. Russia’s education system is known for preparing students’ workspace ready. It also has a good teacher-to-student ratio.

If we talk in numbers, then Russia has a ratio of 1 teacher to 9 students approximately.

Power Ranking score: 91

6. Norway

Norway was in the 16^th position in the earlier quarter. However, with certain changes in its education system, it has jumped ten positions and successfully landed in the 6^th position. If we talk about its teacher-to-student ratio than it is ‘1 teacher to 10 students approximately.’

It has competed well with Russia and Japan in terms of teacher-to-student ratio.

Power Ranking score: 82

7. The United Kingdom

Although this country would have been a great competitor to all the five-pointers in the list, yet current clashes between government and teachers have made it fall back on the 7^th position.

The United Kingdom could get better if the government prudently handles the current situations like giving better wages to teachers, enhanced classroom support to students, and rendering each class with modern educational facilities.

Power Ranking score: 78

8. Israel

No matter Israel is kept on 8^th position in terms of the education system, it ranks second in terms of the better upbringing of kids and a developed childhood. If we compare the development with yesteryears, people can gather immense changes and betterment.

The enrolment rate in primary schools and graduation has increased a lot, but still, it could not help Israel to grab a position in top 5 until the next year.

Power Ranking score: 77

9. Sweden

Like its other Nordic mates, Finland, Norway, and Denmark, Sweden has really performed well to keep the pace.

Its progress in the field of education has been impressive from 2015 to 2018. In terms of increased enrolment of students age between 15 to 18, it has ranked third among the countries.

However, it still has to work hard to improve its world’s top-ranking to get in the first five.

Power Ranking score: 75

10. Hong Kong

If we take account of the last year’s poll of the world’s top 20, then Hong Kong was in 14^th position. It has really worked hard on prime indicators and managed to reach the top 10.

The indicator that helped Hong Kong lift its position is – higher enrolment rate of primary age students.

If it works out on enrolment of all age students and their passing test scores then, it could even raise its position and get counted among the top 5.

Power Ranking score: 70

11. Netherland

Unfortunately, Netherland has lost one spot and dropped from 10^th position to 11^th. The reason behind its negative acceleration is decreased international test scores in subjects like science, Maths, and reading.

If the country works on this indicator along with others, then it could possibly regain its former position.

Power Ranking score: 67

12. Belgium

With the most complex education system, including three different communities like Flemish, German and French, Belgium shines on 11^th position.

During annual surveys, it secured a 4^th and 9^th position for teacher-to-student ratio and 5^th position for increased enrolment of students’ primary and secondary age in school.

To score a position in top 20s, Belgium has to work hard with two primary indicators,

1) students’ enrolment rates and, 2) teachers-to-students ratio.

Power Ranking score: 65

13. Germany

Germany is known for its social and economic justice worldwide. The country has worked hard to reach the top 10 but couldn’t due to a lack of improvement in a few indicators in the last two years.

Currently, the country is fighting to retain a position in the top 10 but it couldn’t until it brings desired changes in the education system.

Power Ranking score: 63

14. China

No doubt china’s employment rate is pretty high, but still, this factor could not make the country bag a secured position in the list of top 10 this year.

It was in position 9 in the year 2016, but it failed to repeat the same in 2017. Since then, China is improving its education system to get it a position among top 10 countrieṣ.

The only thing which could help China is improving the enrolment rates of students at early age.

Power Ranking score: 62

15. Singapore

Known as the world’s best test-taking country, Singapore had ranked highest in primary and secondary international tests in subjects like Maths, science, and reading in the year 2016.

Later, the score somewhere settled and made the country struggle to get the highest position back. They failed to achieve two indicators, enrolment of students of primary and secondary ages, and international test scores in maths, science and reading.

A good investment in the education sector could make this country shine again and grab a position among the top 10.

Power Ranking score: 57

16. Portugal

Portugal has always shown a pendulum movement between below average, average, and good.

In 2018, the country was predicted to secure a position in the top 20, but it failed. However, this year, the country not only entered the top-20 list, it even secured the 16^th position which is comparably good.

In terms of better enrolment rates of primary and secondary ages, it ranks 2^nd highest. If it works hard, it could make it into top 15 soon.

Power Ranking score: 54

17. Hungary

Last year, Hungary secured the 20^th position, but this year, it managed to jump three ranks up. If Hungary maintains its highest teachers-to-students ratio in secondary school, there are chances that it could finish in the top 15.

The only indicator, Hungary is unable to fulfill, is higher graduation rates.

Balancing higher graduation rates could slip Hungary to top 15.

Power Ranking score: 52

18. Estonia

Out of Northern Europe, Estonia is an 8^th country to grab a rank. In 2018, it failed to grab even a position in the top 20 whereas, this year, it managed to get the 18^th position.

If the country works a little on indicators like higher enrolment rates of primary and secondary school students and higher international test scores, it could grab a better position this year.

The only helping indicator in its growth is – a higher completion rate of primary school students.

Power Ranking score: 50

19. France

Having the highest enrolment rate of early childhood made France stay in the top 20 last year.

If it works hard and continues to invest wisely in the education system, it could retain its position successfully in top 20.

As the present government is taking extra care and investing in the educational system, it could secure a position in the top 10 by the year 2020.

Power Ranking score: 50

20. The United States

Because of the transition in the State’s government, it has to stay put at the 20^th position. In the last year, it had secured 7^th position but catastrophically failed to maintain it in this year.

The indicators are suggesting that the United States will either get its position back or jump a position backward.

Power Ranking score: 47