Top 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

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Follow this article to know the top 10 countries with the highest education level!

According to a 2017 UNESCO report, the number of students worldwide attending higher education institutions increased from 100 million in 2000 to 207 million in 2014.

A country’s education levels can be broken down into three tiers: below upper secondary, upper secondary, and tertiary. Secondary education covers two phases on the International Standard Classification of Education scale: lower secondary education (the final phase of basic education) and upper secondary education. Secondary education takes place after six years of primary education and is followed by higher education, vocational education, or employment. Secondary education is compulsory in most countries. Tertiary education, also known as post-secondary education, refers to any education pursued beyond the high school level, such as certificate programs, undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, etc.

Several surveys and studies have been conducted to find the most educated countries in the world. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, has made a list of the world’s most educated countries. This list is based on the number of adult residents ages 25 to 64 who have received a tertiary education: two-year or four-year degrees or have received an education through a vocational program.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World:

Number 10: Luxembourg

Photo: Luxembourg Times

The country is one of the smallest in the world, while also one of the wealthiest. In terms of education, 42.86 percent of its population is considered an educated adult, as outlined by the OECD’s standards.

Number 9: Norway

Photo: Family Traveller

Nearly all of Norway’s population lives in the South, surrounding its capital, Oslo. With roughly 5 million people living here, 43.02 percent of them are categorized as educated adults.

Number 8: Finland

Photo: Erasmusu.com

Functioning today as a parliamentary democracy, Finland is an international leader in providing education, while also ranking high for its performances in civil rights and press freedom. According to the OECD, 43.60 percent of its population has an adult education level.

Number 7: Australia

Photo: Study & Visa Australia

This country boasts a comparatively high life expectancy for both males and females, and its major cities routinely score well in global livability surveys. When it comes to education, 43.74 percent of its population is considered an educated adult.

Number 6: The United States

Photo: UCLA

According to the U.S. Census, roughly 33 percent of American adults possess a bachelor’s degree or more. Based on the OECD’s list, 45.67 percent of American adults are considered educated.

Number 5: The United Kingdom

Photo: BBC

The country has a long history of art and science contributions, including William Shakespeare being regarded as one of the greatest writers in the history of English literature. The U.K. is home to some of the top universities including Oxford and Cambridge. The OECD says that 45.96 percent of the population is categorized as an educated adult.

Number 4: Korea

Photo: The Conversation

Demand for higher education in South Korea, most notably, is very strong. In 2015, the government spent US$43.1 billion on education, which seems to pay off since 46.86 percent of its population is considered educated adults.

Number 3: Israel

Photo: The Times of Israel

The country’s economy is a technologically advanced one, with cut diamonds, high-tech equipment and pharmaceuticals among its major exports. The country is also highly developed in terms of education, with 49.90 percent of its population classified as educated adults, according to the OECD.

Number 2: Japan

Photo: Japan Study Support

This East Asian nation is made up of four main islands, blending its ancient traditions with aspects of contemporary Western life. Japan is one of the most literate nations in the world and half of the population (50.50 percent) are educated adults.

Number 1: Canada

Photo: Daily Hive

This country tops the list as the most educated in the world, with 56.27 percent of adults having earned some kind of higher education. “We need the education to enable people to learn, think and adapt,” says Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

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