Best Education System In The World: Top Countries and Ranking 2024

Top 10 Best Education Systems in the World

The education system shapes both individuals and society as a whole. Every educational system has unique benefits and disadvantages. It reflects the countries' and communities' social, economic, and cultural realities. 

According to a recent education rating by U.S. News, which polled 17,000 people worldwide, the following are some of the best countries for education. These countries were ranked according to the quality of their public education systems, the likelihood of people attending universities there, and the presence of top-tier colleges.

Ranked Countries	Education Rank (USN 2021)	Education Index
United States	1	0.903
United Kingdom	2	0.914
Germany	3	0.940
Canada	4	0.899
France	5	0.840
Japan	6	0.848
Switzerland	7	0.897
Australia	8	0.929
Sweden	9	0.904
Denmark	10	0.920

Let us now look at the top 10 best education system countries in the world.

1. United States of America (USA)

The United States has the best education system in the world. The US education system is highly regarded, with 34 US universities ranking within the top 150 according to QS World ranking 2024. In 2022, 948,000 international students studied in the US, with 77% coming from Asia. 

• Popular courses: Business and Management, Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. 

• Popular study destinations: New York, Texas, and California. 

US universities prioritize research-oriented learning, with researchers at the forefront and innovation at the core. Regular testing, homework, and classroom participation are mandatory for good results. Students are encouraged to discuss issues and provide ideas. 

The University of Chicago has 99 Nobel Laureates, with 90 listed as 'UChicago's Nobel Laureates'. The university has also been awarded the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. 

17 US cities are listed in the 'QS Best Student Cities 2024' index, each with distinct cultures and lifestyles, and 90 US universities have made it to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022. In 2018, the US spent approximately $14,400 per student on elementary and secondary education, 35% higher than the country average of OECD countries.

2. United Kingdom (UK)

The United Kingdom is known for its outstanding education system in the world, attracting many international students annually. Last year, more than 679,970 international students enrolled in UK universities, underscoring the nation’s reputation for academic brilliance. Additionally, international students in the UK experience a high standard of living.  The UK's education system has a strong academic record and international rankings, making it the world's second-leading study destination for over 442,000 international students. Four UK institutions are among the top 10 global institutions, and 90 UK universities are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Despite QS rankings since 2016 declining, the UK's appeal as a top study-abroad destination remains strong. For the year ending 2020, the UK spent 5.53% of its GDP on education. 

The University of Oxford has educated over 30 world leaders, Nobel Prize winners, Olympic medallists, and British Prime Ministers. Notable alumni include Indira Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, and B.R. Ambedkar. As 54 UK universities are ranked in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, it is evident that UK universities produce the most employable graduates globally.

3. Germany

Germany is known for its best education system in the world. It is a top study destination for non-English speakers and the third most popular destination after the US and UK. With 16 German universities ranking in the top 250 and 30 in the top 500, Germany is considered one of the world's best education providers. Low tuition fees, excellent post-graduate job opportunities, various scholarship schemes, and a high-quality life make it a popular choice for higher education aspirants. Germany is home to some of the world's oldest universities, making it a hub of innovation and discoveries. On average, Germany spends 5% of its GDP on education.

LMU Munich, established in 1472, has produced 34 Nobel laureates and renowned scientists, with 13 Nobel Prizes awarded in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine. Heidelberg University, the oldest university in Germany, offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across 100 subjects and has produced influential philosophers, politicians, and scientists. Humboldt University of Berlin, home to Albert Einstein and Walter Benjamin, has 40 Nobel prize winners, majorly in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine. The university library contains 6.5 million books and thousands of magazines and journals.

4. Canada

Canada is known for its world-class education system, providing international students with a high quality of life.  Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. With 30 Canadian universities in the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2023 and 31 in the QS World University Rankings 2024, 3 are in the global top 50, and 9 more in the world's top 300. 

Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec are the most popular study destinations. Canada offers various education providers, including universities, community colleges, and technical applied arts or science schools. The easy application process, affordable study options, and great post-study opportunities make it a preferred destination. Canada spends nearly 5.9% of its GDP on education, higher than the average of OECD countries. 

Canadian universities are known for their impactful research work and for producing some of the greatest academicians. The University of Toronto has produced 10 Nobel laureates and 5 Canadian Prime Ministers, while the University of British Columbia has 7 Nobel Prize winners and 65 Olympic medalists.

5. France

France is one of the top countries for education due to its high-quality education system, excellent standard of living, and rich cultural heritage. With 68.13% employability and over 412,000 students enrolled last year, France offers diverse courses across various fields. The country's healthcare system, social services, and affordable living costs provide international students with a high quality of life. The French government offers scholarships and financial aid programs to cover tuition and living expenses. The education system focuses on critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, with a well-rounded education focusing on academic and practical skills. Many universities offer research-based courses and programs.

6. Japan

Japan has a top education system with a high rate of 60.9%, demonstrating the quality of education provided by Japanese universities. The country hosted 232,200 international students last year, reflecting efforts to attract more students and promote its education system globally. Japan offers a unique quality of life, rich culture and history, safety, cleanliness, and excellent public transportation for international students. The country follows a primary, secondary, and tertiary education system, with primary education mandatory for children aged 6-12 and secondary education until age 15. Students can then pursue higher education at universities or vocational schools. Japan's large student population shows Japan’s commitment to attracting and promoting its education system.

7. Switzerland

Switzerland is a popular destination for international students due to its high quality of life, safety, and excellent healthcare system. Universities offer support services like visa assistance, accommodation, and language classes. The employability rate in Switzerland is 63.9%, indicating effective workforce preparation. Switzerland has 74,440 international students enrolled in its universities. The education system is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary education, with tertiary education divided into universities and universities of applied sciences. Swiss universities are known for academic excellence, research, and innovation, offering various courses in various fields.

8. Australia

Australia, home to 26 million people, is a popular study destination for international students due to its excellent higher education system, ranking third in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2018. The country's Group of Eight is in the global top 100, and 38 universities are in the top university rankings. Australia also has the highest number of institutions in the QS Top 50 under 50, including the world's leading young universities. 

On average, Australia spends over 5% of its GDP on education. Australia is home to the third-highest number of international students after the UK and the US. The Australian National University, run by Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt, has produced Nobel laureates, scholars, and famous world leaders. The top 5 Australian universities have produced Nobel laureates, scholars, and world leaders. The University of Sydney, the oldest university in Australia, has five Australian Prime Ministers. Monash University, a research powerhouse, has research and training centers worldwide.

9. Sweden

Sweden is renowned for its excellent education system, progressive approach, and free education for citizens and international students. With over 41,967 international students in 2023, Sweden offers a well-structured education system in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, and humanities. The country also emphasizes research, with many universities actively involved in cutting-edge projects. In addition to quality education, Sweden provides a high standard of living with a solid social welfare system, including free healthcare and subsidized housing. This makes the experience for international students comfortable and enjoyable. 

The employability rate in Sweden 2021-2022 was 69%, thanks to the diversity and inclusiveness of the job market, which offers opportunities for international students to build careers in various sectors. Sweden is a desirable study-abroad destination for those seeking quality higher education without breaking the bank.

10. Denmark

Denmark, a Northern European country, is renowned for its high quality of life, friendly atmosphere, and world-class universities. It is a popular destination for international students due to its low tuition fees, vibrant student culture, strong welfare system, high healthcare standards, and excellent public transportation. With over 48,000 international students studying, Denmark offers cultural exchange and social activities. The country's education system emphasizes critical thinking and creativity, with a student-centered approach focusing on independent learning and collaborative projects. 

Apart from these, the Korean and Israeli education systems are regarded as the best in the world in science and technology. South Korea is also considered to have one of the most difficult educational systems in the world. Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Finland have the world's most difficult educational systems.

Suggested: 10 of the Oldest Universities in the World

Can I Study Abroad for Free?

To minimize the cost of studying abroad, consider these countries where education is free: Germany, Norway, and some public universities in Germany. Germany and Norway offer tuition-free education with nominal semester charges ranging from €50 to €250 (INR 4510 to INR 22,530) and NOK 300 to NOK 600 (INR 2290 to INR 4580) respectively. However, from 2023, Norwegian universities will charge tuition fees to international students. Scholarships can help reduce the cost of studying abroad, covering tuition fees, living costs, and both. Full or partial scholarships can be obtained, but securing them is challenging and competitive. Other options include assistantships, part-time work, and paid internships. However, earning a scholarship is difficult and requires tough competition. 

Conclusion

The best education system in the world is subjective and depends on individual choices and needs. However, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada have consistently been regarded as having the best education systems in the world. These countries have made significant investments in their education systems, providing international students with a high standard of living, a friendly environment, and a quality education. International students can look into different courses and colleges in these nations to choose the program that best fits their interests and career goals.

If you’re overwhelmed with all the information and need help in your application process, Yocket is there for you! We will assist you from searching and shortlisting the university to the application process and applying for visas. With their end-to-end assistance, you will be on your way to pursue your academic goals! Schedule A FREE Video Consultation Call Today!