The ten most educated countries in the world with high literacy rates. The best countries for education Ranking of countries by school education

The Education Index is a combined indicator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), calculated as an index of adult literacy and an index of the total share of students receiving education.

The index measures a country's achievements in terms of the achieved level of education of its population using two main indicators:

Adult literacy index (2/3 weight).

Index of the total share of students receiving primary, secondary and higher education (1/3 weight).

These two measures of educational attainment are combined into a final Index, which is standardized as numerical values from 0 (minimum) to 1 (maximum). It is generally accepted that developed countries must have a minimum score of 0.8, although the vast majority have a score of 0.9 or higher. When determining their place in the world rankings, all countries are ranked based on the Education Level Index (see table below by country), and the first place in the ranking corresponds to the highest value of this indicator, and the last place corresponds to the lowest.

Literacy data comes from official results national population censuses and compared with indicators calculated by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. For developed countries that no longer include a literacy question in census questionnaires, the literacy rate is assumed to be 99%. Data on the number of citizens enrolled in educational institutions is aggregated by the Institute of Statistics based on information provided by relevant government agencies around the world.

This indicator, although quite universal, has a number of limitations. In particular, it does not reflect the quality of education itself. It also does not fully show the difference in access to education due to differences in age requirements and duration of education. Indicators such as average years of schooling or expected years of schooling would be more representative, but relevant data are not available for most countries. In addition, the indicator does not take into account students studying abroad, which may skew the data for some small countries.

The index is updated every two to three years, and reports with UN data are usually delayed by two years, as they require international comparison after the data are published by national statistical offices.

The ranking of the best universities in the world (THE World University Rankings) is a global study and accompanying ranking of the best higher education institutions of global importance. Calculated using the methods of the British publication Times Higher Education (THE) with the participation of the Thomson Reuters information group. It is considered one of the most influential global university rankings. The rating was developed in 2010 by Times Higher Education together with Thomson Reuters as part of global project Global Institutional Profiles Project and replaced the popular World University Rankings, which was published since 2004 by Times Higher Education in collaboration with Quacquarelli Symonds. In turn, Quacquarelli Symonds has been publishing a ranking of the best universities in the world since 2010 called QS World University Rankings, which is also considered one of the leading in this field.

The level of achievement of universities is assessed based on the results of a combination of statistical analysis of their activities, audited data, as well as the results of an annual global expert survey of representatives of the international academic community and employers who express their opinions about universities. The surveys cover tens of thousands of scientists from most countries around the world. The criteria for selecting experts for the survey are scientometric analysis of productivity and citations, as well as teaching and scientific activity in higher educational institutions more than 16 years, at least 50 published scientific works and other criteria. During the surveys, experts select from six thousand institutions only the best, in their opinion, higher education institutions, as well as the strongest universities for continuing education at the master's and doctoral levels. Data from the global survey form the basis of the sub-rating of the scientific reputation of universities around the world (THE World Reputation Rankings), which is published as a separate publication within the project.

The analysis of the activities of higher educational institutions consists of 13 indicators. The main evaluation criteria are international student and teaching mobility, the number of international scholarship programs, the level scientific research, contribution to innovation, citation scientific articles, level of educational services and so on. All ratings are normalized to the maximum and given a 100-point scale. Below are the quantitative and qualitative indicators by which the activities of universities are assessed.

1California Institute of TechnologyCalifornia Institute of TechnologyUSA2Harvard UniversityHarvard UniversityUSA3Oxford UniversityUniversity of OxfordUnited Kingdom4Stanford UniversityStanford UniversityUSA5Cambridge UniversityUniversity of CambridgeUnited Kingdom6Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUSA7Princeton UniversityPrinceton UniversityUSA8University of California at BerkeleyUniversity of California, BerkeleyUSA9Imperial College LondonImperial College LondonGreat Britain9Yale UniversityYale UniversityUSA11University of ChicagoUniversity of ChicagoUSA12University of California at Los AngelesUniversity of California, Los AngelesUSA13Swiss Federal Technological Institute at ZuricheSwiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürichwitzeria14 Columbia University University15 UNIVERTET Jones Hopkinsjohns Hopkins University16Pensilvani Y of Pennsylvaniasha17 MIMICHIAN University University of Michigansha18 Nyvercet Ducaduke University University University University Torontouniversta

Indicators of the level of education of the population in countries of the world: analysis of international statistics.

The interest of the world academic community in the problems and prospects for the development of education continues to grow so rapidly that difficulties arise in processing, generalizing and analyzing the growing flow of information. Taking this into account, in order to determine global trends in the development of higher education, it is advisable to classify educational systems according to a number of characteristics that reflect the most significant aspects of the system. When considering such system-forming factors, it is important to determine the range of issues associated with them, highlight extreme and intermediate positions, and correlate the vectors of their development with the socio-economic level different countries.

Data from international educational statistics provide an opportunity to see the real picture of the state of education in most countries of the world. A comparative analysis of the education systems of different countries based on these data allows us to assess the positive and negative aspects of the development of national educational systems and determine global trends in the development of education.

The most extensive database on higher education in the world - WHED (World Higher Education Database) - was created by the World Association of Universities IAU (International Association of Universities)4. It contains information on 180 countries with established education systems. However, this information is mainly descriptive in nature, therefore, in a comparative statistical analysis of the educational systems of different countries, it can only be used as an additional source of information. The analysis should be based on educational statistics grouped according to systemically important international indicators. Recognized sources of such information are:

annual global education reports of the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (Global Education Digest);

materials from the Organization for Economic Commonwealth and Development (annual reports on education for OECD countries and partners: Education at a Glance - OECD Indicators);

World Bank reports.

To compare educational statistics data from different countries, the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) approved by the UNESCO General Conference in November 1997 is used. The ISCED-1997 scheme offers a methodology for translating national curricula into an internationally comparable set of categories for defining educational levels.

Main criteria for selecting leading countries:

To consider various aspects of the development of higher education systems, it is important to identify a group of countries that are most advanced in this area. When choosing leading countries in the field of education, we based on three main criteria:

Level of population coverage with higher education.

Education index characterizing the educational potential of the country's population.

The number of students in higher education institutions, characterizing the scale of development of higher education in the country.

It seems appropriate to assess the level of population coverage with higher education taking into account two indicators:

share of people with higher education in the adult population (25-64 years old),

the share of higher education students in the country's population.

The first of these indicators is relatively static (characterizes the results of the long-term functioning of the educational system), the second allows us to assess the dynamics of the development of the educational system and the prospects for changes in the level of education of the population. It should be emphasized that here and in what follows we are talking about higher education according to the Russian classification.

The education index is an integral part of the general indicator - the human development index (HDI), the calculation methodology of which was developed by UN specialists. The Education Index measures a country's relative achievements in both increasing adult literacy and increasing the overall enrollment rate in a country's primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. A two-thirds weight is given to the adult literacy index and a one-third weight to the total enrollment index.

If we take the ranking of education around the world, Russia does not rank first in it, but ends up in 20-40 positions. What is it - the incompetence of domestic teachers or the biased attitude of Western rating agencies in assessing the level of Russian education? The portal’s specialists looked into this issue.

Why are they compiled?

The compilers and customers of ratings pursue business goals. They need to sell the services of higher educational institutions and increase traffic to their own web resources. In addition, high positions in published indicators are the prestige of not only the universities themselves, but also the countries in which they are located, which allows them to attract both human capital and investment.

Following this, the share of educational services in the export line of such a country increases. This is an important factor; the better the export of services in a country, the stronger the economy. For example, in the USA, services account for 78% of GDP, industry - 21%, and only 1% - Agriculture. That is, out of $18.5 trillion in GDP, $14.5 trillion comes from services. Great Britain's GDP is fifth in the world ranking. The country has captured 10% of the global services market, which makes it economically strong and sustainable. Leading positions in the global services market are the key to powerful economic growth.

Some data

Part of this market is education. Every year, over 4 million students study abroad.

They choose universities based on rankings, in which the USA and European countries occupy the first places. Therefore, the United States accounts for about 20% of all foreign students – that’s about 800 thousand people. For the UK – a little more than 11% or about 450 thousand people.

Russian universities manage to attract 5% of foreign students, behind Australia (7.5-8%), France (7.5-8%) and Germany (6-7%). Here, domestic universities are ahead of China (less than 2%), South Korea (about 1.5%), Malaysia and Singapore (each attracting 1.2%).

Of the total number of students, a third come from the following countries:

1. China – just over 15%;
2. India – about 6%;
3. South Korea – 3.5-3.7%;
4. Germany – 2.6-2.8%.

Based on the distribution of the total number of students, the following areas are in greatest demand among students:

1. Business – 22-23%;
2. Engineering – 14-15%;
3. Humanities – 14-15%;
4. Law, sociology – 12-13%.

The struggle of universities for first places in world rankings is a method of increasing the country’s economic growth.

What are the ratings?

There are different indicators based on different evaluation systems. Some of them are presented in the table below:

TOP-5 according to different assessment systems

		TOP 5	Place of Russia
	The level of education	Australia, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Germany
	The best universities in the world according to TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION	Oxford, Cambridge, California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology	194 (Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov)
	Efficiency national systems education	USA, Switzerland, Denmark, UK, Sweden
	International study of the quality of reading and text comprehension (based on the results of 4th grade students)	Hong Kong, Russia, Finland, Singapore, Northern Ireland
	International study of the quality of mathematics education (based on the results of 11th grade students)	Russia (in-depth study), Lebanon, USA, Russia, Portugal,
	International study of the quality of science education (based on the results of 11th grade students)	Slovenia, Russia, Norway, Portugal, Sweden

If Russian schools adequately cope with the functions assigned to them, questions arise for the higher education system. Why, while receiving well-prepared students, do domestic universities not compete with American, English, and German universities?

The problem lies in the assessment approaches and directions that are taken as a basis, namely:

1. Education;
2. The science;
3. Internationalization;
4. Commercialization.

Domestic experts explain the unfavorable data on Russia in foreign rating agencies by an imperfect assessment system. The objects of study - universities - are presented to them as research institutions.

A simple example. One of the evaluation parameters is the ratio of the number of teaching staff and students of the institution. There are 8 students per Russian teacher. In foreign universities this ratio is 2.5 times higher – 1 to 17. different approaches, the domestic way puts first place work in classrooms, in the West the advantage is given to independent learning.

By the way, Due to this indicator, Russia managed to rise in the ranking, but it is planned to change the ratio, after which there will be 12 students per one domestic teacher. This will lower the country in the lists and worsen the attractiveness of studying in Russian universities for foreigners.

Universities are forced to change under the pressure of the demands dictated by new times. Their activities must be taken into account from the standpoint of introduced innovations, the introduction of innovations into the economy, as well as their role in the development of the country's regions. Expanding the areas of assessment will help avoid contradictions and compile an objective rating.

The Netherlands is a wonderful country with many outstanding attractions, high level life, human rights and medicine. It's no surprise that she's on the list of the top ten educated countries world with a literacy rate of 72%. Some of the most famous universities in the world are located in the Netherlands. Higher education is available to every citizen of the country, and from the age of five, education is compulsory for children. There are 579 public libraries and approximately 1,700 colleges in the Netherlands.

New Zealand is located in the southwestern part Pacific Ocean. The country is not only one of the richest economies in the world, but it is considered one of the most literate countries in the world. New Zealand's education system is classified into three different levels including basic school, high school and higher education. At each of these levels of education, the New Zealand school system relies primarily on functional studies rather than simple memorization of materials. The New Zealand government places maximum emphasis on educational institutions. This is why New Zealand's literacy rate is 93 percent.

The Central European German-speaking country of Austria is one of the strongest economic systems in the world. 98 percent of Austrians can read and write, which is a very high figure. It is not surprising that Austria is included in the list of the most developed countries in the world with a high standard of living, first-class educational institutions and medical services. The first nine years of free and compulsory education are paid for by the government, but further education must be paid for independently. There are 23 famous ones in Austria state universities and 11 private universities, eight of which are ranked among the best in the world.

France is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and the 43rd largest country in the world. The educational index is 99%, indicating one of the highest levels of education among 200 countries worldwide. A few decades ago, the French education system was considered the best in the world, having lost its leading position in the last few years. The French educational system is divided into three stages, including basic, secondary and higher. Among the many universities in the country, 83 are funded by state and public funds.

The North American country of Canada is not just the second largest country in the world, but also one of the richest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita. It is also one of the most educated countries in the world. Living in one of the safest countries in the world, Canadians enjoy a luxurious and healthier lifestyle, along with high-quality educational institutions and advanced healthcare. Canada's literacy rate is approximately 99%, and Canada's three-tier education system is similar in many ways to the Dutch school system. 310,000 teachers teach at basic and senior levels, and approximately 40,000 teachers are employed in universities and colleges. There are 98 universities and 637 libraries in the country.

The Scandinavian country is one of the five most educated countries in the world. Free education on a regular basis for children aged 7 to 16 years is compulsory. Sweden's educational index is 99%. The government tries hard to provide equal free education to every Swedish child. There are 53 public universities and 290 libraries in the country. Sweden is one of the richest as well as highly skilled countries in the world.

Denmark not only boasts the strongest economic system in the world. It is also the happiest country on the planet with a literacy rate of 99%, making it one of the most literate in the world. The Danish government spends a huge amount of their GDP on education, which is free for every child. The school system in Denmark offers high-quality education to all children without exception.

The Republic of Iceland is a beautiful island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. With a literacy rate of 99.9%, Iceland is one of the three most literate countries in the world. The Icelandic education system is divided into four levels, including preschool stage, primary, high school and higher education. Education from six to sixteen years of age is compulsory for everyone without exception. Most schools are funded by the government, which provides free education to children. 82.23% of the country's citizens have higher education. The Icelandic government spends a significant portion of its budget on education, ensuring a high literacy rate.

Norwegians can be called the healthiest, richest, and also educated people in the world. With a literacy rate of 100%, Norway boasts the world's most highly skilled workforce. A significant portion of tax revenues to the budget is spent on the country's education system. They love reading books here, which is confirmed by the number of public libraries - there are 841 of them in Norway. The school system in Norway is divided into three levels: basic, intermediate and higher. Education is compulsory for children from six to sixteen years of age.

Finland is a beautiful European country. It rightfully occupies a leading position in the lists of the richest and most literate countries in the world. Finland has been improving its own unique education system for many years. Nine years of education are compulsory for children aged seven to sixteen and are completely free, including government-subsidized nutritious meals. Finns can be called the best readers in the world, judging by the number of libraries in the country. The literacy rate in Finland is 100%.

As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.” Every country on Earth has its own education system, but not all of them are equally effective and capable of instilling in children the necessary skills and abilities. As a rule, countries with a high standard of living lead such lists. The statistics on the gap in the quality of education between developing and developed countries is far from reassuring. According to data, the gap between the developed and developing world is about 100 years. The best of the best maintain healthy teacher-student ratios, keep kids in school longer, and graduate the largest number of students with a quality education. Who are these leading countries? Continue reading to explore the list of the 10 best education systems.

Australia

"Education for all." Ranked at the top of the United Nations Human Development rankings, the country of 24 million educates schoolchildren up to age 20 (the United States, by comparison, up to age 16). 94% of citizens over 25 years of age have secondary education. The student to teacher ratio is approximately 14:1, and Australia provides excellent support for its educators. The country encourages teachers to go to rural areas and tries to ensure equal salaries for teachers at all levels.

Japan

Thanks to the intense focus on teaching children from age 6 onwards, Japanese schoolchildren have a deep knowledge of science. Japan ranks second in the annual global education report, fourth in reading and seventh in math, according to the influential Program for International Student Assessment. The program tests 15-year-old students around the world to compare countries' education systems. According to these assessments, the Pacific island nation takes education seriously. The literacy rate of Japan's 127 million citizens is 99 percent.

South Korea

Standardized tests confirm the highest quality of the education system in South Korea. Students in the country of 49 million attend both private and public high schools and top many academic assessments. Long-term study of subjects helped students achieve such high results, because South Korean parents spend significant sums on extracurricular education for their children.

Education in Finland

Who knew that lots of breaks could significantly improve student outcomes? Finns. Children from this northern European country ages 7 to 15 have 15-minute free play breaks for every hour of their five-hour school day. And although grades are not given until the fourth grade (and schools do not require any standardized tests until the fourth year), the success of their students is undeniable. Consistently high scores in international tests confirm this. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the gap between the weakest and strongest students in Finland is the smallest in the world.

Norway

Norway has the highest development scores according to the UN because... makes education a top priority for its 5.1 million residents. The Scandinavian country spends 6.6% of their GDP on education, and maintains a teacher to student ratio of 9:1. Relying on national syllabus, teachers introduce schoolchildren to applied arts, rules healthy image life, music and physical education. And their system definitely works. One hundred percent of Norway's population school age are enrolled in school, and 97 percent of residents have completed a high school education.

Singapore

Described as an “exam-oriented” education system in this Southeast Asian island city-state of 5.7 million aims to teach children to solve problems. At the same time, students do excellent tests and take first places in all sciences. Teachers in Singapore also participate in professional development throughout their entire career.

Netherlands

Even if you don't know Dutch, studying in the Netherlands will not be a problem. The country of 17 million inhabitants ranks highly in all quality education rankings. It provides instruction in a variety of languages ​​other than Dutch for students in grades 1 to 4 to encourage early language learning. 94% of residents have a secondary education, with additional funding provided for poorer students and ethnic minorities. According to UNESCO, primary schools with the highest proportion of such students have, on average, approximately 58 percent more teachers and technical staff.

Germany

Ireland

It is no mere luck that is responsible for Ireland's high rankings in the UN Education Index. The country of 4.7 million people invests heavily in educating its citizens, spending 6.2 percent of GDP (twice as much as Singapore). This prioritization has helped Ireland create one of the best education systems in the world.

England

99.9 percent of English people aged 25 and over have completed secondary education. England is currently strategizing to accommodate the extra 750,000 pupils the Department for Education estimates will join schools by 2025. The country occupies a leading position in the ranking of education systems, which is confirmed by various types of testing of students.

The practice of education has its roots in the deep layers of human civilization. Education appeared along with the first people, but the science of it was formed much later, when such sciences as geometry, astronomy and many others already existed.

The root cause of the emergence of all scientific branches is the needs of life. The time has come when education began to play an important role in people's lives. It was discovered that society develops faster or slower depending on how it organizes the education of the younger generations. There was a need to generalize the experience of education, to create special educational institutions to prepare young people for life.

What economic development state directly depends on the level of development of science and education in the country, it is well known. This is an axiom that does not require proof. Because education is the most effective tool that society has to face the challenges of the future. It is education that will shape the world of tomorrow. About what the educational systems of the world are, which of them deserve special attention, and the conversation will go below.

20 best education systems in the world

Irina Kaminkova, “Khvilya”

In the modern world, with its close global connections, the importance of education is undeniable: the effectiveness of educational institutions makes a significant contribution to the prosperity of states, along with other factors of socio-economic development.

To assess and compare the quality of education systems, experts have developed a number of metrics, among which the most well-known are PISA, TIMSS and PIRLS. Since 2012, the Pearson group has been publishing its index, calculated using these metrics, as well as a number of other parameters, such as literacy rates and graduation rates for various countries. In addition to the general index, two of its components are calculated: thinking skills and learning achievements.

Let us note right away that there is no data for Ukraine in this ranking. The main reason is that during all the years of independence, government officials did not bother to formalize and submit a single application for international testing. It is obvious that, despite the ardent patriotic rhetoric, the development of the national education system and its promotion at the global level, to put it mildly, is not part of their interests. Here it’s time to take an example from Russia, which, despite similar problems with shrinkage, waste and leakage of resources, still entered the top twenty and overtook (!) the USA.

In general, the development of national education systems in the world demonstrates the following trends:

East Asian countries remain ahead of the pack. South Korea is at the top of the ranking, followed by Japan (2), Singapore (3) and Hong Kong (4). The ideology of education in these countries is the primacy of diligence over innate ability, clearly defined goals and objectives of learning, a high culture of accountability and interaction among a wide range of stakeholders.

The Scandinavian countries, which traditionally hold strong positions, have somewhat lost their advantage. Finland, the leader of the 2012 Rating, moved to 5th place; and Sweden dropped from 21st to 24th.

The position of Israel (from 17th to 12th place), Russia (up 7 places to 13th) and Poland (up four places to 10th) has noticeably improved.

Developing countries occupy the bottom half of the ranking, with Indonesia bringing up the rear of the 40 countries represented, followed by Mexico (39) and Brazil (38).

Let's give brief description 20 leading countries

1. South Korea.

Japan and South Korea compete fiercely for 1st place in the ranking. The Koreans defeated Japan in 3 positions. Japan, despite significant investments in children's primary education, was inferior in the level of thinking and a number of other ranking positions. Did you know that in South Korea, children often go to school seven days a week, seven days a week? The state budget for education last year amounted to $11,300 million. The literacy rate of the entire population was 97.9%, incl. men - 99.2%, women - 96.6%. GDP per capita in 2014 was $34,795.

1. Japan

The education system is based on high technology, which provides leadership in the level of knowledge and understanding of problems. GDP - about 5.96 trillion US dollars - an excellent material basis for further development.

1. Singapore

The leader in terms of the level of the primary education system, has strong positions in other indicators, which ensured 3rd position in the ranking. GDP per capita - $64,584, 3rd place in the world.

1. Hong Kong

The schools mainly follow the British education system. State education budget for Last year- $39,420 per capita. Primary, secondary and higher education are of a very high level. Instruction is provided in English and Cantonese Chinese language. The literacy rate of the population is 94.6%, and very good mathematical preparation is noted.

1. Finland

The leader of the 2012 rating lost its position, losing to its Asian competitors. Many people continue to consider the Finnish education system to be the best in the world, although in fact it is no longer so. A significant drawback of the system is the late start of school at the age of 7 years. Education in the country is free, the annual educational budget is 11.1 billion €. GDP per capita - $36395

1. Great Britain

Education issues in Great Britain are decided not at the level of the kingdom, but at the level of the governments of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. According to the Pearson Index, Britain was ranked 2nd in Europe and 6th in the world. At the same time, the Scottish education system received relatively higher marks than the rest of the country. GDP per capita is $38,711, 21st in the world.

1. Canada

English and French languages are the languages ​​of instruction. Literacy rate of at least 99% (both men and women). The level of education is also high. The college's graduation rate is the highest in the world. Canadians start college at 16 (in most provinces) or 18. The academic calendar varies from 180 to 190 days. Results can be even better if investments in primary education are prioritized. GDP per capita - $44,656. Canada invests 5.4% of its GDP in the education sector.

1. Netherlands

Low levels of investment and weak planning and management in secondary education have dropped the Netherlands to 8th place in the ranking. GDP per capita - $42,586.

1. Ireland

The literacy rate is 99% for both men and women. Education in the country is free at all levels - from primary to college/university. Only EU students pay tuition fees and are subject to taxes. The Irish government invests €8.759 million in education annually.

1. Poland

The Polish Ministry of Education administers the system in the country. According to the Pearson index, Poland ranked 4th in Europe and 10th in the world, thanks to the good organization of primary and secondary (basic and complete) education. GDP per capita - $21,118.

1. Denmark

The Danish education system includes pre-school, primary, secondary and higher education, as well as adult education. In secondary education, there are additionally a gymnasium, a general training program, a program for admission to commercial and technical universities and vocational education. Similarly, higher education also includes a number of programs. Education is compulsory for children under 16 years of age. Folkeskole, or higher education, is not compulsory, but 82% of students complete the course, which is a positive for the country's prospects. Educational indices and index human development UN in Denmark are among the highest in the world. GDP per capita - $57,998.

1. Germany

Germany strives to organize one of the best educational systems in the world. Education is entirely the responsibility of the state and therefore has nothing to do with local government. Kindergarten is not compulsory, but secondary education is required. There are five types of schools in the secondary education system. German universities are recognized as some of the best in the world and contribute to the spread of education in Europe. GDP per capita - $41,248.

1. Russia

The country has further reserves for improving its position if it pays attention to the development of preschool and primary education. The literacy rate is almost 100%. According to a World Bank survey, 54% of the employed population in Russia has a college degree, which is undoubtedly the highest achievement for college-level education in the world. Spending on education exceeded $20 billion in 2011. GDP per capita - $14,645.

Many people consider the United States to be a country with a high educational rating, however, this is far from the case. Despite being a well-developed and one of the most powerful economies in the world, the US educational system is not even in the top 10. The national education budget of $1.3 trillion ensures a literacy rate of 99% (among men and women). Among the 81.5 million students, 38% attend primary school, 26% attend secondary school and 20.5 million attend tertiary school. 85% of students graduate high school, 30% receive a higher education diploma. All citizens have the right to free primary education. GDP per capita - $54,980 (6th place in the world).

1. Australia

The annual budget for education was 5.10% of GDP - more than $490 million - in 2009. English language– the main language of instruction. The population with primary education is almost 2 million. Literacy rate 99%. 75% have secondary education, and 34% of the country's residents have higher education. States and communities have almost complete control over local educational institutions and payment system. PISA has ranked the Australian education system in reading, science and mathematics as 6, 7 and 9 in the world. GDP per capita - $44,346.

1. New Zealand

Expenditures of the New Zealand Ministry of Education in 2014-2015 academic year amounted to $13,183 million. English and Maori are the main languages ​​of instruction. Poor test results in primary school are the main obstacle to improving the rating. PISA ranks the country 7th in science and reading, and 13th in math. The HDI Education Index is the highest in the world, but it only measures the number of years spent in school, not level of achievement. GDP per capita - $30,493.

1. Israel

The budget of the education system is approximately 28 million shekels. Instruction is conducted in Hebrew and Arabic. The literacy rate among men and women reaches 100%. Primary, secondary and higher education form a complex system. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's 2012 rankings list Israel as the second most educated nation in the world. 78% of costs are borne by the state. 45% of citizens have secondary or higher education. A low Pearson index is associated with a low level of investment in preschool and primary education. GDP per capita - $35,658.

1. Belgium

The education system in Belgium is heterogeneous and is mainly financed and administered at the level of the states: Flemish, German-speaking and French. The federal government plays a minor role in funding local educational institutions. Elementary education is mandatory. All communities follow the same stages of education: basic, pre-school, primary, secondary, higher, university education and vocational training. According to the UN Education Index, the country ranks 18th. GDP per capita - $38,826.

1. Czech

Education is free and compulsory until age 15. Education mainly consists of five stages including pre-school, primary, secondary education, colleges and universities. GDP per capita - $28,086.

1. Switzerland

Educational issues are resolved exclusively at the cantonal level. Primary education is compulsory. 10 of the 12 universities in the confederation are owned and managed by the cantons, two are under federal jurisdiction: managed and controlled by the State Secretariat for Education, Science and Innovation. The University of Basel has a proud, centuries-old history: it was founded in 1460 and became famous for its research in medicine and chemistry. Switzerland ranks second after Australia in the number of international students studying in higher education. The country has a relatively high number Nobel laureates. The country ranks 25th in the world in science, 8th in mathematics. Switzerland ranks 1st in the global competitiveness ranking. GDP per capita - $47,863 (8th place in the world).

Judging by the information presented, money is an important factor for the development of the education system, but it is far from the only one. In all leading countries, education is an integral part of culture and way of life:

not only parents and teachers, but also the students themselves are interested in getting an education, because it is highly valued in society and is monetized in the process of career growth;

teaching is honorable as a career and has a high social status, although the pay may be relatively low.

If your children are growing up, and after reading this article you suddenly think about moving to Asia, take a closer look at a country that is much closer - Finland. By the way, in terms of knowledge of spoken English, Finland took 4th place in 2012. Do you want your kids to know English? This is a great place for you to study.

What else can Finns like about school:

training starts at age 7;

no homework is assigned;

no exams until the child is 13;

in classes students with different levels abilities;

maximum 16 students in math and science classes;

a lot of time at recess every day;

teachers have master's degrees;

Teacher training is paid for by the state.

If school is already behind you, then colleges and universities in Poland offer a good level of education at prices comparable to Ukrainian ones - and an immeasurably better material base. Or the Czech Republic. Or Germany. Or Canada...

What about Ukraine with its 100% literacy rate? Will she have time to make herself known in the world rankings? Will he be able to?

There are still chances. But only for this you need to learn how to turn golden loaves back into ordinary equipment in physical and chemical rooms, computer classes and laboratories. And under no circumstances allow reverse reactions.

Based on Internet materials, prepared by Nikolay Zubashenko