10 most educated countries in the world in 2026

Education is viewed as one of the best pillars of economic development and growth. Countries with the most educated populations tend to have better innovation, productivity, and economic performance. One of the most authoritative global comparisons of the level of education is conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which publishes comparative data on the level of education of the population of various countries. Based on the tertiary level of education attainment, which is the percentage of the population aged 25-64 with university-level qualifications such as diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, we present to you the list of 10 most educated countries in the world.

Canada is at the forefront of the world, with about 65% of its adult population having tertiary qualifications. The education system in Canada is mainly publicly funded and is managed by the provinces. This ensures that access to colleges and universities is widespread. Canada also has one of the highest percentages of people with college diplomas in the OECD countries. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the vocational and applied education system in the country. Immigration policies in Canada also encourage skilled professionals, making it one of the most educated countries in the world. Canadian universities are world leaders in healthcare, engineering, artificial intelligence, and environmental sciences.

Ireland has been able to transform itself into a highly educated and innovative economy, with 58% of adults having completed tertiary education. Government spending on higher education has grown considerably since the late 20th century, with a focus on aligning academic output with the needs of the labor market. The educated population of Ireland has been instrumental in attracting MNCs, especially in the technology, pharmaceutical, and finance sectors.

With a tertiary attainment level of 57%, Japan's emphasis on academic success and education is evident in its achievement. The country has continued to perform well in mathematics, science, and engineering, which are the core areas that form the backbone of its robust manufacturing and technology sectors. The Japanese universities have contributed significantly to research and development, especially in areas such as robotics, automobile engineering, and electronics. The culture of discipline and academic success has contributed significantly to the high enrollment and graduation rates.

With a tertiary attainment level of 56%, South Korea is a success story in the use of education as a means of economic development. Going to college is now common among the youth, and the country performs well in areas such as scientific and technological subjects. This highly educated population has led to the global leadership of South Korea in sectors such as electronics, autos, and information technology.

The tertiary attainment level for the United Kingdom is 54%, with 54% of the population aged 25-64 holding a tertiary qualification. The United Kingdom is known to have some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with universities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Higher education is a significant sector of the UK economy, not only in terms of innovation and research but also through the revenue generated from international students. The UK maintains strong performance in fields such as finance, life sciences, humanities and creative industries.

Despite its small population, Luxembourg matches the UK at 54%. The country benefits from a multilingual and internationally mobile workforce. Many citizens choose to further their education outside of the European Union before returning to the country to work in the finance and services industry. The economy of Luxembourg is highly dependent on expert skills, especially in the areas of banking and international services.

Australia has an adult tertiary attainment rate of 53%. The tertiary education system in Australia is one of its biggest export services, with many students from other countries applying every year. Australian universities are also engaged in international research partnerships and rank highly in the fields of medicine, environment, and mining engineering.

Sweden’s 52% tertiary attainment rate is a result of the government’s continued investment in education and its focus on equal access. The fact that tuition is free for local and EU students has also led to high participation in tertiary education. Sweden is also very focused on research, sustainability, and innovation in areas such as technology, clean energy, and life sciences. Its highly educated population supports one of Europe’s most competitive innovation ecosystems.

The United States has 51% of adults with tertiary qualifications. As a hub for many of the world’s leading universities and research institutions, the U.S. remains at the cutting edge of academic productivity and innovation. The U.S. higher education system comprises public universities, private universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges, offering a broad spectrum of educational choices. The U.S. has been able to sustain its preeminent position in the world in terms of innovation in technology, medicine, and scientific research due to robust funding for research.

Israel has the same percentage of 51% tertiary attainment. Education is a key component of its technology-based economy, which is often called the “Startup Nation.” Israel has a very high number of engineers, scientists, and researchers. Israeli universities are major contributors to innovation in the areas of cybersecurity, biotechnology, agriculture, and defense technology, which helps the country have a highly skilled and innovation-focused workforce.