Top 5 Countries with the Best Education System in the World

When it comes to pursuing higher studies, countries like USA, UK, Canada and Germany are the most popular study destinations. Ever thought about why? These countries are well known for their world-class education system. These countries have made significant investments in their education sectors.

Best Education System in the World: Education is undeniably the most powerful tool for shaping the future of a person and nation. The best education system can ensure the development of a country. Many Indian students choose to pursue their education abroad each year, seeking an enhanced quality of learning that they feel might be missing in the current system. If you are one of those who are planning to study abroad then you should not miss this article. 

In this article, we will find out which countries have the best education system in the world and why. We will analyze the education system of different countries based on various factors like the rankings given by reputed ranking institutions like QS Ranking and Times Higher Education, GDP allocation to education, Nobel prize winners, research opportunities, and much more.

Related Read: Impact of Global Education on Career

Top 5 Countries with the Best Education Systems in the World

Let us now look at the details of the top countries with the best education systems in the world. Given below is the detailed World Education Rankings by country list presented by the World Population Review:

1. United States of America (USA)

The education system of the US is one of the best in the world. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, 34 USA universities come within the top 150 ranks. Nearly 948,000 international students were studying in the US in 2022. 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 on research-oriented learning. In the American education system, researchers are always at the forefront and 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 on producing ideas that make an impact in the world. To date, 97 Nobel 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 the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. Apart from this, currently, there are 17 US cities that are listed in the ‘QS Best Student Cities 2024’ index. Each comprises established universities and distinct cultures and lifestyles. 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, which is 35% more than the country average of OECD countries. Get more details about the US Education System here and understand how it works.

2. United Kingdom (UK)

The education system of the UK has an excellent record of accomplishment in terms of academic success and international rankings. The UK is the world’s second-leading study destination hosting more than 442,000 international students. Currently, 4 UK institutions are ranked amongst the top 10 global institutions. In addition, 90 UK universities feature in the ‘QS World University Rankings 2024’. This signifies the global reputation and popularity of UK universities.

Even after its referendum on EU membership (2016), the British education system has not lost its appeal among international students. Moreover, 17 UK universities feature in the top 100, and another 9 make it to the top global 200. Even after experiencing its worst-ever decline in QS rankings since 2016, the UK has not lost its charm as a top study-abroad destination amongst students globally. For the year ending 2020, the UK spent 5.53% of its GDP on education.

More than 30 prominent world leaders, 26 Nobel Prize winners, 120 Olympic medallists, and 26 British Prime Ministers were educated at the University of Oxford. Noted Indian leaders like Indira Gandhi studied at 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 54 UK universities find their place in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, it is proven that UK universities produce the most employable graduates worldwide.

3. Germany

Germany is considered the top study destination for non-English speakers in the world. In addition, it is considered the third most popular study destination after the US and the UK. Almost every major city in Germany is home to at least one world-class university. 16 German universities make it to the world’s top 250 and 30 in the top 500 (according to the QS World University Rankings 2024). This is enough to place Germany among the world’s best education providers.

Low tuition fees, excellent post-graduate job opportunities, different scholarship schemes, and a high-quality life are some of the factors which make it a favourite amongst higher education aspirants. Also, home to some of the world’s oldest universities, Germany is considered the hub of innovation and world-class discoveries. On 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 the 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 the most influential figures in the country like Albert Einstein and Walter Benjamin. The university has also produced an impressive 40 Nobel prize winners, a majority in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine. The university library comprises 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.

4. Canada

Canada is known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. Moreover, 30 Canadian universities appeared in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2023 and 31 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Out of these, 3 are included in the global top 50. Additionally, 9 more universities are included in the world’s 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 focus 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. Canada spends nearly 5.9% of its GDP on education, higher than the average of OECD countries. 

Canadian universities are acknowledged 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. Additionally, 7 Nobel Prize winners and 65 Olympic medalists are associated with the University of British Columbia (UBC).

5. France

The French Education system is ranked 5th in World Population Review's Education Rankings by Country 2024 list. The French higher education institutions are divided into three main types: universities, Grandes écoles (elite specialised schools), and specialised schools. France offers a diverse and prestigious higher education system that attracts numerous international students, including those from India. The system is structured around three main levels: Licence (equivalent to a bachelor's degree), Master's, and Doctorate. French universities are known for their high-quality education, particularly in fields like engineering, business, arts, and sciences. Many programs are taught in English, making them accessible to international students, though learning French is highly recommended.

Indian students can benefit from relatively low tuition fees in France compared to other Western countries, with public universities charging minimal fees, and many scholarship opportunities available through programs like Charpak, Campus France, and bilateral exchange agreements. Additionally, France provides post-study work opportunities, allowing international students to stay and work for up to two years after completing their degree, which can be an attractive option for Indian students seeking international work experience. The education system emphasises research, innovation, and practical skills, with many programs offering internships and industry collaborations that can provide valuable career insights.

Apart from the above-mentioned countries, a few European countries have also developed a well-balanced higher education system. Several countries have developed a niche for certain kinds of courses (fields) like Germany and the Netherlands hold prominence in Automobiles. Also, France is known for business-related courses and Finland for Artificial Intelligence. Ireland dominates when it comes to courses related to Computer Science. Even all the major tech giants have their corporate offices in Ireland. However, it can be argued that this is because of their tax structure which benefits corporations. However, the presence of these companies has a huge impact on their higher education system. Apart from this, countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland have also developed an excellent higher education system.

Check: Top Universities in Switzerland

Not only the European countries but also the Korean education system and Israeli education system is known as one of the best in the world in the field of Science and Technology. South Korea is also considered to have one of the toughest education systems in the world. Other countries with the hardest education systems in the world are Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Finland.

Which Country has the Best Education System?

When we talk about, which country has the best education system, it is clear that the US is perhaps the most preferred country for studying abroad among Indian students. Studying in the US is closely followed by a strong preference for Indian students wanting to study in Canada, the UK and Australia for their lucrative post-study work benefits among other factors. 

Related Article: Study Abroad Time Management with Time Zone Converter

Can I Study Abroad for Free?

Now that we have covered the best education systems in the world, we must know how to minimize the cost of studying abroad. Students often ask about the countries where education is free. Theoretically speaking, there are a few options where there is no tuition fee involved. However, there are certain conditions associated with this. The following points will help you know about the countries where education is free and how to minimize the cost of studying abroad:

• Certain public universities in Germany do not charge any tuition fees. However, there are nominal semester charges from €50 to €250.
• Universities in Norway also do not charge any tuition fees. There is a nominal semester fee of NOK 300 to NOK 600. However, from 2023 onwards, universities in Norway will be charging tuition fees to international students.
• Scholarships are a great way to reduce the cost of studying abroad. Some scholarships finance your tuition fee, some finance your cost of living, and some finance both. You might receive full or partial scholarships. However, earning a scholarship is not an easy task and you will have to face tough competition.
• Other options include Assistantships (for Master’s and PhD students), part-time work, paid internships, etc.

Now that students are aware of the best education system in the world, it is advised that they research job opportunities, post-study work permits, and PR options before making a final decision. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.