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​The top 10 most educated countries in the world​

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| etimes.in | Last updated on - Jun 3, 2025, 21:33 IST
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Education shapes a country's destiny

What truly makes a country powerful? While some might point to economic strength and others to military might, the real foundation of any nation's success lies in the intelligence and insight of its people. In today's world, driven by ideas, innovation, and rapid progress, education has emerged as the most valuable currency a nation can possess.

A 2023 study based on CBRE Research data reinforces this, revealing that a country's prosperity is closely linked to the education level of its working-age citizens. Those who pursue higher studies play a vital role in driving innovation, boosting productivity, and sustaining long-term economic growth. Interestingly, the study found that six of the ten most educated countries are in Europe—though a few entries on the list may still surprise you. Education, quietly but powerfully, continues to shape a nation’s destiny from within.


2/12

Ireland (Europe)

Approximately 52.4% of Ireland’s population aged 25–64—about 1.8 million people—hold a Bachelor's degree or higher, making it the most educated country in the world according to the study.

​​Cameron Young net worth: How much does the young American golfer earn?​

3/12

Switzerland (Europe)

Roughly 46% of Switzerland’s population in the same age group, or around 2.7 million people, have attained a college education.

4/12

Singapore (Asia)

In Singapore, about 45% of residents aged 25 to 64—equating to roughly 1.9 million people—hold a Bachelor's degree or higher.

5/12

Belgium (Europe)

​Belgium has a highly educated population, with approximately 44.1%, or about 3.3 million people, aged 25 to 64 holding a college degree.


6/12

United Kingdom

In the UK, around 43.6% of the population between 25 and 64 years old—roughly 19.1 million individuals—hold a Bachelor's degree or higher.

7/12

Netherlands

Approximately 42% of Dutch residents aged 25 to 64, or about 4.8 million people, have earned at least a Bachelor's degree.

8/12

United States

Roughly 40.3% of Americans aged 25 to 64—amounting to around 78.2 million people—hold a college degree, making it the country with the third-highest number of degree holders globally, despite ranking seventh in percentage.

9/12

Australia

In Australia, about 39.7% of the working-age population, or 6.9 million people, have obtained a Bachelor's degree or higher.

10/12

Israel

Approximately 39.7% of Israelis aged 25 to 64—around 2.2 million people—hold a college degree.

11/12

Sweden

Last but not the least, about 39.6% of Sweden’s population which is approximately 2.6 million people—hold at least a Bachelor's degree.

12/12

Trends

India and China—home to the largest populations in the world—have a relatively low proportion of highly educated individuals. However, due to their massive population size, they still boast the highest absolute number of degree-holders globally, the study's analysts point out. Meanwhile, emerging South American economies like Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica report higher education rates ranging from 19% to 23%, according to the study.

Top Comment
J
Joe Fernandez
359 days ago
The true proof of education lies in the ability for connecting the dots based on recalling the full story gathered from all the reading.
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Copyright © May 30, 2026, 03.38PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service