The ranking of 10 countries with the best education systems in 2025 has been released. According to the Global Intelligence Unit’s Education Report 2025, the United States ranks first, the United Kingdom second and Australia third.
These three countries spend five to six per cent of their GDP on education. Pakistan spends 1.9 per cent of its GDP on education, which is the lowest in South Asia, while India spends 4.6 per cent of its GDP on education.
According to the report, the US, which ranks first, is superior in higher education research. Eight universities in the US have been included in the top 10 rankings. Ninety per cent of US students complete high school education, while the country spends six per cent of its GDP on education.
The degrees of the UK, which ranks second, have a tradition of being recognised globally. Ninety-five per cent of students receive compulsory education, 40 per cent of students receive post-secondary or higher education, while the UK spends 5.5 per cent of its GDP on education.
Australia, which ranks third, provides innovation in research and equal opportunities, has a 99 percent literacy rate and 50 percent of its people receive higher education, while the country spends 5.8 percent of its GDP on education.
Germany, which ranks fourth, is considered the best because of its vocational training and dual education system. Fifty per cent of its people receive apprenticeship training, it has a 99 percent literacy rate and the country spends five per cent of its GDP on education.
Canada, which ranks fifth, is the best in terms of comprehensive public education and high literacy rates. Its literacy rate is 99 percent, with 60 percent of its students receiving post-secondary or higher education, while the country spends 5.3 percent of its GDP on education.
France, which ranks sixth, is the best for its comprehensive curriculum and educational excellence: a 100 per cent literacy rate and 80 per cent of its students receiving upper secondary education, while the country spends 5.5 per cent of its GDP on education.
The Netherlands, which ranks seventh, is the best for providing a modern educational environment and equal opportunities for people. Its literacy rate is 99 per cent, with 45 per cent of its students receiving post-secondary or higher secondary education, while the country spends 5.4 per cent of its GDP on education.
Switzerland, which ranks eighth, is the best for multidisciplinary education and vocational education, with a 100 per cent literacy rate and 90 per cent of its students receiving upper secondary education, while the country spends 5.5 per cent of its GDP on education.
China, which ranks ninth, is the best for mathematical literacy, STEM achievements and rigorous education, with 95 per cent of its students receiving compulsory education, while the country spends four per cent of its GDP on education.
Singapore, which ranks tenth, is the best for STEM excellence and consistent high performance, with a 97 per cent literacy rate and 90 per cent of its students getting a higher education, while the country spends three per cent of its GDP on education, with widespread private tuition.
Published in News Daily on 11 July 2025.