The 9 Most Educated Countries in 2024

8. Finland

Finland is home to an abundant number of higher education graduates, earning it eighth place on the list of the most educated countries on Earth. 43.60% of residents in Finland have earned a tertiary degree. Compared to some of the countries on this list, Finland is home to a very low number of universities and colleges. There are 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences in Finland.

7. Australia

Heading south, the great country of Australia takes the seventh-place spot for higher education degrees globally. In Australia, 43.74% of residents between the ages of 25 and 64 have completed a tertiary degree. Most colleges and universities in Australia are public, with only a small percentage private and international. In total, Australia is home to 43 registered universities, of which 37 are public.

6. United States

The United States is another country with a very high level of graduation from higher-level educational institutions. According to the World Population Review, 45.67% of residents between the ages of 25 and 64 have completed a higher-level degree. The United States is an extremely large country that’s home to 5,999 colleges between the fifty states. Presently, almost 20 million students are in attendance at these higher-learning institutions.

Despite taking sixth place in frequency of higher-ed degrees globally, many of the best institutions are located in the United States. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also known as MIT, is often revered as the top university globally.

5. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom takes the fifth-place spot for most educated countries in the world. According to the World Population Review, 45.96% of residents have received a higher-level degree. The United Kingdom has a rich history of education, so it makes sense that the culture of learning has continued throughout the years. Over 250 universities exist in the United Kingdom.

4. South Korea

South Korea takes the fourth-place spot for the most educated country on Earth. In South Korea, 48.86% of the population has completed a tertiary degree. There are 200 four-year universities located in the country and, like many of the countries on this list, most are private institutions.

3. Israel

The third-most educated country on Earth is located in the Middle East. That country is Israel. According to World Population Review, 49.90% of the population has attained a higher level degree. The small country is home to only ten universities and 53 colleges, which is much fewer than some of the other leading countries on this list. However, nearly half the population is still enrolled.

2. Japan

The second most educated country in the world is Japan. According to the World Population Review study, 50.50% of residents have completed a two-year or four-year higher education degree. 807 universities exist in Japan, with most being private institutions. With so many universities available, it’s no surprise that half of the population has completed a higher-level degree.

1. Canada

Finally, Canada takes the first-place spot as the most educated country in the world. 56.27% of people between age 25 and 64 who are residents of Canada have completed a higher education degree. The country is home to over 400 universities and colleges, providing a wide variety of opportunities for learners to engage in higher education.