In the global pursuit of improved education, countries exhibit significantly varying levels of educational attainment.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) monitors these disparities, focusing on adults aged 25 to 64 who have completed tertiary education, including university degrees and vocational training. So, how does Greece rank among educated countries in this landscape?
Top educated countries in 2024
Canada leads the pack in 2024, with 63% of its adult population having completed higher education. Japan and Ireland follow with 56% and 54%, respectively, while South Korea and the United Kingdom each boast over half of their adult populations with tertiary qualifications.
Completing the top 10, countries like Australia, Israel, Luxembourg, the United States and Sweden demonstrate robust educational achievements, reflective of their strong educational systems and significant investments in both public and private sectors.
Greece’s educational challenges
Despite its rich historical contributions to education, modern Greece finds itself mid-tier in global rankings, striving to overcome economic and bureaucratic hurdles to improve its educational landscape.
With ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing both the quality and accessibility of education, Greece is focused on climbing higher in future evaluations.
From 2016 to 2023, the percentage of young adults aged 25-34 without upper secondary education has decreased significantly by eight percentage points, bringing it to 8%—well below the OECD average of 14% in 2023.
However, Greece faces challenges in early childhood education. Unlike some OECD countries where early childhood education starts immediately after paid parental leave, Greece experiences a three-year gap. This delay means that children in Greece may miss critical early learning opportunities that are readily available in other nations.
Extension and funding of compulsory education
Starting from the age of four until 15, Greek children now undergo 11 years of mandatory schooling, aligning with the OECD average. This extension aims to provide a more robust educational foundation for all children across the country.
Funding for primary education in Greece is highly centralized, with all expenditures directed from the central government. Remarkably, 95% of this funding is managed by the central government, with only a minimal 5% allocated to local levels.
Educational Trends and Global Insights
Education is increasingly recognized not just as a pathway to personal development but as a crucial driver of economic stability and societal progress. Countries prioritizing higher education typically enjoy enhanced economic stability and improved living standards.
The disparity in educational systems globally mirrors differences in economic statuses, governmental policies, and societal values.
The OECD underscores the necessity of continuous investment in education and the development of policies that ensure equitable access to quality education. As nations like Greece tackle these challenges, international cooperation and shared strategic approaches become invaluable.
