10 most educated countries in the world

[Shaissa]

This is the top ten countries that have a postsecondary education (meaning after High School.)

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-10-most-educated-countries-in-the-world.html

10. Finland
> Pct. population with postsecondary education: 37%
> Avg. annual growth rate (1999 – 2009): 1.8% (3rd lowest)
> GDP per capita: $36,585 (14th highest)
> Pop. change (2000 – 2009): 3.15% (10th lowest)

Finland is a small country relative to the other OECD members. The share of its adult population with some sort of postsecondary education, however, is rather large. This select group is reaching the end of its expansion. From 1999 to 2009, the number of college-educated adults increased only 1.8% annually — the third-smallest amount among all OECD countries. Finland is also one of only two countries, the other being Korea, in which the fields of social sciences, business and law are not the most popular among students. In Finland, new entrants are most likely to study engineering, manufacturing and construction.

9. Australia
> Pct. population with postsecondary education: 37%
> Avg. annual growth rate (1999 – 2009): 3.3% (11th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $40,719 (6th highest)
> Pop. change (2000 – 2009): 14.63% (3rd highest)

Australia’s population grew 14.63% between 2000 and 2009. This is the third-largest increase among OECD countries. Its tertiary-educated adult population is increasing at the much less impressive annual rate of 3.3%. Australia also spends the sixth-least amount in public funds on education as a percentage of all expenditures. The country also draws large numbers of international students.

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8. United Kingdom
> Pct. population with postsecondary education: 37%
> Avg. annual growth rate (1999 – 2009): 4.0% (9th highest)
> GDP per capita: $35,504 (16th highest)
> Pop. change (2000 – 2009): 3.47% (13th lowest)

Unlike most of the countries with the highest percentage of educated adults, the UK’s educated group increased measurably — more than 4% between 1999 and 2009. Its entire population only grew 3.5% between 2000 and 2009. One aspect that the UK does share with a number of other countries on this list is relatively low public expenditure on education institutions as a percentage of all educational spending. As of 2008, 69.5% of spending came from public sources — the fourth-smallest amount among OECD countries.

7. Norway
> Pct. population with postsecondary education: 37%
> Avg. annual growth rate (1999 – 2009): N/A
> GDP per capita: $56,617 (2nd highest)
> Pop. change (2000 – 2009): 7.52% (14th highest)

Norway has the third-greatest expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP, at 7.3%. Roughly 23% of that is spent on tertiary education. In Norway, more than 60% of all tertiary graduates were in a bachelor’s program, well more than the U.S., which is close to the OECD average of 45%. The country is one of the wealthiest in the world. GDP per capita is $56,617, second only to Luxembourg in the OECD.

6. South Korea
> Pct. population with postsecondary education: 39%
> Avg. annual growth rate (1999 – 2009): 5.3% (5th highest)
> GDP per capita: $29,101 (13th lowest)
> Pop. change (2000 – 2009): 3.70% (14th lowest)


Korea is another standout country for its recent increase in the percentage of its population that has a tertiary education. Graduates increased 5.3% between 1999 and 2009, the fifth-highest among OECD countries. Like the UK, this rate is greater than the country’s recent population growth. Korea is also one of only two countries — the other being Finland — in which the most popular fields of study are not social sciences, business and law. In Korea, new students choose to study education, humanities and arts at the greatest rates. Only 59.6% of expenditures on educational institutions come from public funds — the second-lowest rate.

5. New Zealand
> Pct. population with postsecondary education: 40%
> Avg. annual growth rate (1999 – 2009): 3.5% (14th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $29,871 (14th lowest)
> Pop. change (2000 – 2009): 11.88% (8th largest)

New Zealand is not a particularly wealthy country. GDP per capita is less than $30,000, and is the 14th lowest in the OECD. However, 40% of the population engages in tertiary education, the fifth-highest rate in the world. The country actually has a rapidly growing population, increasing 11.88% between 2000 and 2009. This was the eighth-largest increase in the OECD. Part of the reason for the high rate of tertiary graduates is the high output from secondary schools. More than 90% of residents graduate from secondary school.

4. United States
> Pct. population with postsecondary education: 41%
> Avg. annual growth rate (1999 – 2009): 1.4% (the lowest)
> GDP per capita: $46,588 (4th highest)
> Pop. change (2000 – 2009): 8.68% (12th highest)

The U.S. experienced a fairly large growth in population from 2000 to 2009. During the period, the population increased 8.68% — the 12th highest among OECD countries. Meanwhile, the rate at which the share of the population with a tertiary education is growing has slowed to an annual rate of 1.4% — the lowest among the 34 OECD countries. Just 71% of funding for educational institutions in the country comes from public funds, placing the U.S. sixth-lowest in this measure. Among OECD countries, the largest share of adults with a tertiary education live in the United States — 25.8%.

3. Japan
> Pct. population with postsecondary education: 44%
> Avg. annual growth rate (1999 – 2009): 3.2% (10th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $33,751 (17th lowest)
> Pop. change (2000 – 2009): 0.46% (6th lowest)

In Japan, 44% of the adult population has some form of tertiary education. The U.S. by comparison has a rate of 41%. Japan’s population increased just 0.46% between 2000 and 2009, the sixth-slowest growth rate in the OECD, and the slowest among our list of 10. Japan is tied with Finland for the third-highest upper-secondary graduation rate in the world, at 95%. It has the third-highest tertiary graduation rate in the world, but only spends the equivalent of 1.5% of GDP on tertiary education — the 17th lowest rate in the OECD.


2. Israel
> Pct. population with postsecondary education: 45%
> Avg. annual growth rate (1999 – 2009): N/A
> GDP per capita: $28,596 (12th lowest)
> Pop. change (2000 – 2009): 19.02% (the highest)

Although there is no data on the percentage of Israeli citizens with postsecondary education dating back to 1999, the numbers going back to 2002 show that growth is slowing dramatically compared to other countries. In fact, in 2006, 46% of adults ages 25 to 64 had a tertiary education. In 2007 this number fell to 44%. Only 78% of funds spent on educational institutions in Israel are public funds. The country is also only one of three — the other two being Ireland and Sweden — where expenditure on educational institutions as a proportion of GDP decreased from 2000 to 2008. Israel also had the largest increase in overall population, approximately 19% from 2000 to 2009.

1. Canada
> Pct. population with postsecondary education: 50%
> Avg. annual growth rate (1999 – 2009): 2.3% (5th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $39,070 (10th highest)
> Pop. change (2000 – 2009): 9.89% (10th highest)

In Canada, 50% of the adult population has completed tertiary education, easily the highest rate in the OECD. Each year, public and private expenditure on education amount to 2.5% of GDP, the fourth-highest rate in the world. Tertiary education spending accounts for 41% of total education spending in the country. In the U.S., the proportion is closer to 37%. In Israel, the rate is 22%. In Canada, nearly 25% of students have an immigrant background.

So does any of this surprise anyone? what do you think about it?

 

[Ohri-Jin]

Yes I am pretty surprised. So more than 40 % of most countries doesnt even have a diploma from a secondary education? I know it depends also on how big the population is and how many farmers etc. there are, but wow.

I see they are statistics from adults? cause many youths are still busy doing it.

 

[Dragon Mage]

Not surprised really, no.

I mean, come on. We already knew there were uneducated people in America.

A lot of folks actually believe what politicians say, for shits sake. And then they get mad when the promises don't happen!

If that doesn't scream "not the worlds most educated population" I don't know what does.

 

[Richard B Riddick]

I still say: America is over-rated @ #4.

IIRC, close to 50% of USA's science & technology graduates are foreigners from other countries.

We shouldn't be ranked in the top 10 considering most of our "top tier talent" is not domestically produced.

Bring on the pitchforks and angry mob!

 

[Dragon Mage]

IIRC, close to 50% of USA's science & technology graduates are foreigners from other countries.

We shouldn't be ranked in the top 10 considering most of our "top tier talent" is not domestically produced.

Actually, they come to America for education because the education and facilities themselves are among the best in the world. That alone speaks volumes. Some do go back to their home countries, but not all of them. I know a few people by proxy that are just like that, just from meeting them in classes at college. Rather common, really.

 

[AerithG]

Finland is last? Huh, that's odd. Finland (if I do remember correctly) has some of the best standardized test scores in the entire world, so why are they last? United States, however, had some of the lowest. Ohhhhh wellllll...

 

[AddleBoy]

Finland is last? Huh, that's odd. Finland (if I do remember correctly) has some of the best standardized test scores in the entire world, so why are they last? United States, however, had some of the lowest. Ohhhhh wellllll...

It's not so surprising when you look at it. The United States is higher than Finland because a larger percent of its population has education above high school (37% versus 41%). However, of these educated people, Finland has higher standardized test scores than the United States. The study shows how many people went to college,but not necessarily how smart they are.

 

[Sexy Beast]

Not surprised that Japan is at number three. Since they value high education...actually in any popular Asian country. Just by what I've researched on my own, traditions are far more strict that of in the USA. However, I am surprised that Canada is at first place. I honestly didn't see this coming. but hey, it seems those Canadians have something over than all of us. ...

 

[Richard B Riddick]

Actually, they come to America for education because the education and facilities themselves are among the best in the world. That alone speaks volumes. Some do go back to their home countries, but not all of them. I know a few people by proxy that are just like that, just from meeting them in classes at college. Rather common, really.

It doesn't have anything to do with who has the best facilities or who immigrates and who doesn't. :T

If indeed half of America's university degrees in the areas of science and technology are from foreign countries, that means America is only producing half of what its given credit for. The other half are imported talent.

America isn't producing a large number of educated people.

Its importing a large number of educated people from other countries. Hence you have an influx of students from china, india & elsewhere..

Not surprised that Japan is at number three. Since they value high education...actually in any popular Asian country. Just by what I've researched on my own, traditions are far more strict that of in the USA. However, I am surprised that Canada is at first place. I honestly didn't see this coming. but hey, it seems those Canadians have something over than all of us. ...

I'm surprised Japan isn't #1.

 

[Dragon Mage]

If indeed half of America's university degrees in the areas of science and technology are from foreign countries, that means America is only producing half of what its given credit for. The other half are imported talent.

Yes, but that isn't the case. OTHER COUNTRIES are importing American-educated students.

Do we get some folks from other countries? Sure. No question. But a LOT more foreigners come to America for an education and then take it back home. Not the other way around.

 

[Squid]

Australia should definitely be way higher than that.

I'm a little surprised America is that high and also that NZ is above Aus The rest makes sense I guess

 

[Richard B Riddick]

Yes, but that isn't the case. OTHER COUNTRIES are importing American-educated students.

Do we get some folks from other countries? Sure. No question. But a LOT more foreigners come to America for an education and then take it back home. Not the other way around.

Not sure what your point is.

Education in america is a complete joke no matter how you look at it.

They count 'post compulsory level education'. But, a good deal of that is completely worthless.

Example...

This girl spent $70,000 to get a game development degree from a for profit college.

She didn't realize her degree was completely useless & that she was being ripped off until after she tried to get a job. She wound up being a stripper.

But, even if her degree is completely worthless she still falls under the "post compulsory" education category. And, there are others like her with worthless degrees who are also considered "post compulsory".

So, that statistic is likely to be inflated...

Another example...

For profit colleges have been approaching homeless shelters looking for people to enroll in their programs.

For-profit college's recruiting of homeless draws scrutiny

Drake College of Business, a for-profit higher-education company based in New Jersey, suspended its recruiting of students from homeless shelters while accreditors scrutinize the practice.
Closely held Drake, which trains medical and dental assistants, relied on taxpayers for 87% of revenue in 2007 through federal financial aid programs. Almost 5% of the student body at its Newark, N.J., branch is homeless, said Jean Aoun, director of admissions and student services. In 2008, Drake began offering a $350 biweekly stipend to students who showed up for 80% of classes and got C's for their work, Bloomberg Businessweek reported last week.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/college/2010-05-06-drake06_ST_N.htm

This may not be an uncommon practice. Its just that these guys got caught.

Still, that might count as "post compulsory" education, even if they don't manage to graduate. With educational standards being constantly lowered who really knows what they count as "college level education" these days.

The statistic for "post compulsory" education is may be even more over-exaggerated than previously thought...

Last but not least...

Why the U.S. Is Losing Foreign Graduates

Foreign students who graduate from U.S. universities with degrees in science and engineering are increasingly leaving the U.S. to pursue job opportunities in their home countries, according to a report released on Mar. 19. The report, called "Losing the World's Best and Brightest," warns that "the departure of these foreign nationals could represent a significant loss for the U.S. science and engineering workforce, where these immigrants have played increasingly larger roles over the past three decades."

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/mar2009/tc20090318_162454.htm

One more thing.......

Already, 70% of engineers with PhD’s who graduate from U.S. universities are foreign-born. Increasingly, these talented individuals are not staying in the U.S – instead, they’re returning home, where they find greater opportunities.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ciocentral/2011/01/20/danger-america-is-losing-its-edge-in-innovation/

 

[Dragon Mage]

Not sure what your point is.

Education in america is a complete joke no matter how you look at it.

My point is that American education is so good, that some of the top students from other countries come to America to get their degree.

Which begs the question, how can American education be a joke if 7 of the top universities in the world are all in the U.S.?

Basically, you are blowing smoke and I'm calling you on it. America has some of the best education you could possibly find in the world. So please do not shoot of statements that ''education in america is a complete joke" when it's so easily disproved.

She didn't realize her degree was completely useless & that she was being ripped off until after she tried to get a job. She wound up being a stripper.

But, even if her degree is completely worthless she still falls under the "post compulsory" education category. And, there are others like her with worthless degrees who are also considered "post compulsory".

So, that statistic is likely to be inflated...

Another example...

For profit colleges have been approaching homeless shelters looking for people to enroll in their programs.

I know what you're talking about and you clearly don't know the half of it.

Basically, these colleges will give you some top education in specialized areas but the problem is that the degrees obtained there are not considered valid because these schools do not operate the way others do.

In short, they are trade schools. They teach you the art of the trade (whatever it may be) but that's it. No GenEd crap in there. Because of that, it's considered an 'incomplete' education. Which is what forces a lot of people to get at least the GenEds in an established university but still having the 'pseudo-degree' from the trade school.

Now, it's really up to the employer if they count the trade school degrees as full-fledged degrees. Some do, some don't. It's just luck.

Full Sails is one of those schools. I've heard plenty of stories from my professors about people that got the short end of the stick because of attending there, and others who got hired on the spot because they went there. Like I said, luck.

Granted though, this kind of discontinuity is fairly uncommon in America. Trade schools like Full Sails are still pretty new, and legislation is already being considered regarding this problem.

Also:

Why the U.S. Is Losing Foreign Graduates

Hey! Maybe you've heard of this thing called the economy, which is in this other thing called the toilet.

Foreign education is freaking expensive, no matter where you're going. I'm not surprised that the amount of foreign enrollment is going down. Studying abroad costs money, which a lot of people just don't have as much these days.

Already, 70% of engineers with PhD’s who graduate from U.S. universities are foreign-born. Increasingly, these talented individuals are not staying in the U.S – instead, they’re returning home, where they find greater opportunities.

Okay, look at your statistic. 70% of engineers with PhD's.

Do you know how many people out there get PhD's? Not many. So that percentage looks like a lot, but the numbers are actually fairly small. So thanks for that.

Also, we already know that people come to the U.S. for education and go back to their foreign country. Also, that quote says 'increasingly' -- not all of them go back home. Quite a few stay, in fact. All this quote tells me is that not many American's are going into engineering, or at least getting PhD's in engineering.

This quote effectively has no bearing upon the topic at hand. Clever bit of writing there, but it's very misleading.



In addition....


IT'S FUCKING AMERICA. PEOPLE ARE IMMIGRATING ALL THE TIME.

I mean, come on. I'm only 3rd generation American and my great-grandfather's (from both sides of the family) came over illegally. Shit, if we're just counting the Mexican-born folks that get PhD's, it'd be a very big chunk of your 70% right there.

 

[Tucker]

HOW IS AMERICA ON THE LIST, AND INDIA NOT?

kfafjsengoafmaofjwmoimciofvevnavewovnaw whaaaa?

 

[Climhazzard]

8th? Meh, not the worse I suppose. Least we're above the Aussies.