A country’s education system plays a vital role in shaping its students. These systems include universities, colleges, and other institutions. A well-developed higher education system offers high-quality teaching and research opportunities with a good learning environment. If you are wondering which is the best country to study, this is a must-read article.
Plenty of great countries have strong higher education systems, according to the QS Rankings. For instance, the United States is home to renowned Ivy League schools and globally-ranked public universities; Germany offers free or low-cost education, focussing more on practical and technical training.
The QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings lists the best countries for higher education based on the quality of their higher education systems. So what do these rankings mean for students and their families worldwide?
Read on to know the top 20 countries on the list and their ranking criteria.
Table of Contents
- Criteria used to shortlist the top 20 higher education systems
- List of countries with the best education systems in the world
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Australia
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- France
- Denmark
- Canada
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Israel
- Finland
- Taiwan
- Singapore
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Norway
- Belgium
- United Arab Emirates
- FAQs
Criteria used to shortlist the top 20 higher education systems
The QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings are based on data from the QS World University Rankings. This includes information about each country’s best university and their higher education system strength, access, and economic context.
The rankings consider the standing of each country’s leading institution and how strong the system is with respect to the nation’s GDP per capita.
- System strength relates to how strong the higher education system is compared to other countries.
- Access is the number of places available at the best universities in each country.
- Flagship institutions are about the ranking of each country’s best universities.
- The economic context measures how strong the system is concerning the nation’s GDP per capita.
These rankings provide useful information for international students studying abroad, showing which countries have the best higher education systems.
Additionally, three major factors help determine the ranking of the countries, namely:
- Quality Index
- Global Opportunity Index
- Education Index
List of countries with the best education systems in the world
| Country | Rank | Quality Index | Global Opportunity Index | Education Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 1 | 78.2 | 69.79 | 0.914 |
| United States | 2 | 72 | 68.74 | 0.903 |
| Australia | 3 | 70.5 | 67.52 | 0.929 |
| Netherlands | 4 | 70.3 | 67.21 | 0.906 |
| Sweden | 5 | 70.1 | 66.96 | 0.904 |
| France | 6 | 69.9 | 66.3 | 0.840 |
| Denmark | 7 | 69.8 | 62.54 | 0.920 |
| Canada | 8 | 69.8 | 61.01 | 0.899 |
| Germany | 9 | 69.5 | 60.64 | 0.940 |
| Switzerland | 10 | 68.3 | 60.12 | 0.897 |
| Japan | 11 | 68.2 | 59.46 | 0.848 |
| Israel | 12 | 66.9 | 57 | 0.874 |
| Finland | 13 | 66.8 | 56.68 | 0.905 |
| Taiwan | 14 | 66.6 | 55.27 | 0.814 |
| Singapore | 15 | 66 | 55.22 | 0.832 |
| Slovenia | 16 | 65.8 | 54.38 | 0.886 |
| South Korea | 17 | 65.2 | 53.5 | 0.862 |
| Norway | 18 | 65 | 53.41 | 0.915 |
| Belgium | 19 | 64.2 | 53.02 | 0.893 |
| United Arab Emirates | 20 | 64 | 52.94 | 0.738 |
Data source: ceoworld.biz | statista.com
Now that we know the criteria to shortlist the top 20 higher education systems, and the countries with the best higher education systems in the world, let’s know a little more about each country.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has the best higher education system in the world. It is home to some of the world’s most renowned universities, such as the University of Cambridge and Oxford.
It has a well-developed higher education system that provides international students with access to quality education and generous student aid packages. In addition, the UK boasts welcoming visa policies and affordable tuition fees compared to other countries.
Discover Excellence: Study in UK. Start Your Application Today!
Top 5 universities in the UK
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 2 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 |
| UCL | 9 |
| The University of Edinburgh | 27 |
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United States
With world-famous universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford among its ranks, the US education system ranks high and has a wide range of educational opportunities for international students.
In addition to access to quality education, the US also offers generous financial aid options and visa policies that make it easier for international students to study in US.
Top 5 universities in the USA
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
| Harvard University | 4 |
| Stanford University | 6 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 |
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Australia
Australia is at number three and boasts some of the best universities in the world, such as the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney.
International students have access to top-notch education at an affordable cost when they study in Australia, making it a great choice for studying abroad.
Top 5 universities in Australia
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| The University of Melbourne | 13 |
| The University of Sydney | 18 |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | 19 |
| Australian National University (ANU) | 30 |
| Monash University | 37 |
Related article: Australian universities with high acceptance rates
Netherlands
The Netherlands is known as one of the best countries for higher education, with some of the best universities in the world.
The Netherlands has a long history of offering high-quality education. Its universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world, and they offer a wide range of courses that cater to a variety of interests and needs.
Students wanting to study in the Netherlands can expect an excellent education that will prepare them for future success.
Top 5 universities in the Netherlands
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Delft University of Technology | 49 |
| University of Amsterdam | 55 |
| Utrecht University | 105 |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | 136 |
| Leiden University | 141 |
Sweden
Next on the list, Sweden has one of the best education systems in the world, an excellent infrastructure, and high-quality teaching staff.
Sweden's education system is known for its focus on creativity and innovation. Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and problem solvers. The Swedish government also invests heavily in education, which helps maintain a high-quality standard.
Top 5 universities in Sweden
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | 74 |
| Lund University | 75 |
| Uppsala University | 103 |
| Stockholm University | 128 |
| Chalmers University of Technology | 139 |
France
France is home to some of the best universities in the world, and international students have a wealth of options when it comes to choosing a field or subject.
These universities offer a wide range of degree programs and specialisations, making it easy for students to find the right university for their needs. Explore more universities in France.
As an international student, you can benefit from affordable education and the modern infrastructure when you study in France.
Top 5 universities in France
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Université PSL | 24 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 46 |
| Sorbonne University | 63 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 73 |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 187 |
Denmark
Denmark’s education system is known for its focus on creativity and innovation. The country’s top-notch education at affordable cost makes it an ideal choice for international students.
Top 5 universities in Denmark
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Copenhagen | 100 |
| Technical University of Denmark | 109 |
| Aarhus University | 144 |
| Aalborg University | 306 |
| University of Southern Denmark (SDU) | 324 |
Canada
Canada’s higher education system is ranked as one of the top in the world. Canadian education is renowned globally for its focus on cross-disciplinary studies and international universities. Hence, many students prefer to study in Canada.
Canadian universities offer a wide range of programs and degrees to choose from. The country also has lower student fees and a lower cost of living than many other countries. Apply to Canadian universities today.
Top 5 universities in Canada
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 25 |
| McGill University | 29 |
| University of British Columbia | 38 |
| University of Alberta | 96 |
| University of Waterloo | 115 |
Also read:
Germany
Germany has a strong higher education system with many top universities, including Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Technische Universität München, and Ruprecht-Karls-Universitt Heidelberg.
Many international students choose to study in Germany for its low tuition fees and high-quality education.
One of the unique features of the German education system is that students are required to complete a year of practical work in their field before graduation. This helps prepare students for working in the real world after they graduate.
Top 5 universities in Germany
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 28 |
| Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | 59 |
| Universität Heidelberg | 84 |
| Freie Universität Berlin | 97 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 99 |
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the countries with the best education systems. This small, mountainous country has several top-ranked universities, as well as a rigorous system of higher education that prepares students for successful careers.
One of the benefits of studying in Switzerland is excellent universities. The University of Zurich, ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and Lausanne Hospitality School are all ranked among the best universities in the world.
Another reason to study in Switzerland is the multilingual environment. Switzerland is home to four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. This makes it an ideal place to learn multiple languages and cultures simultaneously.
Top 5 universities in Switzerland
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| ETH Zurich | 7 |
| EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne | 26 |
| University of Zurich | 109 |
| University of Basel | 131 |
| University of Geneva | 155 |
Japan
Japan has one of the best higher education systems in the world for many reasons.
The first is that Japan has a few of the top 50 universities in the world. Another reason why Japan’s education system is so good is because it places a lot of importance on learning English.
To graduate from high school in Japan, students are required to pass an English proficiency test. This ensures that all Japanese students are proficient in English, which gives them a global advantage when competing for jobs or attending university abroad.
Top 5 universities in Japan
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| The University of Tokyo | 32 |
| Kyoto University | 50 |
| Tokyo Institute of Technology | 84 |
| Osaka University | 86 |
| Tohoku University | 107 |
Israel
Next on the list is Israel. The country is well known for its public university system and government subsidies. Israel’s education is high in academic standards, particularly in science and technology.
Top 5 universities in Israel
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Tel Aviv University | 209 |
| Hebrew University of Jerusalem | 281 |
| Technion - Israel Institute of Technology | 416 |
| Ben-Gurion University of The Negev | 471 |
| Bar-Ilan University | 671-680 |
Finland
The Finnish education system is affordable, making it accessible to students from all backgrounds. Many universities in Finland rank in the top 500 universities in the world.
The University of Helsinki is ranked as one of the top universities in the world and is considered to have one of the best education systems in Finland.
Additionally, Finnish students have a lot of freedom regarding their education. They can choose their courses and majors, which allows them to explore different fields and find their passion.
Top 5 universities in Finland
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Aalto University | 113 |
| University of Helsinki | 117 |
| Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) | 336 |
| University of Oulu | 344 |
| University of Turku | 375 |
Taiwan
Taiwan has one of the best higher education systems in the world for many reasons. One reason is that Taiwan has many top universities which are highly respected worldwide.
Another reason is that the Taiwan education system emphasises creativity and innovation, which prepares students for the working world. The Taiwan education system is affordable and provides great value for money.
Also read: Top 100 universities in the world
Top 5 universities in Taiwan
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| National Taiwan Normal University | 452 |
| National Sun Yat-Sen University | 485 |
| National Chengchi University | 601-610 |
| Taipei Medical University | 611-620 |
| Asia University Taiwan | 801-850 |
Singapore
Singapore has frequently been listed among the countries with the best higher education systems in the world. The country emphasises high-quality learning through critical thinking and problem-solving.
Singapore houses excellent institutions such as the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University, which are consistently ranked among the best universities in the world.
Top universities in Singapore
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| National University of Singapore | 8 |
| Nanyang Technological University | 15 |
| Singapore University of Technology & Design | 440 |
| Singapore Management University | 585 |
Slovenia
Slovenia is a leading country in terms of technology and has some of the best universities in the world.
The education system in Slovenia is one of the best in the world and offers many benefits to students. One of these benefits is that students are able to get a good job after they graduate.
Another benefit is that the universities in Slovenia are very well known for their research and innovation. The top universities in Slovenia include the University of Ljubljana, the University of Maribor, the University of Primorska, and the University of Nova Gorica, among many others.
Top universities in Slovenia
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Ljubljana | 621-630 |
| University of Maribor | 851-900 |
| University of Primorska | 1001–1200 |
South Korea
South Korea is known for having one of the best higher education systems in the world. The country has several top universities, and students who graduate from these universities have excellent job prospects.
In addition, the Korean economy is strong, providing graduates with good job opportunities. The cost of living is also relatively low, making it an attractive destination for international students.
Top 5 universities in South Korea
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Seoul National University | 31 |
| Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | 53 |
| Yonsei University | 56 |
| Korea University | 67 |
| Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) | 98 |
Norway
Norway has a world-renowned education system known for its top universities and rigorous coursework.
Students who graduate from a Norwegian university are highly sought after by employers worldwide, thanks to the well-rounded education they receive and the global network of contacts they make while studying in Norway.
Additionally, Norwegian universities offer a wide range of courses in all subjects that help to create well-rounded graduates who have a competitive edge when looking for employment.
Top 5 universities in Norway
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Oslo | 119 |
| Norwegian University of Science and Technology | 264 |
| University of Bergen | 291 |
| Uit the Arctic University of Norway | 621-630 |
| Norwegian University of Life Sciences | 691-700 |
Belgium
Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe. Despite its small size, Belgium has a world-class education system which ranks among the best in the world.
One of the main reasons for Belgium’s success in education is its strong emphasis on research and development. Some of these universities are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
Top 5 universities in Belgium
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Catholic University of Leuven | 63 |
| University of Gent | 169 |
| Catholic University of Louvain | 203 |
| Université Libre de Bruxelles | 230 |
| University of Antwerp | 267 |
United Arab Emirates
UAE is known for educational innovation, using modern technology in teaching, offering students modern classrooms and state-of-the-art facilities. UAE is home to many world-class institutions with courses and programs in various fields.
Many universities in the UAE are internationally recognised and highly ranked. When you study in UAE, you can also experience the safety of the country, high living standards and hospitality.
This country has a name for its metropolitan lifestyle and latest innovations; it offers incredible experiences for international students. Apply to universities in the UAE and start your study-abroad journey.
Top 5 universities in the UAE
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Khalifa University | 202 |
| United Arab Emirates University | 261 |
| American University of Sharjah | 332 |
| University of Sharjah | 434 |
| Zayed University | 621-630 |
The 20 best higher education systems in the world are known for their innovation and academic excellence. However, with so many choices of countries, deciding where and what to study can be overwhelming.
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Key takeaways
- The top higher education systems span across different countries. Countries like the UK, USA, Australia, the Netherlands, and Sweden stand out for their academic excellence.
- Studying in countries with the best education systems offers top-notch faculty and a comprehensive learning experience.
- Most of the top-ranked universities are in the countries with the best higher education systems in the world. These universities have close ties with global companies and offer internships and networking events.
FAQs
1. What is the main benefit of studying in countries with the best education systems in the world?
Here are the importance and benefits of studying at one of the top 100 universities in the world.
- Studying in countries with the best education systems in the world provides access to top-notch faculty, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
- Many top-ranked universities have close ties with industry leaders and offer internships and networking events.
- Graduating from such top-ranked universities enhances your career opportunities after graduation.
2. Which country is best for Indian students to live in?
The top countries for Indian students to study and live in are:
- UK
- USA
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Germany
- Netherlands
3. Which are the top universities in the world?
Here are the top 10 universities in the world, according to QS World Rankings 2025.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Imperial College London
- ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- University College London (UCL)
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
