More people around the world are attending college than ever before. UNESCO reported in 2017 that the number of students in higher education more than doubled between 2000 and 2014, rising from 100 million to 207 million. The global higher education gross enrollment ratio increased to 34 percent from 19 percent during that period.
However, not every country has contributed equally to this growth. Below is a revised, fluent English version of the original article listing countries ranked by the share of their adult population (age 25–64) with tertiary education, along with brief summaries and context. Data cited in the original article generally comes from OECD or specified national sources.
46. South Africa
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 7.2
Total population: 59.3 million
Only about 7 percent of South Africa’s population has completed tertiary education. The country continues to address the long-term effects of apartheid, but its higher education sector is developing, with notable institutions such as the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
45. China
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education (2010): 9.68
Total population: 1.44 billion
Based on available 2010 data, roughly 10 percent of China’s adult population had tertiary education. That translates to a large absolute number of graduates, but still leaves many without higher education. Compulsory education in China extends through Grade 9.
44. India
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education (2011): 10.60
Total population: 1.38 billion
About 10 percent of Indian adults hold a tertiary degree. India has a large private education sector, and many students pursue advanced degrees abroad. The country’s higher education system includes a broad mix of public and private institutions.
43. Indonesia
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education (2017): 11.86
Total population: 273.5 million
Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, has about 12 percent of adults with tertiary education. The University of Indonesia is the country’s oldest and most recognized institution.
42. Brazil
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education (2017): 17.21
Total population: 212.6 million
Roughly 17 percent of Brazilians have tertiary education. Brazil has a mix of public and private universities, and the University of São Paulo is one of its highest-ranked institutions.
41. Mexico
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 18
Total population: 128.9 million
About 18 percent of adults in Mexico have completed tertiary education. The country offers numerous universities and research partnerships that provide opportunities for students across diverse regions.
40. Italy
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 19.3
Total population: 60.5 million
About 19 percent of Italians pursue higher education. Italy’s cultural richness offers students a unique environment for studies in art, history, fashion and business.
39. Turkey
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 20.8
Total population: 84.3 million
Approximately 21 percent of Turkey’s population has completed tertiary studies. The country, spanning Europe and Asia, hosts more than 40 universities and a rich cultural landscape for students.
38. Costa Rica
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 22.6
Total population: 5.1 million
About 22 percent of Costa Ricans hold tertiary degrees. The country has a modest higher education system and attracts students who also enjoy its natural landscapes and biodiversity.
37. Colombia
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 23.4
Total population: 50.9 million
About 23 percent of Colombians have tertiary education. The country hosts over 50 universities and offers vibrant city life and travel opportunities across neighboring nations.
36. Saudi Arabia
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education (2016): 23.62
Total population: 34.8 million
Saudi Arabia invests substantially in education and ranks among the best-educated countries in the Arab world. Institutions such as King Abdulaziz University and King Saud University are recognized for strong programs in engineering and pharmacy.
35. Czech Republic
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 24.3
Total population: 10.7 million
Nearly a quarter of Czechs have tertiary qualifications. Prague and other cities provide attractive and affordable study options, with low or modest fees for international students taking courses in English.
34. Slovak Republic
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 24.6
Total population: 5.46 million
About 25 percent of Slovaks hold tertiary degrees. EU citizens can often study for free, while non-EU international students usually pay moderate tuition fees.
33. Portugal
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 25
Total population: 10.2 million
A quarter of Portugal’s adults have tertiary education. The country offers a range of institutions, though tuition can be higher than in some other European nations.
32. Hungary
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 25.1
Total population: 9.66 million
About 25 percent of Hungarians have tertiary degrees. Budapest is a major student hub, and the country is known for affordable programs in medicine, engineering and other fields.
31. Chile
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education (2017): 25.17
Total population: 19.1 million
About a quarter of Chileans hold tertiary qualifications. The country invests heavily in education and maintains a diverse higher education sector, including public and private institutions.
30. Germany
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 29.1
Total population: 83.8 million
Nearly 30 percent of Germany’s population has tertiary education. German public universities are known for low or no tuition fees, including for many international students.
29. Poland
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 30.9
Total population: 37.85 million
Almost 31 percent of Poles continue their studies beyond secondary school. Polish public higher education is often free for citizens, and international students can gain access by meeting local admission requirements and language prerequisites.
28. Greece
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 31.7
Total population: 10.4 million
About 32 percent of Greeks have tertiary education. EU citizens often pay little or no tuition at public universities, while non-EU students typically pay moderate fees depending on the program.
27. Slovenia
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 32.5
Total population: 2.1 million
Roughly a third of Slovenians hold tertiary degrees. The University of Ljubljana is the country’s leading institution, and EU students benefit from low tuition costs.
26. Austria
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 32.7
Total population: 9 million
About one-third of Austrians have tertiary education. Austrian public universities charge only modest semester fees, making higher education broadly accessible.
25. Latvia
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 33.9
Total population: 1.89 million
Nearly 34 percent of Latvians have tertiary qualifications. Riga hosts the majority of the country’s universities, including the University of Latvia.
24. Argentina
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 35.7
Total population: 45.2 million
About 36 percent of Argentines hold tertiary degrees. Public universities are heavily subsidized, and the majority of students attend these institutions because tuition is minimal or free.
23. France
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 36.9
Total population: 65.3 million
Nearly 37 percent of France’s adult population has tertiary education. Public universities offer affordable tuition for citizens and residents of some neighboring countries.
22. Spain
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 37.25
Total population: 46.7 million
About 37 percent of Spaniards have tertiary degrees. EU students often study at Spanish public universities with low fees, and non-EU undergraduate tuition remains relatively affordable.
21. Denmark
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 38.06
Total population: 5.8 million
Denmark has high levels of tertiary attainment and strong English proficiency among residents. Major universities are concentrated in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg.
20. Netherlands
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 38.34
Total population: 17.1 million
Nearly 40 percent of the Dutch population holds tertiary qualifications. The Netherlands is known for its internationally oriented universities, especially in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam.
19. New Zealand
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 39.29
Total population: 4.8 million
About 39 percent of New Zealanders have tertiary education. Universities in Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin and Christchurch offer strong programs in a variety of fields including business and engineering.
18. Belgium
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 40.64
Total population: 11.6 million
Approximately 41 percent of Belgians hold tertiary degrees. The country has distinct language regions and strong universities in Brussels, Leuven, Ghent and Antwerp.
17. Estonia
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 41.13
Total population: 1.3 million
Estonia has a high proportion of tertiary-educated adults. The University of Tartu is a leading institution with a significant international student body and strong research profile.
16. Lithuania
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 41.65
Total population: 2.7 million
Lithuania reports a high tertiary attainment rate. Major universities are located in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda, and public university tuition is state-subsidized for citizens.
15. Sweden
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 43.27
Total population: 10.1 million
Sweden emphasizes education in fields like computer science, engineering and biotechnology. EU citizens often study for free, while non-EU tuition remains moderate compared with some other countries.
14. Norway
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 43.58
Total population: 5.4 million
Norway consistently ranks highly for standard of living and education. Public higher education is strong and widely accessible, with universities concentrated in Oslo and other cities.
13. Switzerland
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 43.74
Total population: 8.6 million
Switzerland has a strong higher education sector and high tertiary attainment. Its cities—Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Lausanne—are home to high-quality universities and research centers.
12. Iceland
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 43.75
Total population: 341,000
Iceland’s small population enjoys high tertiary attainment and largely free public higher education. The University of Iceland in Reykjavik is the country’s largest institution.
11. Luxembourg
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 43.89
Total population: 626,000
Surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany, Luxembourg hosts several business-focused colleges and programs. Its small size concentrates most higher education offerings in Luxembourg City.
10. Finland
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 45.19
Total population: 5.5 million
Finland ranks highly for educational attainment. Helsinki and other cities offer respected universities, and the country is known for its strong social supports and quality of life.
9. Australia
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 45.73
Total population: 25.5 million
Nearly half of Australians have tertiary qualifications. Major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne host many leading universities and vibrant cultural scenes.
8. United Kingdom
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 45.78
Total population: 67.9 million
The UK has a long academic tradition, home to world-renowned universities in London and centuries-old institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge. Nearly 46 percent of adults hold tertiary degrees.
7. Ireland
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 46.94
Total population: 4.9 million
Ireland’s higher education system is well regarded, with institutions such as Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. Nearly 47 percent of adults have tertiary-level qualifications.
6. United States
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 47.43
Total population: 331 million
Nearly half of U.S. adults hold tertiary degrees. While the U.S. ranks high in higher education attainment, it is particularly prominent in global university rankings, hosting many top-ranked institutions.
5. South Korea
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 49.01
Total population: 51.3 million
About half of South Koreans have tertiary qualifications. Seoul and other cities host many of the country’s top universities, and the country places strong cultural emphasis on education.
4. Israel
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education (2017): 50.92
Total population: 8.66 million
Israel has a high tertiary attainment rate and a distinctive education system. Top institutions, including the Weizmann Institute and major universities, contribute to strong research performance.
3. Japan
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 51.93
Total population: 126.5 million
More than half of Japanese adults have tertiary education. Tokyo and other major cities host numerous universities, with the University of Tokyo being one of the country’s most prestigious institutions.
2. Russia
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education (2017): 56.70
Total population: 146 million
Russia reports a high share of adults with tertiary education—about 57 percent. The country has many universities across its territory, with strong programs in science, engineering and mathematics.
1. Canada
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Percent of population age 25-64 with tertiary education: 57.89
Total population: 37.7 million
Canada ranks highest in this list, with nearly 58 percent of its adult population holding tertiary qualifications. Major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal host a wide range of universities and programs, and degrees in engineering, business and management are especially popular.