South Korea Leads OECD in Higher Education Completion for 17th Consecutive Year

With 56.2% of adults holding a college degree or higher, South Korea continues to lead the OECD in higher education attainment.

South Korea Leads OECD in Higher Education Completion for 17th Consecutive Year

SEOUL — As of September 9, 2025, South Korea has maintained its position as the leader in higher education completion among OECD countries for the 17th consecutive year. 

According to a report from the Ministry of Education, 56.2% of South Koreans aged 25 to 64 have attained a college degree or higher, surpassing the OECD average of 41.9%. The gap is even more pronounced among younger adults aged 25 to 34, where the completion rate reaches 70.6%, the highest among OECD nations and 11 other countries surveyed. 

Despite this impressive educational attainment, many graduates face challenges in securing employment, raising concerns about the alignment between higher education and labor market needs. Additionally, educational spending per student in South Korea amounted to $19,805 in 2022, slightly above the OECD average of $15,023, excluding private tutoring expenses. 

This data emphasizes South Korea's commitment to education while highlighting the need for continued efforts to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and employment opportunities.

Sources: Korea.net

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