Global education spending continues to reveal sharp divides—not only between rich and emerging economies, but also among advanced nations themselves. While the OECD average hovers around $15,000 per student, a handful of countries are pushing far beyond that benchmark, investing heavily in human capital as a long-term economic strategy.
Using the latest PPP-adjusted data from the OECD’s Education, here are the ten countries spending the most per student in 2026
1. Luxembourg — $31,439
No country comes close. Luxembourg stands in a league of its own, outspending every peer by a significant margin. Its small population, strong fiscal position, and focus on high-quality multilingual education contribute to the world’s highest per-student investment. Teacher salaries are also among the highest globally.
2. Norway — $22,558
Norway’s spending reflects its broader welfare model, where education is seen as a public good. High investment supports small class sizes, well-paid teachers, and strong infrastructure across both urban and rural areas.
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3. Austria — $20,942
Austria combines strong public funding with a structured academic and vocational system. Its high per-student spending underpins a dual-track education model that integrates apprenticeships with formal schooling.
4. United States — $20,387
Despite its decentralised system, the United States remains among the top spenders. Funding varies widely by state and district, but overall investment supports advanced facilities, research institutions, and a globally dominant higher education sector.
5. South Korea — $19,805
South Korea’s education system is both high-performing and heavily funded. Beyond government spending, private investment—particularly in after-school academies—further boosts total expenditure, reflecting a deeply competitive academic culture.
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6. Denmark — $19,229
Denmark prioritises equitable access and student well-being. Its education model emphasises collaboration, creativity, and strong social support systems, all backed by substantial public funding.
7. Netherlands — $19,186
The Netherlands consistently ranks high in both spending and outcomes. Investment is spread across a flexible system that allows early academic or vocational specialisation.
8. United Kingdom — $19,072
The UK maintains high levels of education spending, particularly in higher education and research. However, debates persist over funding pressures in public schools and regional disparities.
9. Belgium — $19,024
Belgium’s education system, split across linguistic communities, remains well-funded overall. Spending supports strong early childhood education and a diverse secondary school structure.
10. Canada — $18,733
Canada rounds out the top ten with a consistently high level of per-student investment. Its decentralised system delivers strong outcomes, particularly in literacy and equity, often ranking among the best globally.
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