The most educated cities in the world, experts say, are characterised by a high-standard education system, academic excellence, cultural diversity, and innovation.
These cities have prioritised education and fostered an environment that supports intellectual growth. All these are emerging cities investing in education and striving to aspire to creativity, knowledge, and progress which helps define the world’s most educated cities.
This leads to economic and financial growth of the city which contributes to the economic well-being of the country.
According to report by Best Diplomats, a New York-based Diplomatic Conference Organizer which focuses on training Future Diplomats through Diplomatic Simulations; the following are the top 10 most educated cities in the world;
London, United Kingdom
London has the most highly educated people and a highly educated workforce. London is the most popular student city in the world with the greatest concentration of prestigious universities in all of Europe including the London School of Economics and Political Science and King’s College London.
The universities of London have greatly supported expanding the knowledge industry in London. The £2 billion investment of Imperial College in a new 23-acre campus has turned White City, known as an “opportunity area” for regeneration, into an innovation hub.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo, the capital city of Norway’s population, is one of the highest educated in the world. They are ambitious, determined, and progressive people.
Oslo is home to the world’s best universities and the leading companies and industries. In Oslo, Norwegian society considered education to be an important part of the nation’s development.
It has the advantages of a strong educational system and a high level of English proficiency. Due to the relatively small size of the market at home, corporations typically start with a more global perspective.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv, the capital city of Israel, once called “The Mediterranean Capital of Cool” by the New York Times and is one of the most educated cities in the world.
Other than education, it is one of the smartest cities in the world. The city is at the forefront of multiple industries, including commerce, development, manufacturing, medical, and education.
Higher education is viewed in Israeli culture as the route to greater social standing and mobility within the country.
Read also: Here are top 10 most-educated countries in 2024
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich ranks among the most educated cities in the world. Zurich is regarded as the centre of knowledge and research with internationally recognised technical colleges and public elementary education institutes. Switzerland is among the nations with the greatest percentage of GDP dedicated to research and the highest number of inventions.
The objective of Zurich’s schools is to encourage each child’s unique abilities. All students have access to the best education to become competent and motivated members of society.
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki has seen a significant increase in the level of education among its citizens over the past decade, bringing in a highly educated labor force.
It is the nation’s hub for education and is recognized as the sixth most inventive city in the world.
In Finland, egalitarianism is strongly valued. Everyone ought to receive equal access to education, and basic education standards remain constant across the nation. Finland has been ranked first in reading, math, and the natural sciences internationally by the PISA global competence assessment.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Edinburgh is the seventh-biggest city in the United Kingdom, but it is also the home of Scotland’s biggest companies, banks, and universities including the University of Edinburgh, the sixth-oldest in the English-speaking world.
It also serves as the seat of government for the country. Edinburgh is an important regional centre for higher education and has one of the youngest demographics of any European city.
Education is free in the city. College education is considered to be more vocational, with the majority of degrees going directly to employment in particular sectors. There are numerous different course levels, like the Higher National Diploma or Certificate, which require a year of study to complete.
Stockholm, Sweden
The capital of Sweden is an important hub for higher education and one of the top-educated cities in the world. Famous tech unicorns including Spotify, King, and Skype, and the developer of Candy Crush, emerged in Stockholm.
Stockholm has grown into an epicentre for health and life sciences research due to the large number of universities and healthcare organisations in the city. Over 51 percent of the population of people in Stockholm holds a bachelor’s degree.
San Jose, United States
San Jose is one of the most educated cities in the world and has the best universities including the University of San Jose, William Jessup University, Silicon Valley University, and many more.
For many years, the heart of the American technological sector has been centred around Silicon Valley. It requires a highly educated workforce.
San Jose raised $163.5 billion in venture capital funding between 2016 and 2018 after San Francisco, making it the second-highest amount of any city globally. 50.8 percent of the city’s population obtains a bachelor’s degree.
Washington D.C, United States
Washington D.C., ranks among the most educated cities in the world. It is the world’s biggest economy and home to the federal government and many federal employees who have attained college degrees.
The universities of Washington D.C., rank among the best universities in the world. The percentage of people receiving higher education is increasing in the city. Washington, DC, had the highest rate of people receiving a bachelor’s degree or higher which is 63% followed by Massachusetts.
The city has one in five workers working in high-tech industries, ranking third in the world after its West Coast competitors, San Francisco and San Jose.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, the second biggest city in Australia offers a robust education system with reputed faculties and a high literacy rate.
The highly educated workforce of Melbourne is the driving force behind innovation and business growth. Highly skilled talent is produced in the city by a diverse range of universities including La Trobe University, Monash University, Victoria University, and many more.