Finland boasts the second toughest education system in the world and the most rigorous system in the European Union, according to a recent study by MastersDegree.net. This ranking takes into account factors such as the country’s education structure, tertiary education attainment, and the acceptance rate of the best college, among others.
The education system in Finland follows a 9-3-3 structure, consisting of nine years of mandatory primary school education, followed by three years of upper secondary education and three years of higher education. The toughest exam in Finland is the Finnish Matriculation Examination, which is a nationwide test taken after high school graduation, with around 30,000 students passing the exam successfully each year.
Despite the demanding education system, Finnish students face elevated stress levels, with around 40% of female students and 28% of male students reporting feeling depressed or anxious. However, Japan tops the chart for student stress levels, with 84.0% of male students and 95.1% of female students experiencing stress during their studies.
The most popular degrees in Finland are Information Technology and International Business Logistics, with the top college acceptance rate standing at 17% and 40% of the country’s population holding tertiary education qualifications.
Aside from Finland, the list of countries with the toughest education systems also includes South Korea, Singapore, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Africa, the United States, and Russia. South Korea takes the top spot as the country with the toughest education system, with students studying around 16 hours a day to pass the college entry test, Suneung.
Following Finland, Singapore ranks as the third toughest, boasting a 91% rate of people with tertiary education and a national IQ score of 105.9.
Overall, Finland’s education system is known for its high standards and rigorous testing, making it one of the top choices for international students seeking a challenging academic experience.
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