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The world is becoming a smaller place and globalisation is applying to more than industry and trade. Education is no longer restricted to local or national areas, with education now an international process. This can be because of travel, emigration or simply a desire to access a particular university or other educational centre for their special programs.
As part of a process of understanding how education operates around the world, we have already presented reviews about several countries. The following links provide information about countries from various areas of the world. They indicate the main bodies which control and present education at all levels within that country. These can be national, state/provincial or smaller regional groups. In some instances, authority for education is devolved to local boards.
In addition, we have tried to include as many other links that cover multiple areas of world education. These may help fill gaps among individual listings. While we will be adding more listings, these will never cover every country, nor will they provide an absolute coverage of all aspects for each country. They are intended as a beginning point for those who are interested in seeking further information.
It is interesting to note common factors between countries - stages of education, core curriculum areas, common qualifications, etc., while also seeing variations which exist, e.g. starting ages, length of compulsory education, specialisations, … . Systems in every country can be improved by adapting, not just adopting, the best and most successful from others.
They also do not specifically cover information on International Education which is found on this page.
As indicated, this is only a starting point. If you are aware of other links suitable for addition, let us know so these can be reviewed with a view to inclusion.
Africa
South Africa
- Department of Education
Covers all levels from Basic to Higher Education. Use the menu on the left to access specific areas. The FAQ page provides a range of answers. - Education [SAfr]
Use the specific links or the links in the upper section of the page to access information on specific educational areas and aspects. - Education in South Africa
Overview of the educational system from South .info . - South African Qualifications Authority
News, events, documents, FAQs, Glossary of terms, more. - South African Government Information - Education
Introduction, budget, policy, learners, curriculum development, Further Education & Training, Higher Education Transformation. Covers structure of the education system as part of this.
Asia
China
- China’s Education System
‘An overview of Chinese Education’ [2005]. - Education in the People’s Republic of China
History, development, education policy, education system, Primary education, Secondary education, Higher education, teachers, Adult & online education, rural education, private education, overseas students, gender equality, references, links, more. From Wikipedia. - Facts, Figures & Links
Covers Chinese Education and schools. Includes statistics, links to related sites for specific information, articles about various aspects [Chinese and international], links to education reports, more. - Ministry of Education of The People’s Republic of
China
One of the important sections provides links to Local Education Departments. Other information covers news, policy, statistics, planning, other links.
India
- Ministry of Human Resource Development
Brief introduction then links to both Department of School Education & Literacy and the Department of Higher Education. - India Education
Introduction, then sections on each component of the education system, using the links on the menu at the left. These also provide overviews of individual sections with links to further information. Total information is quite extensive. Ads an example, see the Elementary Education page. - Higher Education in India
News, career options, entrance exams, universities, colleges, distance learning, forums, more.
Japan
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology [MEXT]
There is a separate Education section of this portal with sections on Educational Reform, School Education, Pre-School Education, Elementary and Secondary Education, Higher Education, School Facilities, Lifelong Learning and more. - Education in Japan
‘Resources and networking for parents and educators. This website is the result of the interactions of a community residing in Japan’. Specifically looks at schools and their related activities. - The Japanese Education System
General overview, with a second page on Japanese Schools giving more details about specific types/levels of schools. - Higher Education in Japan
Pamphlet from MEXT.
Korea [South]
- Education/Literacy in Korea
Presented in 12 sections from History to Graduate School information. - Higher Education
An overview from the Ministry - Higher Education in South Korea
Overview of Higher Education plus links to all universities. - Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
Introduction, Policies & Programs, Statistics, History, more. Pages likely to be of greatest use are Education System [multiple sections on all levels, plus an overview] and Education Statistics [multiple section on all levels].
Singapore
- Education in Singapore
Done by an expat group and while there are sections on international schools and returning Singaporeans, The section on the Education System is very clear. - Ministry of Education Singapore
Sections for students, parents, teachers, media, partners. Decsriptors of the Education System can be accessed from the left hand menu, including information on Desired Outcomes. The School Information Services ‘allows parents and students to generate comparative lists of schools based on specified parameters that range from school achievements to CCAs offered’. The National Education site is also very interesting, with an emphasis on working to ‘develop national cohesion, cultivate the instinct for survival as a nation and instil in our students, confidence in our nation’s future’. - Singapore Education System
‘We have created flowcharts to help parents of young children understand the system in Singapore. On the right are hot links to information provided by the Ministry of Education [MOE], Singapore’. - Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board
‘Formed to develop and conduct national examinations in Singapore and to provide other examination and assessment services. SEAB collaborates with MOE on all national examinations’. - Singapore’s Education System
‘A simple flowchart overview of Singapore’s education system’, but with additional information stemming from this.
Europe
England
- Department for Education
‘The Department for Education was formed on 12 May 2010 and is responsible for education and children’s services’. Sections on Schools, Children & Young People, 16 to 19, News, Publications, Research & Statistics, Popular Questions, more. - UK Education Systems
Information from the British Council which all countries in the UK. Provides all relevant information. - UK Education System
Has a brief introduction then links to further information on Key Stage, Primary, Secondary, Further and Higher Education levels and Entry Requirements for each.
Ireland
- Department of Education and Skills
‘The information contained in this website is intended to assist you in gaining an understanding of the work of [the] Department, as well as providing associated linkages to key agencies and bodies in the educational and skills sectors’. - Education and Training
‘Irish education system, Pre-school education and childcare, Primary and post-primary education, State examinations, Third-level education, Vocational education and training, Returning to Education, Adult and life-long education and European education programmes’. Public Service Information from the Citizens Information Board. - Education in Ireland
This government site is primarily designed to encourage international students to study in Ireland. However, it does give a solid run down on Primary Education in Ireland and a good coverage of Secondary education entitled Second Level Education in Ireland. There are also links to information on tertiary studies. Has both print and video material available.
Finland
- Education System in Finland
From the Ministry of Education and Culture. Covers all levels through to University and Adult education. You can get more information on The Finnish Education System here. The Home Page of the Ministry of Education & Culture can be found here. - Finnish National Board of Education
‘FNBE is responsible for drawing up the national core curricula for basic and general upper secondary education and the framework for vocational qualifications and competence-based qualifications’.
Germany
- Federal Ministry of Education and Research
The specific Education section is found here. It covers Training, Lifelong Learning, Innovation in Education, Educational Research, Publications and more. - The German Education System : Basic Facts
‘This website has been created to provide you with a quick and short circuit access to educational resources on the web. The resources collected here are designed to provide international users with selected English language documents regarding the German education system and related aspects’. Don’t forget to check the menus on the left as well. - Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the
Federal Republic of Germany
Covers both the composition of this body and also information on the Education System including a Glossary. - German Education
‘Structure of Educational System, Pre-higher Education System, Higher Education System, Administrative structure of higher education and Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition’.
Sweden
- Education
‘Pre-school Education, Compulsory Education, Post-Compulsory Education, Higher Education, Higher Education in Sweden : An Overview and Links [universities, colleges, more]’ -
Education in Sweden : A Lesson for Life
A Fact Sheet from Sweden.se which looks at some of the most recent changes which have taken place. You can download a PDF (for print) here. -
Is Sweden’s Classroom-Free School the Future of Learning ?
An article from GOOD [Education] that looks at the Vittra approach. - Ministry of Education & Research
‘Areas of responsibility, Organisation, Budget, Committees of Inquiry, Government Agencies, Work in the EU and Contact information’. - Overview of the Swedish Education System
‘Visit our interactive map which provides an overview of the various parts of the education system. Use the map to find your way around the system and find information about areas that are of particular interest to you’ Has information, publications, statistics, school addresses, Translation of Leaver’s Certificates, more. - Swedish National Agency for Higher Education
‘The public authority that oversees higher education institutions in Sweden. The Swedish National Agency for Higher Education performs this task through a variety of mechanisms’. Select English from the top of the page.
North America
Canada
- Departments of Education Across Canada
Lists these for each province [13]. Includes both general education and higher education where applicable. There is no Federal Department of Education. - Education in Canada
‘Gives a current pan-Canadian overview of education. Its content is based on information compiled from Canada’s 13 jurisdictions and deals with topics such as : governance, funding, education systems, language, teaching, public and private schools, pre-elementary/elementary/secondary/postsecondary institutions, statistics, attendance, regional differences, university degrees/college diplomas, vocational training, adult education, technology and education, Aboriginal education, the role of CMEC and ministerial priorities for education’. - Council of Ministers of Education
Provides access to Provincial, as well Canada-wide, information. Their Useful Links connect you to national and other groups covering teachers Polytechnics and beyond. You can also access Programs & Initiatives, Publications and more.
Mexico
- Secretaría de Educación Pública
Secretariat of Federal Public Education. The Federal Education body, though most of the system appears to be run through the various states. - Mexico - Educational System : overview
A general overview of the system.
United States of America
- Education Colleges
An interesting site which looks at the various teacher careers and roles in the American system from early childhood teachers to administrators and provides information about accreditation and every state’s requirements. - U.S. Department of Education
‘The agency of the federal government that establishes policy for, administers and coordinates most federal assistance to education. It assists the President in executing his education policies for the nation and in implementing laws enacted by Congress’. Use the Guide to U.S. Department of Education Programs to find information on these. Previous year programs can also be downloaded. - State Contacts and Information
‘Find your state Department of Education, state contacts and organisations, ED press releases for your state, and other state information using the map or pull-down below’. State Departments and Local Boards implement educational practices.
Oceania
New Zealand
- Education Review Office
Te Taki Arotake Matauranga. ‘ERO reviews schools and early childhood education services, and publishes national reports on current education practice’. - Ministry of Education
Te Tāhuhu o Te Mātauranga. Information covers all aspects of education in New Zealand from Budget Initiatives, through school levels, information for parents, students, boards and educators, research and more. Several specific pages are listed below.
- NZ Education
‘Learn more about how the New Zealand education system works, and the education agencies that are involved in supporting our education system, helping to deliver a world-leading education system that equips all New Zealanders with the knowledge, skills and values to be successful citizens in the 21st-century’. - Our Education System
‘This section provides information about the New Zealand education system. How it works, the guiding policies and the resourcing we provide to the education sector’. Early Childhood, Primary & Secondary, Tertiary, Māori, Pasifika, International and Special areas are covered separately. There is also a separate Education System Overview. - Parents [Whānua] Information
‘Here you’ll find useful information about your child or teen’s education including tips on choosing an Early Childhood Education service or school, what they learn, how their progress is assessed and other topics of interest’.
- New Zealand Teachers Council
Te Pouherenga Kaiako o Aotearoa. ‘The New Zealand Teachers Council is the professional and regulatory body for teachers in New Zealand’.
The Americas
This section covers countries in Central and South America.
Argentina
- Education in Argentina
A brief introduction to the education system. - Education in Argentina [Wikipedia]
History, achievements, characteristics [specific areas], further links, references. - Ministerio de Educación
[In Argentine.] Provides information on the Ministry, legislation, initial education, primary, secondary & university education, education planning and more. -
Study in Argentina
‘Are you considering Argentina to satisfy your adventurous spirit and intellectual desires ? We’ve got just what you’re looking for. Study Argentina is the creation of an international student services organisation with years of experience in creating opportunities for international students’.
Brazil
- Brazil - Education
Text presentation covering both Principles, Aims and Objectives and Organisation and Structure. Includes descriptions of education levels and requirements in the second section. - Education in Brazil
History, situation, organisation & structure, teacher training & qualification, references, links. From Wikipedia. - Ministério da Educação
[In Portuguese.] Portal entry for Education along with sites for ENEM [National Examination] leading to SISU [Tertiary Selection].
Chile
- Educarchile
Essential, Teachers, Students, Families sections. In Chilean/Spanish. - Education in Chile
Levels of education, Primary & Secondary levels, admission to university, references, links. From Wikipedia. - Ministerio de Educación [Chile]
Sections for Students, Parents & Guardians, Teachers & Managers, more. In Chilean/Spanish.
Honduras
- Education
Brief textual overview of the current education system and where it has evolved from. - Secretaría de Educación de Honduras
Ministry of Education. The page is in Spanish but you can access a Translation here.
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Other Information
This section includes general information, pages with links to multiple sites, other educational information including areas such as worldwide educational information, database, qualifications and more.
- Association for the Development of Education in Africa
Programs, Working Groups, Publications, databases, knowledge sharing, calendar, newsletter, more. - Education at a Glance 2009 : OECD Indicators
‘Findings, New material, Data, How to obtain this publication, News releases and press material, Country notes, Videos, Multilingual summaries, Highlights, Previous editions of Education at a Glance, Websites’. - Education Worldwide
From UNESCO. Sections include About Us, Themes, Worldwide education, Events, Network, Partners, more. This opens to the Worldwide section. - EFA Global Monitoring Report
[EFA - Education For All]. From UNESCO. ‘The 2010 Education for All Global Monitoring Report looks at concrete solutions for making sure that no children are excluded from schooling’. Information about the 2011 report to be released in March. Links to previous reports. - EuroEducation.net
Scroll down to find information on Education Systems for countries ranging from Albania to Uzbekistan. - Online Education Database
from the OECD. 11 sections, then further information with links to sub-sections. Very extensive range of data available. - UNESCO : Institute for Statistics
Education. A wealth of data and databases, publications and more relating to education around the world. A selection of pages is listed below.
- World Education Data Centre
‘The Data Centre contains over 1 000 types of indicators and raw data on education, literacy, science and technology, culture and communication’. Get Country and Regional Profiles information here, while you can get Global Rankings here. - Global Education Digest 2010
‘The 2010 edition of the Global Education Digest focuses on gender and education. It presents the latest available data to analyse national progress and pitfalls in offering every child and young person equal access to education regardless of their sex’. Download in PDF format. - Questionnaires
‘The UIS runs several surveys each year to collect data on key topics in education, literacy, science and technology, culture and communication. These surveys contain one or more questionnaires which are sent annually or biennially to over 200 countries and territories around the world’.