Australia
Last updated December 1, 2025
Composite GEFRI Score
Advanced readiness
Australia reaches an advanced readiness tier (93rd percentile worldwide). Most dimensions perform above global norms, and the system has clear capacity to scale future-oriented initiatives. Higher scores indicate a system that is better prepared to anticipate and shape the future of learning.
- Global percentile
- 93rd
- Global rank
- #14
- Regional rank
- #5
- Viewing data for
Country profile
Australia ranks among the world’s most future-ready systems. Every GEFRI dimension performs well above global norms, with notable strengths in Governance (89, 95th percentile) and Human Capital (69, 99th percentile). This profile reflects sustained investment in innovation, equitable access, and system-wide capability.
Uneven scores across dimensions highlight areas that need targeted coordination. High internet adoption enables broad participation in digital learning and innovation. Strong tertiary enrollment expands future talent pipelines and strengthens national innovation potential.
A large research workforce accelerates experimentation, technology adoption, and applied innovation. Policy and regulatory teams coordinate effectively, keeping reforms aligned and providing the stability needed for long-term educational planning. Gender parity leans toward boys in secondary pathways, signalling persistent barriers for girls.
Regionally, Australia leads most clearly in Governance, sitting well above the peer average.
Note: Several indicators use imputed values. Policymakers and planners should validate results further before committing to major initiatives.
Key insights
- Ranks in the 93rd percentile worldwide, placing the system among high performers.
- Places 14th worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 5th within East Asia & Pacific.
- Scores range from Governance (89.0) to Innovation (65.3), reflecting variation across dimensions.
- Leads regional peers most clearly in Governance.
Regional peers: East Asia & Pacific
Composite GEFRI score
| Global rank | Regional rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Korea, Rep. | 79.60 |
| 3 | 2 | Singapore | 78.63 |
| 5 | 3 | Hong Kong SAR, China | 77.86 |
| 11 | 4 | Japan | 76.54 |
| 14 | 5 | Australia | 76.14 |
| 19 | 6 | New Zealand | 73.28 |
| — | — | Northern Mariana IslandsMicrostate | 61.56 |
| 48 | 7 | Brunei Darussalam | 61.48 |
| 49 | 8 | Thailand | 61.30 |
| — | — | New CaledoniaMicrostate | 61.09 |
| 52 | 9 | Indonesia | 60.44 |
| — | — | NauruMicrostate | 59.95 |
| — | — | GuamMicrostate | 59.92 |
| — | — | PalauMicrostate | 59.64 |
| — | — | American SamoaMicrostate | 59.42 |
| — | — | French PolynesiaMicrostate | 59.20 |
| 59 | 10 | Macao SAR, China | 58.71 |
| 63 | 11 | Viet Nam | 57.39 |
| 69 | 12 | Fiji | 56.40 |
| 70 | 13 | Mongolia | 56.30 |
| 71 | 14 | Malaysia | 56.21 |
| 73 | 15 | China | 55.14 |
| 82 | 16 | Philippines | 52.74 |
| — | — | TuvaluFCSMicrostate | 51.67 |
| — | — | SamoaMicrostate | 50.98 |
| — | — | TongaMicrostate | 49.06 |
| — | — | KiribatiFCSMicrostate | 46.78 |
| — | — | Marshall IslandsFCSMicrostate | 46.17 |
| 107 | 17 | Timor-LesteFCS | 44.20 |
| — | — | Micronesia, Fed. Sts.FCSMicrostate | 42.51 |
| 112 | 18 | Vanuatu | 41.00 |
| 122 | 19 | Korea, Dem. People's Rep. | 36.64 |
| 126 | 20 | Cambodia | 35.43 |
| 129 | 21 | MyanmarFCS | 33.80 |
| 134 | 22 | Solomon IslandsFCS | 32.22 |
| 138 | 23 | Lao PDR | 31.38 |
| 145 | 24 | Papua New GuineaFCS | 28.17 |