Iceland
Last updated October 1, 2026
Composite GEFRI Score
Access & Parity is strong, but Innovation lags
Iceland shows advanced readiness to meet the challenges and opportunities of education in a rapidly changing world (86th percentile worldwide). Most dimensions perform above global norms, and the system has clear capacity to scale future-oriented initiatives.
- Global percentile
- 86th
- Global rank
- #25
- Regional rank
- #16
- Viewing data for
Country profile
Iceland ranks among the stronger performers in GEFRI, but still falls short of the target-readiness threshold. Its strongest results are in Infrastructure (91, 92nd percentile), Human Capital (90, 97th percentile) and Governance (83, 92nd percentile). All reported dimension scores sit above global norms.
Uneven scores across dimensions show where readiness conditions are less aligned. High internet adoption enables broad participation in digital learning and innovation. Strong tertiary enrollment expands future talent pipelines and strengthens national innovation potential.
Strong R&D funding and a sizable research workforce keep the innovation pipeline active, supporting the system’s capacity to adapt. 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, Iceland leads most clearly in Governance, sitting well above the peer average.
Most indicators are observed rather than imputed, so estimation uncertainty is limited.
Key insights
Sits above the global median at the 86th percentile.
Places 25th worldwide.
Holds a regional position of 16th within Europe & Central Asia.
Scores range from Access & Parity (93.1) to Innovation (59.4), reflecting variation across dimensions.
Leads regional peers most clearly in Governance.
Regional peers: Europe & Central Asia
Composite GEFRI Score