New Zealand
Last updated February 1, 2026
Composite GEFRI Score
Progressing readiness
New Zealand shows progressing readiness (89th percentile worldwide). Reforms are translating into broader capability, though uneven performance continues to slow system-wide alignment. Higher scores indicate a system that is better prepared to anticipate and shape the future of learning.
- Global percentile
- 89th
- Global rank
- #20
- Regional rank
- #6
- Viewing data for
Country profile
New Zealand ranks among the world’s most future-ready systems. Every GEFRI dimension performs well above global norms, with notable strengths in Governance (91, 97th 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. Girls outperform boys in secondary pathways, adding pressure to address male dropout risks.
Regionally, New Zealand 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
- Sits above the global median at the 89th percentile.
- Places 20th worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 6th within East Asia & Pacific.
- Scores range from Governance (91.3) to Innovation (60.2), 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. | 79.67 |
| 3 | 2 | Singapore | 78.66 |
| 5 | 3 | Hong Kong SAR, China | 77.89 |
| 11 | 4 | Japan | 76.54 |
| 14 | 5 | Australia | 76.14 |
| 20 | 6 | New Zealand | 73.28 |
| 49 | 7 | Brunei Darussalam | 61.59 |
| — | — | Northern Mariana IslandsMicrostate | 61.59 |
| 50 | 8 | Thailand | 61.30 |
| 53 | 9 | Indonesia | 60.44 |
| — | — | NauruMicrostate | 59.98 |
| — | — | PalauMicrostate | 59.64 |
| — | — | American SamoaMicrostate | 59.46 |
| — | — | GuamMicrostate | 59.25 |
| — | — | New CaledoniaMicrostate | 59.13 |
| 59 | 10 | Macao SAR, China | 58.49 |
| — | — | French PolynesiaMicrostate | 58.10 |
| 66 | 11 | Viet Nam | 57.38 |
| 71 | 12 | Fiji | 56.49 |
| 72 | 13 | Mongolia | 56.33 |
| 73 | 14 | Malaysia | 56.23 |
| 75 | 15 | China | 55.15 |
| — | — | SamoaMicrostate | 53.13 |
| 84 | 16 | Philippines | 52.72 |
| — | — | TuvaluFCSMicrostate | 51.68 |
| — | — | TongaMicrostate | 47.16 |
| — | — | KiribatiFCSMicrostate | 46.45 |
| — | — | Marshall IslandsFCSMicrostate | 46.17 |
| — | — | Micronesia, Fed. Sts.FCSMicrostate | 42.15 |
| 110 | 17 | Timor-LesteFCS | 41.12 |
| 112 | 18 | Vanuatu | 40.64 |
| 124 | 19 | Korea, Dem. People's Rep. | 36.42 |
| 129 | 20 | MyanmarFCS | 33.89 |
| 131 | 21 | Cambodia | 33.02 |
| 134 | 22 | Solomon IslandsFCS | 31.89 |
| 137 | 23 | Lao PDR | 30.98 |
| 153 | 24 | Papua New GuineaFCS | 25.55 |