country profile

Singapore

East Asia & PacificHigh income6.04M population

Last updated May 3, 2026

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Composite GEFRI Score

Advanced readiness

Singapore shows advanced readiness to meet the challenges and opportunities of education in a rapidly changing world (98th 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.

77.81Composite score
Global percentile
98th
Global rank
#4
Regional rank
#3
Viewing data for
Infrastructure
76.02
99th percentileGlobal avg. 54.77
Human Capital
57.96
76th percentileGlobal avg. 47.01
Innovation
71.36
92nd percentileGlobal avg. 45.21
Governance
86.37
94th percentileGlobal avg. 47.75
Access & Parity
97.36
99th percentileGlobal avg. 49.65

Country profile

Singapore ranks among the world’s most future-ready systems. Every GEFRI dimension performs well above global norms, with notable strengths in School Access and Gender Parity (97, 99th percentile), Governance (86, 94th percentile), GEFRI Composite (78, 98th percentile), Infrastructure (76, 99th percentile), and Innovation (71, 92nd percentile). This profile reflects sustained investment in innovation, equitable access, and system-wide capability.

All or most indicators are based on observed data, giving planners a dependable evidence base for decisions. 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 across secondary pathways reflects sustained commitment to equitable participation.

Regionally, Singapore leads most clearly in School Access and Gender Parity, sitting well above the peer average.

Key insights

  • Ranks in the 98th percentile worldwide, placing the system among high performers.
  • Places 4th worldwide.
  • Holds a regional position of 3rd within East Asia & Pacific.
  • Scores range from Access & Parity (97.4) to Human Capital (58.0), reflecting variation across dimensions.
  • Leads regional peers most clearly in Access & Parity.

Regional peers: East Asia & Pacific

Composite GEFRI Score

Global rankRegional rankCountryScore
21Hong Kong SAR, China78.84
32Korea, Rep.78.17
43Singapore77.81
124Australia75.95
135Japan75.88
196New Zealand73.08
NauruMicrostate61.59
Northern Mariana IslandsMicrostate61.43
487Brunei Darussalam61.13
American SamoaMicrostate61.09
498Macao SAR, China61.06
GuamMicrostate60.74
509Thailand60.74
5310Indonesia60.55
5511Fiji60.34
New CaledoniaMicrostate59.24
French PolynesiaMicrostate58.11
PalauMicrostate57.53
6712Viet Nam57.46
6913Mongolia57.00
7314Malaysia56.66
7715China55.08
8516Philippines52.64
SamoaMicrostate51.59
TuvaluFCSMicrostate49.72
TongaMicrostate48.28
KiribatiFCSMicrostate46.97
Marshall IslandsFCSMicrostate46.38
Micronesia, Fed. Sts.FCSMicrostate42.67
11017Timor-LesteFCS41.47
11118Vanuatu41.25
12219Korea, Dem. People's Rep.36.56
12720Cambodia33.92
12821MyanmarFCS33.78
13622Lao PDR31.66
13823Solomon IslandsFCS31.58
15124Papua New GuineaFCS26.21