OECD Report Highlights Israel's Youth Employment Crisis and Education Funding Gaps
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 20% of young Israelis are not in education or employment, the highest rate among developed nations.
- Israel's youth unemployment and inactivity rate has risen to 20% in the last decade.
- Young Israelis without high school diplomas earn significantly less than graduates.
- Public investment in Israeli higher education is half the OECD average.
- Israeli primary schools have the largest class sizes among OECD countries.
- School principals called the report an alarming signal requiring urgent action.
A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals significant challenges within Israel's education and labor systems, particularly affecting young people. The "Education at a Glance 2026" report indicates that one in five Israelis aged 18 to 24 are "NEET", not in education, employment, or training. This figure has risen from 17% to 20% over the past decade, placing Israel at the top among developed nations, while the OECD average has fallen to 13%. Experts warn that prolonged periods of inactivity for young adults can lead to long-term negative consequences, including social marginalization and increased risk of criminal behavior.
The report also points to educational attainment gaps. The proportion of 25- to 34-year-olds in Israel without a high school diploma increased from 9% in 2015 to 11% by 2025, contrasting with a decrease to 12% in other developed countries. This educational deficit results in young professionals without diplomas earning only 72% of what graduates earn.
Furthermore, public investment in higher education is significantly lower in Israel compared to the OECD average. Government spending per university student is approximately $7,885, less than half the OECD average of $16,405. The state covers only 38% of total higher education costs, compared to the OECD average of 68%.
Primary and preschool education also face considerable strain. Israeli public primary schools have the highest class sizes among OECD countries, averaging 28 students per class, compared to 21 elsewhere. Spending per preschool child is only 9.8% of the OECD average.
The Association of School Principals, "Leaders," described the report as an alarming signal and called for urgent decentralization of authority and comprehensive support measures.
