OECD Report: Israel Lags Developed Nations in Higher Education Attainment
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Israel has fallen behind OECD countries in the percentage of young adults with higher education degrees, with the rate remaining at 46% while the OECD average rose to 49%. Public spending per student in Israel is significantly lower than the OECD average, and the ongoing conflict has disrupted studies for many. Experts warn that Israeli universities are losing ground internationally due to insufficient government support and an academic boycott.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Israel's rate of young adults with higher education degrees has stagnated at 46% since 2015, while the OECD average rose to 49%.
- Public spending per student in Israel was $7,885 in 2023, far below the OECD average of $16,405.
- Around 36% of young Israelis have delayed or abandoned studies due to the ongoing conflict.
- An academic boycott and insufficient government support are contributing to Israeli universities losing international standing.
Israel has fallen behind its Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) peers in the proportion of young adults holding higher education degrees, according to a report cited by Calcalist. Between 2015 and 2025, the percentage of Israelis aged 25-34 with tertiary education remained stagnant at approximately 46%, while the OECD average increased from 42% to 49% over the same period.
Over the past six years, Israel's youth population grew by 12%, but the number of students increased by only 4%. Furthermore, public spending per student in Israel is significantly lower than the OECD average. In 2023, Israel spent $7,885 per student, adjusted for purchasing power, compared to the OECD average of $16,405, placing Israel fifth from the bottom in this metric.
The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the situation, with about 36% of young people delaying or abandoning their studies due to the war. Among those already enrolled, 42% had to interrupt or cease their education, with 37.5% taking a temporary break and 4.7% dropping out permanently. An intensifying academic boycott is also cited as a contributing factor.
Experts note that while Gulf and East Asian countries are investing heavily in science and improving their international rankings, Israeli universities are losing ground. The publication emphasizes that the government is not providing sufficient support to universities, which are crucial for economic development.
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