A recent study has identified China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the United States, Finland, Russia, Singapore, and South Africa as countries with the most rigorous education systems. These nations have secured a position among the top ten in terms of academic standards. A comprehensive analysis considered various factors, including higher education attainment, the structure of the education system, the difficulty of national exams, student stress levels, and more, to draw the conclusion.
In South Korea, the education system spans four years of elementary school, three years of middle school, and three additional years of high school. After completing this cycle, students can opt for a two-year university programme or attend three years of junior high school.
The Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level exam, known for its demanding questions, highlights Singapore’s reputation for having the most challenging education system. The educational journey in Singapore begins with six years of primary school, followed by four to six years in secondary school, and one to three years in tertiary education.
Japan mandates six years of elementary school, followed by an additional three years of lower secondary school. After this nine-year primary education period, Japanese students are required to attend upper secondary schools for an additional three years.
Considering Asian nations collectively, Hong Kong and Taiwan emerge as two of the six most challenging education systems globally. Hong Kong’s educational structure spans six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary education, and three years of senior secondary education, culminating in an additional four years of higher education. The two most difficult examinations in both nations are the HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Education) and the GSAT (Graduate School Assessment for Taiwan), which is a significant criterion for assessing students’ readiness for college life.
