China rises to 18th in global education index

 

(ECNS) -- China rose two places to rank 18th globally in an education index compiled by the China National Academy of Educational Sciences (CNAES) as of the end of 2025, according to research results presented Sunday in Beijing.

The index evaluates education systems across four dimensions — equity, quality, service capacity and sustainable development potential.

The study cited improvements in the structure of higher education disciplines and programs, growth in research talent and stronger overall education quality as factors supporting China’s rise.

Findings from the Global Digital Education Development Index (GDEI) 2026 were also released. China ranked fourth among 82 countries, up two places from last year.

The United States, China, South Korea and Finland were among the first to enter a new stage of AI-enabled education, with the United States and China ranking first and second, respectively. 

(By Helen Mo, intern Yang Hongran)