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Japan
Overview of the education system (EAG 2022)
  • Between 2000 and 2021, the share of 25-34 year-olds with tertiary attainment in Japan increased albeit at a slower pace than on average across OECD countries, by 17 percentage points (from 48% in 2000 to 65% in 2021).
  • In Japan, 65% of 25-34 year-olds had a tertiary qualification in 2021 compared to 47% on average across OECD countries.
  • In 2020, 95% of 3-5 year-olds in Japan were enrolled in early childhood education programmes education in Japan, compared to 83% on average across OECD countries. The share of children enrolled in private institutions at pre-primary level was 77%. In 2019, Japan spent USD 8 118 on pre-primary educational institutions, below the OECD average (USD 9 598%), 34% was funded by private sources.
  • In Japan, the share of women among general upper secondary graduates is 51% (OECD average 55%). Men make up 57% of all vocational upper secondary graduates, slightly above the OECD average (55%).
  • The share of part-time students at the tertiary level in Japan is 7%, below the OECD average (22%). Compared to 2013, it has decreased.
  • In 2019, Japan spent 4% of its GDP or a total of USD 12 474 per full-time equivalent student on primary to tertiary educational institutions compared to USD 11 990 on average across OECD countries. Education funding reached USD 19 504 per student at the tertiary level.
  • Based on official regulations or agreements,annual teaching hours in Japan are 750 hours at primary level, 609 hours at lower secondary level (general programmes) and 507 hours at upper secondary level (general programmes).
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    The following list displays indicators for which your selected country shows the highest and lowest values among countries. The list can be sorted by level of education or by age group. All rankings are calculated including available data from OECD and partner countries. Find out more about the methodology here.

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    Attainment

    The level of tertiary attainment among 25-64 year-olds is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (55.6 %, rank 2/44 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The level of tertiary attainment among 25-34 year-olds is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (64.8 %, rank 3/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the percentage of 25-64 year-olds who attained a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the highest among countries with available data. (34.2 %, rank 1/44 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The level of short-cycle tertiary attainment among 25-34 year-olds is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (18.2 %, rank 3/33 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of 25-34 year-olds who attained a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the highest among countries with available data. (46.6 %, rank 1/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Attainment by gender

    The proportion of 25-34 year-old men who have attained tertiary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (61.6 %, rank 2/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 25-34 year-old women who have attained tertiary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (68.2 %, rank 3/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Participation in education

    The enrolment rate of 6-14 year-olds in Japan is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (100 %, rank 1/43 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The proportion of upper secondary students enrolled in vocational programmes is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (22 %, rank 36/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of four-year-olds in early childhood and primary education in Japan is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (100 %, rank 1/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of students in public tertiary educational institutions is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (21 %, rank 38/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of students in independent private tertiary educational institutions is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (79 %, rank 2/31 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of part-time students in short-cycle programmes is relatively small. (3.2 %, rank 20/28 , 2018) Download Indicator

    The percentage of 3-5 year-old children in early childhood and primary education in Japan is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (94.9 %, rank 10/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the enrolment rate of children under 3 is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (2.7 %, rank 29/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of students enrolled in programmes providing full completion and access to tertiary education among all students enrolled in upper secondary vocational programmes is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (98.5 %, rank 8/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the average age of new entrants in master's programmes is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (23.6 Years, rank 36/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of students aged 17 in general upper secondary programmes in Japan is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (76.2 %, rank 7/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of students aged 18 in general upper secondary programmes in Japan is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (2.1 %, rank 42/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of students aged 18 in vocational upper secondary programmes in Japan is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.3 %, rank 38/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of students aged 19 in general upper secondary programmes in Japan is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.6 %, rank 40/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of students aged 19 in post-secondary non-tertiary programmes in Japan is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0 %, rank 28/30 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of students aged 19 in vocational upper secondary programmes in Japan is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0 %, rank 38/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The proportion of women among the new entrants in master's programmes in Japan is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (35.2 %, rank 39/39 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the percentage of students enrolled in private institutions at all early childhood education level is comparatively high. (78.2 %, rank 3/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the percentage of students enrolled in private institutions at pre-primary level is comparatively high. (78.2 %, rank 4/43 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Graduation

    The percentage of first-time graduates in vocational programmes at upper secondary level is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (22.1 %, rank 26/35 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the percentage of bachelor's or equivalent graduates in public institutions is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (21.5 %, rank 31/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the percentage of master's or equivalent graduates in public institutions is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (56.3 %, rank 26/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of long first degree master's graduates in public institutions is relatively low in Japan. (32.8 %, rank 20/21 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of doctorate graduates in public institutions is relatively low in Japan. (76 %, rank 28/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of first-time short-cycle graduates is relatively high in Japan. (32.5 %, rank 6/27 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of first-time bachelor's graduates is relatively low in Japan. (64.9 %, rank 24/31 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of first-time master's graduates is relatively low in Japan. (2.6 %, rank 18/24 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Graduation by gender

    Among OECD and partner countries with available data, Japan has one of the smallest shares of women graduates from tertiary programmes. (51.8 %, rank 33/35 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of female doctoral graduates in the field of Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is relatively low. (21.5 %, rank 42/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of female doctoral graduates in the field of business, administration and law is relatively low. (32.7 %, rank 38/41 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of female doctoral graduates in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is relatively low. (17.6 %, rank 38/41 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the proportion of male tertiary graduates in the field of arts and humanities is relatively large. (9.7 %, rank 9/41 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of male tertiary graduates in the field of health and welfare is relatively high in Japan. (10.5 %, rank 7/41 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Graduation by age

    In Japan, the average age of first-time tertiary graduates is relatively low. (22 Years, rank 30/30 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Graduation by field of education

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of sciences, journalism and information in Japan is relatively small. (3.7 %, rank 42/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of business, administration and law in Japan is relatively small. (3.6 %, rank 38/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics in Japan is relatively small. (13.2 %, rank 37/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of health and welfare in Japan is relatively large. (39.3 %, rank 1/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Fields of education

    In Japan, the percentage of new entrants to tertiary education in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is relatively low. (2.9 %, rank 32/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (70.6 %, rank 32/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (46.6 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of business, administration and law is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (37 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (27 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (15.9 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of health and welfare is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (66.9 %, rank 35/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of female among new entrants in doctoral programmes enrolled in the field of education is relatively small. (46.3 %, rank 34/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of female among new entrants in doctoral programmes enrolled in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is relatively small. (19.4 %, rank 35/35 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female among new entrants in doctoral programmes enrolled in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction in Japan is relatively small. (15.9 %, rank 35/35 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of female among new entrants in doctoral programmes enrolled in the field of health and welfare is relatively small. (34.5 %, rank 34/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of women among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (59.4 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of women among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (16.2 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of women among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of health and welfare is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (72.9 %, rank 31/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of women among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (28.8 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of women among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (18.4 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering doctoral or equivalent programmes in Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Japan is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (17.2 %, rank 35/35 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering master's or equivalent programmes in education in Japan is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (46.1 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering master's or equivalent programmes in engineering, manufacturing and construction in Japan is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (13 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering master's or equivalent programmes in health and welfare in Japan is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (51.1 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering master's or equivalent programmes in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics in Japan is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (24.8 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering master's or equivalent programmes in Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Japan is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (15.7 %, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of men among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (71.2 %, rank 1/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering master's or equivalent programmes in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics in Japan is one of the largest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (75.2 %, rank 1/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of men among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of health and welfare is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (27.1 %, rank 6/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of men among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (81.6 %, rank 1/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering doctoral or equivalent programmes in Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Japan is one of the largest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (82.8 %, rank 1/35 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering master's or equivalent programmes in education in Japan is one of the largest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (53.9 %, rank 1/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering master's or equivalent programmes in engineering, manufacturing and construction in Japan is one of the largest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (87 %, rank 1/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering master's or equivalent programmes in health and welfare in Japan is one of the largest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (48.9 %, rank 1/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering master's or equivalent programmes in Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Japan is one of the largest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (84.3 %, rank 1/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of business, administration and law is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (4.2 %, rank 31/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of health and welfare is relatively high, compared to other countries with available data. (44.8 %, rank 1/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is relatively low. (11.1 %, rank 32/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (3.2 %, rank 34/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Student mobility

    In Japan, the proportion of young men who are neither employed nor in education or training among 15-19 year-olds is comparatively large. (3.5 %, rank 7/80 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of national tertiary students enrolled abroad in Japan is relatively low. (0.9 %, rank 35/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the number of international or foreign students per national student abroad is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (7 Students, rank 5/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, international or foreign students from Asia are most represented among all international or foreign students, compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (94.1 %, rank 7/74 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the proportion of international graduates among bachelor's first-time graduates is relatively low. (2.3 %, rank 23/30 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the proportion of international or foreign students enrolled in short-cycle tertiary programmes is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (10.9 %, rank 6/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the percentage of international or foreign students coming from neighbouring countries is comparatively high . (52 Students, rank 10/45 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in bachelor's programmes among men is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (3.2 %, rank 28/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in master's programmes among men is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (8.4 %, rank 30/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in short-cycle tertiary programmes among men is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (16.6 %, rank 5/33 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in short-cycle tertiary programmes among women is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (7.2 %, rank 8/33 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Student mobility by field of education

    In Japan, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with avaialble data. (0.7 %, rank 32/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of health and welfare is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with avaialble data. (0.9 %, rank 33/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the percentage of international doctoral graduates in the field of Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (10 %, rank 32/35 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Expenditure per student

    In Japan, the total expenditure per full-time equivalent student on tertiary education is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (19470 USD Equivalent 2015, rank 8/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Expenditure in education and national wealth

    In Japan, expenditure on primary through tertiary educational institutions as a percentage of GDP is one of the lowest among OECD countries and partner economies. (4 %, rank 29/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Compared to 2011, GDP is comparatively low. (105 Index, rank 37/42 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, public and private expenditure on primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary educational institutions as a percentage of GDP is comparatively low. (2.6 %, rank 34/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, public expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP on primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education from final source of funds is relatively low. (2.4 %, rank 37/40 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, public expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP on tertiary education from final source of funds is relatively low. (0.5 %, rank 38/41 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, public expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP on primary to tertiary education from final source of funds is relatively low. (2.8 %, rank 39/40 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The average annual growth in the number of full-time equivalent student (2012 to 2018) at primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary level is comparatively small in Japan. (-0.9 %, rank 35/39 , 2019) Download Indicator

    From 2012 to 2018, the average annual growth in total expenditure on educational institutions at primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary level is relatively low in Japan. (-0.2 %, rank 29/32 , 2019) Download Indicator

    From 2012 to 2018, the average annual growth in the number of full-time equivalent student from primary to tertiary education is one of the smallest in Japan among OECD and partner countries with available data. (-0.7 %, rank 30/38 , 2019) Download Indicator

    From 2012 to 2018, the average annual growth in total expenditure on primary to tertiary education in Japan is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (-0.1 %, rank 28/32 , 2019) Download Indicator

    From 2012 to 2018, the average annual growth in total expenditure per full-time equivalent student on primary to tertiary education in Japan is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.6 %, rank 22/31 , 2019) Download Indicator

    From 2012 to 2018, the average annual growth in total expenditure on tertiary education in Japan is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.1 %, rank 26/32 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Public and private expenditure in education

    The share of private expenditure on tertiary education is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (67.4 %, rank 3/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The share of public expenditure on tertiary educational institutions is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1.6 %, rank 37/42 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Japan has one of the largest shares of private expenditure on primary through tertiary educational institutions among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (28.3 %, rank 6/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, total public expenditure on primary through tertiary educational institutions as a percentage of total public expenditure is comparatively low. (7.8 %, rank 38/42 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, total public expenditure on secondary educational institutions as a percentage of total public expenditure is comparatively low. (3.3 %, rank 40/42 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, international expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of total expenditure on tertiary education is relatively low. (0 %, rank 27/31 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, international expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of total expenditure on primary to tertiary education is relatively low. (0 %, rank 26/30 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The share of public expenditure on educational institutions, for tertiary education is comparatively small. (32.6 %, rank 35/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of public expenditure on educational institutions, for primary to tertiary education is comparatively small. (71.7 %, rank 31/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Total public expenditure on education as a percentage of total government expenditure, for primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low in Japan compared to OECD and partner countries with available data. (6.2 %, rank 38/42 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The relative share of international expenditure on primary to tertiary education from initial source of funds is relatively small in Japan. (0 %, rank 25/28 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Compared to 2015, the share of total public expenditure from initial source of funds for primary to tertiary education is comparatively small in Japan. (100 Index, rank 30/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The relative share of international expenditure on tertiary education from initial source of funds in Japan is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0 %, rank 26/28 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Nature of expenditure

    In Japan, the share of current expenditure on primary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (84.6 %, rank 31/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of current expenditure on primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (87 %, rank 30/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The share of capital expenditure for primary to tertiary education in Japan is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (12.6 %, rank 6/31 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The share of current expenditure for primary to tertiary education in Japan is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (87.4 %, rank 26/31 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of capital expenditure on secondary education is relatively in Japan. (11.1 %, rank 5/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of current expenditure on secondary education is relatively in Japan. (88.9 %, rank 28/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of capital expenditure on tertiary education is relatively in Japan. (11.7 %, rank 6/32 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of current expenditure on tertiary education is relatively in Japan. (88.3 %, rank 24/32 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Teachers

    The number of hours per year lower secondary teachers spend teaching in public institutions is comparatively low in Japan. (609 Hours, rank 26/33 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The number of hours per year upper secondary teachers spend teaching general programmes in public institutions is comparatively low in Japan. (507 Hours, rank 31/32 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The number of days of instruction in a school year in lower secondary school is especially high. (203 Days, rank 1/31 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Who the teachers are

    The share of women among teaching staff in primary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (63.9 %, rank 40/43 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of women among teaching staff in lower secondary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (43.5 %, rank 40/40 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of women among teaching staff in upper secondary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (31.7 %, rank 42/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of women among teaching staff in tertiary education (bachelor's, master's, doctorate or equivalent education) is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (24.5 %, rank 32/32 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of women among teaching staff in tertiary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (30 %, rank 38/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of women among teaching staff is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (48.5 %, rank 33/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of primary to upper secondary teachers younger than 30 is especially high. (18.2 %, rank 2/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers younger than 30 in primary education is especially low in Japan. (62.8 %, rank 37/38 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers under 30 in lower secondary education is especially low in Japan. (43.9 %, rank 35/35 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Females under 30 represent a small proportion of teachers in upper secondary education in Japan. (37.1 %, rank 37/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of female teachers younger than 30 in tertiary education is relatively small . (45.4 %, rank 27/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Females aged 50 or more represent a small proportion of teachers in primary education in Japan. (67.8 %, rank 36/38 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers aged 50 or more in lower secondary education is especially low in Japan. (42.6 %, rank 35/35 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers aged 50 or more in upper secondary education is especially low in Japan. (25.2 %, rank 37/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers aged 50 or more in tertiary education is especially low in Japan. (27 %, rank 32/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of bachelor's, master's and doctoral level teachers older than 50 is relatively high, compared to other countries with data available. (48.4 %, rank 7/29 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of tertiary teachers older than 50 is relatively high, compared to other countries with data available. (47.2 %, rank 7/32 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of bachelor's, master's and doctoral level teachers younger than 30 is relatively low, compared to other countries with data available. (1.6 %, rank 26/29 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of tertiary teachers younger than 30 is relatively low, compared to other countries with data available. (2.5 %, rank 28/32 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of bachelor's, master's and doctoral level female teachers younger than 30 is relatively low, compared to other countries with data available. (34.6 %, rank 30/30 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of bachelor's, master's and doctoral level female teachers older than 50 is relatively low, compared to other countries with data available. (21.8 %, rank 30/30 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Teachers' salaries

    The change between 2005 and 2013 in statutory salaries for lower secondary teachers with 15 years of experience and minimum training is comparatively small in Japan. (100 Index, rank 22/29 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Teachers' salaries progression

    The salary progression from the start to the top of the salary scale for a lower secondary school teacher is among the most rewarding among OECD and partner countries with available data. (2.05 Ratio, rank 4/33 , 2021) Download Indicator

    It takes lower secondary teachers longer to progress through the salary scale in Japan compared to other OECD and partner countries. (36 Years, rank 5/28 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In lower secondary education, the salary ratio of teachers with maximum qualifications at the top of the salary scale to those with minimum training and starting salaries is comparatively high. (2.05 Ratio, rank 8/31 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Class size

    Classes in lower secondary public institutions are comparatively large in Japan. (32 Students, rank 2/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Classes in lower secondary private institutions are comparatively large in Japan. (32 Students, rank 1/31 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In independent private institutions at lower secondary level, classes are one of the largest in Japan among OECD and partner countries with available data. (32 Students, rank 1/17 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Employment and educational attainment

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (88.7 %, rank 6/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-olds with tertiary education is compartively high in Japan. (89.2 %, rank 8/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the employment rate of 25-34 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is relatively high in Japan. (90.7 %, rank 3/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (7.4 %, rank 37/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Employment by gender and educational attainment

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-old men with tertiary education is compartively high in Japan. (94.4 %, rank 2/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Unemployment and educational attainment

    The unemployment rate among 25-34 year-olds with tertiary education is comparatively low. (2.4 %, rank 40/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education is comparatively low. (1.8 %, rank 40/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a short-cycle tertiary education degree is one the lowest of all OECD countries and partner economies for which data are available. (2.1 %, rank 30/31 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the lowest of all OECD countries and partner economies for which data are available. (1.6 %, rank 39/41 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the unemployment rate of 25-34 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is relatively low in Japan. (2.1 %, rank 39/41 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the unemployment rate of 25-34 year-old with a short cycle tertiary education degree is relatively low in Japan. (3.5 %, rank 24/28 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Earnings and educational attainment

    Earnings of women (as a percentage of men's earnings) among full- and part-time 25-64 year-olds with below upper secondary education are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (42 %, rank 37/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the share of worker earning more than twice the median among those with a tertiary education degree is comparatively . (26.8 %, rank 10/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women (as a percentage of men's earnings) among full- and part-time 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (47.9 %, rank 37/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women (as a percentage of men's earnings) among full- and part-time 25-64 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (43.2 %, rank 37/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Participation in education by gender

    The share of women among tertiary education new entrants is one of the smallest compared to OECD and partner countries with available data. (50.9 %, rank 34/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering bachelor's programmes in Japan is relatively small. (46 %, rank 38/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering doctoral or equivalent programmes in Japan is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (32.5 %, rank 38/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Entrance

    In Japan, the average age of new entrants in bachelor's programmes is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (18.5 Years, rank 36/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In Japan, the average age of new entrants in master's long first degree (LFD) programmes is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (19 Years, rank 23/23 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The average age of new entrants in tertiary education in Japan is comparatively young. (18.4 Years, rank 32/32 , 2020) Download Indicator


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    General findings
    
                            
    • Tertiary attainment has increased strongly in most OECD countries among 25-34 year olds. The average share of younger adults with a tertiary degree has increased from 27% in 2000 to 48% in 2021.
    • Higher educational attainment leads to better labour-market outcomes including higher wages and higher employment rates.
    • Expenditure on tertiary education accounts for 1.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on average across OECD countries or 30% of all education funding allocated to educational institutions.
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    • Tertiary attainment has increased strongly in most OECD countries among 25-34 year-olds. The average share of younger adults with a tertiary degree has increased from 27% in 2000 to 48% in 2021. In this age group, the share of individuals with tertiary attainment is 7 percentage points higher than the share of individuals with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary attainment on average across OECD countries. If current trends continue, a tertiary education will be the most common attainment among working-age adults on average across OECD countries within a few years.
    • Higher educational attainment leads to better labour-market outcomes. In 2021, on average, employment rates for tertiary-educated young adults (25-34 year-olds) are 8 percentage points higher than those who have attained upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education and 26 percentage points higher than those who have attained below upper secondary education across OECD countries.
    • Greater educational attainment yields better earnings and this holds true for higher levels of tertiary attainment in most countries. On average across the OECD, full-time full-year workers who attained short-cycle tertiary education earned 20% more than those with upper secondary attainment in 2020. This earnings advantage increases to 44% among those who attained a bachelor's or equivalent qualification and to 88% among those with a master's or doctoral or equivalent degree.
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    • On average, the vast majority (88%) of children between the age of 3 and 5 are enrolled in early childhood education (ECE) across the OECD. In a few countries, it is also common for younger children between the age of 0 and 2 to participate in ECE and over 50% of children in this age group are enrolled. However, only 27% of under-threes are enrolled in ECE on average across the OECD.
    • In almost all countries with available data, the majority of upper secondary graduates from general programmes are women. Men dominate graduation from vocational programmes in almost three-quarters of the countries.
    • While the average age of first-time graduates from general upper secondary education does not differ much across countries, the difference widens in vocational education, ranging from 16 to 34 years.
    • Around one-fifth of tertiary students are enrolled on a part-time basis, but large differences exist across OECD countries. Studying part-time is especially common in many Nordic countries, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, where more than 30% of students study part-time. However, in some countries like the Czech Republic, and Greece, less than 5% of students study part-time.
    • Students are more likely to cross borders to pursue their studies as they reach more advanced levels of education. Internationally mobile students account for only 7% of bachelor's students, but 17% of master's students and 26% of doctoral students on average in OECD countries.
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    • Total public spending on education (from primary to tertiary level) averages 10.6% of total government expenditure across OECD countries, from around 7% to 17%. The largest share of government funding is devoted to primary and secondary levels, explained by near-universal enrolment rates at those levels of education and the greater contribution of private sources at tertiary level.
    • On average across OECD countries, expenditure on primary education amounts to 30% of the funding for educational institutions, while secondary education accounts for 39%.
    • In 2019, OECD countries spent an average of USD 17 559 per student per year at the tertiary level. However, this average is driven up by high values in a few countries, reaching over USD 25 000 in Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.
    • On average across OECD countries, 63% of total expenditure on tertiary educational institutions goes to core services (e.g. teachers' salaries, school buildings, teaching materials and administration), 33% on research and development activities, and 4% on ancillary services (e.g. meals and transport).
    • Expenditure on tertiary education accounts for 1.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on average across OECD countries or 30% of all education funding allocated to educational institutions.
    • On average across OECD countries, public funds account for 83% of total spending on educational institutions. Private sources are more important at the tertiary level, where they make up 31% of all expenditure compared to just 10% at the non-tertiary levels (primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary).
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    • Teachers' actual salaries at pre-primary, primary and general secondary level are 4-14% lower than the earnings of tertiary-educated workers on average across OECD countries and other participants. School heads' actual salaries are substantially higher than those of teachers across primary and secondary education.
    • Teachers in public schools in OECD and partner countries are required to teach on average 987 hours per year at pre-primary level, 784 hours at primary level, 711 hours at lower secondary level (general programmes) and 684 hours at upper secondary level (general and vocational programmes).
    • Typically, the duration of initial teacher education programmes varies from 3 years to 6.5 years, for prospective lower secondary teachers of general subjects. A tertiary qualification is awarded upon completion of the programme in most countries, regardless of the level of education at which the teacher will teach.
    • Continuing professional development is compulsory to some extent for teachers of general subjects at least at one level of education in most countries with data, except Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands and New Zealand. It can be either generally compulsory for all teachers as a regular part of their work, or for some teachers for specific purposes such as promotion or salary increases, or in some cases, both.
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    Key
    Diagram of funding flows - Japan

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    Key
    Country Reviews for Japan

    Note: These values should be interpreted with care since they are influenced by countries' specific contexts and trade-offs. In education, there is often no simple most- or least-efficient model. For instance, the share of private expenditure in education must be read against other measures designed to mitigate inequities, such as loans and grants; longer learning time is an opportunity to convey more and better content to students, but may hinder investments in other important areas. If you want further information on the nature of different variables, please take the time to read the analysis and contextual information, available at the website for each publication.
    All rankings for individual variables are compiled on the basis of OECD and G20 countries for which data are available. The OECD average includes only OECD countries which are listed here: http://www.oecd.org/about/membersandpartners/

    *TALIS averages are based on all countries participating in the TALIS survey, including partner countries and economies. This explains the difference between the OECD average and the TALIS averages. Data from the TALIS survey and Education at a Glance (EAG) may differ. See Annex E of the TALIS technical report and Annex 3 of EAG 2021 for more details about the data collections.

    B-S-J-Z (China) refers to the four PISA-participating provinces/municipalities of the People's Republic of China: Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

    For additional notes, please refer to annexes in the list of links below the introductory country profile text.