OECD Education at a Glance 2025: Increased level of education but inequalities persisting

"High-quality higher education systems are powerful drivers of individual opportunity, economic growth, innovation and social well-being", says Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, at the launch of the Education at a Glance 2025 report on 09/09/2025.

This new edition of the organisation's report focuses on higher education. "We need effective, high-quality systems to develop the skills that will boost productivity and drive change in our societies", indicates the Secretary-General, explaining the choice of focus.

The report shows an increase in the level of education in all OECD countries, with 48% of young adults graduating from higher education (+21 points compared to 2000). Nevertheless, the OECD highlights the persistence of significant inequalities in access to and success in higher education, as well as the need to match skills to labour market needs.

"To ensure that this potential is fully realised, public authorities will need to put in place effective quality control systems, better prepare secondary school students for the opportunities available to them in higher…