Countries with the most stressful education systems

Education systems vary in different parts of the world, but one thing is common across the board. Education is seen as a way to achieve success and a better quality of life, especially in emerging economies. Unfortunately, it has become a source of immense pressure for students of all ages. 

Be it high expectations, the constant stress of exams, or high-stakes entrance tests that determine their admission to prestigious universities, academic excellence comes at a steep cost for many. 

In this gallery, we take a look at the education systems of countries around the world, as well as their most difficult exams and their effect on students’ lives. Curious? Click to know more.

South Korea

Schooling in South Korea consists of four important stages. It includes six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, three years of high school, and two years of junior college or four years of general college education.

The big gatekeeper

South Korea has one of the toughest exams in the world, the Suneung, or College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT). It is an important milestone in a student’s life as it decides which universities they are eligible for in the future.

Endurance test

Students spend a grueling eight hours attempting the exam, which tests their knowledge and understanding of various subjects. On average, South Korean students spend more than 12 hours per day in their high school years preparing for the exam.

Mental toll

A 2022 survey found that nearly 35% of students experience stress during their schooling years. College students reported higher stress when compared to students of elementary, middle, and high school

Finland

The Finnish school system is lauded for its anti-exam model. Students here consistently outperform peers in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

Structured path

The education system employs a 9-3-3 structure. Students have to go through a compulsory nine-year mandatory schooling, a three-year upper secondary education, and a three-year university education phase.

Low stress, high stakes

The hardest exam students have to face is the Matriculation Examination, or the Ylioppilastutkinto. This is a nationwide test taken at the end of secondary schooling, and based on the scores, students qualify for university education.

Quiet struggles

University students experience the highest amount of stress. Some reports suggest that about 40% of female students and 28% of male students experience stress and anxiety.

Singapore

In Singapore, education consists of six years of compulsory primary schooling, followed by four to six years of secondary schooling, and one to three years of post-secondary education. At the end of primary education, students have to take the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) to progress to secondary school.

A difficult challenge

One of the toughest exams in the country is the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level.

High achievers

In 2024, the standard pre-university examination was taken by 10,889 students. Out of these, 10,255, or 94.2% of the students, achieved a passing grade in at least three H2-level subjects that cover a wide variety of topics.

Race for grades

The desire to excel and achieve good grades is one of the most common reasons for stress among students. A 2022 study reported that 90% of secondary school students experienced stress at some point in their education.

India

The Indian school system is one of the most stressful in the world. There are state-specific education systems, a nationwide Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and international education systems.

A stepping stone

Students have to appear for the matriculation exam after completing 10 years of primary and secondary education. The grades allow them to choose a career path in science

Make it or break it

The toughest exam is the Joint Entrance Exam, which prepares students for a university education in STEM subjects. Nearly 1.3 million students attempted the 2025 exam, but only 54,378, or 24% of the applicants, qualified.

China

Schooling starts at the age of six, with the elementary schooling lasting until the age of 12. This is followed by three years of middle school and another three years of high school.

Under pressure

The Gaokao, or the Nationwide Unified Examination for Admissions to General Universities and Colleges, is one of the most important exams in the country. It is a crucial step for students who want to pursue undergraduate programs in some of the nation’s elite institutions.

Millions compete

In 2025, nearly 13.35 million students attempted the Gaokao. It spans for two to four days, depending on the province, and tests students’ academic knowledge and intelligence on several subjects.

Affects on mental health

There’s a high expectation from students to perform in the test, which leads to high levels of stress. A 2022 study suggests up to 64% of college students suffer from stress and anxiety, indicating the prevalence of academic pressure beyond the Gaokao.

United States

The United States follows the K-12 education that refers to 12 years of school after a year of kindergarten. This is followed by an optional four years of university or college education.

College entry

The Scholastic Assessment Test, or the SAT, assesses students based on their reading, writing, and math skills. It is a key determinant for undergraduate admissions in the country. 

The competition

The exam is administered by the College Board and offered eight times a year. In 2024, 1.97 million students sat for the exam at least once.

Taiwan

The education system consists of a mandatory six years of elementary school and three years of junior high school. This is followed by another three years of senior high school and a four-year college or university education.

Tested on all fronts

Taiwan’s GSAT, or the General Scholastic Ability Test, is a crucial college entrance exam for students. They are assessed on their performance in five core subjects: Chinese, English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.

Heavy workload

The test comes in various formats depending on the subject. Students have to attempt multiple-choice questions and essay writing, which determines analytical and reasoning abilities.

Conclusion

One may argue that a highly competitive education system produces talented and resilient students and professionals. However, its toll on mental and physical well-being is often overlooked.

Source:StarInsider