Education

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

Education

Kuwait to make anti-drugs subject in school

Kuwait is set to become the first Arab country to introduce a compulsory school subject focused on drugs and other crimes.

The new subject will be taught at the intermediate (middle school) level starting from the next academic year, after the Ministry of Education agreed to a proposal submitted by the committee drafting the country’s new anti-drugs law. The aim, officials say, is to strengthen students’ awareness and shield them from the growing risks posed by drugs and psychoactive substances.

According to Al Qabas newspaper, Mohammed Al Duaij, head of the law-drafting committee, said the curriculum would go beyond drugs to address a wide range of crimes, including violence, theft, bullying, cybercrime, traffic violations and sexual offences.

Al Duaij said he had personally discussed the proposal with the Minister of Education, Jalal Al Tabtabai, outlining the importance of preventive education at an early age. “There was strong engagement,” he said, adding that the minister had been provided with a detailed outline of the proposed material and the crimes to be covered.

According to Al Duaij, while many adolescents understand that such acts are wrong, they often lack a clear sense of the real consequences. “They know it is a mistake,” he said, “but they do not know what actually happens to them if they commit these acts.”

He argued that schools are increasingly being asked to fill a gap left by changes in family life. Many parents, he said, are preoccupied with work, rely heavily on domestic help or digital devices, and struggle to maintain daily dialogue with their children. Supervision may still exist, he noted, but guidance often does not.

In addition, he said, many parents are unfamiliar with modern forms of drugs, do not fully understand teenagers’ digital culture, or feel uncomfortable discussing sensitive topics. As a result, adolescents often turn to friends, the internet or personal experimentation for information “the most dangerous teacher,” he said.

Unlike traditional awareness campaigns that rely on warnings, the new curriculum is designed to be practical. It will teach students how to refuse drugs without losing friends, how to handle peer pressure, how to exit risky situations, and when and how to seek help without fear.

Al Duaij also stressed the importance of correcting misconceptions that portray offenders as strong, daring or clever. “Proper education reveals the real picture,” he said, pointing to addiction, family breakdown, imprisonment and psychological illness as the true outcomes of criminal behaviour.

He called on private schools to follow the government’s lead and adopt similar programmes, describing the initiative as a major step towards preventing juvenile crime and reducing its spread.

Several countries, including France, Britain, Canada, Australia, Germany and Japan, already include drug awareness in their school curricula. Kuwait’s move, officials say, places it at the forefront of preventive education efforts in the region.

Education

WiseTech Global and Elm Company collaborate to drive innovation and digital transformation in the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia

7 January 2027

Sydney, Australia – WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC), the world-leading developer of logistics execution and supply chain management solutions, and Elm Company, a leading provider of digital solutions for both public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia, have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the logistics sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Under the MoU, both parties intend to explore and leverage modern technologies to drive innovation and deliver advanced technology solutions that enhance the efficiency and overall performance of the logistics sector, in line with Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation objectives.

The scope of the collaboration includes exploring digital solutions to improve operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience through technology solutions focused on simplicity, flexibility, and service quality.

The collaboration also aims to support digital transformation efforts in the logistics sector through collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two parties, fostering integration in the development of technological solutions to deliver sustainable added value.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Saudi Supply Chain and Logistics Conference 2025 on 13 December, with Elm represented by Hesham S. AlNaser, Vice President – Logistics Products, and WiseTech Global represented by Vlad Bilanovsky, Chief Execution Officer.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Majid bin Saad Al-Arifi, Elm’s Spokesperson and Vice President of Marketing, said:

“Elm continues to play its role as a leading digital enabler for government entities and businesses in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, building strategic partnerships that drive the development of innovative digital solutions. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting digital transformation and enhancing the efficiency of the logistics sector in line with future aspirations.”

Vlad Bilanovsky, Chief Execution Officer at WiseTech Global, said:

“Saudi Arabia represents significant opportunities for growth and development in the logistics sector. We are delighted to collaborate with Elm to explore innovative technology solutions that enhance operational performance, improve customer experience, and support the sector’s digital transformation journey.”

Photo: L-R Vlad Bilanovsky, WiseTech Global and Hesham Alnasser, ELM Company sign MoU on the sidelines of the Saudi Supply Chain and Logistics Conference.

Media contact information:
WiseTech Global: Claire Hosegood | +61 411 253 663 | claire.hosegood@wisetechglobal.com

Elm Company: To obtain a photo of the official spokesperson or for more information about Elm Company, please visit elm.com.sa or contact: media@elm.sa

About WiseTech Global

WiseTech Global is a leading developer and provider of software solutions to the logistics, global trade and supply chain industry globally. Our customers include over 17,000^[1] of the world’s logistics companies across 193 countries, including 47 of the top 50 global third-party logistics providers and 24 of the 25 largest global freight forwarders worldwide^[2].

Our mission is to change the world by creating breakthrough products that enable and empower those that own and operate the supply chains of the world. At WiseTech, we are relentless about innovation, adding over 5,700 product enhancements to our global CargoWise application suite in the last five years while bringing meaningful continual improvement to the world’s supply chains. Our breakthrough software solutions are renowned for their powerful productivity, extensive functionality, comprehensive integration, deep compliance capabilities, and truly global reach. For more information about WiseTech Global or CargoWise, please visit wisetechglobal.com and cargowise.com.

[1] Includes customers on CargoWise and non-CargoWise platforms whose customers may be counted with reference to installed sites

[2] Armstrong & Associates: Top 50 Global 3PLs & Top 25 Global Freight Forwarders ranked by 2023 gross logistics revenue/turnover and freight forwarding volumes – Updated 14 August 2024

Education

Back to School 2026: Key changes for UAE parents

From how long children stay in school to when they sit exams and even how absences are counted – the UAE’s education system is undergoing some of its most far-reaching reforms in years. In this academic year, parents will need to adjust to a new rhythm shaped by a unified school calendar, stricter attendance rules, curriculum reforms and revised admission criteria.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes that will directly impact students and families.

Earlier Fridays after prayer timing change

School days will now end earlier on Fridays following the nationwide adjustment of Friday prayer timings to 12.45pm.

On January 2, the Ministry of Education announced that revised timings for government schools will take effect from January 9. The ministry called on private schools to abide by the 11.30am cut-off on Friday. Separately, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai must finish the school day no later than 11.30 am.

New age cut-off for KG admissions

Starting from the 2026-27 academic year, the Ministry of Education has introduced a formal age cut-off for kindergarten admissions.

Children born between September 1 and December 31, 2021 – previously ineligible for the 2025-26 intake – will be allowed to enrol in either KG1 or KG2. In private schools, placement will depend on the child’s readiness and seat availability, following school assessments.

Unified school calendar brings predictability

The UAE has rolled out a unified school calendar covering both public and private schools, offering families greater clarity when planning holidays and routines.

Under the calendar, the first term is set to end with a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, with schools reopening on Monday, January 5.

The second term runs from January 5 to March 15, followed by a spring break from March 16 to 29. Schools reopen on March 30, except private schools in Sharjah, which resume on March 23. The third term begins on March 30 and ends on July 3, with Sharjah schools concluding a day earlier on July 2.

Mid-term breaks to ease academic pressure

For the first time, structured mid-term breaks have been introduced across public and private schools, giving students regular pauses during the academic year.

The first mid-term break ran from October 13 to 19 last year. The second break is scheduled between February 11 and 15, 2026, while the third break will run from May 25 to 31, coinciding with the Eid Al Adha holiday.

New law to govern curriculum

A major shift is underway at the policy level with the introduction of a Federal Decree Law on the Governance of the National Educational Curriculum.

For the first time, the UAE now has a comprehensive legislative framework governing how the national curriculum is designed, approved, implemented and reviewed – signalling a more structured and accountable approach to learning outcomes nationwide.

Second-term exams dropped in many cases

The Ministry of Education has moved further towards continuous evaluation, removing second-term exams in many instances.

Instead, students are assessed through ongoing evaluations designed to track progress throughout the term, reducing exam pressure and placing greater emphasis on consistent performance.

Stricter attendance rules, instant alerts

One of the most significant changes affects school attendance. Under new MoE regulations, students are allowed a maximum of five unexcused absences per term and 15 per year. Exceeding this limit could result in the student repeating the year.

Absences on Fridays, or immediately before or after official holidays, will be counted as two days. Schools will also operate an instant notification system to alert parents as soon as a child misses school, tightening oversight and accountability.

Story by Gulf NEWS