Alarming situation in Israel's education system – report
A new OECD report, "Education at a Glance 2026," has revealed systemic problems in Israel's education system and labor market. One in five young Israelis aged 18–24 is not studying, working, or undergoing vocational training — the NEET rate has risen from 17% to 20% over the decade, placing Israel first among developed countries. The share of citizens aged 25–34 without a high school diploma has grown from 9% to 11%, and spending per university student is half the OECD average.
A new OECD report, "Education at a Glance 2026," has highlighted systemic problems in Israel's education system and labor market. According to the data, one in five Israeli residents aged 18 to 24 is outside the education system, not working, and not undergoing vocational training. Over the past decade, this indicator has increased from 17% to 20%, placing Israel first among developed nations. For comparison, the average OECD rate over the same period has fallen to 13%. Experts warn of long-term negative consequences for social integration and career advancement, as well as an increased risk of crime and marginalization. The share of citizens aged 25–34 without a high school diploma has risen from 9% in 2015 to 11% by 2025. Budget spending per university student in Israel is about $7,885, half the OECD average of $16,405. The state covers only 38% of total higher education spending, compared to 68% on average in the OECD. Israeli public elementary schools maintain the lead in class density: an average of 28 students versus 21 in developed countries. The Association of School Principals "Leaders" characterized the report as a wake-up call and called for urgent decentralization of authority.