Singapore ranks second globally, Australia third in education and career opportunities

Published within the Henley Education Report released by Henley & Partners, a global leader in residence and citizenship planning, the index examines how residency or citizenship in economically advanced countries enhances access to quality education and employment opportunities, ultimately boosting income potential and supporting long-term financial outcomes.

The index assesses 15 leading countries across six core dimensions: “earning potential, career advancement, top-tier employment prospects, premium education, economic mobility, and high livability.”

Switzerland topped the list with a score of 86, thanks to its stable economy, world-class education system and strong industries, like finance and pharmaceuticals.

Singapore came in second with a total score of 81 out of 100, scoring highest for “earning potential” and “top-tier employment prospects.”

Australia followed in third place, scoring 80, thanks to its combination of globally recognized universities, strong research and innovation sectors, high quality of life, and solid job market and career pathways.

The index ranks the most effective residence and citizenship pathways, by investment and merit, that can unlock access to countries offering not only exceptional education, but also the economic strength, career opportunities, and global mobility that enable talent and ambition to be deployed to their greatest advantage.

A central finding of the report is that education alone does not determine outcomes; the value of a degree is heavily influenced by where graduates choose to live and work.

Countries with strong economies, well-developed industries, and robust professional networks offer significantly greater prospects for career success.

The ranking underscores Singapore’s broader ecosystem, where supportive policies, economic competitiveness and access to opportunities help individuals convert academic achievement into long-term professional growth.

Office workers at the central business district in Singapore in April 2022. Photo by Reuters

Henley & Partners onboarded clients from 100 different nationalities and received enquiries from individuals in 217 territories in 2025 alone, underscoring the growing global demand for access to opportunity.

Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, says the research highlights a growing reality for globally mobile families: education and citizenship function together as intergenerational assets that accumulate and compound over time.

“A top-tier qualification can deliver vastly different outcomes depending on the economic and institutional environment surrounding it, from universities and labor markets to innovation hubs and professional networks. Our index identifies the places where these ecosystems are strongest, and where education and ambition can translate most effectively into long-term success.”