Countries Where Students Spend the Least and Most Time in School

As the 2024–25 school year gets underway, Healthnews decided to dive into education data, examining the length of the school year and the number of grades across different countries.

The goal? To see how many days students spend in the classroom throughout their lifetimes in different education systems.

Who wouldn’t want to breeze through school with the least time spent in uncomfortable chairs?

Our analysis reveals a significant difference between the length of education in different countries.

For example, let’s briefly discuss Italy and Belgium — two countries with vastly different school experiences. In Italy, students endure an education marathon of 2,600 days spread across 13 grades.

Meanwhile, students in Belgium spend just 1,896 days in school throughout 12 grades. That’s a 37.13% difference in the time it takes to finish primary and secondary education.

These are not just numbers but an accurate representation of how different countries’ education systems shape the lives of their students, either keeping them confined in classrooms or giving them more time to explore the world.

Methodology

For European nations, we referenced the Organisation of School Time in Europe: Primary and General Secondary Education 2019/20 report by Eurydice.

To expand our scope, we included data for the United States using the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) as a resource.

We also obtained grade structure information from Scholaro, a website offering accurate educational system data.

We calculated the total number of school days a student experiences throughout their education by multiplying the number of school days per year by the number of years at each ISCED level and then summing these values for the final total.

The abbreviations in the formula mean the following:

• ISCED 1: Primary education
• ISCED 2: Lower secondary education
• ISCED 3: Upper secondary education

In some countries, there is no distinction between lower secondary (ISCED 2) and upper secondary (ISCED 3) education — these countries have just primary and secondary levels. As a result, in the table, you may notice missing data for ISCED 2, indicating that the country’s education system does not separate secondary education into two distinct levels.

Country	ISCED 1 (Primary)	ISCED 2 (Lower Secondary)	ISCED 3 (Upper Secondary)	Total
Belgium (Flemish Community)	942	-	954	1896
Ireland	1104	501	334	1939
Cyprus	1032	480	483	1995
France	1458	-	540	1998
Portugal	1038	519	519	2076
Latvia	1530	-	555	2085
United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)	1140	570	380	2090
Croatia	1400	-	700	2100
Spain	1050	700	350	2100
Estonia	1584	-	528	2112
Greece	1038	549	549	2136
Sweden	1602	-	534	2136
Poland	1440	-	712	2152
Hungary	1440	-	716	2156
Austria	720	-	1440	2160
Turkey	1440	-	720	2160
United States	900	540	720	2160
Belgium (French Community)	1086	362	724	2172
Lithuania	700	1110	370	2180
Malta	1014	845	338	2197
Bulgaria	736	736	736	2208
Romania	680	1050	525	2255
Germany	752	940	564	2256
Finland	1692	-	564	2256
Slovenia	1512	-	752	2264
Netherlands	1323	-	945	2268
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina)	1584	-	704	2288
Switzerland	1152	576	576	2304
Luxembourg	1080	-	1260	2340
North Macedonia	1620	-	720	2340
Serbia	1260	540	555	2355
Montenegro	1638	-	728	2366
Albania	796	995	600	2391
Denmark	1800	-	600	2400
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republika Srpska)	1692	-	720	2412
Norway	1710	-	760	2470
United Kingdom (England)	1140	950	380	2470
Slovakia	760	950	760	2470
Czech Republic	1737	-	772	2509
Iceland	1800	-	720	2520
Italy	1000	600	1000	2600

Top 10 countries with the shortest education

It’s not a stretch to say that students’ happiness levels are related to the amount of time they spend outside the classroom. Here are 10 countries that make students the happiest:

#1 Belgium (Flemish Community)

Belgium (Flemish Community) stands out with the shortest school time out of the studied countries, where students complete their education in just 1,896 days. Schools in Belgium typically start around 8:30 a.m. and end by 3:30 p.m.

A unique aspect is the ‘half-day Wednesday’ schedule, which allows students to finish school by noon and take a mid-week break.

As in the majority of European education systems, the school year begins in September and ends in late June, with several breaks throughout the year.

The Flemish education system offers a wide variety of tracks for secondary education, catering to different interests and aptitudes. Students can choose from General Secondary Education (ASO), Technical Secondary Education (TSO), Vocational Secondary Education (BSO), and Artistic Secondary Education (KSO). Each track provides a tailored curriculum designed to meet specific educational and career goals​.

#2 Ireland

In Ireland, students spend 1,939 days in school throughout primary and secondary education. Irish schools generally start at 9:00 a.m. and finish around 3:00 p.m.

Primary schools in Ireland typically have a shorter day than secondary schools, with younger students finishing as early as 1:30 p.m.

Irish secondary education includes a distinctive ‘Transition Year’ between the Junior and Senior cycles. This year is often free from formal examinations and allows students to explore a variety of educational fields, subjects of interest, and even work experience. It’s designed to broaden students' horizons and prepare them for more focused academic study in the Senior cycle​.

#3 Cyprus

Cypriot students complete their education in 1,995 days. In Cyprus, the school day usually starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends by 1:30 p.m., making it one of the earliest start times in Europe.

In some smaller villages and towns in Cyprus, where the student population is very low, different age groups and grades can be taught together in a single classroom. These are known as multi-grade classrooms. For example, a school with fewer than 20 students might be managed by just one or two teachers who teach all the students across various grades simultaneously. This means that children of different ages and educational levels sit in the same classroom and receive instructions together.

The teacher uses a flexible approach to manage the different learning needs and activities of each grade level within the same class time.​

#4 France

French students spend 1,998 days in school, but their school days are among the longest, often starting at 8:30 a.m. and lasting until 5:00 p.m. However, many primary schools in France have no classes on Wednesdays or end half-day, at around 12:00 p.m.

French school days are notably long, partly due to the extensive lunch breaks that can last up to two hours. Lunchtime is seen as part of the educational experience, emphasizing social interaction.

In France, philosophy is a compulsory subject in the final year of high school (Terminale). This is unique to the French education system, where students are encouraged to engage deeply with philosophical concepts and critical thinking. The subject is considered essential for the development of reflective and analytical skills, culminating in the exam of the Baccalauréat series, which is often a philosophical essay.

#5 Portugal

In Portugal, students spend 2,076 days in school to complete primary and secondary education. Portuguese schools typically start the day at 9:00 a.m. and end around 3:30 p.m. or even 4:45 p.m. in secondary education.

Portugal’s secondary education offers various vocational and technical courses alongside traditional academic tracks. These courses are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or further specialized training. The vocational tracks are particularly popular, with a significant percentage of students choosing to pursue careers in fields like IT, hospitality, and healthcare​.

#6 Latvia

Latvian students complete their schooling in 2,085 days. In Latvia, the school day generally starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends by 3:00 p.m. Schools often use a ‘two-shift system’ in rural areas, where students either attend in the morning or afternoon to manage overcrowding.

In recent years, Latvian schools, particularly in Riga, have gained a reputation for their competitive academic environment. Parents often go to great lengths, including queuing overnight, to enroll their children.

#7 United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)

Northern Irish students spend 2,090 days in the education system throughout their primary and secondary schooling. Schools in Northern Ireland typically start at 9:00 a.m. and finish at 3:00 p.m. The school year is divided into three terms and uses a ‘half-term’ break system, where students get a week off in the middle of each term​.

Education in Northern Ireland is also characterized by religious segregation. Most schools are either predominantly Protestant or Catholic, reflecting the historical and ongoing religious divide in the region.

#8 Croatia

Croatian students experience 2,100 days of schooling, with starting time at 8 a.m. and ending by around 2 p.m. Schools in Croatia often operate on a ‘two-shift system,’ especially in crowded urban areas, where students either attend in the morning or afternoon.

Croatia has been making significant strides toward the digitalization of its schools. By the end of 2023, more than 1,300 primary, secondary, and art schools are expected to be fully digitalized. This initiative includes providing IT equipment like computers and tablets, improving internet connectivity, and training teachers to create digital educational materials.

#9 Spain

In Spain, students also spend 2,100 days in school. Spanish schools typically start around 9:00 a.m. and end by 2:00 p.m., with a long midday break for lunch, keeping up with the country's cultural tradition of a ‘siesta.’

Spain has one of the highest school dropout rates in the European Union. Despite recent improvements, around 16% of students leave school before completing their secondary education. This issue is more prevalent in rural areas and among students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

#10 Estonia

Estonian students spend 2,112 days in school. Schools in Estonia generally start at 8:00 a.m. and finish around 2:00 p.m.

Estonia consistently ranks among the top performers in the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) tests. In the 2022 PISA results, Estonian students ranked first in Europe and among the top eight globally in mathematics, science, and reading.

Top 10 countries with the longest education duration

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have 10 countries where finishing primary and secondary education takes the longest time.

#1 Italy

Italian students endure the longest education journey, spending a total of 2,600 days in school. Italian schools typically start at 8:00 a.m. and end around 1:00 p.m., but high schools can extend to 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Italian students spend an additional year in secondary school compared to many other countries, finishing at age 19. The upper secondary school lasts five years. This extra year is intended to provide a deeper, more comprehensive education before students face the national final exam.

#2 Iceland

In Iceland, students spend 2,520 days in school. Icelandic schools usually start at 8:00 a.m. and end by 2:00 p.m.

Spending time outdoors is a significant part of the educational experience in Iceland. In Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, 70% of compulsory schools report that they practice outdoor education on a regular basis.

Teachers in Iceland frequently take their classes outside to explore nature, conduct science experiments, or simply learn in an open-air environment. This practice is believed to enhance students’ connection to nature, promote physical health, and improve concentration and well-being.

#3 Czech Republic

Czech students spend 2,509 days in school. The school day typically starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends around 3:00 p.m. in the Czech Republic.

A unique aspect of the Czech education system is ‘block scheduling,’ where subjects are taught for more extended periods, which can last between 80 to 90 minutes, compared to the traditional 45-minute lessons. Block scheduling is not universally adopted across all Czech schools but is more common in secondary education, especially in gymnasiums.

#4 Slovakia

Slovak students spend 2,470 days in school. Schools in Slovakia usually start early, around 8:00 a.m., and finish by 2:00 p.m.

In 2023, Slovakia introduced a significant reform in its national curriculum for primary and lower secondary education. This new curriculum focuses on enhancing students’ critical thinking, digital skills, and soft skills, marking a shift from traditional rote learning methods. The reform is being gradually implemented, with the first batch of schools adopting it in September 2023. By the 2026–27 school year, all schools in Slovakia are expected to follow the new curriculum, which emphasizes the practical application of knowledge over mere memorization​.

#5 United Kingdom (England)

In England, students spend 2,470 days in school. English schools typically start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.

England’s education system includes a variety of school types, including state schools (funded by the government), academies, free schools, and independent (private) schools. Academies and free schools have greater autonomy compared to state schools, particularly in terms of curriculum design.

School uniforms are a prominent feature in most English schools, especially in secondary education. The uniform policy is seen as a way to promote equality among students, reduce distractions, and create a sense of school identity.

#6 Norway

Norwegian students experience 2,470 days in school. Schools in Norway usually start at 8:30 a.m. and end by 1:00–2:00 p.m.

In Norway, just like in Iceland, it is common for students to spend significant time outdoors as part of their education. The country’s educational philosophy encourages connecting with nature.

Quite uniquely, Norwegian primary schools do not use formal grades to assess students until they reach lower secondary school, typically around age 13. Instead, the focus is on qualitative feedback, personal development, and fostering a love for learning. This system is designed to reduce pressure on young students.

#7 Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republika Srpska)

In Republika Srpska, part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, students spend 2,412 days in school. Schools sometimes operate on a ‘split-shift’ system, where students attend either morning or afternoon sessions to manage resources.

Secondary education in Bosnia and Herzegovina is complex due to the country’s unique political structure, which divides the education system across two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. Each of these entities operates its own education system, leading to differences in curricula, administration, and language of instruction.

#8 Denmark

Danish students spend 2,400 days in school. In Denmark, the school day typically starts at 8:00 a.m. and finishes around 2:00 p.m.

Danish schools have ‘Fagdag,’ or subject days, where students focus on one subject for the entire day.

Denmark is also a leader in integrating digital tools into the classroom. Most Danish schools are equipped with modern technology, including laptops or tablets, and they use various educational software to enhance learning.

#9 Albania

In Albania, students spend 2,391 days in school. Schools in Albania usually start early, around 8:00 a.m., and end by 1:30 p.m.

Albania has been undergoing significant reforms in its education system to improve quality and align more closely with European standards. These reforms include modernizing curricula, improving teacher training, and upgrading school infrastructure.

#10 Montenegro

Pupils in Montenegro have to attend school for 2,366 days to complete primary and secondary education. Typically, the school day starts at 8:00 a.m. and finishes at around 2:25 p.m.

While the official language is Montenegrin, education is also provided in Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, and Croatian in areas where these languages are predominant.

Unfortunately, the education system in Montenegro faces challenges, as there are quality differences between urban and rural areas, funding limitations, and the need for curriculum modernization to better prepare students for the job market.