The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is a forum and knowledge hub for data, analysis and best practices in public policy. We work with over 100 countries across the world to build stronger, fairer and cleaner societies – helping to shape better policies for better lives.
OECD
Education at a glance 2026
Teacher shortages are putting pressure on education systems across the OECD
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Teacher shortages affect most OECD education systems to varying degrees, with recruitment challenges particularly acute in mathematics and science, as well as in rural, remote and disadvantaged communities.
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Changing labour markets create challenges beyond teacher shortages
Tertiary attainment continues to rise among young adults in most OECD countries, increasing on average from 40% of 25-34 year-olds in 2015 to 47% in 2025. Yet changing labour markets may affect the relevance and value of qualifications awarded by education systems. Between 2023 and 2025, unemployment among tertiary-educated 25-34 year-olds rose by 0.4 percentage points on average across the OECD, while it fell by 0.2 percentage points among those with upper secondary attainment. This was the first such divergence since the data series began in 2000.
It is too early to tell whether this increase in unemployment among young tertiary educated adults is a temporary fluctuation or the beginning of a more lasting shift. Education systems will therefore need to monitor these trends closely and be ready to adapt if the labour-market benefits of tertiary qualifications begin to weaken.
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About the OECD
The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is a forum and knowledge hub for data, analysis and best practices in public policy. We work with over 100 countries across the world to build stronger, fairer and cleaner societies – helping to shape better policies for better lives.