General Education Sectors in EU Countries

The allocation of the school education budget forms the foundation of each country’s educational policy. Through effective budget management, it is possible to ensure the quality, accessibility, and inclusivity of education.

France, Sweden, Germany, and Finland demonstrate diverse and interesting approaches to financing school education. These differences are often shaped by cultural, economic, and political priorities.

The study of data from the World Bank and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) provides an insightful perspective on the choices different countries make in allocating their school education budgets.

Finland allocates approximately 5.5% of its GDP to education, according to the OECD Finland Report, focusing on teacher quality, language integration, and equitable distribution of resources.

France, according to the OECD France Report, allocates approximately 5.3% of its GDP to education, emphasizing teacher salaries and infrastructure development. However, the country continues to face challenges in integrating migrants into the education system.

Germany, according to the OECD Germany Report, spends approximately 4.9% of its GDP on education, with a focus on vocational education and dual learning systems.

Sweden, based on data documented in the OECD Sweden Report, allocates around 7.3% of its GDP to education, prioritizing equal access, inclusivity, and multilingual support.

Indicators by Country:

Let՛s examine the specific sectoral preferences in school education within EU countries:

Finland

Finland is considered one of the best examples of education systems, often highlighted in OECD and UNESCO reports for its strong focus on teacher training.

Teacher Training

In Finland, becoming a teacher requires not only a high academic standard but also a five-year specialized training and licensing program that combines both professional knowledge and practical skills. The state invests in long-term professional development programs, allocating 25% of the education budget to this purpose.

Digital Education

Finland makes significant investments in digital education, dedicating 10% of its budget to the implementation of innovative technologies. See Figure 2.

France

According to the above mentioned report on France, a significant portion of the general education budget is allocated to teacher salaries and infrastructure development. This approach reflects the country’s goals to provide quality education for all students, regardless of their socio-economic or cultural background.

Salaries and Training

In France, expenditures for teachers (approximately 40%) include not only base salaries but also training programs funded by the budget.

Language Integration

Integrating migrant students is a key priority of France’s education system. The UPE2A program (Unité Pédagogique pour Élèves Allophones nouvellement Arrivés), funded by the state budget, is specifically designed for linguistic and cultural integration. This program provides intensive French language instruction tailored to the needs of newly arrived students. Through language integration, the country aims to create equal educational opportunities for all.

Infrastructure

In France, improving the physical conditions of educational institutions is also a key focus. Approximately 25% of the education budget is allocated to infrastructure development. This investment enables the modernization of schools and the provision of a conducive learning environment. See Figure 3:

Sweden

According to the OECD Sweden Report, Sweden’s general education budget is primarily focused on ensuring equality and inclusivity. This approach is reflected across all levels of education, including special needs education and specific programs for socially vulnerable groups.

School Meals

30 % of the general education budget is allocated to providing free, healthy school meals accessible to all. This initiative serves as a cornerstone of Sweden’s educational equality policy. The provision of free meals promotes both the health and academic well-being of students.

Special Needs

20 % of the budget is allocated to the education of children with special needs, including the training of specialized teachers and the provision of adapted educational materials.

Multilingualism

In Sweden, multilingual support programs also constitute a significant portion of the budget. These programs play a crucial role for children from migrant families who attend school in a multilingual environment and have the opportunity to learn their mother tongue. See Figure 4:

Germany

Germany has implemented a globally renowned and content-rich dual education model, which combines learning with practical training. This model fosters students’ professional development while simultaneously establishing a strong connection with the labor market.

A significant portion of the budget (around 40%) is allocated to maintaining and developing this system. This includes specialized teacher training and the involvement of relevant professionals.

Infrastructure

30 % of the budget is spent on the development of educational infrastructure. Germany invests heavily in the modernization of schools and the implementation of technologies. This approach serves as a guarantee for student success. See Figure 5:

The overall picture, expressed through actual data, shows that budget allocation cannot be assessed solely based on numerical proportions.

For Armenia, it is crucial to develop a budget allocation policy that considers both domestic priorities and international experience. The focus should not only be on increasing the budget volume but also on selecting the right sectors that can have a long-term impact.

The experience of 4 EU countries suggests the following:

Armenia faces the need for innovative yet high-quality reforms in the education sector. Combining national goals with international best practices can lead to a more modern and effective education system.

Lilit Avagyan