The budget allocated to the education sector is a key indicator reflecting a state’s priorities and development strategy. The importance of education expenditures is consistently emphasized by international organizations. A state’s approach to education is considered a fundamental tool for fostering economic and social development.

A recent UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report states that “funding education is an investment not just in individuals, but also in the future of communities and nations.” This perspective highlights that education spending has a dual impact: it improves individual living standards while also contributing to economic growth.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emphasizes that “effective funding of education can help reduce social inequality and promote greater economic stability”.

How do different countries approach education budgets? This is an important question for Armenia, considering the many unresolved issues in its education sector. Therefore, comparing Armenia’s approach to education funding with that of two EU countries is crucial.

By comparing the education budgets of Armenia, France, and Sweden from 2021 to 2024, including their funding priorities and sectoral goals, we can gain a general understanding of each country’s educational policies.

Armenia

Below are the statistics from Armenia’s Statistical Committee, illustrated in Picture 1.

In 2024, the largest financial resources in education programs were allocated to the “General (school) Education Program”. The second largest allocation went to the “Establishment, Construction, and Improvement of General and Preschool Educational Institutions” program, with 29.06%. The total cost of this program is 92 billion AMD.

France

France has a consistently large education budget, focusing on the quality of teaching. The French education system is considered one of the most developed in Europe.

Below is the data from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies and Eurostat, illustrated in Picture 2.

France places particular emphasis on the integration of digital tools, inclusion programs, and the development of vocational education, aiming to train professionals who meet the demands of the labor market.

Sweden

Sweden focuses on educational equality, digital innovation, and sustainable development. The country is particularly known for its inclusive educational policies.

Below is data from Eurostat and the Swedish Statistical Office (SCB), illustrated in Picture 3.

Sweden generously allocates its budget to early childhood education, immigrant integration programs, and the construction of sustainable schools, designed based on environmental principles.

Comparison of Programs

Armenia
Armenia’s education budget primarily focuses on the following areas:

The programs in these fields include both infrastructure modernization and programmatic reforms aimed at building a modern education system.

France
France’s budget prioritizes the following fields:

A distinctive feature of France’s educational policy is its strong emphasis on digital education, which aims to equip the new generation with the skills necessary for the digital economy.

Sweden
Sweden focuses on the following directions:

In the field of inclusive education, Sweden implements extensive programs aimed at integrating immigrants and reducing educational inequalities. Swedish educational policy is designed to ensure equal educational opportunities for everyone.

Differences in Approaches

A comparison of the countries’ education budgets reveals that, although Armenia’s budget is relatively small, it has shown significant growth in recent years. This growth reflects the state’s commitment to improving education quality and ensuring the sustainable development of the system.

France and Sweden, as leading countries in the field of education, focus their budgets, particularly on inclusion, digital education, and developing skills aligned with labor market demands.

Armenia can also consider adopting the experience of France and Sweden to improve its education system by integrating digital technologies, implementing extensive programs for immigrant integration, and moving toward sustainability principles. These approaches could contribute not only to enhancing the quality of education but also to achieving long-term development goals.

Lilit Avagyan