Ranked: The World's Best Countries at Computing in 2026
The top three systems on the OECD's first computational problem-solving test for 15-year-olds are all in Asia. The scores measure student skills, not a country's tech sector.
Updated November 6, 2026
In short: Students in B-S-J-Z (China), Macao (China) and Singapore posted the highest mean scores in PISA 2025's first computational problem-solving test, between 560 and 572 points. Viet Nam scored below the OECD average and the United States above it. The test measures 15-year-old students, not national tech industries.
Key Facts
- Top three mean scores in computational problem solving
- 560 to 572 points
- As of September 8, 2026
- OECD students at the relevant computational problem-solving proficiency level
- Almost two-thirds
- As of September 8, 2026
- PISA 2025 results release date
- 8 September 2026
- As of September 8, 2026
What did PISA 2025 test in computing?
PISA 2025 introduced a new assessment focusing on 15-year-olds' computational problem-solving skills [1]. It looks at whether students can use modelling and programming tools, conduct experiments, and build, design and develop digital products [1].
The results were released on 8 September 2026 [4].
Which systems scored highest?
Students in B-S-J-Z (China), Macao (China) and Singapore had the highest mean scores on the test [2]. Their scores fall between 560 and 572 points [2].
Check the country tables in the full report before you quote an exact rank for any system outside this group.
How did Viet Nam and the United States compare?
Viet Nam's mean score was below the OECD average. The OECD's country note says that "the mean score of students in Viet Nam was lower than the OECD average" [3]. Viet Nam also moved to computer-based assessment in 2025 [3].
The United States did better. Its mean score was above the OECD average [4].
How many students reached proficiency?
Across OECD countries, almost two-thirds of students reached the relevant proficiency level in computational problem solving [5]. About half of students reached both that level and basic proficiency in science, reading and mathematics [5].
The OECD's reading of that gap is that the results "underline the need for both: strong foundations in the core subjects and the ability to apply that knowledge when solving problems with digital tools" [5].
What does a score level mean?
The OECD describes no formal baseline threshold on this scale. By Level 3, students combine a wider range of commands to build functional programs [2].
What should practitioners take from this?
Read the test as a measure of applied digital problem-solving. It covers modelling, programming tools and experiments [1].
For educators and planners, the share who reached both levels matters most, about half of students [5]. Programs that teach computing should not assume that a strong computing score means strong core skills.
The OECD says analyses of students' self-directed learning will follow in 2027 [3]. Wait for those before drawing conclusions about how students learn to use digital tools on their own.
What does the ranking not show?
This is the first time the test has run, so there are no earlier scores to compare against [1]. A rank from one cycle tells you where systems stood in 2025, not whether they are improving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which systems scored highest on PISA 2025's computational problem-solving test?
Students in B-S-J-Z (China), Macao (China) and Singapore had the highest mean scores, between 560 and 572 points. Check the OECD country tables for any other system.
Does the ranking measure computer science skills in general?
No. It measures computational problem solving among 15-year-old students on one new PISA test.
How did the United States and Viet Nam perform?
The United States scored above the OECD average in computational problem solving. Viet Nam scored below it.
Sources
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Written with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor before publication.How we produce this content.
