Average School Day Length by Country 2025
4
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
5 Countries with the Longest Average School Days
Country | Average School Day Length (hrs)↓ | |
|---|---|---|
 | Thailand | 9.5 |
 | Cambodia | 8.75 |
 | Bangladesh | 8.5 |
 | Myanmar | 8.5 |
 | Taiwan | 8.5 |
 | Chile | 8.33 |
 | South Korea | 8 |
 | Ghana | 8 |
 | Nepal | 7.75 |
 | Kenya | 7.5 |
 | Dominican Republic | 7.5 |
 | United Arab Emirates | 7.5 |
 | Hong Kong | 7.5 |
 | Costa Rica | 7.25 |
 | China | 7 |
 | Netherlands | 7 |
 | United States | 6.8 |
 | New Zealand | 6.5 |
 | Russia | 6 |
 | Japan | 6 |
 | Canada | 6 |
 | Australia | 6 |
 | Estonia | 6 |
 | Germany | 5.5 |
 | Singapore | 5.5 |
 | Italy | 5 |
 | Finland | 5 |
 | Brazil | 4 |
- Data come from multiple sources and may or may not include non-instructional time such as lunch periods or recess.
- Data are averages. In many countries, including the US and the Netherlands, the length of a school day is set at the state, munipical, or school-district level and may vary significantly from the average.
- Data for Canada pertain to Ontario only.
The length of the school day varies significantly across countries, ranging from 4 to 9.5 hours. Understanding these differences is essential as it sheds light on the diverse educational practices and cultures worldwide. In 2023, a closer examination of school day schedules reveals these variations in more detail.
Thailand leads with the longest school day globally, clocking in at 9.5 hours. This extensive timeframe is indicative of the country’s rigorous academic culture. Following closely is Cambodia, with students dedicating about 8 hours and 45 minutes to school each day. This reflects a strong emphasis on education in Asian countries, where longer school hours are often the norm.
In Europe, France’s school day lasts 8 hours, starting around 30 minutes later than Chile, which also adheres to an 8-hour school day. This duration is a middle ground, balancing academic instruction with other activities.
In Kenya, Dominican Republic, UAE, and Hong Kong, the school day averages 7 hours and 30 minutes, highlighting a similarity in educational structure among these diverse nations. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, maintains a 7-hour school day, slightly longer than its Commonwealth counterparts, Canada and Australia, where students attend school for 6 hours and 30 minutes and 6 hours, respectively.
Russia, Spain, and Mexico align with a 6-hour school day, offering a balance between academic pursuits and other aspects of student life. Italy offers a shorter day at 5 hours, just like Finland, both countries known for their progressive educational systems. Brazil averages a 4-hour school day, focusing on efficiency and student well-being.
Germany presents a relatively short average school day, with students spending only 5 hours and 30 minutes in school. This duration might reflect an educational philosophy that emphasizes quality over quantity.
It’s important to note that in Asian countries, where the school day is closer to 10 hours long, 2-3 of those hours might be allocated for lunch, recess, or breaks between classes. These figures represent the average start and end times and the total duration of the school day, excluding lunch, recess, and other breaks that form an integral part of the students’ daily routine. This variation in school day lengths reveals the diversity in educational approaches and priorities across various cultures and countries.
