Global English Proficiency Rankings: Top Countries Excelling in English as a Second Language (2024 Data)

English proficiency is becoming increasingly essential in today's interconnected world, and some countries are excelling more than others in mastering it as a second language. Using data from the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) and TOEFL scores, this report ranks the top-performing countries in English learning. 

As a provider of educational resources for English Language Learners (ELL), Saddleback Educational Publishing is keenly interested in understanding how these nations achieve success. Austria leads the pack, showcasing what’s possible through focused education and cultural integration.

Methodology

To identify the top countries excelling in English as a second language, we utilized two major data sources: the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) and TOEFL scores.

• EF English Proficiency Index (EPI): This index ranks countries based on English test data, focusing on reading and listening skills. It offers a broad look at general English proficiency across various demographics. However, the EPI relies on voluntary test takers, which may introduce a sample bias towards younger, more educated participants.

• TOEFL Scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are a widely recognized standard for academic English proficiency, often used for university admissions. While it provides a strong measure of academic English skills, its focus on formal education environments may not fully capture day-to-day English usage in broader populations.

By combining these two datasets, we gain a well-rounded view of each country’s proficiency in both academic and practical English use. Though both have limitations—such as sample bias and focus on specific environments—their strengths together offer valuable insights into global English learning trends.

Country Rankings

The following table ranks the top countries excelling in English proficiency, combining results from the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) and TOEFL scores. This data offers a snapshot of global English proficiency trends.