Global IQ rankings often get a lot of attention because they try to compare average cognitive test scores across different countries. The 2026 dataset shows some clear shifts in a few nations, with certain countries improving while others have dipped slightly compared to last year. South Korea, China, and Japan still sit near the top, holding steady in the rankings. At the same time, changes are starting to show in places like Vietnam and Australia, which are moving in different directions.These figures come from participant samples and standardised testing methods. Experts often point out that results like these can be influenced by cultural, educational, and socio-economic factors as well.According to the International IQ Test and Global Statistics 2026, check below the global average IQ rankings 2026.
List of countries with highest IQ in the world
| Rank |
Country |
IQ |
Participants |
Previous Year |
Change |
| 1 | South Korea | 106.97 | 26,996 | 106.43 | 0.54 |
| 2 | China | 106.48 | 229,918 | 107.19 | -0.71 |
| 3 | Japan | 106.3 | 55,994 | 106.4 | -0.1 |
| 4 | Iran | 104.8 | 10,538 | 106.3 | -1.5 |
| 5 | Australia | 104.45 | 4,245 | 102.57 | 1.88 |
| 6 | Russia | 103.78 | 29,170 | 103.16 | 0.62 |
| 7 | Singapore | 103.56 | 6,880 | 105.14 | -1.58 |
| 8 | Mongolia | 102.61 | 2,437 | 102.86 | -0.25 |
| 9 | New Zealand | 102.35 | 1,184 | 102.08 | 0.27 |
| 10 | Vietnam | 102.26 | 14,915 | 100.12 | 2.14 |
Average IQ score by country 2026
South Korea
South Korea comes first with an IQ average of 106.97. While the growth compared to last year’s data is minimal, it is still significant. Schooling structures in South Korea are characterised as very strict and competitive. The participation rate is good, with more than 26,999 people involved in the survey. The improvement is minor but positive overall.
China
China ranks second with an IQ score of 106.48. The figure shows a slight drop from last year’s 107.19. Despite the decrease, China remains among the highest globally. The sample size is very large, with over 229,000 participants, making it one of the most statistically significant entries. The decline is small but noticeable in comparative terms.
Japan
Japan’s IQ rating is 106.30, giving it the third spot in the world ranking table. There is no considerable variation from the preceding period with a difference of -0.10. This implies constancy and not variability. The number of participants involved in the survey is close to 56,000.
Iran
Iran is ranked fourth with an IQ score of 104.80. The change from the previous year is -1.50, which is relatively larger compared to others in the top five. The participant count is over 10,000, which is moderate in size. The drop might be linked to variations in sample selection or testing conditions, though no single reason is clearly identified in the data. Despite the decline, Iran remains within the higher global tier.
Australia
Australia’s IQ is 104.45 and is placed fifth on the list. It also demonstrates one of the highest positive differences (+1.88) in the data set. The positive difference in Australia is unique relative to the rest of the nations in the top ten. Its participant group is also much smaller, having less than 4,000 members. The increase moves Australia up from its earlier standing.
Russia
Russia holds sixth place with an IQ score of 103.78. The increase from the previous year is +0.62, showing gradual improvement. The participant number is relatively large at 29,170, giving the result moderate statistical strength. The change is not dramatic but suggests consistent upward movement. Russia remains comfortably in the middle of the top ten range. The score positions it slightly below Australia but ahead of Singapore.
Singapore
Singapore ranks seventh with an IQ score of 103.56. The change from last year is -1.58, which is among the larger decreases in this dataset. Despite this, the country remains within the top ten global rankings. The participant size is 6,880, which is relatively small compared to larger nations. The decline shifts Singapore below Russia this year.
Mongolia
Mongolia is placed eighth with an IQ score of 102.61. The change is slight at -0.25 compared to the previous year. The participant count is 2,437, making it one of the smaller datasets. The score remains close to last year’s value, suggesting consistency. There is no major movement in ranking position. Mongolia stays in the lower half of the top ten but still maintains a stable cognitive average within this global comparison.
New Zealand
New Zealand ranks ninth with an IQ score of 102.35. The change is +0.27 from the previous year. The participant sample is small at 1,184 individuals. The increase is mild but still moves the score upward. The country remains close to Mongolia in ranking position. The variation is not large enough to shift placement significantly.
Vietnam
Vietnam is placed tenth with an IQ score of 102.26. The most notable change in the dataset is here, with a +2.14 increase from the previous year. The participant count is 14,915, which is relatively strong. This rise places Vietnam firmly within the top ten. The improvement is the highest among all listed countries. Go to Source
