Top 5 countries with the longest school hours

As discussions about education reforms, student mental health, and academic performance continue worldwide, one issue keeps coming up: the length of the school day. While most countries stick to a 6 to 7-hour schedule, some have pushed those limits, extending the average school day to over nine hours.

It’s not just about fitting more subjects into a packed schedule. In many countries, longer school days are part of bigger plans aimed at boosting the economy, ensuring fair education, and preparing students for future jobs. But the big question is: does spending more time in class actually improve learning? Here, we’ll look at the top five countries with the longest school days and see what those extra hours really mean for students.

Note: This list is based on data from the World Population Review’s 2025 report.

Thailand has the longest school days in the world, with an average of about 9 and a half hours. The government focuses on academic discipline and skill development, which is why the school day is so long. While the goal is to improve the country’s global competitiveness, there are concerns about the stress it puts on students, particularly in rural areas where resources can be limited.

In Cambodia, students usually spend about 8 hours and 45 minutes in school each day. The longer school day is part of the country’s plan to improve basic education. But for many kids, especially in remote or poorer areas, the extra hours don’t always help. Challenges like old school buildings, not enough trained teachers, and gaps in education quality make it harder for these students to benefit fully.

In Bangladesh, the school day lasts around 8 hours and 30 minutes. The aim is to improve learning in a system that has seen a huge rise in student enrollment over the past decade. The longer hours make room for a wider curriculum and extra support programs. But everyday learning is still affected by problems like crowded classrooms and poor school infrastructure.

Myanmar has a school day that’s about as long as Bangladesh’s, with similar classroom hours. The country has been trying to improve and grow its education system, but challenges like political unrest and limited funding often get in the way. In many parts of Myanmar, the benefits of a longer school day don’t always reach students the way they’re meant to.

Taiwan is known for its strict and high-pressure education system. Students spend around 8 hours and 30 minutes in school each day– and that’s just the official schedule. Many also attend after-school programs, private tutoring, and exam prep classes that stretch into the evening. Academic success is highly valued, but there’s growing concern about student burnout and mental health.