15 Years of ICILS

The map shows the countries expected to participate in ICILS 2028, as well as their participation in the survey cycles over the past 15 years. The colors indicate the number of times each country has participated in the ICILS survey cycles to date. Orange indicates countries that have participated once, blue twice, gray three times, and green four times in the survey cycles to date.
Subject to change.

We reserve the right to make individual changes.

Significance of the ICILS Study for Society and Education

For more than 15 years, ICILS has focused on digital competencies, which have proven to be of lasting educational relevance and are now considered essential key competencies. The study is of international significance, as education systems worldwide face the challenge of preparing children and adolescents for an increasingly digital world of life and work.

ICILS is highly relevant on an international level because the study provides comparative insights into students’ digital competencies as well as the developmental stages of different education systems. At the same time, it is particularly significant for the European context, as it provides comparable data from numerous European countries and thus forms an important foundation for European education monitoring.

Over the past 15 years, a total of 35 education systems have participated in ICILS. The participating countries are spread across Asia, Europe, and North and South America; however, previous surveys—particularly the 2013, 2018, and 2023 cycles—have shown a clear European focus, which will continue for ICILS 2028. Germany has participated continuously in the international comparison since its launch (ICILS 2013, 2018, 2023, and 2028).

The content focus of ICILS evolves dynamically across survey cycles and is adapted to current technological and societal developments. While ICILS 2013 initially focused on computer and information-related competencies, in 2018 this was supplemented by the competency area of computational thinking. For ICILS 2028, additional key topics—such as artificial intelligence and digital well-being—are planned for inclusion in the contextual questionnaire.