How to join PISA

As well as the information below, please consult the PISA 2029 brochure which explains PISA and its benefits, the experiences of countries/economies who have participated in PISA, the partnership options offered to maximise participation in PISA, the associated costs and the process to confirm participation in PISA 2029.

1)         The base international overhead costs for new participants in PISA 2029 is EUR 234 000 payable over three years at EUR 78 000 per year from 2027 to 2029 inclusive.

PISA 2029 also offers two optional partnership options with the aim of maximising the benefits of participation in PISA. The Capacity Building and Implementation Support (CBIS) partnership option offers support to ensure successful implementation of PISA and to build national capacity for implementing future international and national large-scale assessments. The Analysis and Reporting (A&R) partnership option offers support to build national capacity for PISA analysis, interpretation and reporting.

The costs for all the options are summarised in the table below.

* Subject to minimum of five countries/economies participating

2)         Additionally, the costs for the national implementation of the programme are borne entirely by the participating countries/economies. These are expected to be approximately EUR 350 000 but this depends on the country’s/economy’s cost of living.

3)         Participating countries/economies need to appoint a National Project Manager (NPM) who carries out the surveys in the national context. The NPM works with the OECD's contractors on all issues related to the implementation of PISA in their country/economy. The NPM plays an important role not just in the successful implementation of PISA in accordance with OECD quality standards. The NPM should have a university degree and previous experience in planning, organising and conducting large-scale surveys. Skills in managing a project with simultaneous multiple tasks, a high level of oral and written communication skills, fluency in English and knowledge of the national education systems are also important. English is the communication language for NPMs as well as the language used in the respective written documentation.

All participants are expected to attend the meetings of the NPMs. For the PISA 2029 cycle the first meeting will be held in March 2027. 

4)         Participants are also expected to nominate a representative for the PISA Governing Board (PGB). The PGB includes representatives at the senior policy level and is responsible for specifying the policy priorities and standards for the development, implementation and analysis of PISA. The PGB meets twice a year – March/April and October/November.

5)         Applications to participate in PISA 2029 are considered through an official letter informing the OECD of a country’s/economy’s intention to participate in PISA 2029 including confirmation of its intention to contribute to the international overhead costs. Letters should be addressed to: Mr. Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills (EDU.PISA@oecd.org). The application will be presented to the PISA Governing Board for its approval, then the interested country/economy will be informed of the outcome.