The results were released in the three-yearly Program for International Student Assessment, known as PISA.
More than half a million 15 year-olds from 72 countries took part in the report, including 14,000 Australian children.
The tests, conducted by the OECD, have become increasingly influential on politicians who see their countries and their policies being measured against each other in these global school league tables.
Asian countries continue to dominate, with Singapore topping the list.
Australia is above the OECD average, but sits equal 10th in science, equal 12th in reading and equal 20th in maths.
