“There is nothing more precious in the world than true education. It reveals the Divinity that sustains the universe and promotes the welfare of mankind materially, mentally and socially. Only through education do we understand creation and the truth about humanity.”

According to Baba the dire state of mankind is the direct consequence of the faulty and incomplete system of education followed in the entire world. He says education has become a playing field of ignorance and that jobs have become the aim of education.

He emphasized that education is not for mere living, it is for life, a more meaningful, more worthwhile life. There is no harm if it is also for a gainful employment but the educated must be aware that existence is not all, that gainful employment is not all.

Scientific and worldly knowledge is not enough, moral and spiritual knowledge is also required. Baba says that when worldly knowledge and spiritual knowledge come together human life is divinised for true education is not about imparting worldly knowledge for a mundane existence, it should inspire one with feelings and thoughts to lead an ideal life. The task of education is to develop man into an ideal and exemplary person because education should promote human virtues.

Sai Baba says that any system of education that does not teach discrimination between right and wrong, that does not instil fear of sin and love of God, train one in the codes of humility and reverence, widen the horizon of wonder, encourage one to worshipfully serve one’s parents, and inspire one to dedicate the skills and attainments to the progress of family, community, and country stands condemned.

Baba said the end of education is character, and the end of knowledge is wisdom. Unless knowledge is transformed into wisdom, and wisdom is expressed in character, education is a wasteful process. If education confers the gift of transformation, then surely life will become peaceful, happy and full of mutual help and co-operation.

Baba says education is about transformation, not information.

Baba has explained the differences between Education and Educare, He said:

Baba is the Founder Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed to be University), a visible manifestation of Baba’s vision of education for human transformation. It started with a women’s college in Anantapur in 1968 and now has 4 campuses. It stands at the pinnacle of the many primary and schools Baba has established in India.

The Institute’s Vision Statement is: “To assist generations of students acquire Self-knowledge (Atma Vidya) and self-confidence (Atma Vishwas), so as to cultivate Self-sacrifice and earn Self-realisation, thereby moulding them into leaders who will benefit society.” Over 10,000 men and women have graduated from the Institute, which is today one of India’s top universities. In 2002, the national UGC described it as the crest jewel among university education in India, and a model worthy of emulation.

Sathya Sai Education in Human Values programmes are run in 81 countries around the world. There are 100 Sathya Sai Schools in India and 41 in 26 countries beyond, including Zambia, Thailand, Brazil, Fiji, Australia, England, Canada, Malaysia, etc. 24 countries have Institutes of Sathya Sai Education, including Hong Kong, Denmark, Ireland, Philippines, etc.

The first Sathya Sai School outside India was established in 1992 by Victor and Genevieve Kanu in Ndola, Zambia at the express directions of Sai Baba.

The school accepted students who were rejected elsewhere, and its success over the years has won it the acclamation “The Miracle School” in Zambia.

In 2010, the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini Project was launched to bring quality education to rural schools through technology.