Education system in Finland

Tuula PeltonenMember of Education and Culture Committee

Member of the ParliamentSpecial class teacher

7.10.2014

The Finnish education system is composed of:

1. Nine-year basic education (comprehensive school) for the whole age group, preceded by one year of voluntary pre-primary education

2. Upper secondary education, comprising general education and vocational education and training (vocational qualifications and further and specialist qualifications)

3. Higher education, provided by universities and polytechnics/universities of applied sciences

The Finnish educationis composed of:

Learning pathway

In Finland, pre-primary education, basic education and upper secondary education and training, complemented by early childhood education and before- and after-school activities, form a coherent learning pathway that supports children's growth, development and well-being.

Finnish education system has no dead-ends: Learners can always continue their studies on

an upper level of education whatever choices they make in between

The practice of recognition of prior learning has been developed in order to avoid unnecessary overlapping of studies

Students’ opportunities to progress from one level of education to next is safeguarded by legislation

Learning pathway

Basic education is a free nine-year education provided for the whole age group (currently c. 60,000 children) in comprehensive schools

Compulsory schooling starts in the year when a child turns seven and ends after the basic education syllabus has been completed or after ten years.

Textbooks and other materials, tools etc. are free of charge in basic education and pupils are offered a free daily meal.

In addition, school health care and other welfare services are free to the pupils. All pupils of compulsory school age have the right to guidance and support in learning and other schoolwork as soon as need arises.

Basic education is free of charge for pupils

Both general and vocational upper secondary sertificates provide eligibility for further studies.

Higher education is offered by universities and polytechnics. Universities emphasise scientific research and instruction. Polytechnics, also known as universities of applied sciences, adopt a more practical approach. 

Adult education is provided at all levels of education. Adults can study for a general education certificate or for a vocational qualification, or modules included in them, take other courses developing citizenship and work skills, or pursue recreational studies.

Learning pathway

Students who have successfully completed compulsory education are eligible for general and vocational upper secondary education and training. More than 90 per cent of the relevant age group starts general or vocational upper secondary studies immediately after basic education.

Student selection to upper secondary schools is mainly based on the students’ grades in their basic education certificate. The selection criteria used by vocational institutions can include work experience and other comparable factors, also entrance and aptitude tests.

Most students continue their studies after basic

education

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ― Nelson Mandela