Education and educational institutions

The cornerstone of education in Finland is the basic education provided to everyone free of charge. Education in Finland starts with voluntary pre-school education at the age of six. Compulsory education starts at the age of seven and ends when the compulsory syllabus has been completed or ten years after compulsory education began. Basic education is usually completed in nine years.

Basic education supports pupils’ development, promotes knowledge and equality in society and provides pupils with the requirements for participating in secondary education.

After completing compulsory education, pupils can carry on with post-comprehensive school education. Studies can be carried out at either a vocational school or an upper secondary school providing general education. After upper secondary school students can take the matriculation examination. Vocational qualifications can be taken at vocational schools.

After completing post-comprehensive school education, students can continue to study at universities, polytechnics or take additional vocational training. Universities carry out research and provide education based on that. Polytechnics (universities of applied sciences) prepare students for the demands of working life. Additional vocational education leads to further and specialist vocational qualifications which advance vocational competence and skills.

As a result of the rapid changes that have taken place in working life, adult education has in recent years become an increasingly important part of the education system. Adult education is organised at different levels, and there is an abundance of educational opportunities.