The Finnish Education

Education is one of the cornerstones of Finnish society, and it is a fundamental right of all citizens. The main goal of the Finnish educational system is to offer all citizens equal opportunities to educate themselves. Finland has a unique and innovative education policy which has resulted in a high standard of living and quality of life.

The Finnish educational system consists of

  • one year of pre-primary education
  • nine years of primary education (comprehensive school)
  • upper secondary education, which consists of vocational and general education
  • higher education in universities and universities of applied sciences

The Finnish education system has no dead-ends. Learners can always continue their studies at an upper level of education, regardless of what choices they make in between. The practice of recognition of prior learning has been developed in order to avoid unnecessary overlapping of studies.

You can find more information about studying in Finland at Studyinfo.

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Finnish National Agency for Education

Vocational education and training (VET) in Finland is competency-based

In Finland, students who have completed basic education choose their upper secondary pathway, general or VET. Both pathways are equal in value and provide access to further studies. Around half of the students completing their basic education continue to VET.

VET – students and working life as clients

  • Increases and maintains the vocational skills of the population
  • Increases and maintains the vocational skills of the population
  • Develops commerce and industry and responds to its competency needs
  • Supports lifelong learning and students’ development
  • Provides students with knowledge and skills necessary in further studies
  • Promotes employment

Reasons that make VET an attractive choice

  • Qualified and competent teachers
  • Flexible national qualifications requirements
  • Strong employment prospects
  • Eligibility for further studies
  • Qualifications allow for employer-specific, regional and personal adaptations
  • Developed and delivered in cooperation with the working life

VET covers all sectors of working life

The three biggest sectors are

  • technology, communications and transport
  • social sciences, business and administration
  • social services, health and sports.

Education is free for EU and EEA citizens

  • National and local government are responsible for financing VET as part of the state budget.
  • Also VET organised at workplaces is publicly funded.
  • Students are entitled to a free meal and school transport subsidies.

Studying at OSAO

At OSAO, we have an individualized learning path for every single student.

Learn more about studying at OSAO