Adult education

In Finland, adults can study in basic education for adults (aikuisten perusopetus), general upper secondary schools for adults (aikuislukio), vocational institutes (ammatillinen oppilaitos), universities of applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulu), and universities (yliopisto). They can also attend various liberal adult education institutions (vapaan sivistystyön oppilaitos), such as adult education centres (kansalaisopisto) and folk high schools (kansanopisto). In addition, employment services also provide training to improve clients' skills and help with employment.

In Finland, most studies leading to a qualification or degree are free of charge. Additional and continuing education (täydennyskoulutus) and various courses are often subject to a fee.

Applications for studies are submitted either through joint application (yhteishaku), continuous application (jatkuva haku), or separate application (erillishaku). Some study programs have continuous admission (jatkuva haku), but most are applied for once or twice a year, in the spring and autumn.

The language of instruction is usually Finnish or Swedish. Training courses organized by employment services usually have their own application periods and procedures.

Basic education for adults and upper secondary education improve the chances of finding a job

In Finland, adults also have the opportunity to complete basic education (aikuisten perusopetus), general upper secondary (lukio) and vocational upper secondary (ammatillinen perustutkinto) education. These studies give the students eligibility for further studies (jatko-opintokelpoisuus) and improve their chances of finding a job.

Basic education for adults gives an opportunity to learn fundamental skills

Many general upper secondary schools for adults (aikuislukio), adult education centres (kansalaisopisto) and folk high schools (kansanopisto) offer basic education for adults (aikuisten perusopetus). Basic education for adults allows you to complete either the full basic education syllabus or individual courses.

Basic education for adults is intended especially for young people and adults who have moved to Finland and who have not completed basic education, have only attended school for a short time, or whose previous basic education cannot be recognized in Finland. They may be, for example, immigrants aged 17–25 who cannot participate in education for children and young people due to their age, but who need the basic education certificate and learning skills to continue their studies at the upper secondary education.

Another important group studying in basic education for adults are adult immigrants whose basic education is lacking and who, therefore need instruction in reading and writing, Finnish or Swedish, English, and mathematical skills. They also need the basic education certificate to enter further studies.

The Finnish National Agency of Education (Opetushallitus) has issued a core curriculum for basic education for adults. The subjects in basic education for adults are largely the same as those in comprehensive school for children. Basic education for adults is divided into two phases: the

introductory phase and the final phase. The introductory phase may include a literacy training phase, in which reading and writing skills are important. In the introductory phase, the key subjects are Finnish or Swedish, mathematics and English.

During the final phase, students study more than ten different subjects. Finishing the final phase means completing the basic education in Finland (peruskoulututkinto). The language of instruction is Finnish or Swedish. The tuition is free for students.

More information about basic education for adults: Basic education for immigrants (opintopolku.fi)

General upper secondary education for adults provides a pathway to further studies

Anyone who has completed the basic education syllabus, or an equivalent syllabus can apply for general upper secondary education for adults (aikuisten lukiokoulutus). It is intended mainly for those over 18 years of age.

General upper secondary education for adults provides eligibility for further studies at universities, universities of applied sciences, and vocational education based on the general upper secondary school syllabus. Studies at general upper secondary schools for adults are offered during the day or in the evening, and they can be completed alongside work. Both onsite and online studies are available.

At a general upper secondary school for adults, you can complete the entire general upper secondary school syllabus and the matriculation examination (ylioppilastutkinto). It is also possible to study the syllabus of one or more upper secondary school subjects or individual study units. Studying individual units at a general upper secondary school for adults involves a fee.

General upper secondary schools for adults follow the national core curriculum for general upper secondary education for adults. It takes 2–4 years to complete a full upper secondary education. The language of instruction is Finnish or Swedish. The recommended language proficiency requirement for upper secondary education is B1.1

More information about general upper secondary education for adults: General upper secondary education for adults (opintopolku.fi)

Vocational adult education and training qualifies people for work in different fields and provides additional qualifications

In Finland, vocational qualifications include the vocational upper secondary qualification (ammatillinen perustutkinto), the further vocational qualification (ammattitutkinto), and the specialist vocational qualification (erikoisammattitutkinto). Vocational upper secondary qualification (ammatillinen perustutkinto) is available to both young people and adults and it is designed for individuals who have no prior experience in the relevant profession. Vocational upper secondary qualification can be completed at an educational institution or as an apprenticeship training (oppisopimuskoulutus).

More information on upper secondary vocational qualifications is available on the page: Upper secondary education

Further vocational qualifications (ammattitutkinto) and specialist vocational qualifications (erikoisammattitutkinto) are intended for people who already have competence in the relevant field — gained through work experience or hobbies — or who wish to further develop their skills. In further vocational qualification, students demonstrate competences in their chosen field. To complete specialist vocational qualification, the students need to demonstrate their competence in the most demanding tasks within that field.

It is possible to obtain these qualifications through competence demonstrations (näytöt), without participating education and training. Vocational institutes also organise training that prepares for further and specialist vocational qualifications. It is often arranged so that you can combine work and study.

In TUVA you can improve your study skills and complete upper secondary studies

Preparatory education for programmes leading to an upper secondary qualification (TUVA) is meant for both young people and adults who have not completed an upper secondary level qualification.

More information about TUVA education is available on the page: Upper secondary education

Higher education institutions offer training for expert and managerial positions

Finnish higher education institutions include universities of applied science (ammattikorkeakoulu) and universities (yliopisto). Universities of applied sciences offer practical, career-oriented higher education and engage in applied research and development that supports businesses and the public sector

In contrast, universities conduct academic research that produces new knowledge and promotes the development of science, art, the economy, and society. University studies are more theoretical than those at universities of applied sciences and are grounded in scientific research within each discipline. These studies prepare students for a wide range of specialist and leadership roles.

Most universities are publicly funded and mainly supported by taxes. Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral studies in Finnish and Swedish are free of charge for students who are permanent residents of Finland. Students from non-EU countries who come to study in English-language bachelor's and master's degree programs usually pay an annual tuition fee for their studies.

You can apply to higher education institutions if you have completed a general upper secondary syllabus and matriculation examination or a vocational upper secondary qualification. A corresponding qualification completed abroad is also recognized, as long as it gives the eligibility for higher education in the country of origin.

You can apply for a study place at universities of applied sciences and universities through a joint application on the Opintopolku.fi -website. You can apply to six different degree programs at the same time. Applications for most higher education studies are only accepted during the spring. There are fewer training courses available in the autumn joint application. Some study programs

have separate application processes that take place at different times from the joint application period. Information about the programs can be found on the educational institutions' own websites.

Each study program has its own admission criteria, which institutions follow when choosing students. Some students are selected directly based on their certificates. However, it is also possible to get into a university through an entrance exam. You should start to prepare well in advance because many programmes accept only a few students.

The entrance exam can be written or practical. Sometimes applicants are required to complete pre-assignments in addition to entrance exams. Students need to have adequate skills in Finnish or Swedish if they wish to study in those languages at a higher education institution. Many degrees can also be completed in English. In this case, students must demonstrate sufficient English language skills.

More information about applying for training: Applying for education and training (infofinland.fi)

Universities of applied sciences offer practice-oriented higher education

Finland has 22 universities of applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulu) located throughout the country, offering education for expert roles. Universities of applied sciences offer education in the same fields as vocational institutions (ammatillinen oppilaitos). Universities of applied sciences work closely with employers and other workplace representatives. Studies at a university of applied sciences last 3–4.5 years. A Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BA) is a bachelor's level degree

Degree studies at universities of applied sciences include both an internship and a final thesis. The thesis gives students the opportunity to focus on a specific area of expertise and demonstrate their ability to apply their skills in practice.

In some fields, it is also possible to pursue a master’s degree from a university of applied sciences (YAMK), which typically takes 1–1.5 years to complete. The master’s degree from a university of applied sciences (YAMK) is a postgraduate qualification designed for professionals already in the work life. Admission to a Master's degree program at a university of applied sciences (YAMK) requires at least two years of relevant work experience after completing a previous degree.

Universities of applied sciences offer flexible options for earning degrees and continuing education (täydentävät opinnot) while working. Some study programmes require only minimal on-campus attendance, while others are scheduled entirely in the evenings. Many courses are also available online.

More information about universities of applied sciences: Universities of applied sciences (infofinland.fi)

Universities conduct scientific research and provide the highest level of education

There are 13 universities (yliopisto) in Finland. The largest academic fields include the humanities, natural sciences, and engineering. Humanities disciplines cover areas such as languages and history, while the natural sciences include subjects like mathematics, physics, and computer science.

Most Finnish universities are multidisciplinary institutions, meaning that you can study degrees in many different fields. Only a few Finnish universities focus exclusively on teaching in a specific field. At these institutions, students can study only certain disciplines, such as the arts, technology, or business.

Students begin their studies by completing a lower university degree (alempi korkeakoulututkinto), the bachelor’s degree, which typically takes about three years. After that, they can continue their studies toward a higher university degree (ylempi korkeakoulututkinto), the master’s degree, which usually requires an additional two years to complete.

When a student receives the right to study for a bachelor’s degree, they usually also receive the right to continue directly to a master’s degree in the same field. Most students who complete a bachelor’s degree at a university also complete a master’s degree, which is often required, for example, for public sector careers and specialist positions.

If a student is interested in a career as a researcher, they may continue their studies after the master’s level by applying for postgraduate programs (jatko-opinnot) leading to a Licentiate’s or Doctoral degree. More information about universities in Finland: Universities (infofinland.fi)

Open universities and open universities of applied sciences offer courses in many different fields

All universities of applied sciences also have an open university of applied sciences (avoin ammattikorkeakoulu), and universities have an open university (avoin yliopisto). They allow anyone to study university or university of applied sciences courses without having to take entrance exams. Both individual courses and more extensive study programs are available. A fee is usually charged for the courses, although in some cases, an employer may cover the cost on behalf of the employee.

In some fields, you can be admitted through a separate application process to complete a full degree at a university or university of applied sciences, provided you have first completed a required number of relevant courses in an open university or open university of applied sciences.

Liberal adult education studies improve skills and overall well-being

In Finland, in addition to vocational and higher education studies, adults have access to a wide range of liberal adult education (vapaan sivistystyön opinnot) courses offered by adult education centres (kansalaisopisto), folk high schools (kansanopisto), study centres (opintokeskus), and summer universities (kesäyliopisto). These offer a wide variety of courses that anyone can participate in.

These courses typically involve a fee and are offered at various times — during the day, in the evenings, and on weekends — to accommodate different schedules. The course selection is diverse, including subjects such as languages, physical education and dance, handicrafts, visual arts, information technology and digital skills, music, theatre, and social studies. At folk high schools, courses are usually full-time and last one academic year.

Liberal adult education refers to studies in which students typically do not pursue a degree. Most of the courses focus on general education and knowledge, personal interests, or enhancing professional skills. They improve people's competence and overall well-being. At the same time, these studies promote democracy and equality, which benefit the entire society. The content of most liberal adult education courses is not officially regulated, allowing institutions to freely design their own courses and decide what is taught.

Some liberal adult education institutions also provide continuing professional education (täydennyskoulutus), open university courses, and public lectures. Many liberal adult education institutions offer Finnish and Swedish language courses, as well as basic education for adult immigrants. More information about studying as a hobby: Studying as a hobby (infofinland.fi)

Training provided by employment services improves employment opportunities

In Finland, employment services provide labour market training (työvoimakoulutus) for adults who are unemployed or at risk of unemployment. The goal is to increase the participant's professional skills and competencies, and to improve their employment opportunities. The training is free of charge.

Labour market training is training that increases work-related skills and competence, as well as entrepreneurial skills. Labour market training can be organized together with employers and companies. Employment services can also grant support for self-motivated education (omaehtoinen koulutus) chosen by the jobseeker, as long as the study promotes employment. Self-motivated education can be used to complete a full vocational qualification (ammatillinen tutkinto) or its individual units.

More information about vocational labour market training: Vocational labour market training (infofinland.fi)

More information on labour market training is available on the page: Unemployment and retirement

Integration training helps participants learn the language and gain knowledge about Finnish society

You can also access integration training (kotoutumiskoulutus) through employment services. Integration training typically lasts around one year and includes Finnish or Swedish language studies, along with orientation to Finnish society and working life.

More information on integration training is available on the page: Integration

You can get financial support for adult studies

In Finland, there are several options available for financing adult education. It is possible to receive financial aid (opintotuki), student loans (opintolaina), and grants for studies (apuraha), provided certain criteria are met. Many studies can be completed alongside a full-time job. This allows individuals go to work normally and study in the evenings or on weekends. It is common for university students in particular to finance their studies by working part-time during their studies. Many students prefer to work part-time while studying rather than take student loans.

For residents of Finland, education is generally free of charge

In most cases, students residing permanently in Finland can complete an entire degree without paying tuition fees. Those who come to Finland from another country to study are generally required to pay for their education and living costs themselves. Scholarship opportunities vary, so it's a good idea to contact the institution you're applying to for more information. Even though most degree programs in Finland are free, students may need to pay for specific courses or further education, and some institutions charge tuition for all studies.

More information on funding studies: Financing your studies (infofinland.fi)

More information about studying as a foreigner in Finland: Foreign students in Finland (infofinland.fi)

You can get financial aid for upper secondary and higher education studies

Kela grants financial aid (opintotuki) for both upper secondary education (toisen asteen koulutus), i.e. general upper secondary school studies (lukio-opinnot), vocational studies (ammatilliset opinnot), as well as for studies in higher education institutions (korkeakouluopinnot). It is possible to receive financial aid for adult basic education as well. The study must be full-time, meaning the student cannot be in full-time employment or registered as a job seeker at the same time. Financial aid for students consists of monthly study grants (opintoraha) and student loan (opintolaina). You can only receive financial aid for a certain period of time, and its duration depends on the scope of studies.

The amount of the study grant depends on several factors, including the type of educational institution, the student's age, whether they live independently or with their parents, and whether they are married or have children.

The bank may grant a student loan for the duration of studies

Students apply for financial aid from Kela, while student loans are arranged from a bank. Kela grants a government guarantee for the loan, so that the student does not have to ask a relative or a friend to guarantee it. The loan must be repaid after the studies are completed.

Students can receive housing allowance for housing costs

Students can also receive housing allowance. Its size is influenced by many factors, such as the size of the family, the size of the dwelling and the rent. If the total study grant, student loan and housing allowance are not enough to cover the student’s essential expenses, you can apply for basic social assistance from Kela.

More information about student support: Students (kela.fi)

More information on funding studies: Financing your studies (infofinland.fi)

Studying is allowed under certain conditions even when receiving unemployment benefit

A jobseeker registered with employment services can study under specific conditions while still receiving unemployment benefit (työttömyysetuus). Then, the studies must be a part of labour market training and applied for through employment services. In labour market training, students may get an additional allowance (kulukorvaus) to cover daily expenses alongside unemployment benefit.

Unemployment benefit may also be granted for self-motivated studies, provided certain conditions are met. In that case, the studies must be included in the employment or integration plan made together with employment services.