Schooling and studying in Finland

Education plays an important role in the development of both individuals and society. In general, a person must have a suitable education and sufficient knowledge of Finnish or Swedish to get a job. Not many jobs can be accessed without training in the field or sufficient language skills in Finland.

In Finland, education is highly valued, and many kinds of education opportunities are available for children, young people and adults. Education from pre-primary to higher education is free of charge. There are also many types of paid education. The entire education system, from early childhood education to higher education, exists in both Finnish and Swedish. In Finland, education is compulsory for residents aged 7 to 18.

Individual learning and support for learning are emphasized in children’s schooling. Teachers aim to be approachable and supportive. Instruction on learning skills is included in all levels of education. Good learning skills include motivation to learn and ability to take initiative. Learners take responsibility for their own learning and learn to study independently. They also have sufficient digital competence and information retrieval skills.

Education and continuous learning help to succeed at work

Education is highly valued in Finland and the working-age population in Finland is well educated in international comparisons. Pre-primary education, basic education, upper secondary education and higher education are mainly free of charge for residents of Finland.

Usually, in Finland you need education and sufficient Finnish or Swedish language skills to get a job and succeed in it. Education and certificates are of great importance, as there are no longer many jobs in Finland that you can get without training in the field or sufficient language skills.

Education under the Finnish education system is provided in Finnish or Swedish. In Swedish-speaking schools, pupils also study Finnish. Finnish language studies often begin already on the first grade. In Finnish-speaking schools, Swedish is most often studied from the sixth grade.

The Finnish education system is based on the idea of continuous learning. Continuous learning refers to all lifelong learning that aims at developing knowledge, skills and abilities, both in personal life and at work. People learn both in school and in life, for example, in everyday life and in hobbies.

Learning and studying do not end when a person completes his or her degree or reaches the age of majority. It is good to develop yourself throughout your life, because the society and work are constantly changing. Through education, anyone can have the opportunity to get a better position in society. Learning and education are also important and beneficial for one’s own well-being.

Learning and education help people cope both in a changing work life and in the globalising world. Finland will have better chances in international competition if society invests in the education of its population.

The development of the education system was a vital part of building a welfare society in Finland. The rise in the level of education of citizens over the past hundred years has contributed to the economic development of the country and the emergence of a more equal society.

Children’s education is individual and encouraging

In Finland, parents and guardians are encouraged to apply for a place in early childhood education for children under school age, for example, in a day care centre or family day care. In early childhood education, the child makes friends, plays and develops in social and learning skills. The child gets to learn Finnish or Swedish and to know Finnish culture and customs. Children go out and move every day and learn skills for school. At the age of six, a child participates in pre-primary education lasting one year or in other activities that reach the goals of pre-primary education.

According to the Act on Compulsory Education, all children must participate in education in accordance with the Basic Education Act or otherwise acquire the skills and knowledge required in the basic education syllabus as well as study in upper secondary education, for example, until they graduate or turn 18.

Comprehensive schools and general upper secondary schools are mainly public in Finland. There are private schools, but like public schools, they are dependent on public funding. Pupils in Finland do not wear school uniforms, and there are hardly any regulations in schools on how pupils should dress. Boys and girls go to the same schools and are in the same classes. In many schools, physical education is also mixed gender.

In Finland, all schools are good, and many parents are happy that the child is attending a local school. Some schools focus on specific subjects, such as mathematics, physical activity, music or languages. Applicants for weighted-curriculum education often have to take an entrance examination.

Schools do not rank pupils in classes or subjects. Instead, the aim is to tailor teaching according to individual needs and make it encouraging. Learning is supported in many ways. The lessons use diverse methods, such as a lot of facilitated group work and, especially with small pupils, learning through play.

In Finnish schools, like in Finnish work life, the hierarchy is low. Teachers and the school principal are easily approachable for both pupils and parents. The principal is the school’s pedagogical director. The principal also has teacher training and previous teaching experience. The child is invited in the assessment discussion with the teacher and the parents.

Learning skills are included in all levels of education, from young children to adults. Good learning skills are, for example:

• Motivation to learn new things
• Taking initiative
• Taking responsibility for your own studies
• Ability to study independently and systematically
• Ability to ask for help or support when needed
• Digital skills, or ICT competence
• Ability to work in different learning environments.
• Social and emotional skills
• Information retrieval skills
• Ability to assess the reliability of different information sources.

More information about the Finnish education system: The Finnish education system

Finland has a wide range of opportunities for studying as an adult

In Finland, it is common to continuously acquire additional training in your own field during a career. Work and industry may change, or employers may want to advance in their career. You can also change the field altogether. Career change may be due to the fact that work in your own field is no longer available, or your interests have changed during your career. For many, studying is also a hobby.

Adults can study in, for example, comprehensive school, general upper secondary school, vocational institutes, universities of applied sciences, and universities. In addition, there are other adult education options, such as liberal education and labour market training, as well as workplace training. Many educational institutions offer studies, especially for adults, and can be completed in the evenings or distance studies alongside work. The language of instruction is usually Finnish or Swedish. Studies taught in English are also available.

Studies often require sufficient digital skills, such as computer skills and the ability to use various digital systems and computer software. Schools provide digital support to students.

If you have acquired a professional qualification for your work outside Finland, you may need to acquire additional skills through training or change your field to find employment. You may not find many jobs available in a particular field in Finland, or the qualification requirements for the job are different from those in some other countries. In Finland, education and work experience acquired in Finland are also particularly appreciated.