Education Finland

Preschool Education

 

Children aged from 9 months to 6 years are entitled to early childhood education, which is organized by municipal or private institutions. To enroll a child in kindergarten, it is recommended:

 

 

 

Choosing the right institution: Determine which type of kindergarten suits your family—municipal, private, or home kindergarten. Municipal kindergartens usually offer more affordable prices and guarantee a place with timely application submission.

 

 

 

Submitting an application: An application for a place in a municipal kindergarten must be submitted four months prior to when you’ll need it. If the need for a place arises urgently, for example, due to employment or starting studies, the application can be submitted two weeks prior to the expected start date.

 

 

 

Payment: The fee for early childhood education depends on family income, family size, and the number of hours the child spends at the preschool institution. Low-income families may receive discounts or exemptions from payment.

 

 

 

School Education

 

Compulsory general education in Finland starts at 7 years old and lasts for 9 years. Enrolling a child in school involves:

 

 

 

Receiving notification: At the beginning of the year, you will receive a notification that your child is required to receive basic general education. This may come by mail or through the Wilma portal if you are already using it.

 

 

 

School registration: Generally, school registration is carried out in January. In many municipalities, registration is possible through the Wilma portal. Different municipalities have different ways of enrolling a child in school, so check the information in your municipality. It is recommended to enroll the child in the nearest school, however, you may try to enroll the child in another school, although obtaining a place in another school is not always possible.

 

 

 

Preparatory training: If the child has recently arrived in Finland and does not know Finnish or Swedish, they may be offered preparatory training aimed at learning the language and adapting to the school environment.

 

 

 

Additional Recommendations

 

 

 

Consultation with local authorities: Contact your municipality's education department for detailed information about the enrollment process and available educational institutions.

Kindergartens with foreign language instruction

 

Many municipal and private kindergartens offer programs in foreign languages, such as English, Russian, German, and others. For example, in the city of Vantaa, early childhood education is available in Finnish, Swedish, Russian, and English.

 

 

 

Schools with foreign language instruction

 

Finland offers various options for schools with instruction in foreign languages:

 

 

 

International schools: These schools follow international programs, such as the International Baccalaureate, and teach in English. Examples include the International School of Helsinki and Oulu International School.

 

 

 

Bilingual schools: Some schools offer education in two languages, combining Finnish with another language, such as English or German. An example is The English School in Helsinki, where education is conducted in both English and Finnish.

 

 

 

Schools with advanced foreign language programs: Many Finnish schools offer advanced study of foreign languages starting from elementary classes. For example, English language study begins in the 3rd grade, and another foreign language is introduced in the 4th grade.

 

 

 

How to Find a Suitable Institution

 

 

 

Contact the local municipality: Municipal education authorities provide information about available kindergartens and schools with instruction in foreign languages in your region.

 

 

 

Visit official school websites: Many schools have websites with detailed information about educational programs, languages of instruction, and the admission process.

 

 

 

Consult with other parents: Immigrant and expat communities can offer valuable recommendations and personal experiences.

 

 

 

Note that the admission process to such institutions can be competitive, so it is recommended to apply in advance and clarify requirements directly with the chosen kindergartens or schools.

State Educational Institutions

 

 

 

Accessibility and Funding: State kindergartens and schools are funded through taxes, which ensures free education at all levels, from preschool to higher education.

 

 

 

Curriculum: All state institutions follow the national curriculum developed by the Finnish National Agency for Education. This ensures a uniform standard of education across the country.

 

 

 

Languages of Instruction: The main languages of instruction are Finnish and Swedish. In some municipalities, programs are available in other languages, especially in areas with a high concentration of immigrants.

 

 

 

Private Educational Institutions

 

 

 

Funding and Fees: Private schools and kindergartens may charge tuition fees. However, many of them receive state funding, which helps reduce costs for parents. In some cases, education may be completely free if the institution receives sufficient support from the state.

 

 

 

Curriculum: Private institutions may offer alternative or specialized educational programs such as the International Baccalaureate or Montessori and Waldorf methodologies. This provides parents with the opportunity to choose an educational approach that aligns with their philosophy and their child's needs.

 

 

 

Languages of Instruction: Many private schools offer instruction in foreign languages such as English, French, German, or Russian, which may be appealing to immigrant families or those who wish their children to be proficient in multiple languages.

 

 

 

Class Size and Individual Approach: Private institutions often have smaller class sizes, allowing more attention to be given to the individual needs of each student. This can contribute to a deeper understanding of materials and personal skill development.

 

 

 

Below are examples of popular educational institutions in various cities across the country.

 

 

 

Helsinki

 

 

 

State Schools

 

Helsingin normaalilyseo: a school affiliated with the University of Helsinki, offering education for students in grades 7–9 and higher education.

 

Ressun peruskoulu: offers education through International Baccalaureate programs in English.

 

 

 

Private Schools

 

Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu: a private school with a long history, offering education from grades 3 to 12.

 

The English School: offers bilingual education in English and Finnish from primary to upper classes.

 

 

 

Turku

 

 

 

State Schools

 

Turun normaalikoulu: affiliated with the University of Turku, offers education from grades 1 to 9 and upper education.

 

Luostarivuoren koulu: known for its high level of teaching and diverse programs.

 

 

 

Private Schools

 

Turun kansainvälinen koulu: offers education in English through IB programs.

 

Steiner-koulu: follows Waldorf pedagogy, offering an alternative approach to education.

 

 

 

Tampere

 

 

 

State Schools

 

Tampereen lyseon lukio: the oldest school in the city, offering various educational programs.

 

Sammon keskuslukio: known for its programs in arts and media.

 

 

 

Private Schools

 

Tampereen Rudolf Steiner -koulu: offers education based on the Waldorf methodology from primary to upper classes.

 

Tampereen kristillinen koulu: a private school with Christian values, offering education from grades 1 to 9.

 

 

 

Oulu

 

 

 

State Schools

 

Oulun lyseon lukio: offers programs in Finnish and English, including the International Baccalaureate.

 

Kastellin koulu: a modern school with a focus on science and technology.

 

 

 

Private Schools

 

Oulun steinerkoulu: offers education following the Waldorf methodology.

 

Oulun kristillinen koulu: a private school with Christian values, offering education from grades 1 to 9.

In Finland, the education system places special emphasis on supporting children with special educational needs, ensuring an inclusive environment and equal opportunities for all students.

 

 

 

The Finnish support model is based on three levels, tailored to the individual needs of each child:

 

 

 

General Support: Provided to all students and includes high-quality teaching, differentiated teaching methods, and early identification of potential difficulties.

 

 

 

Intensive Support: Assigned to children who require additional assistance. This includes individual or group sessions with teachers specializing in special educational needs.

 

 

 

Special Support: Designed for children with severe or persistent learning difficulties. This involves the development of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and may include education in specialized classes or schools.

 

 

 

Inclusive Education

 

Finland is committed to integrating children with special needs into mainstream educational institutions, ensuring their participation in school life on par with other students. Research shows that inclusive education benefits both children with special needs and their peers.

 

 

 

The Role of Specialists

 

Schools employ special educators, psychologists, social workers, and other specialists, who work together with teachers and parents to develop and implement individual learning programs for children with special needs. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive approach to the child's education and development.

 

 

 

Teacher Training

 

Teachers in Finland undergo special training to work with children with special needs, which allows them to effectively apply inclusive teaching methods and adapt the learning process to the individual needs of students.

 

 

 

Specialized Schools

 

For children with more serious or specific needs, there are specialized institutions that provide necessary support and adapted educational programs.

 

 

 

Examples of specialized educational institutions:

 

 

 

Käpylän peruskoulu (Helsinki): A school specializing in educating children with visual impairments and other special needs.

 

 

 

Haukkarannan koulu (Jyväskylä): Offers education for children with intellectual disabilities and other special educational needs.

 

 

 

Koulutuskeskus Valteri: A network of state specialized educational centers that provide services for children with various special needs across Finland.

 

 

 

These institutions work closely with parents and local educational authorities, ensuring an individual approach and necessary resources for each child.

Preparatory Education: Children who have recently arrived in Finland and do not speak Finnish or Swedish can undergo preparatory education. The purpose of this program is to provide basic language skills and knowledge necessary for successful learning in a mainstream school. The course typically lasts from 6 to 12 months, depending on the needs of the child.

 

 

 

Integration Classes: Some schools offer integration classes where education is conducted in Finnish with additional support for children learning the language. This allows students to gradually transition to education in regular classes.

 

 

 

Additional Language Support: In mainstream schools, children for whom Finnish or Swedish is not a native language are provided with additional language support. This may include individual or group sessions with a teacher specializing in teaching Finnish as a second language.

 

 

 

Clubs and Courses for Children: In Finland, there are various clubs and courses for children aimed at learning Finnish language and culture. They can be conducted in Finnish, English, or Russian, aiding in the easier adaptation of children.

 

 

 

Summer Language Courses: Some language centers organize summer courses for children, where they can learn Finnish, Russian, or English in a fun way. Such programs help children improve language skills and familiarize themselves with the country's culture.

 

 

 

Parental Support: Parents are encouraged to actively participate in the educational process, supporting their child at home and collaborating with teachers. Many schools provide information and resources for parents to help them support their children's education.

 

 

 

These programs and courses are aimed at ensuring the successful integration of immigrant children into Finnish society and the education system, contributing to their academic and social development.

After-school groups

 

After-school groups provide organized leisure activities for primary school children after classes are over. In these groups, children engage in various activities under the guidance of educators:

 

- Creative activities: drawing, sculpting, handicrafts.

 

- Games and sports: active games, sports events.

 

- Homework assistance: the opportunity to complete homework with adult support.

 

 

 

School clubs

 

School clubs offer extracurricular activities based on interests and can cover a wide range of areas:

 

- Music and arts: choir singing, playing musical instruments, theater studios.

 

- Science and technology: robotics, programming, science clubs.

 

- Sports: soccer, basketball, swimming, martial arts.

 

 

 

Clubs and extracurricular organizations

 

Aside from school clubs, there are various clubs and organizations offering additional activities:

 

- Sports clubs: offer training in various sports.

 

- Cultural centers: organize music, dance, and visual arts classes.

 

- Scout organizations: teach survival skills, leadership, and teamwork.

 

 

 

Summer and winter camps

 

In Finland, children's camps conducted during school holidays are popular. They can be day camps or residential and offer a variety of programs:

 

- Language camps: learning foreign languages in a playful format.

 

- Sports camps: football, hockey, skiing, swimming.

 

- Creative camps: music, theater, visual arts.

 

 

 

Availability and participation

 

Many extracurricular activities are organized for free or for a nominal fee, making them accessible to most families. Municipalities and schools actively inform parents of available opportunities and also assist with registration and selecting suitable activities for children.

School education

 

In Finnish general education schools, a 10-point grading system is applied:

 

 

 

10 – excellent

 

9 – very good

 

8 – good

 

7 – satisfactory

 

6 – mediocre

 

5 – weak

 

4 – unsatisfactory (an unsatisfactory mark requiring a retake)

 

 

 

Until the 7th grade, grades are often given in verbal form, using terms like "mediocre", "satisfactory", "good", and "excellent". This allows a focus on skill development and understanding of material, rather than numerical grades.

 

 

 

Higher education

 

In Finnish universities and higher education institutions, a 5-point grading system is used:

 

 

 

5 – excellent

 

4 – very good

 

3 – good

 

2 – satisfactory

 

1 – pass

 

0 – unsatisfactory or absence

 

 

 

Grades from 3 to 5 are considered a good result. For example, receiving a two on an exam in university, but successfully completing the course, will still earn a student credits and a scholarship. However, if a student does not attend an exam, they will receive 0 points and will not earn credits.

 

 

 

In some universities, a Latin grading system is applied for evaluating master's and doctoral theses, which includes the following grades:

 

 

 

Laudatur – highest grade

 

Eximia cum laude approbatur – with distinction

 

Magna cum laude approbatur – with great praise

 

Cum laude approbatur – with praise

 

Lubenter approbatur – willingly approved

 

Approbatur – approved

 

 

 

This system is used to evaluate scientific works and reflects the level of academic achievement of the student.

Admission to Finnish universities for foreign students requires meeting certain conditions that may vary depending on the level of education and the chosen program.

 

 

 

General requirements

 

 

 

Academic qualification

 

Bachelor's degree: A secondary education diploma recognized in Finland and granting the right to enter higher education institutions in your country is required.

 

Master's degree: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. For programs at universities of applied sciences (UAS), at least two years of relevant work experience may also be required.

 

 

 

Language Proficiency

 

English: For programs taught in English, you need to provide results of internationally recognized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Minimum scores depend on the specific university and program.

 

Finnish or Swedish: Programs in these languages require proof of appropriate language proficiency level.

 

 

 

Entrance Exams

 

Some programs require entrance exams, which may be conducted in Finland or online. In some cases, SAT or other standardized test scores are accepted.

 

 

 

Additional Documents

 

Motivation letter, resume, recommendations, and portfolio (for creative fields) may be required depending on the program.

 

 

 

Application Process

 

 

 

Program Selection: Use the Studyinfo.fi portal to search for suitable programs and familiarize yourself with their requirements.

 

 

 

Application Submission: Applications are submitted online through Studyinfo.fi within the specified deadlines. Note that there are general and separate application periods depending on the program.

 

 

 

Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships for students from non-EU/EEA countries. Usually, the scholarship application is submitted simultaneously with the application for admission.

 

 

 

Additional Tips

 

Consultation: Contact the admissions office of your chosen university to clarify specific requirements and obtain additional information.

 

 

 

Finland is renowned for its universities, which offer high-quality education and hold respectable positions in international rankings. Below are some top universities in Finland:

 

 

 

Traditional Universities – universities focused on academic education and research.

 

 

 

University of Helsinki, (https://www.helsinki.fi/en)

 

Founded: 1640; Ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings).

 

Offers a wide range of programs in English, strong in natural sciences, medicine, and humanities.

 

 

Aalto University, (https://www.aalto.fi/en)

 

Founded: 2010; Ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide.

 

Strong engineering, business, and design programs, with in-demand innovation programs.

 

 

 

University of Turku, (https://www.utu.fi/en)

 

Founded: 1920; Ranked in the top 300 universities worldwide.

 

Known for research in biology, medicine, and humanities.

 

 

 

University of Oulu, (https://www.oulu.fi/en)

 

Founded: 1958; Ranked in the top 400 universities worldwide.

 

Strong programs in engineering, IT, and healthcare.

 

 

University of Jyväskylä, (https://www.jyu.fi/en)

 

Founded: 1934; Ranked in the top 500 universities worldwide.

 

Leader in educational research, psychology, and sports.

 

 

 

 

 

Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) - universities offering practical education focused on the labor market.

 

 

 

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, (https://www.haaga-helia.fi/en)

 

Highlights: Strong programs in business, hospitality, and management.

 

 

 

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, (https://www.metropolia.fi/en)

 

Highlights: Leader in engineering, healthcare, and culture.

 

 

Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), (https://www.tuni.fi/en)

 

Highlights: Strong in technology and medicine.

 

 

Features of Studying at Top Finnish Universities

 

English Programs: Most universities offer master's programs in English.

 

Research: Universities actively participate in international research and collaborate with leading global organizations.

 

Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships for international students.

To apply to a Finnish university, international applicants need to validate their diplomas and certificates to ensure that their education meets the requirements of the chosen program. The recognition process of foreign qualifications in Finland includes several key stages:

 

 

 

Checking the requirements of the chosen program

 

Each university and program may have specific requirements for academic qualifications. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with these requirements on the official website of the chosen educational institution or on the Studyinfo.fi portal, where information about programs and admission processes is provided.

 

 

 

Recognition of Foreign Education

 

In some cases, official recognition of your foreign diploma may be required. In Finland, this is handled by the National Agency for Education. You can apply for diploma recognition through an electronic form on the Opintopolku.fi website. Please note that a fee is charged for the provision of the decision.

 

 

 

Submitting an Application to a University

 

 

 

After preparing all necessary documents and obtaining diploma recognition, if required, you can submit an application for admission through the Studyinfo.fi portal. The deadlines for application submission and additional requirements may vary depending on the program, so it is important to carefully review the information on the website of the chosen university.

 

 

 

Recommendations

 

Contact the admissions office of the chosen university for clarification of specific requirements and for additional information.

In Finland, the adult education system offers a wide range of additional courses and programs aimed at developing professional skills, learning languages, and personal development. These opportunities are available both for citizens and immigrants who aspire to integrate into Finnish society and improve their competencies.

 

Language Courses

 

Finnish and Swedish Languages: For immigrants, courses in Finnish and Swedish are organized at various levels, from beginner to advanced. These courses are held in adult education centers, folk high schools, and other educational institutions. Information about available courses is provided on the Finnishcourses.fi portal.

 

English and Other Foreign Languages: Many educational institutions offer courses in English and other languages for adults who wish to improve their language skills for work or personal purposes.

 

 

 

Professional Education and Continuing Education

 

Vocational Colleges: They offer programs leading to qualifications in various fields such as healthcare, technology, business, and arts. These programs are focused on practical training and can be tailored for adult students.

 

Continuing Education Courses: For those who already have a profession, there are courses aimed at updating knowledge and skills in accordance with modern labor market requirements. Such courses are organized by both public and private educational institutions.

 

Education in Folk High Schools and Adult Education Centers

 

Folk high schools and adult education centers: These institutions offer a variety of courses, including crafts, arts, information technology, sports, and much more. Classes are held at times convenient for working people, and the cost of courses is generally affordable.

 

Online Courses and Distance Learning

 

With the advancement of technology, many educational institutions offer online courses, allowing for remote learning. This is especially convenient for those who cannot attend classes in person. Online courses cover a wide range of topics, from language learning to professional skills.

 

Integration Programs for Immigrants

 

For new residents of Finland, integration courses are available, including language studies, acquaintance with culture and society, as well as preparation for employment. These programs help immigrants adapt and integrate into Finnish society more quickly.