Overview of the General Education System

Finland’s educational system has its history rooted deeply back to the late 13th century. This century was when the church and Catholic monks established institutions of learning, wherein Swedish and Latin were originally the languages of instruction. After that, the first school to use Finnish as the language of instruction was established in 1858. It was in 1640 that higher education emerged with the founding of the Royal Academy of Turku. This academy later moved to Helsinki during the Russian regime and became the University of Helsinki.

Nowadays, Finland's education system is founded on the principles of equality and accessibility. Education is publicly funded and free of charge at all levels, including meals, transportation, and educational materials. Learning is built by the ideals of lifelong learning and civic responsibility.

The Ministry of Education and Culture regulates and coordinates the system, which is responsible for education policy, legislation, and government resolutions. The Ministry promotes the values of civilization, democracy, welfare, and creativity, and encourages open, future-oriented planning based on national expertise.

The general education comprises several levels designed to support children's development and learning throughout their formative years. Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) caters to children aged from months to six. The ECE incorporates care, teaching, and education for holistic growth. After this, pre-primary education provides a mandatory year for six-year-olds to ensure school readiness.

Furthermore, basic education consists of nine years of comprehensive schooling for children aged seven to 16. These compulsory schooling covers both primary and lower secondary levels. Upper secondary education offers a choice between general upper secondary routes and vocational education and training. This level is aimed at students aged 16 to 19. Aside from these, liberal adult education and basic art education are available alongside the formal system to promote personal development and lifelong learning.

Moreover, the language of instruction is delivered through Finnish, Swedish, or Sami, to embrace multilingualism. Students who speak other languages also receive support in collaboration with their cultural communities.

Educational institutions in Finland include public municipal schools, joint municipal authorities, private foundations, religious providers such as parishes, NGOs, and the State. All are regulated under national guidelines. The education system remains largely non-selective and non-stratified until students reach the upper secondary level, which emphasizes equal opportunities regardless of socioeconomic background.

Statistics indicate that Finland maintains outstanding educational participation and literacy outcomes. In fact, the primary enrollment rate was 98.67% in 2018. The secondary enrollment rate reached 144.85% in 2022, which shows widespread continuation into upper secondary studies. Interestingly, Finland is also one of only nine countries in the world with a 100% literacy rate as of 2024.

Compulsory education in Finland begins in the year a child turns seven years old and continues until the completion of upper secondary education or until the age of 18. This mandatory requirement, which raised the school-leaving age from 16 to 18, was fully implemented in recent years to ensure all young people obtain at least an upper secondary qualification.

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is not mandatory, but is a statutory right for all children aged from months to six. ECE is widely accessible and is offered on either a full-time basis, which is up to 10 hours per day, or a part-time basis, up to 5 hours per day. This option depends on family needs. The ECEC curriculum emphasizes language, identity, and cultural responsiveness. Language of instruction is delivered in Finnish, Swedish, and Sami, as well as support for children of immigrant backgrounds.

In addition, pre-primary education, which became compulsory in August 2015, covers children aged six. This level fosters foundational skills for school success through structured learning and play. Municipalities are also responsible for ensuring free access to this phase, which is often delivered within early education centers or schools. The remainder of the child’s day may include continued participation in ECEC services.

Basic education, which includes primary Grades 1–6 and lower secondary Grades 7–9, spans nine years and is also compulsory. It combines a child-centered pedagogy with academic development. There is no tracking or streaming during this phase. Instead, inclusive classrooms promote collaborative learning, where more advanced students are encouraged to help their peers.

In addition, special education support is provided when needed through tailored Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs). Decisions on such support are reviewed at transition points, such as before grade 2 and before grade 7.

After completing compulsory education, students proceed on to either general upper secondary education or vocational education. Both pathways are tuition-free and serve as important steps toward higher education or entering the workforce.

Finland's higher education system adheres to the Bologna Process and is characterized by a dual model. This model consists of universities, which provide academic education and conduct scientific research. These institutions offer degrees such as a Bachelor’s degree that is taken for 3 years, a Master’s for 2 years, a Licentiate, and a Doctorate. In parallel, there are Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) that focus on professionally oriented education and applied research, catering to practical skill development and industry needs. There are 14 universities and 24 UAS institutions.

Admission to tertiary education requires a matriculation certificate from general upper secondary education or a vocational qualification. Selection is made by each institution, which requires entrance exams. Higher education is free for European Union/European Economic Area and Swiss students.

These HEIs offer nearly 600 degree programs in English. The degree system uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), with one academic year equal to 60 credits. In this country, students aim for a master’s degree as their first complete qualification.