higher education in finland

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Higher Education in Finland

Study programs are organized according to a module plan and course assessments provided in the ECTS system. Many masters level programs are available in English. Instruction at institutions of higher education is free of charge for degree students for students from the EU/EEA countries (with some exceptions). Master’s degree programs for non-EU/EEA nationals have tuition fees.

Bachelor’s and Master’s students pay a small membership fee to their institution’s student union every year (this fee is not mandatory for universities of applied sciences). In return, they get reduced-price meals, health care services and other social benefits.

Get a student card if at all possible. It makes travel significantly cheaper and gives access to cheap lunches at the university. -U.S. Student Grantee 2013-2014

Students are eligible for higher education when they have passed the matriculation examination  or received a vocational qualification . Students nationwide apply to higher education institutions by using the electronic system, StudyInfo , maintained by the National Board of Education.

Universities

Universities in Finland

The basic task of the universities is to engage in scientific research and provide the highest level of education based on it. Universities promote lifelong learning, interact with society and promote the societal impact of research results and artistic activities.

To guarantee the freedom of science, the arts and higher education, universities are autonomous actors. Universities are independent legal entities that have the right to make independent decisions on matters related to their internal administration.

Studies at Finnish universities are very independent. Even at the Bachelor’s level, students are responsible for their own study plans, and have a high degree of flexibility when it comes to planning when they will take the various courses and exams that make up their degree.

The courses of study are rigorous and admission is difficult. On the other hand, there are no tuition fees except in some International programs (usually taught in English), MBA and LLM courses, etc., and students are eligible for government financial aid and some grants.

Due to the structure of the Finnish university system, students are relatively free to determine the rate and direction of their courses of study. Many courses may be passed by readings and examinations on prescribed books in lieu of lecture attendance. Moreover, both course and departmental examinations may be retaken several times.

Unlike in the case of many U.S. universities, courses and course times are not assigned to students in Finland by a central computer, and many Finnish students may unfortunately have courses whose schedules inevitably overlap, especially since students often need to take courses for their minor subjects in faculties outside that of their major subject. -U.S. Fulbright Alumna currently working as a professor in a Finnish university  Finnish university society is centered around the many social organizations. Join as many as you can! -U.S. Student Grantee 2013-2014   

University degree requirements.

Finland is part of the European-wide so-called “Bologna-process.” The degree structure is mainly based on a two-cycle model. The first cycle, lasting a minimum of three years, ends in a Bachelor-level degree. The second cycle consists of Master's and Doctoral degrees. Finnish university degrees are equivalent to the Bachelor’s ( kandidaatti ) and Master’s ( maisteri ) degrees in American higher education.

Each higher education institution decides on which students it admits as well as on the criteria on the basis of which students are selected for admission. 

In the Finnish system of higher education, the concept of faculty refers to a comprehensive unit of several departments (school), not individual academic staff or teachers. A faculty is an administrative unit.

University Degrees

Unlike in many other countries, the student is admitted to a university with a right to complete both a bachelor’s (minimum of 3 years, 180 Finnish credits) and a master’s degree (minimum of 2 years, 120 Finnish credits). The vast majority of students also have a master’s degree as their first goal and at present very few students leave university after the bachelor’s level. Finnish students often study more than six years to get their master’s degree.

After graduating from the Master’s level (which includes a Master’s thesis), students can apply for post-graduate studies. The two levels of postgraduate studies are Licentiate and Doctorate.

It sometimes comes as a surprise to American students holding a bachelor’s degree that in Finland they are usually considered as undergraduates. The term “graduate (or postgraduate) student” refers to students beyond the master’s level ( jatko-opiskelija ).

A bachelor’s degree usually consists of basic and intermediate studies in the major subject, including a bachelor’s thesis, studies in one or more subsidiary, or minor subjects, and language and communication studies. In addition to these, a master’s degree includes advanced studies and a master’s thesis, called the pro gradu .

There are a number of master’s degree equivalents in different disciplines. These are usually abbreviated to two or three letters. FM, for example, is short for filosofian maisteri (Master of Arts).

Beyond the master’s degree, one can study for the licentiate degree ( lisensiaatin tutkinto ), a sort of junior doctorate, and upon defense of a dissertation the licentiate holder may be awarded a doctorate ( tohtorintutkinto ). The licentiate, however, is quite rare. In most fields of study, it is also possible to start working for a doctorate directly after completing a master’s degree.

Students have the choice of attending lectures and passing an exam based on these lectures, or taking an exam on required reading materials, which are considered equivalent to the lectures. There are also seminar type courses where discussion, extra reading and a paper or lecture diary is required. Student questioning of teachers, and vice versa, is not as common as in the United States. Degrees in the sciences will also include laboratory and practical work components, which cannot be compensated for by books or lectures alone.

Contact between students and teachers outside of the classroom is not customary, although teaching staff have mandatory weekly office hours. In some departments, the situation may be quite different, with close personal contact among teachers and students. Still, this is more often the exception than the rule.

Communication styles and cultural habits in Finland may not always be what you have been accustomed to. This is good to keep in mind when you prepare for your teaching at a Finnish institution. You may find that you need to give your students more time to respond to your question than you would at home. Allowing time for this process is important, for the dialogue that ensues is deeper and more vigorous. Be patient with what might seem like long moments of silence.

Examinations and Grading Scale

Usually departments have set exam dates, listed in university catalogs. In order to take a written examination (known as a faculty examination, referring to the administrative unit arranging the examination), the students enroll using the online exam registration system. The student must prove their identity upon leaving the exam. This procedure may vary slightly depending on the university.

Written examinations are also held at the end of lecture series for students who have opted for the lectures. These might not require advance registration, but it is advisable to check with the examiner at the beginning of the course.

Some lecture courses do not have final examinations at all, but require the completion of exercises and often regular or compulsory attendance. The procedure may vary locally. Some lecturers may offer take-home examinations, brief research papers, lecture diaries or summary reviews instead of formal examinations. Oral examinations are rare in the Finnish system.

One method of examination that I have used is to give a relatively large number of exam questions in advance to the students roughly two weeks before the exam. Students study all of these questions, but will only be asked half of the questions on the actual examination. The advantage of this method has been that for the students, there are no surprises - if they do not understand one of the questions, they have plenty of time to ask the teacher in advance about it. For the teacher, the advantage is that the students are studying a wide range of issues regarding the topic under study and will probably be better prepared with answers than in the case of an exam with surprise questions. -U.S. Fulbright Alumna currently working as a professor in a Finnish university

Student performance is documented by the university grading scale. According to the university degree system the courses are graded from 1 to 5 ( 5 being the highest). If you are familiar with the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), the Finnish grading scale 1-5 is very similar (5=A, 4=B, C=3 etc.). Please consult your host department for details on the grading scale in use.

Some courses are graded simply on a pass/fail basis. Other number grades may also exist. If a student fails an examination or is otherwise not satisfied with the grade, the examination can usually be retaken on dates set by the examiner.

Credit System

The Finnish credit is based on the principle that 60 credits measure the workload of a full-time student during one academic year. This means roughly 30 credits per semester, or 15 credits in one 7-week span.

In most cases one credit / study point stands for around 25 to 30 working hours. The courses offered by the different departments vary greatly in the amount of credit offered.

Differences in Academic Structure

The Finnish academic structure differs markedly from that in the United States. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the format of course offerings and in the expectation that students and teachers have of each other.

Most Fulbright lecturers will be expected to offer two lecture series per term, with a teaching load of 4-6 hours per week, and perhaps also be involved in seminar leadership. This may not be unlike an American teaching load, but this is where the similarities end.

University Calendar - Semester and Class Schedules

There are 4 terms during the September - May academic year. There is a one week grading break between the terms and a one-month vacation at Christmas.

There are no regular summer sessions, although instruction is offered during the summer months within the open university system. Instruction is also offered by summer universities, which are administered separately from regular universities.

Akateeminen vartti - Academic Quarter

The Finnish academic hour, unless otherwise stated, runs from a quarter past the hour for 45 minutes. Thus, if you appear on the hour to present a lecture, you may find an empty room!

A two-hour lecture is two times 45 minutes. For example, a two-hour lecture scheduled to start at 10 will actually run from 10:15 to 11:45, unless you take a 15-minute break midway and end at noon sharp. 

Naturally, there are differences between universities, so it is a good idea to check the scheduling system once you have arrived.

Lectures and Books

Courses are often built around lectures and assigned readings, and exams can be based on either or both. If you are teaching a class at a university, ask someone at your department about the appropriate amount of course literature for that class, as this may be different from what you are used to. Many courses are also available as “book exams” (lecture attendance is not required and the examiner provides a list of books and/or articles on which the exam is based).

Book purchase is seldom a feature of Finnish courses, at least on the scale that dominates at American universities. Student bookstores do not recycle books and buy back old books. Students are accustomed to borrowing the course reading materials from the university library instead of buying them.

In terms of course literature, I recommend that teachers use digital materials that are already on the internet. According to Finnish law, one may use pictures and information from the Internet freely for teaching purposes, but the photocopying of books and articles for teaching purposes usually requires a permit. The permit can often be arranged through one's university, but it requires extra effort. -Fulbright U.S. Alumna currently working as a professor in a Finnish university

Universities of applied sciences.

The universities of applied sciences emphasize close contacts with business, industry and services, especially at the regional level, and the education has a pronounced occupational emphasis. They train professionals in response to labor market needs.   The universities of applied sciences carry out some R&D with a distinctly applied and practical emphasis, whereas scientific research is the mandate of the universities. They also conduct research and development, which supports instruction and promotes regional development in particular. Universities of applied sciences have extensive autonomy and freedom in education and research. They are independent legal entities and make independent decisions on matters related to their internal administration. An operating licence granted by the Government is required before any party can establish and manage a university of applied sciences.

University of Applied Sciences Degrees

Like university education, UAS education is also divided into the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. UAS students often have to complete a three-year work experience requirement before they can apply to a UAS Master’s degree program.   Students with a Bachelor’s degree from a UAS may also apply to a Master’s program at a university, although they are often required to take additional courses.   Universities of applied sciences also arrange adult education and open education geared to maintain and upgrade professional competencies.   List of Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland  

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Rankings: The 10 best universities in Finland for 2024/2025

Top ranked universities in Finland

Explained: How do the university rankings work?

The QS World University Rankings are among the most important, most-referenced rankings. The QS ranking relies heavily on its academic survey, asking thousands of academics worldwide about the reputation of universities.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings (or the THE Rankings for short) compile a wide range of statistics. Equal weight is put on teaching quality, research excellence, and research impact through citations (meaning how often a university’s research is referenced elsewhere).

The Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University (often just Shanghai Ranking , or ARWU ) focuses on research output and quality, for example measured by the number of published and cited scientific papers and the number of staff or alumni winning the Nobel Prize or Fields Medal.

Study in Finland

Finland is a great place to study abroad: The small Northern European nation is home to some world-class universities that offer high-quality teaching, you get to enjoy a remarkable quality of life in a safe environment, the locals are welcoming - and everyone speaks English. Better yet: Students from Europe study for free at Finnish universities.

Read more about studying in Finland

Find the right study programme for yourself:

Relevant links.

• Studying abroad in Finland: Basic information for international students
• Study programmes in Finland
• Visit the website of the QS World University Rankings
• Visit the website of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings
• Visit the website of the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities

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Higher education in Finland

In Finland there are two types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences. Tuition is provided in Finnish, Swedish and English.

Applications to universities are made on the Studyinfo site, where you can also get more information on education opportunities at different levels.

On this page you will find information about higher education, how to apply, student exchanges and other matters related to higher education. If you are interested in higher education in Åland, see the page Guide: studying in Åland.

Universities of applied sciences

Studies at universities of applied sciences are designed according to the needs of working life. Universities of applied sciences provide practice-oriented and often multidisciplinary higher education, which can be based on upper secondary school or vocational studies. Studies are generally more school-like than at university and include five months of work experience. For information on the grades awarded, see Grading scales in Finland.

Degree courses at universities of applied sciences are free of charge for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals. Citizens of other countries may be charged tuition fees.

The majority of universities of applied sciences in Finland are Finnish-speaking, but there are also completely Swedish-speaking universities of applied sciences. Several universities of applied sciences also provide study programmes in English. Universities set their own language requirements, so check how to prove your language proficiency from the university itself.

Completing a UAS Bachelor’s degree takes 3.5-4.5 years, and studies include a practical training period lasting one term. Students can complete a UAS Master’s degree after they have graduated from an appropriate university and worked in a relevant occupation for at least two years. Completing a Master’s degree takes full-time students 1–1 ½ years.

Read more about studies at universities of applied sciences on Studyinfo.

Universities

Teaching at universities is based on scientific or artistic research. Studying at university develops students' scientific thinking skills. A university degree usually consists of a major and a minor subject, language and communication studies, an internship and a thesis. For information on the grades awarded, see the page Grading scales in Finland.

The target time to a bachelor's degree is three years and for a master's degree two years. For most degrees, the maximum time to complete a bachelor's and master's degree is seven years. After a bachelor's degree, it is possible to apply for a doctorate or licentiate degree.

Universities are either monolingual or bilingual, i.e. in Finnish and/or Swedish. There is also a lot of teaching and research in English.

Studying at the university is free of charge for EU and EEA and Swiss nationals. Citizens of other countries may be charged tuition fees. Students pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree at a university must belong to a student union, which has its own membership fee.

Read more about university degrees on the Studyinfo website.

Applying for higher education

Applications for Finnish- and Swedish-language degree programmes at universities and universities of applied sciences are made in the spring and autumn through the online   joint application on the Studyinfo website. The joint application for some foreign language courses is in January. Read more on the Studyinfo website.

Many Master's programmes, especially those in English, are not included in the joint application, but are applied for through the universities' applications. Find out more about degree programmes in English at StudyinFinland.fi.

The Nordic Agreement on Higher Education ensures that everyone living in the Nordic countries has equal rights to apply for public higher education in the Nordic countries on the same or similar terms as residents of that country. You can therefore apply to a university or university of applied sciences in the same joint application procedure as Finnish applicants.

The majority of students for a lower degree at a university of applied sciences are selected on the basis of a basic vocational qualification and their matriculation examination, i.e. through certificate selection. The remaining students are selected on the basis of a selection test.

If you have completed your upper secondary education abroad and have not completed a European Baccalaureate (EB) or International Baccalaureate (IB), you cannot apply to a Finnish higher education institution through the certificate selection procedure. In this case, you can be selected on the basis of a selection test.

Applications for a higher degree at a university of applied sciences are also made through the joint application procedure.

The majority of students to universities are admitted on the basis of their matriculation examination certificate, i.e. through certificate selection. The remaining students are selected through a selection test or other selection method, such as the open study path.

If you have completed your upper secondary education abroad and have not completed a European Baccalaureate (EB) or International Baccalaureate (IB), you cannot apply to a Finnish university through the certificate selection procedure. In this case, you can be selected on the basis of a selection test.

Usually, if you are selected for a lower degree at university, you will also have the right to study for a higher degree. Postgraduate degrees are not part of the joint application procedure; they are applied for directly through the university awarding the degree. Read more on Studyinfo.

If you have completed your secondary education outside Finland, you must submit a copy of your certificate with your application. If your certificate is in a language other than Finnish, Swedish or English, you must also provide an official translation of your certificate in Finnish, Swedish or English.

Institutions decide on their selection criteria, which may vary by institution and education programme. There are sectoral restrictions for certain programmes. For some courses, you must be fit and able to carry out practical tasks related to your studies. In some cases, the student may be required to produce a drug test certificate or an extract from their criminal record. For sectoral restrictions, see the educational description of the programme you are applying for.

Note that you may not receive a separate invitation to the admission tests, so you will need to find out the time and place of the admission tests for the programmes you are applying for. They are usually easy to find on the institutions’ websites.

Want to go on a student exchange to or from Finland?

As a higher education student, you have the opportunity to complete part of your degree abroad. Usually you apply for an exchange through your own school. The best-known exchange programmes include Erasmus+ and Nordplus. You may be eligible for an exchange grant, which may also include a scholarship from your university. An exchange usually lasts for one semester or one academic year. Ask more about studying abroad in higher education from your university or read more on the Maailmalle.net website.

At the end of the exchange period, apply for recognition of your studies during the exchange. For more information, contact your school.

What should I know about studying in Finland?

If you are coming to Finland to study, it is also good to know about student housing, funding and taxation, work placements, healthcare and social security, and student discounts in Finland. We have collected information on these on the page Guide: studying in Finland.

Academic recognition of qualifications

It is up to universities and colleges to decide whether to accept studies abroad as part of your degree. However, the Nordic Agreement on Higher Education ensures that higher education institutions in the Nordic countries recognise studies completed under each other.

For information on the professional recognition of qualifications, i.e. when a person with a foreign qualification needs a separate decision on the recognition of their qualification or the right to pursue a profession, see the article Professional recognition in Finland of qualifications completed in other countries.

It is up to the universities and educational institutions themselves to decide whether to recognise studies completed abroad as part of a Finnish degree. It is a good idea to find out in advance what documents Finnish higher education institutions need to accredit your studies.

More information on the recognition of foreign qualifications in Finland can be found on the website of the Finnish National Agency for Education. For more information on degree programmes in English, visit the StudyinFinland page.

The international principle for the recognition of qualifications is that the host institution makes an interpretation of the level of the foreign qualification or the extent of the achievement. 

You can also apply for a separate statement from the Finnish National Agency for Education. For a fee, the Finnish National Agency for Education provides expert opinions on Finnish qualifications for international use. The statement can be drawn up for completed qualifications that are part of the official Finnish qualification structure.

Read more on the website of the Finnish National Agency for Education.

Higher education in other Nordic countries

On these pages you can find information about higher education in other Nordic countries.

More information

Please fill in our contact form if you have any questions or if you have encountered an obstacle in another Nordic country.

NB! If you have questions regarding the processing of a specific case or application, or other personal matters, please contact the relevant authority directly.

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Pre-primary education in Finland

Nordic education agreements and programmes

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Higher Education in Finland: The quest to leave no one behind

Shutterstock_1813516297.jpg.

A new report , published by the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre, gives a complete picture of how students can get in, get through, and get out of higher education with greater ease and options. As part of IIEP-UNESCO’s global research project – SDG4: Planning for Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education – the report offers evidence-based policy recommendations for the Ministry of Education and Culture and higher education institutions to improve the learning experience for all students and close equity gaps. 

Leaving no one behind is at the heart of Finland’s higher education system. With 13 public universities and 22 universities of applied science – among other institutions – its tertiary education strives to give equal educational opportunities to all citizens, regardless of gender, socio-economic background, or geographical location. To sustain this commitment –and enhance equity – flexible learning pathways have emerged as a key policy direction for the sector. 

We talked with Sirpa Moitus, one of the report’s authors, and Counsellor of Evaluation at the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre, about the myriad of benefits for institutions and students alike. 

Every year, some 150,000 applicants vie for 50,000 higher education spots, which is free to all Finnish students and citizens of the European Union and European Economic Area. While there should be enough spaces for all first time, college-bound applicants, they also compete with those pursuing a second degree or many-time applicants, especially in competitive fields such as medicine and law. As a result, this leaves two-thirds of all applicants without a study place each year. While this is a complex challenge, flexible learning pathways are starting to open new doors onto the world of higher education. 

“Because of my low grades in upper secondary school, I was thinking that I was not good enough to study in the university. But, when I started the open university courses, I was working hard, and I can do it. And, now I’m a PhD student, it’s opened a whole new world. It’s changed my world.” - An Open University alumna quoted during a focus group for the report.

One alternative entry point is the open studies pathway, which admitted 2,000 students in 2019. Open to everyone, students can pursue courses at any higher education institution on all days, evenings, or online. “This can serve as a kind of second chance for applicants that did not manage to get in via the normal admission procedure or for adults wishing to enter higher education at a later stage in their life,” says Moitus. While the open studies pathway does not lead to a degree – on its own – a certain number of open studies credits (between 15 and 60) can contribute to matriculation. For some students, this pathway can be “empowering” and “life-changing.” 

Further developing transfer pathways could also help ease the demand for study places says the study – as those who want to switch faculties could do so without competing with first-time applicants. Lastly, the proliferation of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) is another pathway, and can help give new edge to applicants as it can count as relevant prior experience. 

Getting through

Flexible learning pathways are fostering greater choice in how – and what – students can study. In addition to more possibilities to pursue elective courses, or minors, students in Finland can benefit from agreements between higher education institutions: they can take courses in other disciplines or on other campuses. “This means that degrees are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary and less narrow, and students can gain more from different fields, increasing their skills and competencies,” says Moitus. Mode of study is also more flexible than in years past, with the growth of online learning. “E-learning is the name of the game right now, and it is a very good thing that there had been so many projects in this area already, before COVID-19,” says Moitus. 

“In our curricula, there is a lot of flexibility in how students can put together their studies…We encourage our students to take courses from other faculties, based on their personal study plan. We consider it important for the students to build their own pathway to graduation.” - A university faculty dean quoted in an interview for the report. 

Recognition of prior learning is another major advantage of flexible learning pathways. This is especially important for students of immigrant backgrounds, a minority group that is currently not benefiting from flexible learning pathways as much as other student groups. According to the report, one fourth of immigrant applicants already had a degree, but many of them faced difficulties in having this fully recognized. “Flexible learning pathways and specific targeted support for students, throughout their studies, touches very close to the equity perspective and this is partly why we propose that flexibility and equity could be considered together,” says Moitus. 

Getting out

Combining work and study is high in demand. “The idea of incorporating work-based learning into higher education is really taking ground, and it can improve career prospects and employment possibilities,” says Moitus. Since 2017, Finnish institutions have been developing a new model – studification of work – that helps students gain credits towards their degree for their relevant work experience. Fostering links between those inside higher education and the world of work can also offer a support line to underrepresented students, including those with immigrant backgrounds, and help foster a sense of inclusion. 

“In my university, we carried out a skills’ needs mapping exercise in 2–3 fields, to figure out which skills and competences are needed… If there are some immediate skills needs, we can modify our continuous learning offering based on that.” - University management, interview from the report.  

Flexible learning pathways: “A moving target” 

Flexible learning pathways are reshaping how, where, and when students study. In Finland, this has gained traction over the past decade. But its roots go much further, says the report, as it resonates deeply with the country’s commitment to equality for all. To further address pressing issues around equity – and accessibility for minority students, especially – it suggests a number of important recommendations for flexible of learning pathways. From setting a national definition of what are flexible learning pathways, cementing the links between flexible learning and equity policies, to encouraging more guidance at the institutional level for students to help them define the pathway that best suits their interests, this is a course to watch in Finland’s higher education sector. 

“Finland is an excellent example of how the higher education funding model can support flexible learning pathways. Multiple government projects have financed higher education institutions to collaborate in joint e-learning initiatives, cross-study, open studies and working and study pathways. Rather than competing with each other, institutions were incited to collaborate.” Michaela Martin, IIEP-UNESCO programme specialist.

As for next steps, Moitus says the report has been submitted to the government as a resource for current policy discussions on equity, including the drafting of the 2020 National Accessibility Plan of Higher Education, as well as for policy discussions on higher education and for the drafting of the 2020 Government Education Policy Report to Parliament. The report will also contribute to global dialogue on the evolution of flexible learning pathways as the IIEP-UNESCO project includes research from the Chile, United Kingdom, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, Morocco, and South Africa. 

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The UAS Pathway studies in Finland offer international students a convenient and supported pathway to higher education. By completing the first year online from their home country, students can gradually adapt to the Finnish education system and build a strong foundation in their chosen field of study. The UAS Pathway studies provide flexibility, convenience, and the opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge before continuing on-campus studies in Finland.

Whether you are interested in Information and Communication Technology, International Business, Business Information Technology, or Game Development, the UAS Pathway studies can be a smart choice for international students looking to pursue higher education in Finland.

If you are considering higher education in Finland, explore the available UAS pathway study options and choose the program that aligns with your interests, goals, and aspirations.

Pathway studies can be your bridge to Finnish higher education and open doors to exciting opportunities and a prosperous future in which you can enjoy life in the happiest country in the world!

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Accredited Pathway

Accredited Pathway The UAS Pathway Studies to Finland consists of 60 ECTS credits, taught in English by experienced Finnish UAS

UAS Pathway studies vs. direct entry to Finnish universities

When considering pathway studies, one question is whether pursuing direct entry to Finnish universities is better. While direct entry may

Benefits of pathway studies for international students

The UAS Pathway studies offer numerous benefits for international students pursuing higher education in Finland. One of the main advantages

Three UAS Pathway programs to choose from: ICT, IB/BIT and Game Development (B.ENG or BBA)

The UAS Pathway Studies are ideal for those interested in applying and pursuing a bachelor's degree in Bachelor’s Degree in…

The next Application period is open from April 1st!

The UAS Pathway Studies to Finland program, provided by the selected Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Finland, offers applicants

Finland has the best higher education system in the world – rankings

There are many reasons why you should study in Finland , but as the recent Universitas 21 (U21) rankings  show, one great motivator is the world-class efficiency of its higher education system.

Results from the league table say whilst the US system is still top in terms of overall performance, Finland is the true winner when the rankings are adjusted to measure each country relative to their national income levels.

In fact, when adjusted to take into account GDP per capita, Finland takes the lead ahead of the US and UK, traditional favourites in the world of higher education,  Eyewitness News reported.

The U21 rankings compare the strengths and weaknesses of individual institutions but, unsatisfied with the measurement of the best higher education system, the rankings were reworked to consider the countries’ economic standing.

The original version of the rankings unsurprisingly features countries with high-income – and as a result expenditure – countries, including the US, Switzerland and the UK.

#Finland has overtaken Serbia to claim pole position in the @u21news development-adjusted ranking for 2018 https://t.co/0mniDYuL1C — Times Higher Education (@timeshighered) May 16, 2018

However, cash flow in a country’s higher education system plays a huge role in the quality of its universities.

U12 responded by creating a whole new “amended” ranking in which it considered the GDP per capita.

The new rankings uncovered that many countries’ higher education systems were thriving compared to nations of similar GDP levels per capita.

“Quite simply, research excellence can be bought – almost 90 percent of country differences in research are explained by research expenditure,” Melbourne Institute Professor Ross Williams explained to Eyewitness News.

Landing itself third place in the original rankings which did not consider expenditure, the UK performed well in both cases, coming in second after Finland, when national income levels were considered.

Both Finland and the UK were found to have scored 20 percent above the average level of achievement for countries at their income levels.

Finland’s #education system has once again been positioned amongst the best in the world! In the recent Universitas 21 ranking, #Finland climbed from ninth to sixth place out of a total of 50 countries. @u21news Full report: https://t.co/OqaEjSy12P https://t.co/AEfhgQdGBS — EduCluster Finland (@EduClusterFin) May 16, 2018

The US, on the contrary, slips from first place all the way down to 15 th .

Serbia, which was ranked at 42 out of 50 in the original rankings, rose to third place.

The remaining slots in the top 10 after Finland, the UK and Serbia are taken by Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland, South Africa, Israel and New Zealand.

Aus unis are already some of the most efficient in the world, @u21news rankings confirm. Aust unis are ranked 3rd in the world for what they produce but 41st for government spending on tertiary education. https://t.co/bkZ2F9jkw6 #highered — Universities Australia (@uniaus) May 14, 2018

The U21 rankings were birthed by a group of global universities as an alternative to more conventional rankings which tend to focus on the institutions themselves and not the countries’ economic performances.

The authors measured 24 different indicators to reach their conclusion on the 50 countries the rankings include.

The measures include; expenditure on higher education, government policy, industry links, the diversity of the country’s institutions, enrolment rates, and research performance.

These indicators of performance are then divided up into four categories; resources, policy environment, connectivity, and output.

U21 is based in Australia at the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research , University of Melbourne .

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Higher education

Finland reaps the rewards of world-leading teacher training and pedagogical practices, and the country’s outstanding higher education institutions offer a wide range of degree programs, training courses and modules to enhance the abilities of trainee teachers and other education professionals.

The tailor-made programs offered focus on improving knowledge and practical skills, and are delivered in a variety of ways: as e-learning/m-learning programs, lectures, workshops, mentoring sessions, intensive training and study visits. There is a wide range of higher education establishments and formats from academic universities and institutions to universities of applied sciences, and from offshore campuses to distance learning degrees for foreign students. These Finnish institutions also make complete degrees as well as research services available for export as part of their offering.

The Finnish education system

Early childhood education, pre-primary education, comprehensive education, upper secondary education, higher education, applying for education and training, other study opportunities, language training.

The education system includes early childhood education, preschool education, comprehensive education, upper secondary education and higher education. Adult education is intended for adults and it includes a multitude of alternatives from comprehensive to higher education.

In Finland, children are entitled to receive early childhood education before they reach school age. Early childhood education is organised in day care centres and family day care. Children may also participate in open early childhood education together with a parent, for example, at a playground. The goal is to support children’s development and well-being and to promote equality in learning. In early childhood education, children learn, for example, social, linguistic and manual skills and gain different types of information. Children also acquire skills that help them learn more.

A lot of playtime and outdoor activities are included. If the child’s native language is not Finnish or Swedish, he or she will receive support in learning Finnish or Swedish. The child may also receive special needs education, if necessary.

In Finland, municipalities organise early childhood education. It is tax funded and therefore more affordable to families. There is also private early childhood education available in Finland. Trained early childhood education teachers, social pedagogues and childcarers work with children.

Read more about early childhood education on the InfoFinland page Early childhood education .

In Finland, children must attend pre-primary education for one year before compulsory education begins. Pre-primary education usually starts during the year when the child turns six. Municipalities organise pre-primary education and it is free of charge for families. Pre-primary education is given by highly educated early childhood education teachers. Pre-primary education is usually organised from Monday to Friday, four hours a day during school hours. In addition to pre-primary education, the child can also attend early childhood education.

During the time that children are in pre-primary education, they learn skills that are useful in school, such as the alphabet. They are not, however, taught how to read. If the child’s native language is not Finnish or Swedish, he or she will receive support in learning Finnish or Swedish. A typical day in pre-primary education also includes playtime and outdoor activities.

Read more on the InfoFinland page Pre-primary education (Link leads to external service) .

In Finland, comprehensive education normally starts during the year when the child turns seven. All children residing in Finland permanently must attend comprehensive education. Comprehensive school comprises nine grades.

Finnish legislation guides comprehensive education. National curriculum bases and local curriculums are also in use.

Comprehensive education is organised by municipalities and is free of charge for families. There is at least 20 hours of tuition per week for first and second grades and more for higher grades.

All comprehensive school teachers in Finland have a Master’s degree. Comprehensive school class teachers, who teach grades 1–6, are specialised in pedagogy. Grade 7–9 teachers are specialised in the subjects they teach.

Teachers are at liberty to plan their tuition independently based on the national and local curricula. Recently, curricula have emphasised, for example, entities that cover several subjects, investigating daily phenomena and information and communications technology.

Children often have the same teacher for the first six years. The teacher gets to know the students well and is able to develop the tuition to suit their needs. One important goal is that the students learn how to think for themselves and assume responsibility over their own learning.

The teacher evaluates the students’ progress in school. In comprehensive education, all grades are given by the teacher. There are no national examinations as such. Instead, learning results are being monitored with sample-based evaluations. These are usually organised in the ninth grade.

If the child or young person has only recently moved to Finland, he or she may receive preparatory education for comprehensive education. Preparatory education usually takes one year. After it, the student may continue to study Finnish or Swedish as a second language, or an S2 language, if he or she needs support in learning the language.

Adult immigrants who have no comprehensive school leaving certificate from their native country may complete comprehensive school in general upper secondary schools for adults.

Read more about comprehensive education on the InfoFinland page Comprehensive education .

The most common options after comprehensive school are general upper secondary school and vocational education.

After comprehensive school, all young people have to study until they graduate from secondary education or reach the age of 18.

General upper secondary school

General upper secondary schools provide all-round education which does not lead to any profession. Mostly the same subjects are studied in general upper secondary schools as in comprehensive education, but the studies are more demanding and independent. At the end, students usually take the matriculation examination. General upper secondary school takes 2–4 years, depending on the student. After finishing, students are eligible to apply to universities, universities of applied sciences or general upper secondary school based vocational education.

Most general upper secondary schools provide education in Finnish or Swedish language. Larger cities have some general upper secondary schools that provide tuition in other languages, such as English or French.

Adults may take general upper secondary school studies in general upper secondary schools for adults. There, it is possible to either take separate courses or complete the entire general upper secondary school syllabus and take the matriculation examination. Tuition may include contact teaching, distance education, online education and independent studies.

Read more about general upper secondary school studies on the InfoFinland page General upper secondary school .

Vocational education

Vocational education and training is more practice-oriented than general upper secondary school education. Completing a vocational upper secondary qualification takes about three years. In addition, you can complete a further vocational qualification or a specialist vocational qualification during your working career. On-the-job learning is essential in vocational education and training. If students so choose, they can progress from vocational education and training to higher education.

Vocational qualification can also be obtained through apprenticeship training. In this case, students work in jobs within their own field, receive a salary that is at least in accordance with the collective agreement, or a reasonable salary if there are no collective agreements in the field. Students are allowed to complete their studies at the same time.

Read more on the InfoFinland page Vocational education and training .

Preparatory education for programmes leading to an upper secondary qualification (TUVA)

Good language skills are needed in secondary education. If the student’s native language is something other than Finnish or Swedish and his or her language skills are not yet at the level required for general upper secondary school studies or vocational education, he or she can apply to preparatory education for programmes leading to an upper secondary qualification (TUVA).

Read more on the InfoFinland page General upper secondary school and Vocational education and training .

After finishing your upper secondary studies, you can progress to higher education. In Finland, higher education is provided by universities and universities of applied sciences. Universities and educational institutes decide on student admission.

Studying in an institute of higher education may be free or subject to a charge. You will be charged tuition fees if you are not an EU or EEA citizen or a family member of an EU or EEA citizen and are studying towards a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an English-language degree programme.

More information is available on the InfoFinland page Foreign students in Finland .

Universities of applied sciences

The education provided by universities of applied sciences is more practice-oriented than that offered by universities. Tuition also includes on-the-job learning. Completing a Bachelor’s degree in a university of applied sciences takes 3.5–4.5 years. If you also want to complete a Master’s degree, you must first acquire two years of work experience from the same field. Read more on the InfoFinland page  Universities of applied sciences .

Universities

University tuition is based on scientific research. Completing a Bachelor’s degree in a university takes about three years and Master’s degree about two more years. Universities organise English language tuition in some of their degree programmes. However, the teaching language of most degree programmes is either Finnish or Swedish.

Once you have completed a Master’s degree, you can apply for a right to complete further studies and earn a Licentiate’s or Doctoral degree.

Read more on the InfoFinland page Universities .

InfoFinland page Applying for education and training includes information on applying to upper secondary and higher education in Finland. If you are planning to study in Finland, more information is also available on the InfoFinland pages Foreign students in Finland .

In Finland, there are also many educational institutions offering persons of all ages studies which do not lead to a degree. Most of these studies are intended for adults. These liberal adult education institutes include adult education centres, summer universities, study centres and sports institutes.

The studies provide all-round education. You can study languages, arts, crafts and communications, for instance. Normally the student has to cover some of the expenses of the education.

However, in certain situations studying at these institutions may be free of charge. Education is non-chargeable if, for example, education in reading and writing and other language training have been approved as parts of your integration plan.

If you would like to study Finnish or Swedish, read more on the InfoFinland page Finnish and Swedish language .

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Education in Finland - statistics & facts

Basic education, upper secondary education, higher education, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP in Finland 2000-2022

Expenditure on education system in Finland 2000-2022

Number of students in educational institutions in Finland 2023, by institution

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Educational Institutions & Market

Student well-being in primary and secondary education in Finland 2023

Number of completed university degrees in Finland in 2023, by gender and university

Related topics

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Recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Number of educational institutions 2023, by type of institution
• Basic Statistic Number of students in educational institutions in Finland 2023, by institution
• Basic Statistic Population with educational qualification in Finland 2022, by level of education
• Basic Statistic Population with educational qualification in Finland 2022, by education field
• Basic Statistic Expenditure on education system in Finland 2000-2022
• Basic Statistic Expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP in Finland 2000-2022
• Basic Statistic Expenditure on education system in Finland 2022

Number of educational institutions 2023, by type of institution

Number of educational institutions in Finland in 2023, by type of institution

Number of students in educational institutions in Finland in 2023, by type of institution

Population with educational qualification in Finland 2022, by level of education

Number of people with educational qualification in Finland in 2022, by level of education (in 1,000s)

Population with educational qualification in Finland 2022, by education field

Number of people with educational qualification in Finland in 2022, by field of education (in 1,000s)

Expenditure on education system in Finland in selected years from 2000 to 2022 (in million euros)

Expenditure on education system as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) in Finland in selected years from 2000 to 2022

Expenditure on education system in Finland 2022

Expenditure on education system in Finland in 2022, by type of education (in million euros)

• Basic Statistic Number of comprehensive schools in Finland 2013-2023
• Basic Statistic Number of pupils in comprehensive schools in Finland 2023, by type of school
• Basic Statistic Number of pupils in comprehensive schools in Finland 2023, by region
• Basic Statistic Expenditure on primary education per pupil in Finland 2012-2022
• Basic Statistic PISA student performance in Finland 2000-2022, by subject and score
• Basic Statistic PISA student performance in Finland 2022, by subject and gender

Number of comprehensive schools in Finland 2013-2023

Number of comprehensive schools in Finland from 2013 to 2023

Number of pupils in comprehensive schools in Finland 2023, by type of school

Number of pupils in comprehensive schools in Finland in 2023, by type of school

Number of pupils in comprehensive schools in Finland 2023, by region

Number of pupils in comprehensive schools in Finland in 2023, by region

Expenditure on primary education per pupil in Finland 2012-2022

Expenditure on comprehensive school education per pupil in Finland from 2012 to 2022 (in euros)

PISA student performance in Finland 2000-2022, by subject and score

PISA student performance in Finland from 2000 to 2022, by subject and score

PISA student performance in Finland 2022, by subject and gender

PISA student performance in Finland in 2022, by subject and gender

• Basic Statistic Number of upper secondary schools in Finland 2013-2023
• Basic Statistic Number of upper secondary schools in Finland 2023, by type of school
• Basic Statistic Number of students in upper secondary general education in Finland 2013-2023
• Basic Statistic Number of students in vocational education in Finland 2012-2022
• Basic Statistic Number of students in vocational education in Finland 2022, by field of education
• Basic Statistic Expenditure on upper secondary education per student in Finland 2012-2022

Number of upper secondary schools in Finland 2013-2023

Number of upper secondary schools in Finland in from 2013 to 2023

Number of upper secondary schools in Finland 2023, by type of school

Number of upper secondary schools in Finland in 2023, by type of school

Number of students in upper secondary general education in Finland 2013-2023

Number of students in upper secondary general education in Finland from 2013 to 2023

Number of students in vocational education in Finland 2012-2022

Number of students in vocational upper secondary education and training in Finland from 2012 to 2022

Number of students in vocational education in Finland 2022, by field of education

Number of students in vocational upper secondary education and training in Finland from in 2022, by field of education

Expenditure on upper secondary education per student in Finland 2012-2022

Expenditure on upper secondary school education per student in Finland from 2012 to 2022, by type of education (in euros)

• Basic Statistic Number of registered university students in Finland 2012-2022
• Basic Statistic Number of university students in Finland 2023, by university
• Basic Statistic Number of new university students in Finland 2023, by university
• Basic Statistic Number of completed university degrees in Finland 2023, by university
• Basic Statistic Number of completed university degrees in Finland in 2023, by gender and university
• Basic Statistic Number of students and graduates in polytechnic universities in Finland 2023
• Basic Statistic Number of students in polytechnic universities in Finland 2023, by gender and field
• Basic Statistic Number of admitted students to universities of applied sciences in Finland 2023
• Basic Statistic Number of university of applied science graduates in Finland 2023, by education field

Number of registered university students in Finland 2012-2022

Total number of students registered at university in Finland from 2012 to 2022

Number of university students in Finland 2023, by university

Number of students registered at university in Finland in 2023, by university

Number of new university students in Finland 2023, by university

Number of new students registered at university in Finland for the academic year 2023, by university

Number of completed university degrees in Finland 2023, by university

Number of completed university qualifications and degrees in Finland in 2023, by university

Number of completed qualifications and degrees at universities in Finland for the academic year 2023, by gender

Number of students and graduates in polytechnic universities in Finland 2023

Number of students and graduates in universities of applied sciences in Finland in 2023, by gender

Number of students in polytechnic universities in Finland 2023, by gender and field

Number of students in universities of applied sciences in Finland in 2023, by gender and field of education

Number of admitted students to universities of applied sciences in Finland 2023

Number of admitted students to universities of applied sciences in Finland in 2023, by institution

Number of university of applied science graduates in Finland 2023, by education field

Number of completed degrees and qualifications at universities of applied sciences in Finland in 2023, by field of education

• Premium Statistic Student well-being in primary and secondary education in Finland 2023
• Premium Statistic Share of comprehensive school pupils who have been bullied in Finland 2023
• Premium Statistic Share of students who have been bullied in upper secondary education in Finland 2023

Well-being of students in primary and secondary education in Finland in 2023

Share of comprehensive school pupils who have been bullied in Finland 2023

Share of pupils who have been bullied at comprehensive school in Finland in 2023, by frequency

Share of students who have been bullied in upper secondary education in Finland 2023

Share of students who have been bullied at general upper secondary and vocational schools in Finland in 2023, by frequency

Further reports Get the best reports to understand your industry

Get the best reports to understand your industry.

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1 : Yliopisto/Universitet : � University

2 : Ammattikorkeakoulu (AMK)/ Yrkesh�gskola (YH) : � University of Applied Sciences (formerly Polytechnic)

� Pre-Higher Education System

Basic : � Basic education/Compulsory education

Length of program: 9

Age level from: 7

Age level to: 16

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end: Perusopetuksen p��tt�todistus/Avg�ngsbetyg fr�n grundl�ggande utbildningen (Basic Education Certificate)

General Secondary : � General Upper Secondary

Length of program: 3

Age level from: 16

Age level to: 19

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end: Lukion p��tt�todistus/Avgangsbetyg fran gymnasiet (General Upper Secondary School Certificate); Ylioppilastutkintotodistus/Studentexamensbetyg (Certificate of Matriculation)

Vocational Secondary : � Vocational Upper Secondary

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end: Ammatillinen perustutkintotodistus/Betyg �ver yrkesinriktad grundexamen (Vocational Qualification Certificate)

After completing 9-year basic education, students can choose between general upper secondary education and vocational upper secondary education. 1) General upper secondary school (lukio/gymnasiet) provides general education leading to the national Matriculation Examination (ylioppilastutkinto/studentexamen), which gives eligibility to all forms of higher education. 2) Vocational upper secondary education (ammatillinen koulutus/yrkesutbildning) may be organized in vocational education institutions or in the form of apprenticeship training or be taken as a competence-based examination. An (initial) Vocational Qualification (ammatillinen perustutkinto/yrkesinriktad grundexamen) generally takes three years to complete and gives eligibility to all forms of higher education. In vocational further education and training it is also possible to obtain Further Vocational Qualifications (ammattitutkinto/yrkesexamen) and Specialist Vocational Qualifications (erikoisammattitutkinto/specialyrkesexamen) which can only be taken as competence-based examinations and are mainly intended for employed adults.

� Higher Education System

Finland has a binary system of higher education which is comprised of universities (yliopisto/universitet) and universities of applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulu, AMK/yrkesh�gskola, YH). Some universities are multi-faculty universities and others are specialized institutions. All universities engage in both education and research and have the right to award doctorates. The universities of applied sciences are multi-field institutions of professional higher education. They are specialized in applied research and development. Universities award first cycle university degrees (Kandidaatti/Kandidat), second cycle university degrees (Maisteri/Magister) and third cycle scientific post-graduate degrees (Lisensiaatti/Licentiat and Tohtori/Doktor). Universities of applied sciences award first cycle degrees (ammattikorkeakoulututkinto - AMK/yrkeh�gskoleexamen - YH) and second cycle degrees (ylempi ammattikorkeakoulututkinto - ylempi AMK/h�gre yrkesh�gskoleexamen - h�gre YH). Open universities and open universities of applied sciences do not award degrees but students may have their studies recognized as part of degree studies upon admission to a degree programme at a higher education institution.

Universities of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014) (2014)

Government decree on universities of applied sciences� 1129/2014� (2014)

Universities Act 558 - including amendments (Yliopistolaki) (2009)

Description: Universities Act stipulates the autonomy of the universities, as well as the tasks, research personnel, and students of universities, amongst other things.

Government Decree on University Degrees - 794 (2004)

Description: Objectives, length and overall structure of degrees. The detailed contents, structure, curricula and the form of instruction are left to universities.

Government decree on higher education degree system 464/1998 + amendments (1998)

Description: Decree on higher education degree system (university and polytechnic sectors).

Finnish, Swedish, English

University level first stage : Universities: kandidaatti/kandidat (first cycle)

Description: First-cycle university degrees consist of at least 180 credits (3 years of full-time study). They are called kandidaatti/kandidat in all fields except in Law (oikeusnotaari/r�ttsnotarie) and Pharmacy (farmaseutti/farmaceut). Studies leading to the degree provide the student with: (1) knowledge of the fundamentals of the major and minor subjects or corresponding study entities or studies included in the degree programme and the prerequisites for following developments in the field; (2) knowledge and skills needed for scientific thinking and the use of scientific methods or knowledge and skills needed for artistic work; 3) knowledge and skills needed for studies leading to a higher university degree and for continuous learning; (4) a capacity for applying the acquired knowledge and skills to work; and (5) adequate language and communication skills. Studies may include: basic and intermediate studies; language and communication studies; interdisciplinary programmes; other studies and work practice for professionnal development. The degree includes a Bachelor's thesis (6-10 credits).

University level second stage : Universities: maisteri/magister (second cycle)

Description: The second-cycle university degree consists of at least 120 credits (two years of full-time study). The degree is usually called maisteri/magister. Other second-cycle degrees are diplomi-insin��ri/diplomingenj�r (Technology); arkkitehti/arkitekt (Architecture); and proviisori/provisor (Pharmacy). The admission requirement to second cycle university courses is a first cycle degree. The second cycle university degree title in the fields of medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine is lisensiaatti/licentiate. In the field of medicine and dentistry, the university may arrange the education leading to the second cycle university degree without including a lower university degree. In medicine, the degrees consists of 360 credits (6 years of full-time study) and in dentistry the degree consists of 300 credits (5 years of full-time study). Studies leading to the second cycle university degree provide the student with: (1) good overall knowledge of the major subject or a corresponding entity and conversant with the fundamentals of the minor subject or good knowledge of the advanced studies included in the degree programme; (2) knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific knowledge and methods or knowledge and skills needed for independent and demanding artistic work; (3) knowledge and skills needed for operating independently as an expert and developer of the field; (4) knowledge and skills needed for scientific or artistic postgraduate education; and (5) good language and communication skills. Studies leading to the second cycle university degree may include: basic, intermediate and advanced studies, language and communication studies; interdisciplinary study programme; other studies; and internship improving expertise. The degree includes a Master's thesis (20-40 credits). The reformed university degree structure was adopted on 1 August 2005. The reform created a two-tier degree structure with an obligatory first cycle degree in all fields except for medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. Before, students were able to pursue a one-cycle Masters in five years. The degrees from the former structure are fully comparable to the new degrees and they give the same academic and professional rights.

University level third stage : Universities: lisensiaati/licenciat; tohtori/doktor (third cycle)

Description: Students can apply for doctoral programmes after the completion of a relevant second-cycle degree. The aim of doctoral studies is to provide the student with in-depth knowledge of his/her field of research and capabilities to produce new scientific knowledge independently. A pre-doctoral degree (lisensiaati/licenciat) in two years may be taken before the Doctor's Degree programme. Studies for the Doctor's degree take approximately four years of full-time study beyond a second-cycle degree or two years of full-time study beyond a pre-doctoral degree. Students admitted to doctoral studies must complete a certain number of courses, show independent and critical thinking in their field of research and write a doctoral dissertation to be defended in public.

Teachers in higher education are admitted by the higher education institutions. Teachers in higher education must have expert knowledge in their field and pedagogical skills.

EU programmes of higher education; also ISEP, NORDPLUS, etc.

Finnish higher education institutions actively participate to various international exchange programmes.

Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeri�

Role: Responsible for the development of educational, science, cultural, sport and youth policies as well as international cooperation in these fields.

Street: PO Box 29

City: Helsinki

PostCode: 00023

www: http://www.minedu.fi

Contacts: - Li Andersson (Head), Job title : Minister of Education - Petri Honkonen (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Minister of Science and Culture - Atte J��skel�inen (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Director General, Department for Higher Education and Science Policy

Opetushallitus Utbildningsstyrelsen

Role: Development, evaluation and information servives related to education; Finnish ENIC-NARIC; competent authority for the professional recognition of foreign higher education qualifications. Previously known as the Finnish National Board of Education, and merged with the Centre for International Mobility CIMO in January 2017 to form the current organisation

Street: Hakaniemenranta 6 PO Box 380

PostCode: 00531

www: http://www.oph.fi

Contacts: Minna Kelh� (Head), Job title : Director General

Kansallinen Koulutuksen Arviointikeskus - KKA

Role: Independent expert body assisting universities, universities of higher education and the Ministry of Education and Culture in matters relating to evaluation.

Street: PO Box 380

www: https://karvi.fi/korkeakoulutus

Contacts: - Harri Peltoniemi (Head), Job title : Director - Helka Kek�l�inen (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Head of Unit, Higher Education and Liberal Adult Education

Suomen yliopistot

Role: A co-operational organisation for Finnish universities. Unifi promotes higher education, research and arts by addressing far-reaching, university related issues. It aims to influence the Finnish higher education and research policy, and to promote common interests of universities.

Street: Etel�ranta 10

PostCode: 00130

www: https://www.unifi.fi

Contacts: - Jukka Kola (Head), Job title : Chair - Tanja Risikko (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Executive Director

Ammattikorkeakoulujen rehtorineuvosto - Arene

Role: A cooperative forum for universities of applied sciencesn and also aims strengthen cooperation, networking and internationalization between universtites of applied sciences as part of the European Higher Education Area.

Street: Etel�ranta 10, PL 9

www: http://www.arene.fi

Contacts: Ida Mielityinen (Head), Job title : Executive Director

Role: UArctic is a network of universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organizations concerned with education and research in and about the North.

Street: c/o University of Lapland PO 122

City: Rovaniemi

PostCode: 96101

www: https://www.uarctic.org

Contacts: - Lars Kullerud (Head), Job title : President - Outi Snellman (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Vice-President

Opetushallitus/Utbildningsstyrelsen - ENIC-NARIC Finland

Recognition for institution: no

Recognition for profession: yes

www: http://www.oph.fi/english/services/recognition

Ylioppilaiden terveydenhoitos��ti�

Street: T��l�nkatu 37 A

PostCode: 00260

www: http://www.yths.fi

Suomen opiskelija-asunnot Oy

Street: Kalevankatu 4 A 16

PostCode: 00100

www: http://www.soa.fi

Suomen opiskelijakuntien liitto - SAMOK

Street: Lapinrinne 2

PostCode: 00180

www: http://www.samok.fi

Contacts: Emmi Lainpelto (Head), Job title : President

Suomen ylioppilaskuntien liiton - SYL

www: http://www.syl.fi

Contacts: Konstantin Kouzmitchev (Head), Job title : President

Suomen ammattiin opiskelevien liitto - SAKKI

Street: Hakaniemenranta 1 C

PostCode: 00530

www: https://sakkiry.fi

Contacts: Aale Pa�vinen (Head), Job title : Chair

Suomen Opiskelija-Allianssi - Osko-Ry

Role: Its main goals are to impact the society on behalf of vocational students and to increase the appeal of vocational education in Finland.

Street: Asemap��llik�nkatu 1

PostCode: 00520

www: https://www.osku.info

Contacts: Venla Tilli (Head), Job title : Chair

Kansanel�kelaitos - KELA

Role: Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, provides social security coverage for Finnish residents and many Finns living abroad. Among the social security benefits offered by Kela are family benefits, health insurance, rehabilitation, basic unemployment security, basic social assistance, housing benefits, financial aid for students, disability benefits and basic pensions.

Grants: yes

Street: PO Box 20

PostCode: 00232

www: http://www.kela.fi

� Admission to Higher Education

Ammatillinen perustutkinto/ Yrkesinriktad grundexamen

Requirement for: Polytechnics/Universities of Applied Sciences

Ylioppilastutkintotodistus/Studentexamensbetyg

Certificate for the International Baccalaureate; European Baccalaureate, Reifepr�fung; Vocational (3 years) Qualification (Ammatillinen perustutkintotodistus/Betyg over yrkesinriktad grundexamen), Further and Specialist Vocational Qualifications (ammattitutkinto/yrkesexamen, erikoisammattitukinto/specialyrkesexamen; Foreign equivalents.

Various types of entrance examinations.

Restricted entry in all fields of study.

Requirement for: Universities

Lukion p��tt�todistus/Avg�ngsbetyg fr�n gymnasiet; Certificate for the International Baccalaureate; European Baccalaureate, Reifepr�fung; Vocational (3 years) Qualification Certificate (Ammatillinen perustutkintotodistus/Betyg over yrkesinriktad grundexamen). Foreign equivalents.

Definition: The term foreign student usually applies to students, regardless of nationality or native language, who have completed their secondary education in any country other than Finland.

Admission Requirements: Students must have completed secondary education. Foreign qualifications equivalent to Finnish qualifications that give eligibility to apply for higher education in the country of origin can be accepted. Higher education institutions select their students independently. Entrance examinations are applied and there is a numerus clausus in all fields of study.

Language Proficiency: In most cases, students must have good working knowledge of Finnish or Swedish. In international degree programmes, the teaching language can be English or some other foreign language in which case the applicants must show proof of their good knowledge of the foreign language.

� Recognition of Studies

The Finnish degrees of higher education are listed in the Decree on the structure of higher education degrees. Universities and universities of applied sciences are obliged by legislation to evaluate their activities systematically. The Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council is an independent expert body assisting universities, universities of applied sciences and the Ministry of Education and culture in matters relating to evaluation. The Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council (FINHEEC) has conducted audits of the quality assurance (QA) systems of higher education institutes (HEIs) since autumn 2005. Auditing assesses the comprehensiveness, performance and effectiveness of the QA system and focuses on two levels: the HEI’s QA system as a whole and the quality assurance related to the HEI’s basic mission (education, research/R&D, interaction with and impact on society and regional development). The academic recognition of qualifications is the responsibility of the higher education institution to which the holder of a foreign qualification is applying for admission. The institutions decide independently on matters related to student selection and the recognition of previous studies.

For Access to University Level Studies: Universities and universities of applied sciences make the decisions concerning admissions and credit transfer independently. The Finnish National Agency for Education (ENIC/NARIC) supports their work.

Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region (2004)

Quality assurance of higher education in Finland: www.kka.fi Studying in Finland: http://www.studyinfinland.fi/ Recognition: www.oph.fi/recognition

� Student Life

Is there social security: Yes

By Road: Yes

By Rail: Yes

By Air: Yes

Available to Foreign Students: Yes

National Students - Min Tuition Fees: 0 Euro

Tuition and scholarships

Author: Centre for International Mobility - CIMO

Publisher: Centre for International Mobility - CIMO

Year of publication: 2014

� Credentials

Lukion p��tt�todistus/Avgangsbetyg fr�n gymnasiet

Description: Certificate awarded at the end of general upper secondary education (3 years) following 9 years of basic education.

Description: After completing 9-year basic education, students can choose vocational upper secondary education. It takes three years to complete and gives eligibility to all forms of higher education.

Description: Matriculation examination taken generally after three years' general upper secondary school and consisting of a minimum of four tests.

Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto (AMK)/ Yrkesh�gskoleexamen (YH)

Description: The first cycle university of applied sciences degree consists of 180, 210, 240 or 270 credits depending on the study field. The degree takes 3 to 4.5 years to complete.

Credential required for entry: Ylioppilastutkintotodistus/Studentexamensbetyg Ammatillinen perustutkinto/ Yrkesinriktad grundexamen

Type of institution where credential is offered: Ammattikorkeakoulu (AMK)/ Yrkesh�gskola (YH) (University of Applied Sciences (formerly Polytechnic))

Farmaseutti/Farmaceut

Description: Farmaseutti/farmaseut is the title given to the kandidaatti/kandidat (Bachelor) in Pharmacy. It consists of at least 180 credits (3 years of study). The degree includes a Bachelor's thesis (6-10 credits).

Type of institution where credential is offered: Yliopisto/Universitet (University)

Kandidaatin tutkinto/Kandidatexamen

Description: The first cycle university degree consists of at least 180 credits (3 years of study). The degree includes a Bachelor's thesis (6-10 credits). The term kandidaatti/kandidaatti was used also for certain second cycle university degrees before 2005. For further information, please contact � [email protected]

Oikeusnotaari/R�ttsnotarie

Description: Oikeusnotaari/r�ttsnotarie is the title given to the first degree in law. It consists of at least 180 credits (3 years of study). The degree includes a Bachelor's thesis (6-10 credits).

Arkkitehdin tutkinto/Arkitektexamen

Description: Arkkitehti/arkitekt is the title given to the Maisteri (Master) in architecture. It consists of at least 120 credits (2 years of study). The degree includes a Master's thesis (20-40 credits).

Credential required for entry: Kandidaatin tutkinto/Kandidatexamen

Diplomi-insin��ri/Diplomingenj�r

Description: Diplomi-insin��ri/diplomingenj�r is the title given to the Maisteri (Master) in technology. It consists of at least 120 credits (2 years of study). The degree includes a Master's thesis (20-40 credits)

El�inl��ketieteen lisensiaatti/Veterin�rmedicine licentiat

Description: First qualification awarded in veterinary medicine which consists of 360 credits and takes 6 years to complete.

Hammasl��ketieteen lisensiaatti/Odontologie licentiat

Description: First qualification awarded in dentistry which consists of 300 credits and takes 5 years to complete.

Entrance exam test at National level: yes

Credential required for entry: Ylioppilastutkintotodistus/Studentexamensbetyg

Type of institution where credential is offered: Yliopisto/Universitet (University) Ammattikorkeakoulu (AMK)/ Yrkesh�gskola (YH) (University of Applied Sciences (formerly Polytechnic))

L��ketieteen lisensiaatti/Medicine licentiat

Description: First qualification awarded in medicine which consists of 360 credits and takes 6 years to complete.

Maisterim tutkinto/Magisterexamen

Description: The second cycle university degree generally consists of at least 120 credits (2 years of study). The degree includes a Master's thesis (20-40 credits)

Proviisori/Provisor

Description: Proviisori/Provisor is the title given to the Maisteri (Master) in pharmacy. It consists of at least 120 credits (2 years of study). The degree includes a Master's thesis (20-40 credits)

Ylempi ammattikorkeakoulututkinto (ylempi AMK)/ H�gre yrkesh�gskoleexamen (h�gre YH)

Description: The second-cycle university of applied sciences degree consists of 60 or 90 credits (1 or 1.5 years of full-time study). The degree titles indicate the field of study. Eligibility for second cycle university of applied sciences degrees is given by the relevant first cycle degree with at least 3 years of relevant work or artistic experience.

Credential required for entry: Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto (AMK)/ Yrkesh�gskoleexamen (YH)

Lisensiaatti/Licentiat

Description: A pre-doctoral degree of lisensiaatti/licentiat (Licentiate) may be taken before the Doctor's Degree and in general it takes 2 years of full-time studies to complete.

Credential required for entry: Maisterim tutkinto/Magisterexamen

Tohtorin tutkinto/Doktorexamen

Description: Tohtori/doktor is the highest degree awarded. The Doctor's degree takes approximately 4 years to complete after a second cycle degree or two years following upon a pre-doctoral degree (Licentiate).

Credential required for entry: Maisterim tutkinto/Magisterexamen Lisensiaatti/Licentiat

� Data Provided by

The Finnish National Agency for Education, Helsinki, February 2019. Bodies updated June 2022.

Updated on 15-10-2019

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Map Options

Education Rankings by Country 2024

There is a correlation between a country's educational system quality and its economic status, with developed nations offering higher quality education.

The U.S., despite ranking high in educational system surveys, falls behind in math and science scores compared to many other countries.

Educational system adequacy varies globally, with some countries struggling due to internal conflicts, economic challenges, or underfunded programs.

While education levels vary from country to country, there is a clear correlation between the quality of a country's educational system and its general economic status and overall well-being. In general, developing nations tend to offer their citizens a higher quality of education than the least developed nations do, and fully developed nations offer the best quality of education of all. Education is clearly a vital contributor to any country's overall health.

According to the Global Partnership for Education , education is considered to be a human right and plays a crucial role in human, social, and economic development . Education promotes gender equality, fosters peace, and increases a person's chances of having more and better life and career opportunities.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela

The annual Best Countries Report , conducted by US News and World Report, BAV Group, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania , reserves an entire section for education. The report surveys thousands of people across 78 countries, then ranks those countries based upon the survey's responses. The education portion of the survey compiles scores from three equally-weighted attributes: a well-developed public education system, would consider attending university there, and provides top-quality education. As of 2023, the top ten countries based on education rankings are:

Countries with the Best Educational Systems - 2021 Best Countries Report*

Ironically, despite the United States having the best-surveyed education system on the globe, U.S students consistently score lower in math and science than students from many other countries. According to a Business Insider report in 2018, the U.S. ranked 38th in math scores and 24th in science. Discussions about why the United States' education rankings have fallen by international standards over the past three decades frequently point out that government spending on education has failed to keep up with inflation.

It's also worthwhile to note that while the Best Countries study is certainly respectable, other studies use different methodologies or emphasize different criteria, which often leads to different results. For example, the Global Citizens for Human Rights' annual study measures ten levels of education from early childhood enrollment rates to adult literacy. Its final 2020 rankings look a bit different:

Education Rates of Children Around the World

Most findings and ranking regarding education worldwide involve adult literacy rates and levels of education completed. However, some studies look at current students and their abilities in different subjects.

One of the most-reviewed studies regarding education around the world involved 470,000 fifteen-year-old students. Each student was administered tests in math, science, and reading similar to the SAT or ACT exams (standardized tests used for college admissions in the U.S.) These exam scores were later compiled to determine each country's average score for each of the three subjects. Based on this study, China received the highest scores , followed by Korea, Finland , Hong Kong , Singapore , Canada , New Zealand , Japan , Australia and the Netherlands .

On the down side, there are many nations whose educational systems are considered inadequate. This could be due to internal conflict, economic problems, or underfunded programs. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's Education for All Global Monitoring Report ranks the following countries as having the world's worst educational systems:

Countries with the Lowest Adult Literacy Rates

• Education rankings are sourced from both the annual UN News Best Countries report and the nonprofit organization World Top 20

Download Table Data

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Which country ranks first in education?

Which country ranks last in education, frequently asked questions.

• Best Countries for Education - 2023 - US News
• Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) - World Bank
• World Best Education Systems - Global Citizens for Human Rights
• UNESCO - Global Education Monitoring Reports
• World’s 10 Worst Countries for Education - Global Citizen
• International Education Database - World Top 20

Application for Finland's universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) is done online at Studyinfo.fi . How and when you apply depends on each degree programme.

The Studyinfo.fi joint application to studies starting in September is arranged annually in January. You can apply to up to six degree programmes with one single application within the same application period. Some degree programmes have their application periods open outside the joint application period. In separate applications, the application period can vary a lot depending on the programme.

For further info, read our tips and advice below, and check out Studyinfo.fi and the universities' admissions info pages .

Your 5 steps

Choose your programme, check admissions information, apply to programmes and for scholarships, wait for the results - and confirm your study place, prepare for arrival.

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Playful urban space invites you to new experiences

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The desire for more playful and gamified elements in Turku's urban space is shared by about half of the people in Southwest Finland. According to game researchers, it is important not to force gamification on people. Instead, the city should provide opportunities for it.

A ‘playful city’ is a concept that guides urban development, where public spaces and architecture encourage play, games and creativity. In their ongoing research project, Professor Jaakko Suominen and Senior Researcher Jukka Vahlo are investigating the role of play and games in the urban space experience in Turku.

A survey conducted by the researchers found that about half of the people in Southwest Finland would like to see more opportunities for play and games in Turku’s open urban spaces. Opinions are sharply divided, however, as the other half do not want this type of activity in the city.

“It is important not to force games or play on people, because not everyone is interested in them. The urban space does not need to dictate where and how you can play. Instead, it should provide opportunities and space for play. We don’t necessarily need a new skate park, for example, but rather create elements that attract people to different activities,” says Professor Suominen.

Professor Jaakko Suominen (left) and Senior Researcher Jukka Vahlo (right) investigate the role of play and games in the urban space experience in Turku, Finland.

People who want Turku to be a more playful city hope to see more opportunities for exploration and discovery in the urban space. They want to discover new things in a familiar city and be surprised. In practice, this could mean information tidbits about the city’s history, various activity checkpoints, or events such as the Path of Light, where works of art are integrated into the urban space.

People interested in a more playful city also hoped that Turku had more:

• opportunities for creative play, such as activities for families with children and community art events
• competitions, group exercise, and solving challenges together
• community games or play for meeting new people
• places for physical activity, such as obstacles or parkour courses

For some of the people who did not want more playfulness in their urban space, the reason was a sense of shame. Some also found it difficult – or physically impossible – to properly engage in play. A proportion of the respondents would rather be doing something else or felt that playful activities were a waste of time. Others felt that they were not in the target group for play and games.

Professor Jaakko Suominen has been involved in organising a Zombie Run event in Pori, where some of the participants run an agreed distance as ‘survivors’ while being chased by people dressed as zombies. Suominen notes that play in an urban space can be, for example, participation in these types of activities that offer opportunities for exercise, dressing up, or just being a spectator.

According to the game researchers, the sense of shame associated with playing can be alleviated by events that require you to behave differently than you normally would.

In recent years, gamification has been a widely discussed idea, where the appeal of games is applied to other context, such as education, fitness or work. According to the game researchers, at its best, gamification can increase a person’s motivation to learn something new or for rehabilitation. However, they stress that gamification cannot be applied to just any activity to make it more engaging.

For example, they see risks in the gamification of work if the aim is to improve work engagement, for example, by creating competition within the work community or by inventing various external reward systems.

“Our study has shown that people who wanted more playfulness and games in the urban space had an above-average positive attitude towards the city of Turku and were more interested in the city’s history and affairs. Perhaps adding more playful and game-like elements to urban spaces would make people feel more connected to the city,” says Senior Researcher Vahlo.

Text: Jenni Valta

Photos: Hanna Oksanen

Translation: Alisa Helander

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I DEALLY, MARIANNE KORKALAINEN’S high school in Rautavaara, a tiny town in eastern Finland, would enrol at least 20 new pupils each year. This autumn, her shrinking municipality will send her only about 12. But Ms Korkalainen, the head teacher, has a plan: she intends to invite half a dozen youngsters from poorer countries to help fill her empty seats. Eager adolescents from places such as Myanmar, Vietnam and Tanzania will swap their tropical cities for her snowy bolthole. They will receive a Finnish education, at Finnish taxpayers’ expense.

School-age populations are shrinking in lots of European countries—and in Finland, faster than most. By 2030 the country could have nearly 10% fewer children aged 4-18, according to EU projections. By 2040 their ranks might be smaller by a fifth. This spells trouble in particular for rural schools, which suffer both from having few births and from migration to the cities. Hundreds have shut their doors in recent decades. Some now offer local youngsters bungs, such as free driving lessons and small cash “scholarships”, in the hope of keeping them around.

The idea of giving vacant desks to foreigners is newer, and has been propelled by a Finnish startup. Finest Future sells Finnish lessons to eager beavers in Asian, African and Latin American countries. Those who achieve decent proficiency are referred to willing schools. By the end of this year, the firm will have helped import around 1,500 foreign pupils. But it says its goal is ultimately to supply Finland’s upper secondary schools—which educate about 110,000 students in total—with around 15,000 new faces each year. Already some small schools are taking in more foreign pupils than Finnish ones.

The scheme competes, in part, with expensive boarding schools in countries such as Britain. In theory, the savings youngsters derive from free tuition in Finland justify the inconvenience of having to learn a language not many people speak. So does the prospect of a free Finnish university place, a few years down the line. Schools approve because, under current rules, the central government coughs up per-student funding for each newcomer, just as if they were Finnish. Settlements in the sticks value the young blood.

In the long run all Finns benefit, argues Peter Vesterbacka, Finest Future’s co-founder, an entrepreneur who helped build the “Angry Birds” brand for Rovio, a games company. Finland’s total population of 5.5m will start declining within the next decade. The country struggles to attract high-skilled foreign workers (about 9% of its inhabitants were born abroad, one of the lowest rates in Europe). Mr Vesterbacka reckons that foreigners who turn up when they are teenagers, who learn the language, and who are educated in the Finnish system are far more likely to stay, and to succeed, than adults who are targeted later through skilled-worker programmes. He reckons they bring much more money into the country than the government must spend on their instruction.

The question is how far these arguments will keep winning out as the scheme expands. At the moment, high schools require no special permission from the central government to bring in Finnish-speaking foreigners, provided they have vacant spots. That could easily change. The education ministry in Helsinki has made it clear that it dislikes funding places for kids from other countries. And focusing spending on fewer, bigger schools might serve Finnish children much better than propping up small ones, even if country-dwellers find that a wrench. Whatever happens next, Finland’s experiment is likely to supply other shrinking school systems with valuable lessons. ■

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This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Getting them while they’re young”

Europe June 29th 2024

Emmanuel macron’s centrists are facing a disastrous first-round vote, european gangs are getting better at making their own illegal drugs, death and destruction in a russian city, can antónio costa make a success of the world’s hardest political gig.

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They favour soaking the rich, big spending and business-bashing