Finnish high school is built around trust, responsibility and everyday participation.
Students learn academic subjects, plan their own studies, work with teachers and classmates, and gradually prepare for further education and adult life.
More than
a classroom.
Finnish general upper secondary education gives students broad knowledge and readiness for further studies. It usually takes three years, includes 150 credits and ends with the national matriculation examination.
3
usual study years
150
credits in the syllabus
∞
directions after graduation
A school day
built on trust.
Finnish upper-secondary education (high school) combines academic learning with guidance, well-being and growing independence. Students are supported to take part, ask questions and plan their next step.
1
Study in modules
Students complete a 150 credit syllabus made up of compulsory and optional studies. Their personal study plan helps shape the route.
3
Share the day
Lessons, independent work and a free school meal create time to learn, reset and connect with other students.
2
Learn with support
Teachers, guidance counsellors and student welfare services are part of the learning environment, not an afterthought.
4
Find your bridge
English can open the door. Finnish or Swedish can help a student participate more fully in school, community and future working life.
Typical day in a high school
Morning
Lessons & activities
Afternoon
Studies & guidance
Midday
Free school lunch
After school
Friends, hobbies, independent work
1
Learn broadly
Languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities, arts, health and society create a foundation for independent thinking.
2
Learn together
Guidance, student welfare and a supportive school community help students build confidence in a new environment.
3
Look ahead
The matriculation examination can support later applications to universities and universities of applied sciences.
Three ways
to move forward.
There is no single correct starting point. The right route depends on the student’s current education, Finnish language level, goals and timeline.
Route 1
Pathway A
Online study then high school
Route 2
Pathway B
Camp then high school
Route 3
Pathway C
IB Diploma
Find your Finnish
before high school
Our two educational plans are designed to meet different needs, while recognizing the importance of Finnish language instruction in achieving a sufficient level of proficiency before starting Finnish high school.
Pathway A: Fully remote Finnish language preparation, then high school studies
Application period
Finnish lessons
360 hours
HS starts
Full enrollment
Study Finnish completely online, wherever you are, with expert guidance from our qualified teachers. After language studies, we'll support you throughout the application process and with other practical matters, helping you take the next step towards starting your studies.
Pathway B: Online Finnish language lessons, a camp in Finland, and then high school studies
Camp
Finnish lessons
206 hours
HS starts
Full enrollment
Study Finnish first online , then participate in a camp in Finland. A camp preparation period can give a student time to practice the Finnish language, understand Finnish society and become more comfortable with everyday school life before joining high school education.
Language
Finnish practice for everyday life and study.
Community
Learn with teachers and fellow students.
Next step
A country
of possibilities.
From high school
to what comes after.
Upper-secondary education keeps many doors open. After the matriculation examination, students can explore universities and universities of applied sciences in Finland and elsewhere.
01
Build your foundation
Complete the upper-secondary syllabus and matriculation examination.
02
Explore higher education
Compare each programme’s language, eligibility, admissions and tuition rules.
03
Choose your direction
University tuition is not automatically free for every applicant; confirm the current rules for your status and programme.