The Finnish school system. Basic Education A nine-year compulsory school with mandatory attendance o Usually begins the year the pupil turns seven and.

The Finnish school system

Basic Education

• A nine-year compulsory school with mandatory attendanceo Usually begins the year the pupil turns seven and ends

at the age of 15o Voluntary attendance to pre-primary education the year before the

compulsory school beginso The pupils don’t have to change schools at the age of 13 since the lower and

the upper levels are combinedo The main objective is to provide pupils with the knowledge and skills needed

in lifeo The education is free of charge, and pupils also get free lunch and medical

health care• After successful completion the pupils are awarded with a comprehensive

school leaving certificate and are eligible for secondary education

Secondary Education

• Vocational schools (students aged about 16-25)o Aim at obtaining vocational skills needed in working lifeo School-based education for a profession usually lasts for 3 years, but an

apprenticeship is also possibleo The studies also contain on-the-job training for about 6 monthso After successful completion the students receive

vocational school diploma and eligibility for tertiary education

o Students are primarily selected on the basis of the previous study records and entrance exams

Secondary Education General upper secondary schools

(students aged about 16-19)o The education is non-graded: a number of courses is required

for completion• Compulsory, specialization and applied courses

o Mainly completed in three years, but can also be completed in two or four years

o Ends with a national matriculation examination, which consists of four compulsory tests and voluntary additional tests

o Completion gives eligibility for both secondary vocational and tertiary education

o Education is free of charge, but students have to pay for materialso General upper secondary schools select their students mainly on the

basis of previous study records

Higher (Tertiary) EducationOffered in universities and polytechnics

o Polytechnics have a more practical approach while universities concentrate on research and instruction

o Selection based on previous study record and possible entrance examinations (especially in universities)

The degree system in universitieso Lower degrees

Bachelor’s degree (3 years) Master’s degree (5 years)

o Higher (postgraduate) degrees: Licentiates and Licentiates and Doctorates

Polytechnic degrees take 2-4 years depending on the field of studies

No tuition fees, state-guaranteed student loans are available