The 1st International Week "Building the bridge between
the continents" at Ural Federal University in
Ekaterinburg, Russia on 2.-6.6.2014
Plenary session "Together to Global Academia“
on 2.6.2014 at 12.30–14.00
Education in Finland
Erkki Saari (Dr. Soc. Sc.)
Senior lecturer,
Laurea University of Applied
Sciences, Hyvinkää campus
www.laurea.fi
Education policy in Finland 1/3
• One of the basic principles of Finnish education is that
all people must have equal access to high-quality
education and training. The same opportunities to
education should be available to all citizens
irrespective of their ethnic origin, age, wealth or
where they live. Education policy is built on the
lifelong learning principle.
• The basic right to education and culture is recorded in
the Constitution. Public authorities must secure equal
opportunities for every resident in Finland to get
education also after compulsory schooling and develop
themselves, irrespective of their financial standing. In
Finland education is free at all levels from pre-primary
to higher education. Adult education is the only form
Ministry of Education and Culture n.d.a.
Laurea University of Applied Sciences
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Education policy in Finland 2/3
of education that may require payment.
• The key words in Finnish education policy are quality,
efficiency, equity and internationalisation. Geared to
promote the competitiveness of Finnish welfare
society, education is also seen as an end in itself. The
broad lines of Finnish education and science policy are
in line with the Europe 2020 Strategy.
• Decisions on the contents of legislation on education
and research are made by the Parliament based on
government proposals. The Government and the
Ministry of Education and Culture, as part of it, are
responsible for preparing and implementing education
and science policy.
Ministry of Education and Culture n.d.a.
Laurea University of Applied Sciences
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Education policy in Finland 3/3
The Education and Research Development Plan (ERDP)
promotes equality
• The ERDP is the key document of the Finnish education
and research policy. It is adopted by the government
every fourth year, and it directs the implementation of
the education and research policy goals stated in the
Government Programme.
• The ERDP covers all forms of education from early
childhood to adult education as well as research
conducted in universities and polytechnics. The focus
in the period 2011–2016 is on alleviation of poverty,
inequality and exclusion, stabilizing the public
economy and fostering sustainable economic growth,
employment and competitiveness.
Ministry of Education and Culture n.d.a.
Laurea University of Applied Sciences
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Education System in Finland 1/4
• The welfare of Finnish society is built on education,
culture and knowledge. The flexible education system
and basic educational security make for equity and
consistency in results.
• The Finnish education system is composed of:
 nine-year basic education (comprehensive school) for
the whole age group, preceded by one year of
voluntary pre-primary education,
 upper secondary education, comprising general
education and vocational education and training
(vocational qualifications and further and specialist
qualifications) and
 higher education, provided by universities and
polytechnics.
Ministry of Education and Culture n.d.b.
Laurea University of Applied Sciences
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Education System in Finland 2/4
Ministry of Education and Culture n.d.a
Laurea University of Applied Sciences
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Education System in Finland 3/4
Learning pathway
• In Finland, pre-primary education, basic education and
upper secondary education and training,
complemented by early childhood education and
before- and after-school activities, form a coherent
learning pathway that supports children's growth,
development and well-being.
• The Finnish education system has no dead-ends.
Learners can always continue their studies on an upper
level of education, whatever choices they make in
between. The practice of recognition of prior learning
has been developed in order to avoid unnecessary
overlapping of studies.
Ministry of Education and Culture n.d.b.
Laurea University of Applied Sciences
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Education System in Finland 4/4
• Students' opportunities to progress from one level of
education to the next is safeguarded by legislation.
Both general and vocational upper secondary
certificates provide eligibility for further studies.
• Higher education is offered by universities and
polytechnics. Both sectors have their own profiles.
Universities emphasise scientific research and
instruction. Polytechnics, also known as universities of
applied sciences, adopt a more practical approach.
• Adult education is provided at all levels of education.
Adults can study for a general education certificate or
for a vocational qualification, or modules included in
them, take other courses developing citizenship and
work skills, or pursue recreational studies.
Ministry of Education and Culture n.d.b.
Laurea University of Applied Sciences
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REFERENCES
Ministry of Education and Culture n.d.a. Education policy
in Finland. Cited on 31.5.2014.
http://www.minedu.fi/OPM/Koulutus/koulutuspolitiikka
/?lang=en
Ministry of Education and Culture n.d.b. Education
System in Finland. Cited on 31.5.2014.
http://www.minedu.fi/OPM/Koulutus/koulutusjaerjestel
mae/?lang=en
Laurea University of Applied Sciences
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