Educational System in Finland

The educational system of Finland is lead by the Ministry of Education. 

The educational system is composed of

• nine-year basic education (comprehensive school), preceded by one year voluntary pre-primary education (for 6-year-olds)
• upper secondary education, comprising vocational and general education and 
• higher education, provided by universities and universities of applied sciences.

Adult education is available at all levels.

Read more on the website of the Ministry of Education >

UNIVERSITIES OF APPLIED SCIENCES

Practical degrees:

At the Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland the students get both theoretical and practical training in the chosen branch.

FACTS AND FIGURES

There are 26 Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland (most of them are operating under the Ministry of Education)

• Over 130,000 students
• An intake of more than 24,000 young students for a Bachelor’s Degree
• An intake of more then 6,000 adult students for a Bachelor’s Degree
• An intake about 1,000 students for a Master’s Degree

STUDIES CONSIST OF

• Basic and professional studies
• Optional studies
• Practical training
• Thesis

The extent of the studies is 210–270 ECTS credits and the duration of studies varies between 3,5 -4,5 years (Bachelor’s Degree).

On-the-job training, different projects and the thesis are implemented in cooperation with companies and corporations.

ADMISSION

There is a joint application system for Bachelor’s Degree also for international students (http://www.admissions.fi)

Admission requirements are:

• Upper secondary education or matriculation examination
• Professional basic examination or corresponding qualification acquired in adult education

Or corresponding foreign studies.

Most degree programmes have an entrance examination.

Read more about the admission requirements of SAMK >