Education
In Finland, the education system is primarily authorized and regulated by the Ministry of Education and Culture, which sets national policies and legislation. The Finnish National Agency for Education develops the national core curricula and guidelines. At the local level, municipalities are responsible for implementing education, managing schools, and adapting services to local needs.
- Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) → for young children before compulsory education
- Pre-primary Education (age 6) → one year, prepares children for school
- Basic Education (ages 7–16) → comprehensive school (no tracking), compulsory
- Upper Secondary Education (choice-based)
– General upper secondary (lukio) → leads to matriculation exam
– Vocational education and training (VET) → practical, skills-based - Higher Education-
– Universities → academic, research-oriented
– Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) → practical, career-oriented - Adult Education & Lifelong Learning → flexible learning at all stages