Finnish education is free at all levels and aims to provide equal access to high-quality education for all citizens regardless of background. Most students continue their education by starting upper secondary studies after completing basic education. Finland has a dual higher education structure with universities focusing on master's degrees and polytechnics providing practical professional skills. The education system is based on trust and local autonomy with an emphasis on lifelong learning and avoiding dead-ends. Teachers require at least a master's degree and are recognized as key to quality education.

1. Education in Finland
Finnish Education
in a Nutshell
Source: http://www.minedu.fi/

2. Education System

3. Education is free at all levels
• All people must have equal access to
high-quality education and training
• The same opportunities to education
available to all citizens irrespective of
their ethnic origin, age, wealth or
where they live
• Most education is publicly funded

4. Educational support
• Every pupil and student has the right to
educational support
• Special needs education is generally
provided in conjunction with
mainstream education

5. Most students continue their
studies
• More than 90 per cent of the relevant
age group starts general or vocational
upper secondary studies immediately
after basic education
• First national examination is at the end
of general upper secondary
education

6. Higher education with
a dual structure
• Most university students aim for a
Master’s degree
• Polytechnic degrees provide students
with practical professional skills

7. Life-long learning in focus
• No dead-ends in the education system
• Adult education has a long and strong
tradition
• Recognition of prior learning has been
developed in order to avoid
unnecessary overlapping of studies

8. Education system
based on trust and responsibility
• Local administration and educational
institutions play a key role
• Educational autonomy is high at all
levels
• Quality assurance is based on steering
instead of controlling

9. Highly educated teaching
personnel
• The most common pre-service
requirement is a Master’s degree
• Educational leaders are required a
teacher qualification
• Continuing teacher education is
encouraged
• Teachers are recognised as keys to
quality in education

10. Some FIN-US comparisons (PISA)

11. Some FIN-US comparisons (PISA)

12. Some FIN-US comparisons (PISA)

13. PISA
results
PISA
results
High numeracy
and literacy rate
of adults
Teaching as a
profession
interests and is
appreciated
Low or no
corruption
rates
Strong emphasis on offering
support and special teaching
for low performers
Strong basic
security in
society
Professionalism
high self-
esteem of
teachers
Free education
(i.a. books,
meals,
transportation)
Independency
of educational
providers
Basically all
students
have a
further study
place
Working-life
appreciates
educated
work-force
Governmental
financial support
for providers
High
concensus of
basic goals of
education
Same comprehensive
basic school for all
Sustainable
leadership
Recognition
and
appreciation
of existing
innovations
Focus on deep learning, not
testing (Flexible
accountability)
Independent
teachers as
professionals
The Culture of
trust

14. What can be learned from
Finnish education?
• More collaboration – less competition
• More equality – less private organizations
taking care of education
• More personalization, decision making
and assessment at local level – less
standardization and testing (diversity vs
monocultures).
• Trust based responsibility (self-evaluations,
listen students and municipality people/
parents voice)
• More professionalism – less bureaucracy
14

15. http://www.minedu.fi/export/sites/default
/OPM/Julkaisut/2013/liitteet/Finnish_educ
ation_in_a_nuttshell.pdf?lang=en
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