Information, guidance and counselling services are offered by several operators. Besides public services, also the third sector and private operators offer guidance services. 

The provision of public guidance services falls under the administrative branches of the Ministry of Education and Culture (last accessed 14/1/2026) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (last accessed 14/1/2026). 

Coordination and collaboration at national level is managed through the National Lifelong Guidance Forum (last accessed 14/1/2026), co-chaired by both ministries. The Forum was appointed in 2020 and it coordinates and develops lifelong guidance. It has formulated the Strategy for Lifelong Guidance 2020–2028 (Elinikäisen ohjauksen strategia 2020-2028) (last accessed 14/1/2026). The Forum regularly monitors the implementation of the strategy.

The Service Centre for Continuous Learning and Employment (SECLE) (last accessed 14/1/2026) promotes the competence development of working-age people and the availability of skilled labour. SECLE for example analyses the competence and labour market needs, finances short-term training, and develops information, guidance and counselling services.

Adults studying at different education levels are provided with the same guidance and counselling services as young persons. For information on these services, see chapter 11.6 for higher education, and chapter 11.4 for lower education levels.

Municipalities and municipal cooperation areas are in charge of providing employment services for the unemployed. Education and career guidance services are also provided by, for example, trade unions and One-Stop Guidance Centers (last accessed 14/1/2026). The latter offer guidance for persons under the age of 30.

For integration clients and immigrants, the Integration Act 681/2023 (Laki kotoutumisen edistämisestä 681/2023) (last accessed 14/1/2026) prescribes that their municipality of residence must ensure general guidance and counselling. Information on the Finnish education system and labour market must be provided when necessary.  

Academic guidance

See chapter 11.6 for students in higher education, and chapter 11.4 for students at lower education levels. 

Psychological guidance

See chapter 11.6 for students in higher education, and chapter 11.4 for students at lower education levels.

Career guidance

See chapter 11.6 for students in higher education, and chapter 11.4 for students at lower education levels.