The organisation of the academic year

7.Higher education

7.6The organisation of the academic year

Last update: 26 March 2025

The organisation of the academic year in Finland is as follows:

Beginning of the academic year	1^st of August (regulated by the Universities Act and Universities of Applied Sciences Act)
End of the academic year	31^st of July (regulated by the Universities Act and Universities of Applied Sciences Act)
Period(s) when there are teaching activities	The scheduling of teaching is at the discretion of HE institutions and may vary between institutions. Teaching is typically divided into four periods: - Period 1: from late August/early September to late October - Period 2: from late October to late December - Period 3: from mid-January to mid-March - Period 4: from mid-March to mid-May Institutions may also offer courses outside these periods, for example during summer.
Period(s) of examination	The scheduling of periods of examination is at the discretion of HE institutions and may vary between institutions. Typically scheduled during the final week of each teaching period
Breaks between the teaching activities excluding the examination period, if significant	Decision on breaks between teaching activities is at the discretion of HE institutions and may vary between institutions. Typically two breaks: 1) summer from late May to late August/early September, 2) turn of the year from late December to mid-January. Institutions may also offer instruction during the breaks, for example, intensive courses.