As of August 2026, Finland will offer general upper secondary education (ISCED 34) in English, in addition to Finnish and Swedish, providing students with a new language option. To provide English-language courses, local education providers must submit an application to the Ministry of Education and Culture for approval.

The Parliament approved related legislative changes in December 2024. In March 2025, the curriculum for English-language general upper secondary education has been published. In terms of content, the core curriculum for the English-taught programme is identical to the Finnish and Swedish versions. Each education provider that offers general upper secondary education in English will create their own curricula based on the National core curriculum for general upper secondary education 2025.

There are approximately 270 local providers of general upper secondary education in Finland. General upper secondary schools in larger cities and regional centres are likely to be the first to offer this new educational option. The global International Baccalaureate programme will remain an alternative, offering students diverse pathways to higher education both in Finland and abroad.

This new programme will enable students to take the Matriculation Examination in English at the end of the studies. The first English-language matriculation exams will be organised in autumn 2028. 

This initiative aims to enhance Finland's appeal to international students and returnees, while also supporting students who may not have sufficient proficiency in Finnish or Swedish. The launch of this programme is expected to positively impact Finland's country image as an interesting and appealing educational destination.

For more information: https://www.oph.fi/en/news/2025/finnish-general-upper-secondary-school-can-be-completed-english-autumn-2026.

Source: Eurydice Unit Finland