Eurydice

Key features of the education system

Equity in education

A key feature of the national education culture is to ensure equal opportunities for all. Individual support measures are in place to guarantee that every pupil and student can reach their full potential.  Differences between schools are small and the quality of teaching is high all around the country. The education system does not have any dead-ends which would affect an individual’s learning career.

Aikuislukio

General upper secondary schools for adults provide education for students over the age of 18. Studies are offered flexibly to meet the needs of adult students; classes are mainly held in the evenings, and distance and online courses are available. It is possible to complete the entire general upper secondary curriculum, take individual courses, and improve or supplement grades.

2026

New Competency Path service supports education and career choices in Finland

Finland has launched a new national digital service called Competency Path. The service helps people understand their skills, explore new opportunities, and make informed decisions about education and careers at different stages of life. It is designed for everyone — young people, students, jobseekers, and adults already in working life.

2026

New Competency Path service supports education and career choices in Finland

Finland has launched a new national digital service called Competency Path. The service helps people understand their skills, explore new opportunities, and make informed decisions about education and careers at different stages of life. It is designed for everyone — young people, students, jobseekers, and adults already in working life.

2026

Results of the two-year pre-primary education trial published 

Finland carried out a two-year pre-primary education trial between 2021 and 2024. Five-year-old children in selected municipalities were invited to start pre-primary education one year earlier than usual.

Structure of the chapter

This chapter provides a thematic and chronological overview of national reforms and policy developments since 2023. The web pages that follow group reforms in the following broad thematic areas:

• Early childhood education and care

• General school education

• Vocational education and training

• Higher education

• Adult education and training.

Inside each thematic area, reforms are organised chronologically. The most recent reforms are described first.