Extension of compulsory education

The aim of the Government Programme is that, having completed their comprehensive school education, all students gain an upper secondary qualification. The minimum school leaving age will be raised to 18 years. In addition, student guidance and student welfare services will be improved, along with the capacity of comprehensive schools to provide everyone with the skills to complete upper secondary education.

In addition, student guidance and student welfare services will be improved, along with the capacity of comprehensive schools to provide everyone with the skills to complete upper secondary education.

The extension in compulsory education became effective in 2021. The related new Act was applied for the first time to those subject to compulsory education whose compulsory education under the current Act terminated in 2021.

Raising the age of compulsory education to 18 years and extending compulsory education to upper secondary education requires ensuring that all those who complete compulsory school education have the knowledge, skills and competence required for upper secondary education.

The Government Programme outlines the expansion of compulsory education.

Contact information

Piritta Sirvio, Senior Ministerial Adviser 
Ministry of Education and Culture, Lukiokoulutuksen ja ammatillisen koulutuksen osasto (LAMOS), Strategic Steering Division 0295330238  

Antti Randell, Senior Ministerial Adviser 
Ministry of Education and Culture, Nuoriso- ja liikuntapolitiikan osasto (NUOLI), Strategia- ja ohjausryhmä (SORY) 0295330173  

Seija Rasku, opetusneuvos 
Ministry of Education and Culture, Lukiokoulutuksen ja ammatillisen koulutuksen osasto (LAMOS), Koulutuksen vastuualue Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council  0295330270