Search

Qualifications and studies in vocational education and training The qualifications structure in vocational education and training (VET) has three levels. There are three types of qualifications: vocational upper secondary qualification, further vo...

Education is one of the cornerstones of the Finnish welfare society. We pride ourselves on an educational system that offers equal opportunities for education for all.

Promotion of physical activity The Ministry of Education and Culture endeavours to create conditions for a physically active lifestyle for the whole population. The aim is to enable the Finnish population to be physically active to a degree that s...

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its effects in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Education and Culture On this page, we will update information on the impacts of the situation in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Education a...

13.11.2025 | International higher education students could play an even bigger role in driving Finland’s growth. Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen and Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie invited businesses, cities, higher education institutions and students to find solutions to improve international students’ employment prospects in Finland.

Questions and answers related to compulsory education This page provides answers to frequently asked questions on the extension of compulsory education. Questions and answers related to compulsory education Free of charge Guidance and supervision ...

7.1.2026 | 1 Procedural recommendations for developing Finland’s national language reserve 2 Foreword We need an accurate picture of the national language reserve Fewer languages are being studied in school Developing school practices Early childhood educati...

1.3.2023 | The reform of continuous learning, launched under the Government Programme, has promoted the opportunities of working-age people to improve their knowledge and skills, and increased the availability of skilled labour. The final report on the reform implementation and on the next steps was submitted on 1 March 2023 to the Members of Parliament who participated in the drafting of the parliamentary policy approaches for continuous learning. 

17.12.2020 | A group of Members of Parliament have adopted policy approaches for continuous learning that promote the opportunities of working-age people to develop their competence and ensure the availability of skilled labour. Since the reform aims to respond specifically to the competence needs arising from changes in the world of work, education and employment services will be enhanced as a whole.

Preparing the Programme to Develop Quality and Equality in Vocational Education and Training This programme to develop equality and quality in vocational education and training will help ensure that all students in vocational education and trainin...

5.9.2023 | Finnish VET in a Nutshell ed uc at io n in f in la nd DU RA TI ON I N Y EA RS EQ F CL AS SI FI CA TI ON IS CE D CL AS SI FI CA TI ON DU RA TI ON O F CO M PU LS OR Y ED U CA TI ON 0– 6 1 9 3 3 2 2 4 6 7 5 8 1 1& 2 3 6 7 8 0 4 Ag e 18 DOCTORAL DEGRE...

5.9.2023 | Finnish VET in a Nutshell ed uc at io n in f in la nd DU RA TI ON I N Y EA RS EQ F CL AS SI FI CA TI ON IS CE D CL AS SI FI CA TI ON DU RA TI ON O F CO M PU LS OR Y ED U CA TI ON 0– 6 1 9 3 3 2 2 4 6 7 5 8 1 1& 2 3 6 7 8 0 4 Ag e 18 DOCTORAL DEGRE...

Equality, non-discrimination and diversity among teaching and research staff in higher education institutions The KOTAMO project examined how equality, non-discrimination and diversity among staff members can be promoted in Finnish higher educatio...

24.4.2017 | Vocational education and training (VET) will undergo a comprehensive reform. The Government submitted a proposal for a new act on vocational education and training to the Parliament on 24 April.

Tuition fees in upper secondary education Students from third countries will, in future, be required to pay tuition fees in both general upper secondary education and vocational education and training. These fees apply to those who start their stu...

10.8.2017 | The new legislation on vocational education and training will reinforce professional skills in Finland. The most important task of vocational education and training will be to produce individual skills that meet the needs of students and working life. The Finnish Government proposed on 10 August that the President of the Republic adopt the new Act on Vocational Education and Training.

Continuous learning Continuous learning responds to the need to develop and renew competence at different stages of people’s lives and careers. The changing demands of work will significantly increase the need for upskilling and continuous learnin...

28.2.2019 | Education and learning, knowledge, science and technology for the benefit of people and society Proposal for Finland: Finland 100+ EDUCATION AND LEARNING, KNOWLEDGE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE AND SOCIETY Over 50% of all youn...

4.11.2021 | The WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe), together with the European Union, prepares a comparative analysis every three years on how the Council of the European Union recommendations on physical activity are implemented in the Member States of the European Union (EU Physical Activity Country Factsheets). Information is collected on the physical activity of the population and on policy measu...

7.10.2019 | Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland | Vocational education and training promotes lifelong and continuous learning in Finland | 4/2019 Vocational education and training promotes lifelong and continuous learning in Finland The legislation on ...