Education for 16–17-year-olds

Young people who move to Finland at the age of 16–17 study in basic education for adult immigrants before transferring to, for example, upper secondary school or vocational school.

Basic education for adult immigrants

A young person who moves to Finland at the age of 16–17 is required to enrol as a student in basic education for adult immigrants, even if they have a certificate of completion of basic education from their country of origin. The content of basic education may be very different in the young person’s country of origin and in Finland, which is why the young person must still complete studies in Finnish basic education.

The young person also receives Finnish language instruction in basic education for adult immigrants. The school day includes a free hot lunch.

After basic education for adult immigrants

In Finland, the law requires a young person to study until the age of 18 or until upper secondary education has been completed. Upper secondary education refers to vocational school and upper secondary school. After basic education, the young person must apply to study at a vocational school or upper secondary school.

Vocational school provides training in vocational skills and competence in a chosen profession. Vocational education is practice-oriented and provides students with the competence needed in working life. The duration of studies is usually three years. In vocational school, the young person completes a vocational qualification, i.e. obtains a profession.

Upper secondary education provides a broad general education and good preparation for applying to higher education. Upper secondary school subjects include, for example, Finnish and other languages, mathematics, natural sciences, and social studies. The duration of studies is usually three years. Upon completion of upper secondary school, students receive an upper secondary school certificate and may take the matriculation examination.

Contact us

For matters related to your child’s education, you will be assisted by counselling for international families.