Compulsory education

The guardian or other legal representative of a young person subject to compulsory education must ensure that the young person completes their compulsory education.

When a student begins upper secondary education, the responsibility for the student’s guidance, support, and supervision transfers to the education provider.

If the student wishes to change institutions or switch to a different field of study, the education providers will guide and support the student until they have started their new studies.

The municipality’s task is, based on a notification from the education provider, to guide those students subject to compulsory education who did not receive a study place in the joint application, as well as those who have discontinued their upper secondary studies and do not have a new study place.

When a student moves abroad for up to one year, the guardians first contact the school staff, who will provide school‑specific instructions. The guardian applies in Wilma for a temporary interruption of compulsory education based on application vähintään kuukauden mittainen tilapäinen ulkomailla oleskelu (a temporary stay abroad lasting at least one month), if the student participates in equivalent education abroad or is otherwise considered to be fulfilling compulsory education. The application must include the host country's school’s admission decision or another certificate proving the start of studies. The school makes the interruption decision and records it in the compulsory education monitoring system. When the family returns to Finland, the guardian must contact either the school or the municipality responsible for monitoring compulsory education.

When a student moves abroad permanently and no longer has a municipality of residence in Finland, the Finnish Compulsory Education Act no longer applies. A permanent move must be reported to the school and to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. If the student later returns to Finland, the Finnish Compulsory Education Act will again apply.

Child of compulsory education age begins upper secondary studies but realizes the chosen program is not suitable. The guardian and the student first contact the student’s own guidance counsellor. Together they explore possible alternatives, including adjustments within the current program or transferring to another institution. Another option is Preparatory education for an upper secondary qualification (TUVA), which helps strengthen study skills and allows the student to explore different fields.

If all solutions offered by the institution have been explored and no suitable option is found, the institution contacts the student’s municipality of residence. A child of compulsory education age who does not have a study place will then fall under the municipality’s guidance and monitoring responsibilities.

The aim of extending compulsory education is to raise the level of education and competence at all stages of education, reduce learning disparities, and promote educational equality, equity, and the well-being of children and young people.

The goal is that every young person completes upper secondary education. As skill requirements increase, employment now requires at least an upper secondary qualification.

Compulsory education ends when the student turns 18 or, before that, completes an upper secondary qualification (matriculation examination or vocational qualification) or an equivalent foreign education.

The extension of compulsory education applies to education after basic education. The completion of compulsory education after basic education is regulated in sections 4 and 5 of the Compulsory Education Act.

After basic education, compulsory education is primarily completed in general upper secondary education or vocational education. In general upper secondary education, compulsory education can be fulfilled by completing the syllabus intended for young people or adults. In vocational education, it can be fulfilled by completing a vocational upper secondary qualification or a further vocational qualification. Participation in the matriculation examination is also considered as fulfilling compulsory education.

Compulsory education can also be completed in transition-phase education between basic education and upper secondary education. TUVA training replaces the former VALMA, LUVA, and “10th grade” programs.

Compulsory education can be completed through studies in basic education for adults.

Compulsory education can also be completed in education provided by folk high schools for students subject to compulsory education.

Students who require demanding special support can fulfill their compulsory education in training that prepares them for work and independent living (TELMA).

The following are free of charge for the student:

• Instruction
• Daily meals
• Textbooks and other materials required for instruction
• Tools, clothing, and supplies needed for instruction
• The five exams required to complete the matriculation examination at the end of the upper secondary school syllabus, as well as retakes of failed exams
• School journeys of at least seven kilometers
• In certain special cases, accommodation and travel costs

Personal equipment required for programs emphasizing special hobbies, such as musical instruments and sports equipment that the student also uses outside of instruction, remain the responsibility of the student (Compulsory Education Act, Section 17, Subsection 1).

The guardian or other legal representative of a young person subject to compulsory education must ensure that the young person fulfills this obligation (Compulsory Education Act, Section 9). If the guardian intentionally or through gross negligence fails to comply with this duty, they may be sentenced to a fine (Compulsory Education Act, Section 22).

No sanctions are imposed on the student for neglecting compulsory education.

The guardian or other legal representative of the student must ensure that the obligation is fulfilled (Compulsory Education Act, Section 9). If the guardian intentionally or through gross negligence fails to supervise the completion of compulsory education, they may be sentenced to a fine for neglecting this duty (Compulsory Education Act, Section 22).

The provider of basic education is responsible for guiding and supervising students subject to compulsory education during basic education and the joint application process. As part of this guidance, the provider assesses together with the student and their guardian which education is most suitable for the student, taking into account any special support needs.

The provider of basic education is obliged to guide and supervise the student’s transition to post-basic education when basic education ends, especially during the final grade. A student completing the basic education syllabus who needs support in applying for further studies after basic education has the right to receive, in addition to guidance according to the curriculum, personalized guidance tailored to their needs. This obligation means that providers of basic education must offer intensified, personalized guidance to students identified as needing support in applying for further studies after basic education during grades 8 and 9.