If you are looking for the best education system then Finland is the place that has got everything that you need. You will be happy to know that Finland is the only country in the world which is scoring consistently very high on different education rankings. It would not be wrong to say that this country has one of the best systems in the world when it comes to education. There are several reasons why Finland is ahead of many countries in terms of education  but the main reasons are given below with their effects.

The following article contains all of the details you need to know about the benefits of Finland’s educational system. Have you spent the entire day trying to find answers to this question on the internet without success? You won’t have to look any farther.

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Advantages Of Education System In Finland

Teacher education of the highest caliber The ingredients for success include high-quality training, professional freedom, and trust.
In Finland, teachers must have a master’s degree as well as pedagogical qualifications. They have professional autonomy and trust, as well as the ability to affect their own daily work and school development.

Innovative teaching methods and strong ICT sectorFinland has a strong ICT sector and a booming gaming industry. This has helped to create favorable conditions for developing cutting-edge digital learning solutions that make learning fun!

Finland has a long history of providing world-class education. Finland’s educational system is based on the egalitarian principle of high-quality universal education that is both inclusive and comprehensive. In fact, Finland’s learning gap between the weakest and strongest students is one of the smallest in the world.

The cornerstone of the Finnish educational system is highly qualified and motivated instructors. Teachers in Finland are experts not just in their academic areas, but also in teaching and learning. Teacher education in Finland lays a strong emphasis on pedagogy, or learning how to teach in a way that is customized to the learning styles of different people.

We all have probably come across many articles about Finland stated as one of the best education systems in the world and scoring high on PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) year after another. I strongly believe it is a great education system providing access to high-quality education and most importantly giving equal opportunities for everyone regardless of social, ethnic or economic background. Education for children with special needs are also provided in conjunction with mainstream education.

The Finnish education system is free and includes pre-primary and elementary school. For six-year-olds, pre-primary education lasts one year. After that, there is a nine-year basic education. For example, during pre-primary and elementary education, textbooks and meals are provided free of charge, and there are no school fees in public schools. If their Finnish language abilities are insufficient to study in early childhood education or basic education, migrants are given free education in preparatory programs.

In Finland, English international schools demand an aptitude test as well as fluency in English speaking and writing. There are public international schools in the Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa regions of the capital. Within these boundaries, they follow the Finnish national core curriculum as well as the school’s own curriculum. The International Baccalaureate program is also followed by some of the schools. There are also international schools that provide instruction in other languages such as French, German, and Russian.

Top 10 Reasons Why Finland Has the Best Education System

Here are the top 10 reasons why Finland has the best education system in the world:

1. Free Education Access (from Pre-Primary to Higher) to Finnish Citizens as well as to those coming from EU/EEA countries because education is considered an equal right for everyone.
2. Implementation of a holistic teaching and learning environment that aims to emphasise equity over excellence.
3. No standardized testing system as students is graded individually with a grading system created by their teacher. Also, overall progress is mapped by the Ministry of Education by sampling groups of varied ranges of schools.
4. Finnish children begin their academic journey at an older age, i.e. only when they turn seven years old do they commence their schooling and before that learning is made free-flowing.
5. The “bar is higher for teachers”, i.e. only master’s degree holders (from specialised teaching schools) can opt for teaching positions and even then an individual principal is allotted to every teacher to keep a tab on their progress.
6. Exemption from the Artificial Parameters of Academic Progress by removing any kind of competition between academic institutions but rather cooperation is made the norm.
7. Better Alternatives to the Same-Old Degree those planning for a college education can choose from professional options, be it vocational schools, university education or training classes.
8. Focuses on fostering cooperation over competition in schools by inculcating the skills of teamwork, collaboration and team spirit in students.
9. Emphasis on foundational basics is an important reason why Finland has the best education system in the world because students are provided with the time and scope to build the best foundation and basics at their own pace.
10. Only 9 years of compulsory education are there in Finland’s education system and after that students are encouraged to find out what’s best for them academically and career-wise.

finland education ranking

Finland ranks third in the Education Ranking by Countries in 2021, with a total score of 1.631K. Finland has the highest rate of high school completion in the world. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report, Finland has the best-developed education system in the world.

Is education free in Finland?

Regular universities and universities of applied sciences are the two types of public institutions in Finland. They are all tuition-free for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Non-EU/EEA students enrolled in English-taught degrees must pay tuition.Do Finland Schools give homework to students?

The fact is that in a country with one of the best education systems in the world, there is hardly any homework. Finnish people think that, aside from homework, there are several other factors that might improve a child’s academic achievement, such as eating supper with their family, exercising, or getting a good night’s sleep.

As a result, the Finnish educational system aims to emphasize equal educational opportunities, providing every student with the necessary life skills and core knowledge of basic disciplines while also allowing them the necessary freedom to experiment, explore, and follow their passions in later stages. If you want to study in Finland but aren’t sure where to start, let our Leverage Edu professionals help you select a suitable program and university, as well as jumpstart the application process in a timely manner, so you may enjoy an exceptional experience in the intellectual land of possibilities.

Finland Education System

The Finnish Education System contains nine years of compulsory basic education, early education and care, pre-primary education, upper secondary education, higher education, and finally adult education. The description of all these levels has been given below.

1. Early Childhood Education and Care (Provided to the students before the beginning of compulsory education)
2. Pre-Primary Education (1-year duration for 6-year-olds)
3. Basic Education (Compulsory 9-year education for children aged 7-16))
4. Upper Secondary Education (Vocational Education and Training / General Upper Secondary Education)
5. Higher Education (Education offered by Universities / Universities of Applied Sciences)
6. Adult Education

Now, let’s explore these levels of education in further detail:

Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)

This level of education aims to support the development, learning and well-being of a child while giving them plentiful learning opportunities. Local Authorities and Municipalities are tasked with the responsibility of regulating the mechanism of Early Children’s Education and Care. At this level of the Finland Education System, only municipal daycare cover is charged which mainly relies on family income as well as the number of children. Taking approval of the Finnish National Agency for Education, the National Curriculum Guidelines (NCG) is designed for the ECEC level and also constitute of open early childhood education activities which are conducted by municipalities for kids and their families.

Pre-Primary Education

Playing a vital role in the continuum expanding from ECEC, this stage aims to enhance the children’s opportunities for learning and development. For the children in the country, participation in pre-primary education has been made compulsory, since 2015. Also, another significant feature of the Finland education system under the stage of Pre-primary education is that the guardian of the kid must ensure their participation in different types of activities at this level. With the approval of the Finnish National Agency for Education, the National Core Curriculum for Pre-Primary Education guides the planning and implementation of the contents of Pre-Education.

Basic Education 

In the Finland Education System, Comprehensive Schooling or Basic Education is where the compulsory education of 9 years begins for all children aged between 7 and 16. It strives to support the student’s growth towards becoming an ethically responsible member of society as well as imparting them the essential knowledge and skills needed in life. Further, all the schools providing basic education follow a national core curriculum which constitutes the objectives and core fundamentals of varied subjects, and the local authorities, such as municipalities and other education providers, maintain the Comprehensive Schools and often create their curricula as part of the national framework.

Upper Secondary Education

After the basic education stage of the Finland education system, students are given the choice between pursuing general and vocational education. General Education usually takes three years to complete and does not qualify students for pursuing any particular profession or occupation. After completing the General Upper Secondary Education, the students have to take the Finnish matriculation examination to be eligible for various educational universities or universities of applied sciences for bachelor’s degrees. 

The other route which students of Finland can choose is Vocational Upper Secondary Education and Training in which students are provided with basic skills required in their chosen field by allotting them to workplaces through an apprenticeship agreement or a training agreement. The institution facilitating the program curates a personal capability development plan for its students, drafting the content, schedule, and schemes of study. After concluding this level, the students are eligible to opt for further studies at universities or universities of applied sciences to enter the higher education stage in Finland’s education system.

Higher Education (Universities/Universities of Applied Sciences)

Under the higher level of the Finland Education system, the academic institutions are bifurcated into regular universities and Universities of Applied Sciences. There are various postgraduate degrees as well in higher scientific and artistic education, i.e. licentiate and doctoral degrees. The time duration to complete a bachelor’s degree in regular universities is 3 years and the master’s program is of 2 years. Whereas, the students who pursue their higher education at Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland, are awarded UAS Bachelor’s and UAS Master’s degrees. 

In Finland’s education system, the degrees offered by the Universities of Applied Sciences usually take between 3.5 and 4.5 years to get completed. Those students who want to pursue UAS Master’s program in these universities must have completed their bachelor’s degree or any other suitable degree along with having 3 years of relevant work experience in their field.

Adult Education

Adult education and training in Finland’s Education System are added to provide education leading to a qualification, degree studies, apprenticeship training, further and continuing education updating and extending the professional skills, studies in different crafts and subjects on a recreational basis, and much more. For this stage of education, the training is either paid by the student or the employer facilitating apprenticeship training, staff development, or labour policy education. Adult education is provided by educational institutions mainly for working professionals, private companies, and workplaces.

Finland Education Statistics

Around 93% of graduates in Finland from academic or vocational high schools, 17.5% points higher than the US, and 66% of them choose to opt for higher education, the highest rate in the European Union. Yet Finland spends around 30% less per student than the US.

Free Education in Finland

Finland does not just boast quality education but also offers free education for many students. The public universities in Finland are divided into regular universities and universities for applied sciences. These universities have no tuition fees for students coming from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. Although Non-EU/EEA country students have to pay the tuition fees, programs taught in Finnish or Swedish are free for international students as well. 

Restructuring of Higher Education in Finland 

The Ministry of Education has called for system-wide reorganisation as a result of globalisation and increased competition for dwindling younger age groups. Since 2006, all higher education institutions have started exchanging collaboration methods. Within 10–15 years, the total number of institutions is likely to shrink dramatically. The University of Eastern Finland was formed in 2010 when the University of Kuopio and the University of Joensuu merged to become the University of Eastern Finland. On August 1, 2009, three local institutions in Helsinki, notably the Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics, and Helsinki University of Art and Design, united to form Aalto University. Several applied science universities have also announced mergers. Within universities, new forms of collaboration such as consortia and federations have been introduced (e.g., the University of Turku and Turku School of Economics Consortium). Traditional institutions and universities of applied sciences are forming partnerships (e.g., the University of Kuopio and Savonia University of Applied Sciences formed the Northern Savonia Higher Education Consortium). In general, system-wide change in Central Europe, the United States, Spain, and Hungary follows a similar pattern.

List of Popular Universities in Finland

Several universities in the country have earned international accreditation and are on the wish lists of many students. Examine the following list of universities in Finland, along with their respective QS Rankings for the year 2023:

Universities in Finland	QS World University Rankings 2023
University of Helsinki	104
Aalto University	112
University of Turku	295
University of Jyväskylä	348
University of Oulu	377
Tampere University	414
Lappeenranta University of Technology	414
University of Eastern Finland	521-530
Åbo Akademi University	601-650

Top Public Universities in Finland

Listed below are the top public universities offering academic degrees to international students –

1. University of Helsinki
2. Abo Akademi University
3. Aalto University
4. Tampere University
5. University of Jyväskylä

Cost of Studying in Finland

Finland’s public institutions did not charge tuition fees until 2017. However, there have been attempts at the government level since the 1990s to impose tuition fees on students from outside the European Union/EEA. Those ideas have been met with opposition from student organisations. Students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) have had to pay at least 1,500 euros a year to study in Finland since the autumn semester of 2017, while students from the EEA continue to study for free. Non-European students’ tuition fees typically range from roughly EUR 6,000 to EUR 18,000 (INR 5.19 – INR 15.58 Lakhs) per year, depending on the university and programme.

Read more about the Cost of Studying in Finland in our blog!

Best Cities in Finland

While planning to pursue higher studies in Finland, students might be confused about the cities. Well, to help you with that, we have listed the best cities in Finland in this section, to help make your university selection process easier –

1. Helsinki
2. Tampere
3. Rovaniemi
4. Turku
5. Jyvaskyla
6. Oulu
7. Rauma

Student Visas for Finland 

As an Indian student wanting to study in Finland, you need to have a valid passport and a visa to enter a new country. The Single-entry visa enabled entry to the Schengen zone once and for up to 90 days in any 180 days while the Double-entry visa increases your entry to twice. Other than this, there is a Multiple-entry visa granted for various consecutive visits to the Schengen area and the total duration of the stay cannot exceed 90 days in 180 days and this is valid for a maximum of 5 years. In case you wish to extend the validity of your visa while in Finland, you need to contact the local police authorities there.

best education system in the world

Countries With Best Education System in the World

Every country has its own set of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to pursuing higher education overseas. While one country may excel in infrastructure, the other may offer innovative and distinctive degree programs. For example, if we examine factors such as living standards, teacher-student ratios, and the availability of public study materials, the list would include nations such as Finland, Denmark, Norway, Japan, and Russia, among others. As a result, deciding which country offers high-quality education can be challenging. We compiled a list of nations that are known for based on characteristics such as the types of programs provided, interdisciplinarity in programs, placements, university rankings, and the number of enrolled international students, we have curated a list of countries that are known for having the best education system. 

United States

A pioneer in modern education, the US is known for providing high-quality education delivered by world-renowned faculty. The country boasts of having more Nobel Laureates than any other country and hosting more than a million international students every year. Computer Science, Engineering, Business Management, Law, and Arts are some of the most popular courses among international students in the US. Further, the emphasis placed on research and development in the USA education system has led universities to offer an array of research-oriented degree programs especially STEM Courses at graduate, postgraduate, and doctorate levels thus making it the most preferred destination for education. Being the home for universities like Harvard University, University of Oxford, Yale University, and MIT, the US undoubtedly has the best education system in the world. Cost of Studying in USATop Universities in USA for MS

United Kingdom

With around half a million international students enrolled in various courses to study in the UK, the country is the second leading destination for education. The UK has been the center for learning for centuries. The UK Education system is constituted of a unique blend of rich English culture and diverse learning experiences have attracted students from across the world. As per the QS rankings, 18 universities out of 100 are located in the UK. Renowned globally for its Arts, Literature, and Design courses, UK is the second country with the best education system in the world. 

Canada

Known for its diverse culture, low tuition fees, and living costs, Canada has emerged as a preferred study destination for a large number of students. The Canadian universities have been consistently ranked among the top educational institutions in the world by QS and Times for offering an array of degrees and short-term courses across various disciplines. With the University of Toronto and Queen’s University among the premier institutions of the country, the Candian education system has etched its name in some of the best in the world. It provides students with a platform to specialize in courses in the fields of Engineering, Commerce, and the Arts.

Germany

For non-English speakers, Germany is the preferred destination for higher studies. Home to leading automobile brands like Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Germany has established its name in the automobile industry. Its institutions are renowned for offering intensive courses in Engineering, Design, MBBS in Germany, etc.  A large number of scholarships are also available for international students which attracts students from worldwide, making Germany one of the countries with the best education system in the world. 

Australia

The world’s 6 largest country by area, Australia, is known for its high-quality education and excellent career opportunities. Offering diverse courses in fields like Engineering, Administration, Architecture, Media, Business, Communication and Art, Australia is a popular destination to study abroad. With 7 Australian universities in the top 100 list of QS 2021 rankings, the Australian education system can be counted amongst the best around the world. Australian universities also have research centers in a number of countries. 

Denmark

Having recorded a whopping 99% literacy rate, Denmark is undeniably a top mention while finding the best education system in the world. Free education is offered in Denmark from primary to higher education. Further, the country’s government has ensured that education is compulsory for students up to 16 years of age which is one of the unique features adopted amongst the other education system in the world. It is one of the top countries to study abroad as well and attracts scores of international students from around the world with dreams to fulfill their higher studies at the world-renowned Denmark universities imparting quality education and globally recognized and acclaimed degrees.

Finland

Finland has also been internationally lauded for formulating the best education system in the world because the country has meticulously designed an educational apparatus that is at par with other countries across the globe. The Finland Education System emphasizes providing access to free education from primary to higher education and has been consistently restructured to add newer and better changes. Its quintessential focus is to impart students with incremental life skills and when it comes to higher studies, you can choose from the traditional research-based universities offering theoretical programs or Universities of Applied Science providing industry-based and training programs!

Netherlands

There is a reason why the Dutch education system is known and appreciated worldwide. Because of its excellent quality and top-ranked world-class universities, the Dutch education system is one of the best education systems in the world. These institutions are known across the world for their well-designed, cutting-edge curriculum and facilities. The teaching approach emphasizes cooperation, making it easier for international students in the Netherlands to meet both Dutch and other international students. Having said that, solid personal relationships between professors and students are highly valued at Dutch universities. Dutch universities include many practical elements in their degree programs too. It is the first non-English speaking country to develop courses in English to attract overseas students. Modern teaching approaches are employed and as the government has subsidized higher education, the cost of studying is cheap as compared to other European countries. 

finland education system 2020

Over the last few years, more than 20,000 students have moved to Finland to experience its great quality of life, laid-back culture, natural beauty, and exciting cuisine. 

But it’s the country’s reputation for academic excellence that seals the deal for many. Finnish universities have been ranked among the best in the world, with many offering English-taught master’s programs. In the most recent QS World University Rankings, nine Finnish universities were featured – with the University of Eastern Finland being one of them. 

We caught up with a couple of master’s students from the Faculty of Science and Forestry at the University of Eastern Finland to find out more about their study experience so far, and what makes Finland a special place to study.

Its modern study environments and forward-thinking teaching

From kindergarten all the way through to higher education, Finland has always been a front-runner in education and learning development.

The University of Eastern Finland in particular, prides itself on the development of its new and evolving physical learning facilities and resources, with the university’s state-of-the-art technologies and innovative learning environments cater to each and every student’s individual studying styles.

From Multilocation Classrooms (MLCs), to virtual laboratories – students can be sure that their learning experience in Finland will look (and feel) quite different to what they are typically used to.

The Escape Room Lab – which is the first of its kind in the country – opened in October 2020. It was designed and created in collaboration with a team of computer science and physics academics. The Escape Room Lab aims to ‘gamify’ the learning experience and enhance students’ teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Another unique learning facility, is the Sm4rtLab which can be accessed from anywhere in the world. It is a safe space for students to try out new ideas and gain new learning experiences through augmented reality.

Flexible studying is another open and diverse pathway in which students are encouraged to take the lead and responsibility for their own learning. Flipped Classroom learning shifts the focus from teacher-centered teaching to student-centered learning. This means students utilize a variety of learning materials including videos to familiarize themselves with the subject matter before class. Class time is then dedicated to students’ feedback, insights and questions surrounding the relevant topic.

Which leads us to the next reason…

Student-centered learning is at the heart of Finnish education

Student-centered learning provides valuable learning experiences. It increases your capacity to learn and encourages collaboration with your peers. As a result, your independent and critical-thinking skills improve, as will your self-confidence and global perspective.

Godswill is a second-year Medical Physics master’s student at the University of Eastern Finland, and is originally from Nigeria.

His learning experience so far “has been terrific”, especially when it comes to working and learning alongside his fellow peers.

“It is great that there are about 12 students on the program which means that the student to lecturer ratio is ideal, and this in turn makes our learning more effective.

“The diversity of the program’s cohort is quite incredible as my classmates come from Egypt, Poland, Pakistan, Iran, and Bahrain which provides the opportunity learn and share intercultural and international knowledge.”

Giang Tran is originally from Vietnam, and is another second-year master’s student studying Environmental Policy and Law. Before officially starting their studies in autumn 2019, Giang had the opportunity to attend several summer courses at the University of Eastern Finland, and believes it was a “great chance to get to know the campus and university.”

Having the freedom to choose their own courses that best suits their career aspirations was something Giang very much appreciated, along with the support and guidance from professors and guest lecturers.

They said: “I was truly blessed to be able to learn from my professors at the University of Eastern Finland Law School.

“It has been very enjoyable, and I am looking forward to next semester.”

Finnish degrees and qualifications are held in high regard all around the world. Therefore, they serve as a certificate of high level of competence and dedication.

Finland also enjoys one of the most advanced and expansive selection of educational technology for all levels of education, ranging from formal to extracurricular learning.

We are not afraid to proclaim that Finland has the best educational system in the world, and we are eager to share our knowledge with the rest of the world. We invest in capacity building, curriculum development, and re-modeling entire education systems through a variety of consultancy services aimed at governments, schools, and education authorities, as well as private institutions and actors, because we recognize that this type of global transformation necessitates a shift in perspective and a mindset of partnership and collaboration.

We believe this leads to an inspiring, yet efficient and productive, learning environment where students have real independence, an active role in what and how they learn, and genuinely hold a key to unlocking their own potential.

Excellent learning outcomesFinland’s excellent learning outcomes are the result of research-based pedagogy and its innovative approach to teaching and learning.
This combination supports the creation of excellent curricula and first-rate learning environments and processes.