Compulsory education continues until the age of 18
Every Finnish child is subject to compulsory education. Compulsory education ends when the young person completes upper secondary education or turns 18. Completing upper secondary education means completing the matriculation examination or a vocational qualification. Young people who cannot participate in a programme leading to a general upper secondary qualification or education and training to complete a qualification can take part in preparatory education and training for work and independent living (TELMA).
Studies after comprehensive school
Each spring, ninth-graders can apply via the joint application system for general upper secondary school, vocational education and training, preparatory education for an upper secondary qualification (TUVA), preparatory education and training for work and independent living (TELMA) and education provided by folk high schools for young people of compulsory education age.
Preparatory education for an upper secondary qualification (TUVA) supports the development of study skills or the weighing of career choices.
Preparatory education and training for work and independent living (TELMA) is intended for young people who cannot participate in a programme leading to a general upper secondary qualification or education and training to complete a qualification. The aim of TELMA is to promote the ability to work and function, find a meaningful job or work activity and learn everyday skills and how to live as independently as possible.
You can find a suitable study path based on your aspirations and interests, but it can also be influenced by your functional capacity or your previous academic performance.
Read more about studies after basic education
If you need support in finding your own study path, you can contact the Helsinki compulsory education team and the youth advice and guidance service Ohjaamo.
Learn more about the services of Helsinki’s compulsory education team
Learn more about the services of Ohjaamo(Link leads to external service)
If you are finding it particularly difficult to choose a field of study, you can apply for a training try-out. You get to choose the educational institution in which the try-out is arranged. Kela pays the costs of the try-out to the educational institution.
Read more about training try-outs on Kela’s website(Link leads to external service)
Support for learning
You have the right to learn and receive support throughout your learning path.
Read more about support for learning
Read more about support for learning in general upper secondary education
Read more about support for learning in vocational education and training
Travel
If you are unable to travel to your new place of study by public transport, you can apply for a transport service. Please apply for the service in good time, as soon as your study place is confirmed.
Read more about the transport service and how to apply for it
Tuition fees and financial support
Education is free of charge for those subject to compulsory education. Students can receive financial aid for students, which consists of a study grant, a student loan and a housing supplement. Alternatively, a young person with a disability can study on rehabilitation allowance for young persons. You can also apply for financial support for study costs, school supplies or assistive devices from Kela.
Read more about Kela's financial aid for students(Link leads to external service)