Upper secondary education is general education which does not prepare pupils for a job. After completing general upper secondary school or equivalent studies, pupils can apply to universities, polytechnics or vocational institutions.
Pupils can complete English-language upper secondary studies or equivalent studies in Finland in
- International schools
- The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programmes of upper secondary schools
- Upper secondary schools for adults
- Summer high schools.
International schools
International schools are intended for foreign-born children living temporarily or permanently in Finland, for Finnish children returning to Finland after years abroad and for Finnish children competent enough to receive education in the official school language. These schools often follow the curricula of countries other than Finland. Some of the schools offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Many international schools charge tuition fees.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is an internationally recognised school leaving examination which qualifies candidates for admission to universities and colleges all over the world. Pupils must pursue a two-year IB Diploma Programme preceded by one year of preparatory studies. The preparatory IB studies are taught partly in English, while the two-year IB Diploma Programme is taught entirely in English with the exception of classes in the pupils’ native language and foreign languages. An IB Diploma qualifies pupils for subsequent studies in the same way as a Finnish matriculation examination.
Pupils are mainly selected for the preparatory IB studies in a joint application process. In exceptional cases, IB studies can be pursued without first completing the preparatory studies. Upper secondary schools do not usually charge tuition fees for studies leading to the IB Diploma, but the pupils themselves must pay for their housing, study materials and other expenses.
Upper secondary schools for adults
Upper secondary schools for adults are both separate institutions for adults and programmes aimed primarily at persons of 18 years of age and over within regular upper secondary schools. Students can study specific subjects, pursue an upper secondary or comprehensive school leaving certificate or complete a Finnish matriculation examination. Upper secondary schools for adults are free for students who are pursuing the full upper secondary school curriculum, but subject students and private students are charged for their studies.
Summer high schools
Summer high schools are intended for pupils studying at upper secondary schools, comprehensive schools (the final three years) and vocational institutions, as well as for adult students. The summer high schools offer intensive courses lasting from one to three weeks that allow participants to complement and revise their upper secondary studies or to complete upper secondary courses. Summer high schools charge for their courses.