After comprehensive school
Transitioning to secondary education
The transition to post-comprehensive studies takes place after completing the comprehensive school syllabus. After receiving their comprehensive school diploma, young people apply to secondary studies in a vocational institution or general upper secondary school in the joint application round held each spring.
In the joint application round, those completing comprehensive school can also apply for education preparing for a degree (TUVA), education preparing for work and independent living (TELMA) or liberal adult education courses offered as compulsory education at a folk high school.
In lower secondary school, the transition to vocational or upper secondary education is supported from year 7 onwards with separate guidance counselling lessons, for example. In addition, in years 8 and 9, pupils receive group-based as well as personal and intensified personal guidance on post-comprehensive studies. Guidance on post-comprehensive studies takes place in year 9 and, if necessary, in year 8 in the form of intensified personal guidance.
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All year 9 pupils completing comprehensive school are required to apply for and continue in upper secondary education, transitional education or other compulsory education.
Upper secondary education includes studying for a matriculation examination or a vocational qualification. Transitional education and other compulsory education includes basic education for adults, preparatory TUVA education and Opistovuosi oppivelvollisille courses offered by folk high schools.
Compulsory education has been extended in order to guarantee every young person a sufficient education and good career opportunities. The aim is to increase education and competence, reduce learning differences and improve educational equality, non-discrimination and the wellbeing of young people.
Compulsory education ends when the young person reaches the age of 18 or completes an upper secondary level qualification.
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Education is free of charge for upper secondary students subject to compulsory education until the student turns 20. Free education includes study materials, tools, workwear and materials.
Free education does not cover tools used by study tracks that require special involvement or study visits, field trips or events that include reasonable expenses.
More information:
On applying for post-comprehensive education and the joint application system on the Finnish-language website.
On situations where a young person is left without a study place on the Finnish-language website.
On the discontinuation of compulsory education on the Finnish-language website.
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the website of the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Ohjaamo services
If you need help applying for a place of study or a job, check out the services of the Keravan Ohjaamo one-stop guidance centre. The centre offers advice and coaching on matters such as writing a resume, finding an apartment and applying for a place of study and hobbies.