The standard of education and schools in Helsinki and Finland as a whole is regarded as among the highest in the world. Expats moving to Helsinki with children can count themselves lucky to be in a country with such an impressive learning culture. Finland’s fantastic social welfare extends to quality education and learning support for foreigners.
Children may have longer recess periods and less homework than in other countries, while teachers are highly valued and hold master’s degrees as standard. Education in Finland may come across as unorthodox, but the country has a proven track record of academic excellence and a culture of individual attention that helps children overcome their most difficult learning challenges.
Public schools in Helsinki
Public schools in Helsinki are open to all expat children legally residing in Finland, at no cost. Lessons are taught mostly in Finnish or Swedish, and as a result, public education is more often taken up by those who intend to stay in the country long term or those with young children who can pick up the language quickly. That said, there are some multicultural preparatory education programmes that implement bilingual support to better integrate children and families into Finnish society.
Finnish public schools boast high standards, and there is often little difference in the quality of education from one school to the next. School meals, textbooks, and transport are all provided free of charge. The Finnish education system covers everything from early childhood education to higher education. Several public schools in the Helsinki capital region also offer English language or bilingual streams at no cost, which can be a practical middle ground for expat families who don't want to send their children to an international school.
Pre-primary education
Pre-primary education begins at age six, one year before children start basic education. These schools are free, and attendance is compulsory.
Basic education
Primary education in Finland is called basic education or comprehensive school. From the year a child turns seven until they complete the basic education syllabus at age 16, comprehensive schooling is free and affords top-class learning environments.
Upper secondary school
Since 2021, upper secondary school has been compulsory in Finland; students must continue their education until they turn 18 or complete an upper secondary qualification. Young people choose between general education and vocational learning and training. General education, or lukio in Finnish, normally lasts three years and prepares students for university, awarding them a national school-leaving certificate.
Students who opt for vocational education learn the basic skills required in specific fields, preparing them for the world of work. With this, they can go on to work and study in universities. Vocational education and training are not limited to young people – adults can also apply.
Useful links
- Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture
- Finnish National Agency for Education: Education System
- City of Helsinki: Basic Education
Private schools in Helsinki
Private schools in Helsinki are rare, as they are across Finland. Owing to the Finnish government’s regulations on educational institutions, even privately funded institutions are free of charge.
These private schools have slightly more leeway in determining their curriculum and language of instruction. The differentiating factor between public and private schools in Helsinki is that private schools may have more difficult entrance requirements and admissions processes. A small number of private schools operate without state funding and may charge fees, but they cannot issue official certificates.
Many private schools are faith-based, and parents who follow a religion may prefer these. Some private institutes are Steiner schools that focus on creativity and imagination as well as artistic, intellectual, and practical skills.
Useful links
International schools in Helsinki
International schools in Helsinki are often the preferred option for expat families on short-term assignments. The biggest advantage of these schools is that they allow students to continue studying a curriculum they’re familiar with, usually in their home language.
There are several international schools in Helsinki that cater to children from countries such as the UK, Germany and France. Fees are high, though, and many of these schools have long waiting lists, so expats should apply as early as possible to secure a place for their child. Some public schools in the wider Helsinki metropolitan area (Espoo, Vantaa) also offer international-style programmes at no cost, which can be a viable alternative for families planning a longer stay.
Read more about the Best International Schools in Helsinki
Useful links
Special educational needs in Helsinki
Special educational needs in Helsinki are well supported by Finland’s commitment to recognising the diverse learning requirements of all children, including those with multicultural backgrounds who do not speak Finnish or those with special needs or talents. Special education is available and accessible at every level of education, aiming to integrate all students. Learning environments strive to remove physical and learning barriers by providing support and early intervention.
Municipalities and schools are required to provide special needs support and individualised learning plans, cooperating with teachers, teaching assistants, specialised professionals, and families. Finland uses a three-tier support model (general, intensified, and special) that allows students to move between levels of support as their needs change.
Useful links
Tutors in Helsinki
It's easy to find tutors in Helsinki. Online platforms make it straightforward to connect with tutors for any subject or skill level, and you can arrange to meet in person or take lessons remotely. It may be useful to get a tutor to help you learn some Finnish and overcome language barriers as you settle in Helsinki. The City of Helsinki also runs free language cafés and discussion groups across the city, which are a good complement to paid tutoring.