Lukio: upper secondary school

Detailed explanation

After completing peruskoulu (basic school), Finnish students choose between two paths: lukio (academic upper secondary) or ammattikoulu (vocational school). Approximately half of each age group chooses lukio. Since 2021, continuing education until age 18 is compulsory in Finland, so all students must attend one of these paths.

Lukio is academically focused, preparing students for higher education at universities or universities of applied sciences. The curriculum is broader than in many countries' high schools, with students taking courses across multiple subjects rather than specializing early.

• •No specific class groups; students choose individual courses

• •Credit-based system (minimum 150 credits required)

• •Typically completed in 3 years, though flexible timing is allowed

• •Culminates in the national matriculation examination

• •Strong emphasis on languages, sciences, and humanities

• •Prepares primarily for university-level studies

How it affects expats

• •Application process: Students apply through a national joint application system

• •Language requirements: Most lukiot teach in Finnish; some Swedish-language and IB programs available

• •Grade-based admission: Entrance based on peruskoulu grades

• •International options: IB (International Baccalaureate) programs available in some schools

• •Free education: Tuition-free, though students buy some textbooks

• •University pathway: Essential for university admission in Finland

• •Cultural immersion: Good opportunity for international students to integrate

Lukio vs. ammattikoulu

The curriculum

• •Mother tongue (Finnish or Swedish)

• •Other national language (Swedish or Finnish)

• •Foreign languages (typically English plus others)

• •Mathematics (long or short track)

• •Sciences (biology, geography, physics, chemistry)

• •Philosophy and ethics or religion

• •History and social studies

• •Health education

• •Physical education

• •Arts (music, visual arts)

• •Additional languages (German, French, Spanish, Russian, etc.)

• •Advanced courses in any subject

• •Psychology

• •Specialized topics

The matriculation examination

The ylioppilastutkinto (matriculation examination) is the national final examination taken at the end of lukio:

• •At least 5 exams required

• •Mother tongue exam is mandatory

• •Students choose 4+ additional subjects

• •Exams held twice yearly (spring and autumn)

• •Each subject has one exam

• •Students can retake exams to improve grades

• •Results graded on a 7-point scale (improbatur to laudatur)

• •Main criterion for university admission

• •Results compared nationally

• •High scores in specific subjects matter for competitive programs

International options

• •Offered at several Finnish schools

• •English-language instruction

• •Internationally recognized diploma

• •Good option for expat students

• •Some schools offer English-taught courses

• •Still includes Finnish/Swedish language requirements

• •Evening and flexible programs for adults

• •Good option for those who missed traditional lukio

Applying to lukio

• Joint application: Apply through opintopolku.fi in February-March

• List preferences: You can apply to several schools

• Grade-based selection: Admission based on peruskoulu final grades

• Results: Announced in June

• Start: School begins in August

• •Finnish language proficiency usually required

• •Some schools have IB or international tracks

• •Contact schools directly about requirements

Related terms

• •Peruskoulu (Comprehensive School) — Finland's free 9-year basic education for children aged 7-16, known worldwide for its quality and equity

• •Ammattikoulu (Vocational School) — Finnish vocational education and training providing practical skills and qualifications for specific professions

• •Esiopetus (Preschool) — Free mandatory preschool education for 6-year-olds in Finland, preparing children for basic school

• •Kirjasto (Library) — Finnish public libraries offering free access to books, digital resources, workspaces, and community services