One of the main principles of Finnish education policy is to provide post-complusory education for the whole age-group. Everyone has the opportunity to continue his or her studies after completing the nine-year compulsory comprehensive school, regardless of social status. There are sufficient student places in all fields and at all levels throughout the country.
The educational level of the finnish population is high. About 90% of comprehensive school leavers pursue further studies at upper secondary schools providing general education or at vocational schools and colleges. Each option acts as a channel to higher education.
Vocational training can also take the form of an apprenticeship which is intended to promote the availability of on-the-job training. Another option is to combine upper secondary school and vocational studies.
Adult education has expanded considerably. It is provided by most vocational schools and colleges. There are also special adult ecucation centres.
Higher education is provided at universities, polytechnics (AMK-Institutions) and higher vocational institutions. Students who have completed either the upper secondary school or initial vocational training in the same field are eligible for vocational higher education. Those who have passed the matriculation exam in the upper secondary school, or have a vocational higher education diploma, are eligible for university education.
There is also a variety of opportunities for studies in one's own free time.
Business eucation in Finland goes back a long way. The first business college was established in Turku as long ago as 1839. During the 1990's, business education has undergone a thorough structural change, at both secondary and tertiary levels.
At secondary level, business studies can be pursued on diploma programmes at business colleges. They offer programmes, usually lasting two or three years depending on the entry-level of the students. The establishment of polytechnics (AMK-Institutions) at the beginning of the 1990's created a non-university sector in Finland.
The polytechnics are multidisciplinary institutions of higher education, which have a university-level theoretical basis, a clear professional orientation and close connections with business and industry. They usually consist of several faculties. The trend is towards large units, where the border-lines between various types of institutions are blurred.
The aim of all these changes is to make education and qualifications in Finland comparable with those in other countries. It is all part of European integration.
Studies at polytechnics are generally organised into degree programmes. Within the programmes, there are line options and within the options, vocationally orientated major and minor subjects.
The duration of the polytechnic degree is 3.5-4 years, which is equivalent to 140-160 credits. One credit refers to an average input of approximately 40 hours by the stundent, including lectures, work, graduation project, practical training, etc. Normally, a student achieves approximately 40 credits per year.
Since higher education is funded by the state through the Ministry of Education, students enrolled in regular degree programmes pay no tuition fees. The monthly living expenses of a single student usually amount to FIM 3500. To cover their study and living expenses - such as books, study material, food, accomodation and clothing, students may apply for a study grant, a housing supplement and a government-guarantedd student loan. Students can get specail discounts on bus, rail and air tickets.'