Page 99 - DIPLOMATIC PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES IN FINLAND

Most institutions providing basic education are maintained by local authorities, but there are also some state schools and some private schools run by associations. The language of instruction in basis education is mostly Finnish or Swedish but local authorities are also required to organize education in the Sami language in the Sami speaking areas of Lapland. Care is also taken to ensure educational opportunities for Roma and other minorities as well as for people who use sign language. Some schools provide education also in English, Russian, French and German.
9.12.4 Upper secondary Education and Training
After compulsory basic education school-leavers can opt for general or vocational upper secondary education. Both forms usually take three years and give eligibility for higher education.
All those who have completed the basic education syllabus are eligible for general upper secondary education.
The selection of students for upper secondary school is based on their grade point average for the theoretical subjects in the basic education certificate. Entrance and aptitude tests may also be used.
General upper secondary education is designed to last three years but students may complete it in 2 to 4 years as instruction is organized in modular form. General upper secondary education ends with a national matriculation examination. There are also upper secondary schools which aim at international final examinations.
The scope of vocational qualifications is three years of study and each qualification includes at least half a year of on-the-job learning in workplaces. The majority of young learners complete their upper secondary vocational qualifications at vocational institutions.
9.12.5 Higher Education
Higher education is provided by universities and polytechnics, also known as universities of applied sciences. Both sectors have their own profiles.
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