Attending high school in Finland gives students the opportunity to experience one of the most talked-about education systems in the world first-hand. Finnish high schools are known for their flexible structure, highly qualified teachers, a learning culture free from exam pressure and an approach that encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning.
Students from Turkey mostly attend high school in Finland through exchange programs lasting one semester or one academic year. In these programs, students stay with a Finnish host family and attend a Finnish high school. English-language high school options in Finland are limited and are mostly IB programs in large cities. For this reason, Finland stands out especially for students looking for an exchange experience.
Attending high school in Finland offers students important academic and personal advantages.
Finland is a Northern European country and a member of the European Union. Its capital is Helsinki. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish, and English is very widely spoken, especially among young people. The currency is the euro.
Finland is known for its clean nature, low crime rate, advanced technology culture and high quality of life. Winters are long and cold, while summers are mild with long daylight hours. The northern lights and snowy winter landscapes are among the unforgettable experiences of life in Finland.
In Finland, students move on to secondary education, usually at the age of 16, after nine years of basic education. Compulsory education in Finland has been extended to include secondary education. There are two main paths in secondary education:
General upper secondary school ends with a national final exam. At Finnish high schools, the school year is divided into periods and course modules rather than grade levels. Students choose different courses each period and build their own schedule. Grades are usually given from 4 to 10.
The types of high schools international students can choose from in Finland are:
There are different programs for high school education in Finland depending on the student's goals and the length of stay:
Application requirements for high schools in Finland vary depending on the type of program. For exchange programs, students are usually expected to be within a certain age range, have a good academic record and be open to adapting to a different culture. Exchange programs usually do not require prior knowledge of Finnish.
The application usually requires report cards from recent years, a transcript, teacher references, student and family introduction letters and health information. Applications to IB programs involve additional assessments such as English proficiency, an entrance exam and an interview. For full-time high school education, the student must hold a valid Finnish residence permit.
The school year in Finland starts in mid-August and ends in early June. The school year is divided into several periods in which course modules are taught.
Applications for exchange programs are usually made 6 to 12 months before the program starts. Since host family placement and residence permit processes take time, applying early is very important. Full-time applications to high schools and IB programs in Finland are usually made during the joint application period held at the beginning of each year, and IB entrance exams take place before this period.
The city where you can attend high school in Finland depends on the type of program. In exchange programs, students are placed in the city or town where their host family lives.
Public high schools in Finland are tuition-free. With compulsory education extended to secondary education, textbooks and learning materials have also become largely free for students residing in Finland. Public high schools offering the IB program are also tuition-free.
However, this right applies to students residing in Finland. It is usually not possible for a student living in Turkey to enroll full-time in these schools without moving to Finland with their family. The most common way for students from Turkey to attend Finnish high schools is through exchange programs. In these programs, no tuition is paid to the school; however, a program fee is paid to the organizing institution for host family placement, organization, insurance and support services.
The cost of high school education in Finland depends largely on the program. Fees for exchange programs vary depending on the length of the program, host family placement and the services included. Private international schools in Helsinki charge fees.
When planning your budget, you should account for airfare, health insurance, residence permit costs, pocket money, winter clothing and school trips in addition to the program fee. You should also keep in mind that the cost of living in Finland is above the European average.
At NGGlobal, we share the current prices of our partner institutions with you and work with you to choose the program that best fits your budget and goals.
The main accommodation options for high school students in Finland are:
In all options, students' safety and wellbeing come first. Exchange students receive support from local coordinators throughout the program.
Turkish citizens need a residence permit to attend high school in Finland for more than 90 days. For students taking part in exchange programs, the application is usually made with documents issued by the program organization. Applications are made through the Finnish Immigration Service's online system, and applicants visit Finland's mission in Turkey or the authorized application center for identity verification.
The application requires documents such as the letter of acceptance from the school or exchange organization, host family details, proof of financial means, health insurance and, for minor students, a parental consent form.
Since residence permit processing can take time, it is important to plan your application early. At NGGlobal, we support our students and their families at every step of this process.
Students who take part in a high school exchange program in Finland or complete part of their high school education there must obtain recognition (denklik) from the Turkish Ministry of National Education to continue their education where they left off when they return to Turkey. Students who earn a Finnish high school or IB diploma must also obtain recognition of their diploma to apply to universities in Turkey.
Since the course system at Finnish high schools is based on modules, it is especially important to document the courses taken and grades earned in detail. The documents must be certified and translated. It is advisable to speak with your school and the Provincial Directorate of National Education before the program starts to learn the recognition requirements.
At NGGlobal, we offer free consultation to students who want to attend high school in Finland and to their families. By assessing the student's age, academic background, goals and the family's budget, we identify the most suitable program.
Contact us to build your plan for high school in Finland together.
Public high schools in Finland teach in Finnish or Swedish. IB programs at some high schools and international schools teach in English.
Exchange programs usually do not require prior knowledge of Finnish. The fact that English is very widely spoken in Finland also makes it easier for students to settle in.
Public high schools in Finland, including IB programs, are tuition-free. However, this right applies to students residing in Finland. Students from Turkey usually attend through exchange programs, for which a program fee is paid.
At Finnish high schools, students choose their courses in modules without being tied to a grade level and build their own schedule. This flexible structure encourages students to take responsibility and learn independently.
Yes. If you prepare all the required documents, you can obtain recognition from the Turkish Ministry of National Education and continue your education in Turkey where you left off.
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