Finnish Education System

A little about Finnish Education System. The main objective of Finnish education policy is to offer all citizens equal opportunities to receive education, regardless of age, domicile, financial situation, sex or mother tongue. Education is considered to be one of the fundamental rights of all citizens. The system is composed of 9-year basic education, preceded by one year of voluntary pre-primary education; upper secondary education, comprising vocational and general education; and higher education, provided by universities and universities of applied sciences. The Finnish higher education system consists of two complementary sectors: 16 universities and 25 universities of applied sciences. The mission of universities is to conduct scientific research and provide instruction and postgraduate education based on it. Universities of applied sciences train professionals in response to labour market needs and conduct R&D which supports instruction and promotes regional development in particular. Universities of applies sciences are multi-field regional institutions focusing on contacts with working life and on regional development.

I am teaching in a University of Applied Sciences, but I am studying from a research university. Before this, I have not experienced the differences personally, but now that I am in both system - I can feel a 'whole' new world of differences!

The research university is very similar to the kind of universities I attended in Australia and UK. However, in the UAS, the syllabus are much more practical and connected to the business world and regional requirements. The pedagogy is 'Learning by doing', students get to experience projects that help them to connect the dots in the practical world. For example, my students have the opportunities to work with local businesses to help them do market research, or explore new business possibilities and models.

However, in the research university, the syllabus are very theoretical focus, structure is very hierarchical, and the atmosphere is very 'strict, dry and cold' with a small exception - the young 'professor' I have is very friendly, down-to-earth and open.

Image source: http://www2.mamk.fi/finnish_education_system