Compulsory education
What compulsory education means and who it applies to
Extended compulsory education entered into force in 2021, and applies to young people who complete the basic education curriculum as compulsory school leavers on or after 1 January 2021. In future, compulsory education will end when a young person turns 18 or when he or she completes a secondary education qualification (matriculation examination or vocational qualification) or equivalent foreign education before that date.
Where compulsory education after basic education can be completed
As a rule, compulsory education after basic education is completed in upper secondary general education or vocational education. In upper secondary education, compulsory education can be completed by completing the upper secondary school syllabus for young people or adults. In vocational education and training, it is possible to obtain a basic vocational qualification or a vocational qualification. Participation in the matriculation examination is also regarded as compulsory education. Compulsory education ends with the completion of the matriculation examination or vocational qualification.
Compulsory education can also be completed in intermediate education between basic education and upper secondary education, in preparatory education for qualifications (TUVA).
Compulsory education can also be completed in training for compulsory education students at community colleges.
Students with special needs can complete their compulsory education in education and training for work and independent living (TELMA).
Compulsory education can also be carried out as an apprenticeship.
Suspension of compulsory education
Suspension of compulsory education is provided for in Section 7 of the Compulsory Education Act.
The grounds for suspension of compulsory education are:
- a long-term illness or disability preventing the completion of compulsory education
- maternity, paternity or parental leave (in practice, while you are receiving parental allowance)
- temporary stay abroad (e.g. exchange studies, family moving abroad temporarily)
- other serious reasons related to your life situation that prevent you from completing compulsory education.
You can apply for suspension of compulsory education both during basic education and in post-basic education. The decision to suspend compulsory education is taken at the request of (available in Finnish) the student or his or her guardian or other legal representative. The decision to suspend compulsory education is taken by the education or training provider or by the municipality of residence of the person subject to compulsory education if the young person has no place of study.
As a rule, compulsory education is suspended for a limited period, i.e. for the estimated duration of the circumstance that prevents compulsory education. Indefinite suspension of compulsory education is possible only if the illness or disability preventing compulsory education is of a permanent nature.
During a temporary stay abroad, compulsory education can only be suspended if the student is attending a course of education abroad equivalent to compulsory education or can otherwise be considered to be completing compulsory education during the stay abroad.
In the case of an application for suspension of compulsory education due to illness, disability or difficult living conditions, the decision is preceded by an assessment of whether compulsory education can be fulfilled through individual choice, personalisation, necessary support measures or reasonable adjustments.
You can apply for suspension of compulsory education using the form available here (available in Finnish). Instructions for filling in and returning the form can be found in the application form.
Suspension of compulsory education for other than an acceptable reason
If a young person subject to compulsory education intends to discontinue his or her studies, the education provider must, together with the young person and his or her guardian, explore the possibility of pursuing studies in another learning environment or of applying for other education. If necessary, these alternatives shall be explored in cooperation with the other education or training provider. The education provider must also ascertain the adequacy of the support provided by the education provider and, if necessary, refer the pupil to other appropriate services.
If a student who is subject to compulsory education declares that he/she is leaving the institution, i.e. that he/she is discontinuing his/her studies, the decision to leave cannot be taken until the student has proved that he/she has a new place of study. If a student’s right to study is about to expire due to a high number of absences, the education provider must clarify the student’s situation before taking a decision to end the right to study. Before considering a student to be withdrawn, the education provider must inform the student and his or her guardian or other legal representative that the student may be considered to be withdrawn if he or she is absent from school without good reason.
If the education provider does not receive information that the student has continued his/her studies at another educational institution, the student’s municipality of residence must be notified. The student’s guardian or other legal representative must ensure that the compulsory education is completed (Article 9 OVL).
Assigning a place of study
If a student does not apply for education or training voluntarily or does not get a place, he or she will be assigned a place in an intermediate education or training preparatory to qualifications (TUVA). If the student is not ready for education leading to a qualification, he or she will be offered a place in training for work and independent living (TELMA).
It is up to the municipality of residence to assign a place to study. In Siilinjärvi, a study place is assigned by the service planner of the educational services. When assigning a suitable study place, the educational offer of the area, the distance and accessibility between the home and the educational institution, the need for special support, the language of instruction and the personal wishes of the student must be taken into account. Before assigning a place of study, the service planner consults the pupil and his/her guardian.
Under the compulsory education act, a person subject to compulsory education must start studying at the place of study assigned to him or her without delay.
For questions about compulsory education and suspension of compulsory education, you can contact:
Tiina Kirjavainen
Service Planner
0447401302
tiina.kirjavainen(at)siilinjarvi.fi