Starting August 2026, Finland will introduce upper secondary education in English to attract skilled foreign professionals with school-aged children.
The reform follows a law passed in December 2024, aimed at making the country more welcoming for international families.
English-language matriculation exams will be available from autumn 2028, offering the full range of subjects beyond the current IB curriculum.
The new exam option is designed for students without strong Finnish or Swedish skills, increasing accessibility in the national system.
By removing language barriers in education, Finland aims to support long-term relocation and integration of global skilled workers.
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Finland Removes Language Barrier with English High School Curriculum
In a major step to welcome skilled foreign professionals, Finland will begin offering upper secondary education in English from August 2026. The reform, backed by legislation passed in December 2024, aims to make relocation easier for international workers with school-aged children. In addition, matriculation exams will be available in English from autumn 2028, expanding beyond Finnish and Swedish. Unlike the existing IB curriculum, this will cover the full range of upper secondary subjects. The initiative is designed to reduce language barriers and promote smoother integration for globally mobile families.
*Want to study in Finland? Let Y-Axis assist you with the procedure.
What Finland’s English-Language Schooling Policy Means for International Families
Finland’s decision to expand its national education system to include English-language instruction is part of a broader strategy to attract skilled foreign professionals. The following are key points of the reform:
English-medium upper secondary education will begin from August 2026, following curriculum approval by the Ministry of Education.
Matriculation exams in English will be introduced from autumn 2028, offering the full range of national subjects.
The new option extends beyond the current International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes offered in select schools.
The policy is designed to assist international families, particularly those without proficiency in Finnish or Swedish.
The measure is part of Finland’s efforts to create a more accessible and globally competitive environment for skilled migrants.
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