7 reasons Helsinki is a hub for world-class education and lifelong learning
World-class education and endless opportunities. Helsinki is the city for those seeking new challenges and educational growth.
From an outstanding educational system to opportunities for lifelong learning, Helsinki offers everything its residents need to thrive. We have gathered seven ways Helsinki enables its people to embrace the freedom to learn and grow.
1. Where education just works
Every three years, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) conducts PISA tests to evaluate the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students worldwide. Finland has been among the top-ranking countries in all PISA tests since 2000. While recent results have sparked some conversations in Finland, we’re still performing above the average of the 38 OECD countries across all subjects. Not perfect, but still impressive. On top of this, Finland has been doing great in “adult pisa”, as Finnish adults have the highest literacy and numeracy skills among OECD countries.
The Finnish education system focuses on equipping children with skills they’ll need for the future, like collaboration and problem-solving. It’s designed to be prioritizing broad and forward-looking education over obsessing about exam results. It’s not just about passing tests – it’s about preparing for what’s next.
2. Educators with high-level skills
Finnish teachers are required to complete a master’s degree in pedagogical theory and practice. Yes, you read that right – they are exceptionally well-trained. This high level of education provides them with the skills they need and gives them the autonomy to shape their teaching methods.
3. Plans that keeps up with the changing world
Growth comes from constant evaluation and adaptation. In Finland, the government revises its development plan for education and research every four years to ensure the system evolves with a changing world.
This commitment to evolution ensures children are equipped to navigate emerging trends. For example, Finland has been excelling in the Media Literacy Index several years in a row – thanks to schools teaching critical thinking and multi-platform information literacy. Across Finland, these skills are at the heart of the curriculum, preparing students to thrive in the digital age.
Helsinki Freedom
Live and learn
4. Great city with even better schools
Good system, better teachers, outstanding schools. In 2024’s ranking of Finland’s top high schools, Helsinki claimed three spots in the top 10 among larger high schools.
With great schools spread across the city, Finns often send their children to the nearest one. Why? Because they know that no matter where they go, the quality of education is consistently top tier. In Helsinki, school districts are economically diverse, ensuring that all schools receive adequate resources and funding. As a result, children from various socioeconomic backgrounds attend the same schools.
5. Universities for you, you, you and you
Helsinki boasts 12 outstanding schools where you can pursue higher education. Among them, four are ranked: the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, the University of Arts Helsinki, and Hanken School of Economics. Additionally, there are Haaga-Helia, Metropolia, Diak, Humak, and Arcada.
The Helsinki Summer University welcomes anyone eager to learn and expand their knowledge. For adult learners, the Institute of Adult Education is an excellent resource. Helsinki also hosts the National Defence University of Finland. Each institution offers unique opportunities, making them fantastic choices for students of all backgrounds – perhaps even you?
Education here isn’t limited to Finnish – many of the institutions mentioned also offer programs taught in English. And if learning Finnish is one of your goals, you’re in luck, as there are plenty of opportunities for that too. Students from EU, EEA countries, or Switzerland enjoy free tuition in Finland, while students from other parts of the world pay tuition fees ranging from 8,000 to 20,000 euros depending on the program.
6. You can always make a comeback
Learning is a lifelong journey. In Helsinki, many adults make their rockstar return to studying. Both the University of Helsinki and Aalto University have open courses for those ready to dive back in.
In Finland, you can even take study leave from work. Finnish companies offer employees the chance to dedicate up to two years to study. It’s never too late to discover something new – and there’s bound to be something that sparks your curiosity.
7. Even the city provides opportunities of adult education
Universities aren’t the only place to explore new interests – Helsinki itself is a hub for lifelong learning. The city is committed to helping residents gain new skills, especially as the world evolves faster than ever. The Helsinki’s Adult Education Centre, with its courses listed on Ilmonet, has everything for curious minds.
Here’s to a lifetime of learning something new!
