Obligatory upper secondary education

Upper secondary education in Finland is mandated by law. A person's liability to participate in compulsory education ends when they turn 18 or once they have completed their upper secondary education. 

For further information please use the links below:

Ministry of Education and Culture

Turning 18 years of age gives a person the right to resign from school if they so choose. 

In case you want to graduate, turning 18 years of age does not mean that there is no need to participate in teaching anymore. See Act on General Upper Secondary Education Chapter 5 Section 30.

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Act on General Upper Secondary Education 

(714/2018) 

Chapter 5

Section 30 

Obligations of the students 

Students are obliged to participate in teaching unless there are justifiable reasons for their absence. The education providers decide on the procedures for student absences. 

Students shall complete their assignments diligently and observe appropriate conduct. Students shall conduct themselves without bullying or harassing others and avoid activities that may put at risk the safety or health of other students, the school community or the learning environment. Provisions on disciplinary action are laid down in Chapter 7.