General upper secondary education in Helsinki
Upper secondary schools provide general education after the comprehensive school.
Those who have completed general upper secondary education may continue their studies in universities and other institutions of higher education.
There are 39 upper secondary schools in Helsinki. Most of them are general upper secondary schools. In addition, there are schools that have a special task, specialising in mathematics, natural sciences, visual arts, performing arts, music, sports, languages or International Baccalaureate education.
Some general upper secondary schools provide focus education and likewise most special upper secondary schools also have streams for general upper secondary education.
The upper secondary school curriculum is based on courses. The school year is divided into periods. Each student follows a personal study plan. Completing the entire upper secondary syllabus requires a minimum of 75 courses. The student must complete both compulsory and advanced national courses and school-specific advanced and applied courses. The general upper secondary education takes 2 to 4 years to complete. At the end of their studies, students can take the matriculation exam.
Applications are submitted to most upper secondary schools in the national joint application round. Students are selected on the basis of the grade average of theoretical subjects in their school-leaving certificates in order of precedence. Some schools also apply other selection criteria, such as entrance exam results, interview, references or a personal application. Relevant skills or, for example, language proficiency may be an advantage in some cases.
Links:
City of Helsinki Education Department
Text: City of Helsinki Education Department
Photo: Helsinki City picture bank