Extended compulsory education
The extension of compulsory education came into force in August 2021. Compulsory education ends when the student turns 18 years of age or if they complete an upper secondary qualification before that.
Pupils in the final stage of comprehensive education are obliged to apply for upper secondary education, transition-phase education or other education that falls within the scope of compulsory education. As a rule, ninth graders apply for programs through the national joint application. If a person subject to compulsory education does not obtain a study place through the joint application, the obligation to seek a place continues until a study place is found.
During the application phase, oversight of compulsory education is the responsibility of comprehensive education. During studies, oversight is the responsibility of upper secondary education providers as well as the municipalities of residence and the guardians. Under the Compulsory Education Act, the monitoring responsibility does not cease at any point; instead, a suitable way for the young person to fulfil compulsory education is sought in cooperation with the family, the municipality, and the education providers. If a young person is left without a study place in the joint application, discontinues their studies or is expelled from an educational institution, the municipality has monitoring responsibility and an obligation to provide the young person with a study place within two months.
Temporary or indefinite suspension of compulsory education
If, during studies or comprehensive education, the young person encounters obstacles to fulfilling compulsory education, such as a long-term illness, a temporary (lasting at least one month) move abroad, pregnancy, or another serious life situation-related obstacle, a temporary decision to suspend compulsory education may be made at the authority’s discretion. An indefinite suspension decision may be granted only due to a permanent injury or illness that prevents the completion of compulsory education.
Certificates affecting the decision must always be attached to the application. The application must include the names and signatures of all legal guardians. The application for a temporary suspension of compulsory education can be found below.
Other suspensions, for example a pupil’s/student’s personal leaves, are still requested in accordance with the provided instructions from the teacher, class teacher, group supervisor or principal.
Application for temporary suspension of compulsory education (PDF in Finnish)