GITNUXREPORT 2025

Finland Education Statistics

Finland’s education system excels through high quality, equity, and innovation.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average class size in Finnish primary schools is approximately 20 students

Statistic 2

The literacy rate among Finnish children aged 6-15 is 100%

Statistic 3

Finnish students begin formal education at age 7, one of the latest starting ages globally

Statistic 4

The attendance rate for compulsory education (grades 1-9) in Finland is nearly 100%

Statistic 5

The teacher to student ratio in Finnish primary schools is approximately 1:10

Statistic 6

Finnish students spend an average of 7 hours per day in school, including recess and lunch

Statistic 7

School attendance rates for Finnish children aged 5-6 are above 95%

Statistic 8

The primary language of instruction in Finland is Finnish, with Swedish also recognized in certain regions

Statistic 9

The proportion of Finnish students participating in extracurricular activities is over 80%, contributing to holistic development

Statistic 10

Finland's national curriculum emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving, beyond traditional literacy and numeracy

Statistic 11

Finland has a high percentage of early childhood education participation, approaching 90% of children aged 3-5

Statistic 12

Finland's comprehensive school system covers grades 1 through 9, with universal access

Statistic 13

Finnish education policies prioritize equitable access, leading to a poverty rate among students of less than 5%

Statistic 14

Finland’s students report high levels of satisfaction with their school experience, with over 80% expressing positive attitudes

Statistic 15

Finnish schools are increasingly adopting project-based and inquiry-based learning approaches, reflecting progressive pedagogies

Statistic 16

Finland spends about 7% of its GDP on education, one of the highest in the OECD

Statistic 17

Finland's education system includes free school meals for all students

Statistic 18

Finland has nearly 4,600 public schools nationwide

Statistic 19

Finland’s education system is decentralized, with local authorities responsible for implementation

Statistic 20

Finland is known for its inclusive education model, integrating students with special needs into mainstream classrooms

Statistic 21

Finland has introduced digital tools and tablets in nearly 90% of classrooms, enhancing technology integration

Statistic 22

Finland ranks first in the world for education in the PISA 2018 rankings

Statistic 23

The literacy rate in Finland is nearly 100%

Statistic 24

Over 95% of Finnish students complete upper secondary education

Statistic 25

The literacy rate among Finnish adults aged 25-64 is 99%

Statistic 26

Finnish students spend approximately 4 hours on homework per week, lower than the OECD average of 6 hours

Statistic 27

The dropout rate for Finnish upper secondary students is less than 5%, one of the lowest globally

Statistic 28

The percentage of Finnish 15-year-olds performing at the highest level in reading skills is 27%, compared to an OECD average of 11%

Statistic 29

Finnish students score an average of 520 on the PISA reading test, above the OECD average of 487

Statistic 30

Finland’s early childhood education enrollment rate is over 85%

Statistic 31

Finland has one of the lowest levels of inequality in education outcomes among OECD countries

Statistic 32

Finnish students in grade 9 scored an average of 488 points in mathematics on PISA, above the OECD average of 489

Statistic 33

Finland’s transition from basic education to upper secondary education is seamless, with over 95% continuing their studies

Statistic 34

Finnish students have one of the highest levels of OECD well-being reported among students

Statistic 35

98% of Finnish upper secondary students graduate within five years, demonstrating strong completion rates

Statistic 36

Finnish students participating in STEM activities are above the OECD average, fostering innovation skills

Statistic 37

The Finnish education system has minimal achievement gaps between socio-economic groups, indicating high levels of equity

Statistic 38

Finland ranks among the top 5 countries for educational equality worldwide, according to the OECD

Statistic 39

The percentage of students attending vocational education in Finland is about 44%, providing diverse pathways

Statistic 40

Finnish students’ reading engagement is high, with over 60% reading outside school hours regularly

Statistic 41

The university enrollment rate in Finland is approximately 42%, among the highest in Europe

Statistic 42

Finland has approximately 370 universities and higher education institutions

Statistic 43

Finland’s international student population is growing, with about 10,000 international students enrolled in higher education

Statistic 44

The dropout rate for Finnish students in university is less than 10%, well below the OECD average

Statistic 45

The country invests more than €2,000 per student annually in higher education, among the highest in Europe

Statistic 46

Finland ranks second globally in educational attainment among 25-34-year-olds, with over 50% holding tertiary degrees

Statistic 47

The number of Finnish universities offering online programs has increased by 25% over the past five years

Statistic 48

Finnish universities participate in more than 30 international research collaborations annually, emphasizing global partnerships

Statistic 49

The average age of first-time university students in Finland is 19 years old, indicating late transitions to higher education

Statistic 50

The country’s master’s degree completion rate is over 80%, one of the highest in Europe

Statistic 51

Finland invests approximately €400 million annually in higher education research and development, fostering innovation

Statistic 52

In Finland, teacher salaries are competitive, with starting teachers earning around €3,300 gross per month

Statistic 53

Around 95% of Finnish teachers are trained to the master's level

Statistic 54

Nearly 90% of Finnish teachers report high satisfaction with their profession

Statistic 55

The median age of Finnish teachers is 45 years, indicating a relatively experienced workforce

Statistic 56

The average Finnish teacher spends about 24 hours per week actively teaching in the classroom

Statistic 57

In Finland, approximately 70% of teachers participate in continuous professional development annually, ensuring teaching quality

Statistic 58

The percentage of early childhood educators with at least a bachelor’s degree in Finland is 70%, ensuring professional standards

Statistic 59

Finland maintains a high teacher retention rate, with over 85% remaining in the profession after five years

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Key Highlights

Finland ranks first in the world for education in the PISA 2018 rankings
The literacy rate in Finland is nearly 100%
The average class size in Finnish primary schools is approximately 20 students
Finland spends about 7% of its GDP on education, one of the highest in the OECD
In Finland, teacher salaries are competitive, with starting teachers earning around €3,300 gross per month
Over 95% of Finnish students complete upper secondary education
The literacy rate among Finnish adults aged 25-64 is 99%
Finnish students spend approximately 4 hours on homework per week, lower than the OECD average of 6 hours
Finland's education system includes free school meals for all students
The dropout rate for Finnish upper secondary students is less than 5%, one of the lowest globally
Finland has nearly 4,600 public schools nationwide
Around 95% of Finnish teachers are trained to the master's level
The university enrollment rate in Finland is approximately 42%, among the highest in Europe

Finland’s education system is a global benchmark for excellence, blending high investment, innovative pedagogies, and unwavering commitment to equity—achieving top rankings, near-perfect literacy, and near-universal participation at every level.

Early Childhood and K-12 Education

The average class size in Finnish primary schools is approximately 20 students
The literacy rate among Finnish children aged 6-15 is 100%
Finnish students begin formal education at age 7, one of the latest starting ages globally
The attendance rate for compulsory education (grades 1-9) in Finland is nearly 100%
The teacher to student ratio in Finnish primary schools is approximately 1:10
Finnish students spend an average of 7 hours per day in school, including recess and lunch
School attendance rates for Finnish children aged 5-6 are above 95%
The primary language of instruction in Finland is Finnish, with Swedish also recognized in certain regions
The proportion of Finnish students participating in extracurricular activities is over 80%, contributing to holistic development
Finland's national curriculum emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving, beyond traditional literacy and numeracy
Finland has a high percentage of early childhood education participation, approaching 90% of children aged 3-5
Finland's comprehensive school system covers grades 1 through 9, with universal access
Finnish education policies prioritize equitable access, leading to a poverty rate among students of less than 5%
Finland’s students report high levels of satisfaction with their school experience, with over 80% expressing positive attitudes
Finnish schools are increasingly adopting project-based and inquiry-based learning approaches, reflecting progressive pedagogies

Early Childhood and K-12 Education Interpretation

Finland’s education system, with its intimate class sizes, highly engaged students, and emphasis on holistic and equitable learning, proves that when respect for educators and innovative pedagogies meet a well-funded and inclusive framework, excellence isn't just an aspiration—it’s the norm.

Educational Infrastructure and Resources

Finland spends about 7% of its GDP on education, one of the highest in the OECD
Finland's education system includes free school meals for all students
Finland has nearly 4,600 public schools nationwide
Finland’s education system is decentralized, with local authorities responsible for implementation
Finland is known for its inclusive education model, integrating students with special needs into mainstream classrooms
Finland has introduced digital tools and tablets in nearly 90% of classrooms, enhancing technology integration

Educational Infrastructure and Resources Interpretation

With Finland investing a hefty 7% of GDP in education—boasting free meals, inclusive classrooms, and tech-savvy students—it’s clear that their secret weapon isn’t just money, but a commitment to fostering an equitable and innovative learning environment, earning them top marks on the world stage.

Educational Performance and Outcomes

Finland ranks first in the world for education in the PISA 2018 rankings
The literacy rate in Finland is nearly 100%
Over 95% of Finnish students complete upper secondary education
The literacy rate among Finnish adults aged 25-64 is 99%
Finnish students spend approximately 4 hours on homework per week, lower than the OECD average of 6 hours
The dropout rate for Finnish upper secondary students is less than 5%, one of the lowest globally
The percentage of Finnish 15-year-olds performing at the highest level in reading skills is 27%, compared to an OECD average of 11%
Finnish students score an average of 520 on the PISA reading test, above the OECD average of 487
Finland’s early childhood education enrollment rate is over 85%
Finland has one of the lowest levels of inequality in education outcomes among OECD countries
Finnish students in grade 9 scored an average of 488 points in mathematics on PISA, above the OECD average of 489
Finland’s transition from basic education to upper secondary education is seamless, with over 95% continuing their studies
Finnish students have one of the highest levels of OECD well-being reported among students
98% of Finnish upper secondary students graduate within five years, demonstrating strong completion rates
Finnish students participating in STEM activities are above the OECD average, fostering innovation skills
The Finnish education system has minimal achievement gaps between socio-economic groups, indicating high levels of equity
Finland ranks among the top 5 countries for educational equality worldwide, according to the OECD
The percentage of students attending vocational education in Finland is about 44%, providing diverse pathways
Finnish students’ reading engagement is high, with over 60% reading outside school hours regularly

Educational Performance and Outcomes Interpretation

Finland’s education system, with its near-perfect literacy, high achievement across disciplines, low dropout rates, and equitable outcomes despite shorter homework hours, proves that investing in well-rounded, inclusive education creates not just top test scores but a nation of lifelong learners—where excellence and equality go hand in hand.

Higher Education and Lifelong Learning

The university enrollment rate in Finland is approximately 42%, among the highest in Europe
Finland has approximately 370 universities and higher education institutions
Finland’s international student population is growing, with about 10,000 international students enrolled in higher education
The dropout rate for Finnish students in university is less than 10%, well below the OECD average
The country invests more than €2,000 per student annually in higher education, among the highest in Europe
Finland ranks second globally in educational attainment among 25-34-year-olds, with over 50% holding tertiary degrees
The number of Finnish universities offering online programs has increased by 25% over the past five years
Finnish universities participate in more than 30 international research collaborations annually, emphasizing global partnerships
The average age of first-time university students in Finland is 19 years old, indicating late transitions to higher education
The country’s master’s degree completion rate is over 80%, one of the highest in Europe
Finland invests approximately €400 million annually in higher education research and development, fostering innovation

Higher Education and Lifelong Learning Interpretation

Finland’s robust higher education landscape, marked by high enrollment and completion rates, substantial public investment, and a thriving international student community, cements its status as Europe’s academic exemplar—proof that a nation can prioritize knowledge without compromising quality or accessibility.

Teacher Qualifications and Workforce

In Finland, teacher salaries are competitive, with starting teachers earning around €3,300 gross per month
Around 95% of Finnish teachers are trained to the master's level
Nearly 90% of Finnish teachers report high satisfaction with their profession
The median age of Finnish teachers is 45 years, indicating a relatively experienced workforce
The average Finnish teacher spends about 24 hours per week actively teaching in the classroom
In Finland, approximately 70% of teachers participate in continuous professional development annually, ensuring teaching quality
The percentage of early childhood educators with at least a bachelor’s degree in Finland is 70%, ensuring professional standards
Finland maintains a high teacher retention rate, with over 85% remaining in the profession after five years

Teacher Qualifications and Workforce Interpretation

Finland’s education system showcases a commendable synergy of competitive salaries, advanced training, and sustained professional development, underpinning a seasoned and satisfied teaching workforce that consistently upholds high standards—proving that investing in teachers is truly investing in the future.