The programme will be organised at Jyväskylän Lyseo General Upper Secondary School, where up to 30 study places will be available in the joint application of spring 2026. Nationally, the new English-language general upper secondary education will accommodate approximately 200 students per year.  

Who Is the Programme Intended For? 

The programme is designed for applicants whose Finnish or Swedish language skills are not sufficient for completing general upper secondary studies in those languages due to the duration of their earlier education in Finland. An applicant is considered to have insufficient language skills if they have completed no more than three years of basic education in Finland.  

Applicants from outside EU/EEA countries must hold a residence permit other than one based on studies. In special cases, an applicant who does not fully meet the statutory requirements may also be admitted for particularly weighty reasons. 

Selection Based on Entrance Examination 

Admission to the programme is based solely on the national entrance examination, which assesses: 

• the applicant’s ability to understand and produce English-language text 
• academic skills required for upper secondary studies 

The exam will be held only in Finland and cannot be taken remotely. One entrance exam result can be used to apply to all upper secondary schools offering English-language general upper secondary education. The national entrance exam will take place on 21 April 2026 at 10:00–12:00, and in Jyväskylä it will be organised at Jyväskylän Lyseo General Upper Secondary School.  

Programme Structure and Study Path 

General upper secondary education in English follows the national curriculum and comprises 150 credits, to be completed through on-site study between 13 August 2026 and 31 May 2029.  

The programme leads to the Finnish matriculation examination, which can first be taken in English in autumn 2028. 

The new programme complements Jyväskylän Lyseo General Upper Secondary School’s long-established international profile, alongside the existing International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Together, these pathways enhance the international education offering in Central Finland.  

Joint Application Spring 2026 

Applications for general upper secondary education in English are submitted through Finland’s national joint application system from 17 February to 17 March 2026.