If you are interested in general upper secondary education and its vast opportunities in studying a variety of subjects but do not yet have the language skills to complete the studies in Finnish or in Swedish, this programme is for you.

General upper secondary education in English is designed for applicants whose Finnish or Swedish language skills are not yet strong enough for studies in those languages due to the length of their previous education in Finland, but who have the English skills required to study at upper secondary level.

A person is considered to have insufficient language skills to complete the syllabus of general upper secondary education for young people in Finnish or Swedish only if they have completed studies referred to in the Basic Education Act for no more than three years.

Applicants who are not citizens of a European Union member state or a state belonging to the European Economic Area must have been granted a residence permit other than one based on studies under the Aliens Act.

For particularly weighty reasons, a person who does not meet the above requirements may also be admitted as a student.

Upper secondary education provides students with a broad general education and strong skills for continuing their studies at a university of applied sciences or a university. Upper secondary school is more than just studying, and we hope these years become a memorable part of our students’ youth.

We encourage students to take part in shared events and projects, where they can meet peers with similar interests. Traditional celebrations such as the Vanhojen tanssit (Senior Dance) and Penkkarit (Seniors’ Day) are also an important part of our school culture.

The scope of upper secondary studies is a minimum of 150 credits, consisting of both compulsory and optional study units. In addition, our students have completed upper secondary diplomas in visual arts, dance, physical education, and music. Studies are usually completed in three years, but it is possible to extend the study period to three and a half or even four years, if needed. At the end of their studies, students complete the national Matriculation Examination. To pass the examination, students must successfully complete at least five subject-specific matriculation exams.

At upper secondary school, students plan their studies together with the guidance counsellor, taking into account their own interests, plans for further studies and future career aspirations.

Lyseo Upper Secondary School offers a wide selection of study options, allowing each student to focus on the subjects that inspire them most. Students may specialise, for example, in languages and international studies, natural sciences, or creative and performing arts. For the students who choose general upper secondary education in English, in addition to the compulsory study units and the optional study units that our school offers, there will be a selection of study units available online as the student advances in their studies, some of which may be facilitated in cooperation with other education providers. This assortment of study units allows students to deepen their personal interests and provides flexible language options.

A variety of learning methods are used, and students are encouraged to apply their knowledge across subject boundaries. Studies aim to develop skills needed for further education, working life, entrepreneurship, active citizenship, and international competence. Broad-based skills—such as well-being competence, communication, ethics, environmental awareness, and global and cultural competence—are integrated into all subjects.

The purpose of upper secondary studies is to support students’ growth and provide a strong foundation for self-development and lifelong learning.