Education and schools for expats in Finland | KOCH Moving Logistics

Moving to Finland presents families with many challenges, especially when it comes to their children's education. The Finnish education system differs fundamentally from the German school system in several respects – above all through its integrative model without early selection, which is based on a state‑guaranteed provision. It offers all children equal educational opportunities and individual support regardless of their social background. At the same time, the school system is highly decentralised: the national framework curricula are set by the Ministry of Education (Opetusministeriö), while the municipalities are responsible for local implementation. In this article, we take a look at the Finnish education system, the best international schools in Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere and Turku, as well as the various options for the youngest children, so that you can emigrate to Finland well‑informed and prepared.

For families moving to Finland, international schools offer an excellent opportunity to provide their children with a familiar education with English‑medium instruction. Finland has a wide selection of international schools, especially in the capital region and some major cities. International schools in Finland follow either a British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum or a Finnish curriculum with enhanced English content. Compared to other Nordic countries (e.g., the Oslo International School in Norway), the Finnish offering is broad and covers all age groups.

Die International School of Helsinki (ISH) is Finland's first fully IB‑accredited school (since 2005) and offers all three IB programmes (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programme) for children aged 4 to 18. The language of instruction is English, with Finnish, French, Spanish and Swedish also offered. The annual school fees for the 2026/27 school year are 12,067 euros for Early Years, 13,341 euros for grades 1‑5, 14,143 euros for grades 6‑8, 14,933 euros for grades 9‑10 and 16,121 euros for grades 11‑12 – thus the fees are at a similar level to comparable German international schools.

In addition to ISH, there are other international schools: Ressu Comprehensive School in Helsinki is a public IB World School for grades 1‑9 with two language streams (Finnish and English). Turku International School (TIS) follows the national Finnish curriculum but teaches in English. Oulu International School (OIS) focuses on English as the main language of instruction. The International School of Tampere is also a popular choice.

For German‑speaking families, the German School Helsinki (DSH) is the first address. It was founded in 1881 and is Finland's oldest international school. It is an encounter school recognised by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) and awarded the BLI seal of quality "Excellent German Overseas School". The DSH follows a German curriculum, supplemented by Finnish language and culture, and enables the acquisition of both school leaving certificates – the Finnish peruskoulu certificate and the German International Abitur (DIA). Compared to Germany, where the change between different school types already takes place after the fourth grade, the DSH remains a continuous comprehensive school from pre‑school to grade 12.

The school is sponsored by the Pestalozzi School Association and teaches about 700 pupils. The languages of instruction are German and Finnish, plus foreign languages such as English, Swedish, French, Russian and Latin. The annual fees are moderate compared to many other international schools in Helsinki: about 336.50 euros per semester – making the DSH one of the cheapest options for a high‑quality international education. For German families who do not speak Finnish, the DSH is also ideal, as children learn in a familiar German language environment while growing into Finnish society.

The Finnish education system is world‑famous for its excellence, evidenced by its good results in PISA studies. A central principle is equal opportunity: education at all levels is free for EU/EEA citizens, including learning materials, daily meals and pupil transport. Compulsory schooling begins at age six (pre‑school) and ends at age 16 after grade 9. Comprehensive school (peruskoulu) is completed without selection, i.e., there is no Hauptschule, Realschule or Gymnasium. Teaching takes place for 10‑15 pupils.

Upper secondary school (lukio) is not compulsory, but is attended by over 80 percent of an age cohort. It lasts three years and ends with the matriculation examination, which opens access to universities and universities of applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulu). The Finnish teaching profession is highly respected – admission to teacher training is subject to a numerus clausus system, which guarantees high quality. Compared to Germany, where the admission requirements vary by federal state, the Finnish standards are nationally unified.

Compared to Germany, some differences are particularly noticeable:

– NINE YEARS TOGETHER WITHOUT EARLY SELECTION:The Finnish school system has no Hauptschule, Realschule or Gymnasium. Everyone learns together; there is no early selection as in Germany (after grade 4). Only after grade 9 do young people decide on an academic or vocational path.

– TRUST INSTEAD OF CONTROL: The Finnish system dispenses with school inspections and rankings. Schools evaluate themselves, teachers enjoy high trust. In Germany, the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs determines the curricula, there are central final examinations and stricter school supervision.

– MATERIALS, BUS TRANSPORT, LUNCH – ALL FREE : In Finland, textbooks, exercise books, pencils, calculators, hot lunch and (for long school journeys) bus transport are fully paid for by the state. In Germany, parents have to bear the cost of books, lunch and often school materials themselves – and these often vary from federal state to federal state.

Finnish early childhood education focuses on the holistic development of children, is based on national framework curricula and is offered by municipalities and private providers. The day‑care centre (päiväkoti) is for children aged 1 to 6 years. Pre‑school (esikoulu) is compulsory for all six‑year‑olds. As a rule, it is integrated into the primary school and takes place 4‑5 hours per day. Pre‑school is offered free of charge. Day‑care centres and pre‑schools are state‑subsidised; parental fees are income‑dependent and capped.

Moving to Finland requires careful planning of the school transition. The Finnish education system is world‑famous for its top quality, its inclusion and its free offerings. Whether public school, international IB school or the German School Helsinki – with the right preparation and support, every family will find the right educational path for their children in Finland. KOCH Moving Logistics stands by your side as an experienced partner to make your move to Finland smooth.