Every child who is a permanent resident of Finland must participate in compulsory education. They have the right to basic education and schooling provided free of charge. This education is provided in primary and lower secondary schools unless the child’s education is arranged for in a different way. Compulsory education covers grades 1 through 9 of primary and lower secondary education.
Compulsory education begins in the year when a child becomes seven years old. The basic education of a child is complete when they have completed the entire basic education syllabus, or at the latest, when the school year ends in the calendar year the pupil turns 17. Compulsory education in upper secondary education continues until the person turns 18.
Teaching, the required textbooks and other learning materials, as well as any other tools and equipment required are provided to a pupil in basic education free of charge. Each pupil is provided a free meal on every day of school.