English Study Programme applicants
The English Study Programme - ESP
In August 2026, Pyynikki Upper Secondary School will launch a new, fully English-medium study programme. The programme follows the Finnish national curriculum, but all instruction is provided in English. The matriculation examinations are also taken in English. However, all students must study Finnish or Swedish as a second language and take the Finnish or Swedish as a Second Language and Literature exam in the matriculation examination.
The English Study Programme is intended for young people whose language skills are not sufficient for studying upper secondary education in the national languages Finnish or Swedish. A person is considered to have insufficient language skills to complete the upper secondary education syllabus in Finnish or Swedish only if they have completed basic education studies, as referred to in the Basic Education Act, for a maximum of three years.
Applicants to the English‑language upper secondary education who are not citizens of an EU Member State or a state belonging to the European Economic Area must have been granted a residence permit on a basis other than studies, in accordance with the Aliens Act.
National entrance examination
Applications are submitted through the national joint application system. Foreign applicants must present an official document of their previous qualification as well as an official English translation of the certificate. However, only performance in the entrance examination is used as the selection criterion — previous academic achievement does not affect the selection. The national entrance examination for English‑language upper secondary education will be held on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, from 10:00 to 12:00. No alternative exam date will be provided.
The entrance examination for the English‑language upper secondary education assesses applicants’ academic abilities, essential upper secondary‑level competencies, and mathematical skills. The exam is taken in English. It is held in Finland, and remote participation is not possible. With one entrance exam, applicants may apply to all upper secondary schools offering English‑language education. The national exam must be taken at the institution offering English‑language upper secondary education that the applicant lists as their highest preference.
For more information about the program, please contact the principal, vice-principal, or guidance counselors of Pyynikin lukio.
TUVA, IB, BSP or ESP?
The table below illustrates the differences between the preparatory TUVA programme and the international programmes in upper secondary schools. You can view the full table by clicking on the image.
