English Study Programme
The curriculum of the English Study Programme follows the Finnish national core curriculum, but all teaching is conducted in English. Students will also complete their matriculation examinations in English. However, all students are required to study Finnish or Swedish as a second language in upper secondary school and to take the Finnish or Swedish as a Second Language and Literature exam in the matriculation examination.
ESP is intended for students whose Finnish or Swedish language skills are considered insufficient for completing the upper secondary school syllabus, provided that they have attended no more than three years of basic education as defined in the Basic Education Act in Finland.
Applicants to the English Study Programme 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.
For a particularly compelling reason, a person who does not meet the above conditions may also be admitted as a student.
National entrance examination
Applications are submitted through the national joint application system. Foreign applicants must present an official document of their previous qualifications 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 entrance examination is held every April.
The entrance examination for the ESP 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.