Applicant

Pyynikin lukio Upper Secondary School is a high-quality general upper secondary school that provides a strong foundation for success in the matriculation examination and in further studies. The historic school building of Pyynikintie 2 has recently been fully renovated, taking into account the wishes of the students.

In addition to the general upper secondary programme, Pyynikin lukio Upper Secondary School also has a special educational programme in music and musical theatre. The school also offers a Bilingual Study Programme (BSP) as well as a new, fully English-language programme (ESP, English Study Programme).

Pyynikin lukio offers a wide selection of study units and a warm atmosphere. Concerts, musicals, and other events add extra color to everyday school life. Pyynikin lukio is an Erasmus+ accredited school, which means that many trips and student exchanges of varying lengths are organized. Each year, students either go hiking in Åland or skiing, for example in Åre, Sweden.

You can apply to us through the annual joint application process via Opintopolku (Studyinfo). When applying to the upper secondary schools of the City of Tampere, subject choices are not requested at the application stage. 

Discretionary Applicants

You may apply to upper secondary school through discretionary admission if you do not have a Finnish-language comprehensive school leaving certificate or a comprehensive school certificate issued in Finland. Applicants in discretionary admission will be invited separately to a Finnish language proficiency assessment and an interview. Applicants applying through discretionary admission must attach the required documents directly to Opintopolku. The documents do not need to be sent separately to the school by email.

Applicants who have applied to upper secondary schools in the City of Tampere through the discretionary route will be invited to an interview and a Finnish language test on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, or Wednesday, April 29, 2026. If your native language is not Finnish, you will receive an invitation and detailed instructions for the Finnish language test. The test cannot be taken remotely; you must attend in person at the time and place specified in the invitation.

If an applicant has completed foreign education that qualifies them in their home country for studies equivalent to upper secondary education, the education provider must assess the applicant’s proficiency in the language of instruction and other prerequisites required to succeed in upper secondary studies. An applicant cannot be admitted if they do not have sufficient ability to use and understand the language of instruction of the study program both orally and in writing.

Additional Information
Tuija Leppäharju, Development Manager for Upper Secondary Education
[email protected]

Transfers between the city’s upper secondary schools are not allowed. Young people moving to the area with their families may inquire about possible openings for second- and third-year students centrally from guidance counsellor Sonja Kaverinen at [email protected]. 

Introduction video