Teaching in Finland requires rigorous qualifications that reflect the country’s commitment to educational excellence. Finnish teachers must hold a master’s degree, complete extensive pedagogical studies, and demonstrate subject expertise. Language proficiency in Finnish or Swedish is typically required, along with practical teaching skills. The competitive selection process and ongoing professional development requirements ensure that Finnish educators maintain the high standards that have made the Finnish education system world-renowned.

What education is required to become a teacher in Finland?

To become a teacher in Finland, a master’s degree from a university is the fundamental requirement for most teaching positions. This high academic standard applies to teachers at all levels of education, from primary through upper secondary schools. The specific requirements vary slightly depending on the teaching role:

For class teachers (teaching grades 1-6), candidates must complete a master’s degree in education, with a specialization in teaching. This includes extensive pedagogical studies and teaching practice.

For subject teachers (teaching grades 7-12), candidates need a master’s degree in their teaching subject (such as mathematics, history, or languages) plus a minimum of 60 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer System) in pedagogical studies.

For early childhood education teachers, a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on early childhood pedagogy is required, though many pursue master’s degrees for career advancement.

Special education teachers require a master’s degree with specialization in special needs education, while vocational teachers need both a master’s or bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of three years of work experience in their field, along with pedagogical qualifications.

This comprehensive academic preparation ensures Finnish teachers possess both deep subject knowledge and pedagogical expertise, contributing to the high quality of the Finnish education system.

How long does teacher education take in Finland?

Teacher education in Finland typically takes 5-6 years to complete. The process follows a structured pathway that combines theoretical knowledge with practical teaching experience:

• Bachelor’s degree: 3 years (180 ECTS credits)
• Master’s degree: 2 years (120 ECTS credits)
• Pedagogical studies: Integrated throughout or as a separate 1-year program (60 ECTS credits) for subject teachers

For class teachers, the education is integrated, with pedagogical studies built into the degree program. Subject teachers first complete their subject-specific master’s degree and then undertake pedagogical studies either alongside or after their main studies.

Throughout their education, teacher candidates participate in several teaching practice periods in teacher training schools affiliated with universities. These practical components are crucial, allowing future teachers to apply theoretical knowledge in real classroom settings under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers.

The final phase typically includes a research-based master’s thesis, which develops critical thinking and research skills that Finnish teachers are expected to apply throughout their careers. This research orientation is a distinctive feature of Finnish teacher education, preparing educators to continuously develop their teaching methods based on evidence.

Do Finnish teachers need to speak Finnish or Swedish?

Yes, Finnish teachers generally need proficiency in either Finnish or Swedish, as these are the official languages of Finland. Language requirements are determined by the language of instruction at the school where they teach:

Teachers working in Finnish-medium schools must demonstrate excellent Finnish language skills, typically at level C1 or C2 on the European Framework of Reference for Languages. Similarly, teachers in Swedish-medium schools need equivalent proficiency in Swedish.

All teachers in public schools must also have at least satisfactory skills in the second official language (Finnish or Swedish). This requirement reflects Finland’s bilingual status and ensures teachers can communicate with parents and colleagues from both language groups.

Foreign language teachers need to demonstrate native or near-native proficiency in their teaching language, plus Finnish or Swedish skills for general school communication.

There are some exceptions for teachers in international schools or English-language programs, where excellent English skills may be prioritized, though basic Finnish or Swedish is still advantageous for integration into the school community and communication with families.

For foreign teachers wishing to work in Finland, language certification from recognized language examinations is usually required as part of the qualification recognition process.

What practical skills are Finnish teachers expected to have?

Finnish teachers are expected to possess a comprehensive set of practical skills beyond their academic qualifications. These competencies enable them to implement Finland’s student-centered approach to education effectively:

Pedagogical expertise is fundamental, with teachers demonstrating the ability to design learning experiences that support individual student development. This includes skills in differentiated instruction to accommodate various learning styles and abilities within the same classroom.

Finnish teachers must excel in assessment practices, using both formative and summative methods to evaluate student progress. Rather than focusing solely on testing, they’re expected to provide constructive feedback that guides student improvement.

Digital competence has become increasingly important, with teachers expected to integrate technology meaningfully into their teaching. This includes using digital tools to enhance learning experiences and helping students develop their own digital literacy.

Strong collaboration skills are essential, as Finnish teachers regularly work with colleagues to plan curriculum and share best practices. They also collaborate closely with special education teachers, school psychologists, and other support staff to address student needs.

Finnish teachers need excellent communication abilities for interacting with students, parents, and colleagues. This includes skills in facilitating classroom discussions that promote critical thinking and student voice.

Finally, research literacy is expected, with teachers able to understand educational research and apply evidence-based practices in their classrooms, reflecting Finland’s emphasis on research-informed teaching.

How competitive is it to become a teacher in Finland?

Becoming a teacher in Finland is highly competitive, with teacher education programs accepting only about 10-15% of applicants annually. This selectivity reflects the prestigious status of teaching as a profession in Finnish society.

The application process is rigorous and multi-staged. Initially, candidates are evaluated based on their upper secondary school matriculation examination results and relevant prior studies. Those who pass this first screening advance to entrance examinations that assess their suitability for the teaching profession.

These entrance exams typically include written tests evaluating academic abilities and understanding of educational issues, followed by interviews that assess motivation, communication skills, and personal suitability for teaching. Some programs also include group activities to evaluate collaborative abilities.

What makes candidates successful in this competitive process is a combination of strong academic performance, genuine passion for education, excellent interpersonal skills, and a clear commitment to child development. Universities look for individuals who demonstrate both intellectual capacity and the personal qualities needed to become effective teachers.

This selective recruitment contributes significantly to the high quality of Finnish teachers. By choosing the most suitable candidates from the beginning, Finland ensures that those who enter the profession are truly committed to education and have the potential to excel as teachers.

What ongoing qualifications do Finnish teachers need to maintain?

Finnish teachers are expected to engage in continuous professional development throughout their careers, though the approach differs from many other countries. Rather than mandating a specific number of training hours or credits, Finland offers a more flexible system based on professional responsibility and school needs.

Teachers typically participate in 3-5 days of in-service training annually, funded by their employers (municipalities or private school operators). This training may focus on curriculum updates, pedagogical innovations, digital skills, or other relevant areas.

Beyond these formal training days, Finnish teachers engage in various forms of professional learning:

• Participation in development projects within their schools
• Collaboration with colleagues through professional learning communities
• Attending educational conferences and workshops
• Pursuing additional academic qualifications or specializations

Many teachers also stay connected to educational research, either by following current studies or participating in research projects themselves. This research orientation helps them continuously refine their teaching practices based on evidence.

While there is no formal recertification process, teachers are expected to stay current with educational developments and adapt their teaching accordingly. This approach reflects Finland’s trust in teachers as professionals who are intrinsically motivated to develop their expertise.

When observing Finnish teachers in action through our job shadowing programs, visitors can see how this commitment to ongoing learning translates into innovative classroom practices and responsive teaching approaches.