Upper secondary education is mandatory after comprehensive education. You can apply to either an upper secondary school or to a vocational school. In the application you can choose several options. If you are left without a place during the application period, your municipality must offer you a place in education, as compulsory education continues until a child turns 18. Upper secondary education studies are more theoretical in nature than vocational education. Vocational education is sometimes referred to as career and technical education. You apply to upper secondary education in the early spring. You will find more information at StudyInfo.
HUX education is available for students who are looking to enter upper secondary education but need to improve their language or other skills.
Upper secondary schools
- In Helsingfors/Helsinki there are three Swedish General upper secondary schools: Brändö gymnasium, Gymnasiet Lärkan and Tölö gymnasium.
Here you can read more about upper secondary education in Helsingfors. - Mattlidens gymnasium is the Swedish upper secondary school in Esbo/Espoo. In Mattliden you can also study on the International Baccalaureate program. Here you can read more about upper secondary education in Esbo.
- In Vanda/Vantaa the Swedish upper secondary school is called Helsinge gymnasium
- In Grankulla/Kauniainen the school is called Grankulla gymnasium.
Vocational schools
There are three Swedish vocational schools in Uusimaa. Prakticum in Helsingfors and Borgå, Axxell, in Esbo, Karis and Raseborg, and Folkhälsan in Esbo. Prakticum and Axxell also offer program specifically for students who need more support with language learning.
If you are not sure which program to choose you can apply for a one-year HUX education at Prakticum in Helsingfors. During the HUX year you strengthen your study skills, improve your Swedish and try out different education programs. You need A2 level Swedish skills to be accepted in the education.