NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

Each test in the new examination is marked on the following scale: laudatur (7), eximia cum laude approbatur (6), magna
cum laude approbatur (5), cum laude approbatur (4), lubenter approbatur (3), approbatur (2) and improbatur (0 or fail). In
the old examination, laudatur (6) was the highest mark, eximia cum laude approbatur was not in use. Students can retake a
test: after a pass, one additional try is allowed (in general studies, two tries); after a fail in a compulsory test, two more tries
are allowed.
Persons who have an upper secondary vocational diploma or a combination diploma from one of the experimental institutions
(see II.1.2), are also eligible for the matriculation examination, if they have 12 years of education and otherwise fulfil certain
additional requirements.
In addition to the matriculation examination, post-secondary vocational qualifications also give the eligibility to apply to
universities. However, most of the first-year students in universities are matriculated students (about 95%).
According to legislation, the International Baccalaureate (IB), Reifeprüfung and the European Baccalaureate (EB) also give
the eligibility to apply to universities. The courses leading to the International Baccalaureate are offered in seven Finnish
upper secondary schools and in the Helsinki International School. The first students graduated in spring 1992. The schools are
(with the year the courses started in brackets):
Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu (1990), Kuopion lyseon lukio (1995), Mattlidens gymnasium (1990, Swedish), Turun
normaalikoulu (1991), Oulun lyseon lukio (1992), Tampereen lyseon lukio (1992), Vasa övningsskola (1992, Swedish).
Courses leading to Reifeprüfung are provided by Helsingin saksalainen koulu (Deutsche Schule Helsinki), i.e. the German
school in Helsinki.
Selection by the universities
Since the number of applicants to universities is about three times the number of available places, students have to be selected.
There is a numerus clausus, i.e. the entry is restricted, in most fields of study. The selection is made by the universities, their
faculties or departments from eligible candidates. Students can be ranked:
(a) on the basis of marks in the matriculation examination and in the school-leaving certificate, plus entrance tests (this is the
most common system);
(b) on the basis of the entrance tests only;
(c) on the basis of marks in the matriculation examination and in the school-leaving certificate.
As stated before, the competition for admission to universities is keen. Entrance tests are designed (by an institution, a faculty
or a department) to assess the applicant’s interest, aptitude and talent in the field concerned. In certain fields of study, tests are
arranged jointly by relevant departments in different institutions. The tests are often based on required set books. There may
also be an interview, and students can be required to demonstrate their skills (e.g. in art academies). An entrance test is
generally used in the selection of non-matriculated students.
Open university instruction
University centres for continuing education organise open university education in various subjects included in university
syllabuses. This instruction is open to all, and it is arranged by the universities, often in co-operation with other adult
education organisations. It is not possible to take a degree in this way, but after completing at least one third of the studies
needed for a degree, students can apply for entry to the respective university.
II.1.2. Qualifications for admission to
non-university higher education
AMK institutions