Finland Streamlines University Admissions with Unified Entrance Exams
Starting in 2025, Finland will implement a new university admission system featuring nine joint national entrance exams, replacing the existing 120 separate exams. This reform aims to simplify the application process, eliminate scheduling conflicts, and reduce the stress on applicants. In Finland, students are generally admitted to universities through two primary methods: certificate-based selection, which evaluates performance in matriculation exams, and entrance exams that assess general academic readiness and field-specific skills. In recent years, most students have been admitted via certificate-based selection, while entrance exam-based admissions have declined.
Under the new system, the number of exams will be reduced to nine, combining multiple fields of study, and enabling candidates to explore a wider range of programs. The exams will also be scheduled later, allowing students to know their certificate-based selection results beforehand, thus minimizing unnecessary exam preparation. Additionally, preparation materials will be significantly shortened and provided only a few days before the exams.
The revised exams will consist of two parts: a general section assessing academic readiness and a field-specific section evaluating skills relevant to the chosen discipline. Aptitude tests required for fields like teacher education will remain unaffected by these changes. This reform is designed to allow applicants to efficiently apply to multiple universities and programs. The success of joint entrance exams in fields such as engineering and education provides a solid foundation for implementing this system nationwide.