11/04/2025
Finland’s education system proves that less pressure can lead to more learning. While much of the world still depends on standardized tests, strict rankings, and endless hours of homework, Finland took a different path — and it’s become a global example of success. There are no early national exams; students are assessed by their teachers until high school ends, with the only nationwide test being the Matriculation Exam. Finnish students also have less homework, averaging just 0.8 hours per day — one of the lowest rates among OECD countries.
Despite shorter school days, their results remain among the best in the world, with students receiving around 6,384 hours of instruction through grade 9, compared to over 7,600 in most other countries. Every Finnish teacher holds a master’s degree, and fewer than 10% of applicants are accepted into teaching programs, ensuring top-quality educators in every classroom. With smaller class sizes of around 18–19 students, teachers focus on personal growth rather than test scores.
Finland’s approach encourages creativity and curiosity through phenomenon-based learning, where students explore real-world topics across subjects, fostering critical thinking and emotional development. By prioritizing balance, trust, and joy in learning, Finland has shown the world that education doesn’t need to be stressful to be successful. 🌿
