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Education in Finland
Children in Finland have a right to school, and adults can usually access language or integration courses. Contact the municipality early once you have an address.
Schools and language support in Finland
Public healthcare: Access at your terveyskeskus once you have a municipality (kotikunta). Register kotikunta — At DVV once you plan to stay >1 year. GP visit fee — €20 first visit/year; free for children and pregnant. Free Finnish (kotoutumiskoulutus): Integration training for registered unemployed newcomers — full-time, pays kotoutumistuki. Register at TE-toimisto — Sign the kotoutumissuunnitelma. Kela pays a daily allowance while you study.
Enrolling children
Bring passports or ID, birth certificates, previous school documents, vaccination records if available, and proof of address. If documents are missing, still contact the school or municipality — children should not wait at home.
Adult language and integration courses
Learning Finnish / Swedish makes appointments, work and school contact much easier. Ask integration offices, adult education centres, municipalities and NGOs about free or subsidised courses.
Education-related offices
TE-toimisto / TE-palvelut: Employment services, integration plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child start school before all documents are ready in Finland?
Yes, schools and municipalities should help children enter education even while paperwork is being completed.
Which office should I contact first in Finland?
Start with TE-toimisto / TE-palvelut. For broader newcomer help, also check Migri — Finnish Immigration Service, DVV — Digital & Population Data Agency, Kela — Social Insurance Institution.
What language will offices use in Finland?
The main administrative language is Finnish / Swedish. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
Do my children need documents to enrol in school?
Schools must enrol every child. If documents are missing, the municipality helps to sort it out — do not delay.
Can I study for free?
Public universities are free or low-cost for EU citizens and often for other residents after a qualifying period.