27.2.2026

Young person, remember to apply to two study programmes during the spring

Kaksi henkilöä keskustelee pöydän ääressä oppilaitoksen tiloissa. Image Eetu Linnankivi

Young people under the age of 25 who do not have a vocational upper secondary qualification are required to apply for education. This means that young people must apply for two places on courses leading to a degree, which are due to start in the autumn. This obligation applies to young people who are graduating from comprehensive school or upper secondary school or who are already job seekers.

If a young person does not apply for two study places before the fall and registers as an unemployed jobseeker, unemployment security cannot be paid without further clarification. Applying is important because not having a degree reduces your chances of finding work.

How to fulfill your obligation to apply for education

You fulfill the application requirement when you apply for at least two study places by 31.8.2026, with studies beginning in the fall of 2026.

You can apply, for example, for:

Education leading to a degree: vocational upper secondary degree, degree from a university of applied sciences, or degree from a university.
Full-time education at a folk high school or sports training center. If the education does not lead to a degree, the obligation continues until you turn 25.
To upper secondary school, if you have only completed comprehensive school. The scope of upper secondary school studies must be at least 150 credits.
To other places of study that you have agreed on in advance in your own plan.

Schedule for joint applications in spring

The joint application period for post-basic education in the spring is 17.2.2026–17.3.2026. The application period begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. The joint application process covers upper secondary school, vocational upper secondary education, vocational education organized on the basis of special needs, preparatory education for a degree, education preparing for work and independent living, and folk high school studies for those subject to compulsory education. Studies will begin in the fall of 2026.

The second joint application period for higher education institutions in the spring is 10.-24.3.2026. This application period is for Finnish- and Swedish-language programs at universities of applied sciences and universities that begin in the fall of 2026.

Applying for degree programs that are open for continuous enrollment also fulfills the obligation to apply for education.

It is a good idea to take your time to familiarize yourself with the study options and submit your applications well in advance. If an applicant receives an invitation to entrance examinations, they must attend the examinations. The study place must also be accepted within the specified time limit.

How to apply to study

Opintopolku.fi is a national service that provides information on education and training at different levels. On the website, you can apply for vocational education and training, upper secondary school, polytechnic and university education, as well as various continuing education and apprenticeship programs.

The application method and application period vary depending on the program. Some programs are included in the joint application process, which has a predetermined schedule. For some programs, you can apply flexibly throughout the year. More detailed information on applying and selection criteria can be found on the Opintopolku page for each program.

For more information on unemployment security for people under 25 and applying for a place in education, visit the Job Market Finland's website.