Study options in Jyväskylä

The study offerings in Jyväskylä are extensive. There are four universities to choose from in addition to other educational institutions and Finland’s third-largest general upper secondary education and vocational training provider, Gradia.

All schools collaborate closely across disciplinary and organisational boundaries. Students benefit from the added value of an extensive course selection and joint students' sports services.

EduJyväskylä organisations – JAMK, JYU and Gradia join forces to provide the best possible quality in education through dynamic and flexible learning paths.

Familiar with the Finnish Educational System?

According to Finnish National Agengy for Education the Finnish education system consists of early childhood education and care, pre-primary, basic and general upper secondary education, vocational education and training and higher education:

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Higher education

University of Jyväskylä (JYU)

The University of Jyväskylä stands as a beacon of academic excellence at the heart of Finland. We are among the top 3% of universities internationally. Ever since 1863, JYU has evolved into a dynamic, multidisciplinary source of knowledge where the latest research and high-quality education go hand in hand. 

Home to over 14,000 degree students and staff of 2,800, the university fosters a vibrant community dedicated to the study of learning, well-being, and natural phenomena. We are a cutting-edge university in professional development.

Read more about the University of Jyväskylä: jyu.fi

Jamk University of Applied Sciences

Jamk is a creative, reinvented institute of higher education. We develop and strengthen learning, competence, and competitiveness together with partners and cooperation networks – both in Finland and around the world. We offer education leading to a higher education degree as well as continuing and further education for graduates and those already in the working life. We have 9 500 students and 900 employees.

Jamk is continuous learning and everyday creativity, which grows from experiments, innovations, collaboration, and a proactive attitude.

Read more about the Jamk University of Applied Sciences: www.jamk.fi/en

Air Force Academy

The Air Force Academy is the sole Air Force unit with a primary educational and training role, and in that capacity it provides university-level military education. We train active duty personnel, conscripts, and reservists for a wide range of air defense specialties.

• Students 600 
• Military training and higher education institute of the Finnish Air Force.
• Air Force Academy

Humak University of Applied Sciences (Humak)

Humak is a national university of applied sciences specialising in community development, cultural management and language accessibility.

At Humak you can complete studies leading to Bachelor’s or Master’s level degrees in fields such as Community Education, Cultural Management, and Interpreting and Accessibility.

• In Jyväskylä region 450 students.
• Campus in Korpilahti, half an hour drive from Jyväskylä.
• Humak University of Applied Science (Humak)

Vocational education and general upper secondary education

Vocational education is aimed at young people who have completed basic education, others without a vocationally oriented degree, and adults who are already in the workforce. It provides vocational skills to each student according to their needs, with a focus on acquiring missing skills. About half of the students who have completed basic education choose to pursue vocational education. 

Vocational education is also sought during one’s career for additional and continuing education, as well as retraining. Previous skills are recognized, and a personal study plan is created for each learner.

Finnish general upper secondary education provides students with extensive general knowledge and skills needed in the development of their further studies, working life, leisure activities, and personality.

At the completion of general upper secondary school studies, students take the Finnish national matriculation examination.

Gradia

Gradia is the Finland’s largest educational consortium and third largest provider of upper secondary education. Gradia consists of Gradia Vocational College with over 100 different vocational and professional qualifications, in addition to three Gradia General Upper Secondary Schools.

• Over 24 000 students
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) at Jyväskylän Lyseo Upper Secondary School provides national and international qualification for further studies. The IB Diploma is recognized by universities worldwide. 
• Gradia, #gradiafi

Gradia General Upper Secondary Schools:

• Jyväskylän Lyseo Upper Secondary School, 
• Schildt Upper Secondary School and 
• Jyväskylä Upper Secondary School for Adults. 

Jyväskylän normaalikoulu, Norssin lukio

https://www.norssi.jyu.fi/lukio/lukio

Colleges and Adult Education

Jyväskylä offers excellent opportunities for continuous learning and personal development. In addition to qualification-driven education, there is an abundance of voluntary education, open for all: preparatory and supplementary courses, general interest and hobby courses boosting the student’s skills and competence. Open university and higher education studies are also available with a variety of tests and examinations which may prove helpful for studies and working life. 

Alkio College

Alkio College is one of Finland’s largest adult education institutes offering open university education in Korpilahti, near Jyväskylä. It offers a range of study options – whether you are aiming at higher education, looking for extra support to achieve your goals or willing to develop your competence.

• 270 students all over Finland 
• Alkio College

Jyväskylä Adult Education Centre

The Adult Education Centre is open to all, regardless of their age or educational background. It offers a wide variety of courses, for example arts and crafts, languages, sports and wellbeing, music and many more. 

Jyväskylä Christian Institute (JKO)

Jyväskylä Christian Institute (JKO) offers vocational education, studies in the free oriented folk high school programmes, comprehensive school studies for adults and different extra class study programmes.

Vocational education includes national degree in education, in cleaning and maintenance services and for church vergers and for funeral home business workers. In the folk high school study programmes you can focus on graphic design, music, theater or interior design.

The Settlement of Jyvälä

The Settlement of Jyvälä is a non-governmental organization that includes an adult education centre, after school activities for children, civic activity, and child, youth and family work. In addition, Jyvälä carries out projects and organizes events for people of all ages. Jyvälä is guided by the values of equality, communality, participation and meeting, supporting and respecting others.

Summer University of Jyväskylä

Summer University of Jyväskylä is an educational institution providing liberal adult education and managed by Jyväskylä Summer University Association. Most Summer University programmes and courses are open to everyone regardless of their age or educational background and instruction is organised with consideration for students’ different circumstances and opportunities to pursue their studies. The programmes supplement and add variety to the education and training provision available in Central Finland while providing lifelong learning opportunities. 

The Open University of the University of Jyväskylä

The Open University of the University of Jyväskylä provides university studies of all the University of Jyväskylä faculties. No specific educational background or age is required. Students can schedule their studies to suit their individual needs and circumstances and study either at an intensive pace or balance study with work. 

The studies give an introduction to academic study and various branches of science. Studies at the open university may supplement skills and knowledge, provide competence, or head for a new career by way of e.g. open university route.

Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences Open Studies

Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences Open Studies provides courses in UAS degree programmes, but not a complete degree. Open Studies are available for everyone, irrespective of age and educational background. The studies are suitable for improving e.g. the knowledge and skills required in the working world or as a path to studies or higher education at the university of applied sciences.