Why Education in Finland Remains Free for Citizens and the EU/EEA while Still Exported to Non-EU Countries
Finland is renowned for its high-quality education system. While education export to non-EU countries is a growing trend, the core fundamental value of free education for Finnish citizens, EU, and EEA residents remains steadfast. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this unique educational model and how Finland is integrating commercialization into the export of its educational solutions.
The Concept of Education Export in Finland
Education export in Finland is indeed a reality, albeit focused on non-EU/EEA countries. Finnish educational institutions are increasingly offering their expertise and high-standard curricula to international students and even establishing schools abroad, often using Finnish teaching methods and sometimes having Finnish teachers.
Commercializing Education
While Finland has a tradition of viewing education as a right, there is a growing trend toward commercializing it, particularly for international students. Starting from 2017, Finnish universities began charging tuition fees to students from non-EU/EEA countries, which is seen as part of the value of education export.
Private Sector Involvement
Private companies are also contributing to the export of Finnish education solutions, primarily through digital education platforms. These companies offer innovative and scalable educational tools and resources to international markets, catering to a global audience eager for high-quality learning experiences.
Public vs. Private Education in Finland
The Finnish education system is heavily subsidized by the public sector, with the primary-secondary and tertiary levels mostly being free-of-charge for Finnish citizens, EU, and EEA residents. This system is deeply rooted in the Finnish tradition of providing education as a fundamental right.
Private Institutions and State Subsidies
Despite this public model, there are private institutions offering tuition on all levels, from kindergartens through secondary education. However, the tertiary level remains free due to the lack of private universities authorized to offer Finnish degrees. For-profit universities exist but they offer degrees that are registered in countries like Estonia, and they must compete with the no-cost education model provided by state-sponsored universities.
Why There Aren't More For-Profit Universities
The limited presence of for-profit universities is partly due to the difficulty in competing with free education. Even the small per-student fees required by some private institutions are challenging to collect, further deterring the establishment of more for-profit universities.
The Future of Finnish Education Export
As Finland continues to commercialize its educational exports, the challenge will be to balance the economic benefits with the public's expectation of free education for all. The success of Finnish educational models abroad underscores the value of these models, and there is a genuine interest from non-EU countries to adopt and adapt these methods.
While Finland remains committed to ensuring that education remains free for its constituents, the export of its educational expertise to the world is a promising venture. As it matures, this model could serve as a blueprint for other nations seeking to improve their education systems globally.