Finnish conscripts forced to use leave days for entrance exams while others get service exemptions

Finnish conscripts must currently use their personal leave days to attend university entrance exams or matriculation tests, a practice criticised as unfair by the National Conscript Committees, reports Yle.

Alikersantti Arttu Vuori, secretary general of the committees, argues the system creates inequality. Conscripts who have already used their leave days can receive an exemption from service for exam dates, while those with remaining leave must spend it on test days.

“All conscripts who have already used their leave can get an exemption for entrance exams. But those who still have leave days left must use them for the exams,” Vuori told Yle.

The rules vary between Defence Forces units, and the committees have pushed for reform for years. Vuori said the General Staff is now updating its regulations and expressed hope the conscripts’ concerns about fair treatment will be addressed.

Study spaces in barracks are also limited, forcing many to prepare in noisy military hostels. “There are libraries and quiet rooms, but far too few for the demand,” Vuori noted. The tight schedule of conscript service further complicates exam preparation, with military duties often overshadowing study plans.