Finnish high school students begin university-level studies early through new pathway program

A group of 17 high school students in Lahti, Finland, are the first to complete university of applied sciences courses alongside their upper secondary education, securing future study places without entrance exams, Yle reports.

The pilot program, offered by LAB University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with Lahden lukio Gaudia, allows first-year high school students to integrate 15 credits of health and social services studies into their curriculum. Participants who complete the courses are guaranteed admission to LAB after graduation, bypassing competitive entrance exams.

Siiri Lankinen, one of the participating students, described the university-level courses as surprisingly manageable. “This is actually easier than high school,” she said, noting that the practical skills taught—such as motivational interviewing—apply to daily life. The guaranteed study place also alleviates pressure, she added: “One major worry for students is whether they’ll even get into further education. This removes that uncertainty entirely.”

Elina Herttuainen, a senior lecturer in physiotherapy at LAB, leads the program and confirmed the high school students are performing well. “They’re highly motivated and self-directed—qualities essential for university studies,” she said, adding that adapting the courses for high schoolers required minimal adjustments. Classes are held both at Gaudia and on LAB’s campus, with some sessions conducted remotely.

The initiative aims to attract students to regional labor markets by familiarizing them early with higher education. While 17 of Finland’s 24 universities of applied sciences offer some form of pathway studies for high schoolers, the scope varies: some provide dedicated application routes like LAB, others offer individual courses, and a few have no collaboration with secondary schools. Regional demand influences the availability, according to Ida Mielityinen of Arene, the rectors’ council for Finnish universities of applied sciences.

Lotta Jaloranta, a study counselor at Gaudia, said the program was proposed by LAB, with both institutions working closely to align schedules and teaching methods. “We’ve found good compromises to make this work,” she said.