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ECVET - Key topics > More about VET > Finland
Pre-school education is intended for children being six-year-olds who will start their compulsory education the next year. The participation in pre-school education is voluntary.
The primary education is intended for children from seven to sixteen years old with the possibility to attend a further year.
Upper secondary schools provide general education for students who are usually from 16 to 19 years old. At the end of their path the students have to pass a final examination which allows to gain the admittance to the higher education. The vocational qualification can also be obtained through a competence-based examination performed by a specific Committee.
The higher education is provided by the universities and the polytechnics. The universities deal with the scientific research and they provide a theoretical education. The Polytechnics are oriented towards the working life and they provide a practical training.
The adults can gain a qualification through a specific exam on their competences; the continuing training is functional to the updating of previous skills and competences.