Over 100,000 foreign students in Finland as numbers double in a decade

In 2023, Finland recorded 114,100 foreign students in education programmes. This figure, published by Sivistysala ry (Sivista) in its latest sector report and barometer, marks a doubling since 2014 and a tripling since 2009 in post-primary education.

By: helsinkitimes.fi

Nov 26 2024
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Over 100,000 foreign students

In 2023, Finland recorded 114,100 foreign students in education programmes. This figure, published by Sivistysala ry (Sivista) in its latest sector report and barometer, marks a doubling since 2014 and a tripling since 2009 in post-primary education. The trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

The number of foreign children and students has increased across all levels of education, including early childhood education.

The most significant growth has been in vocational education, where foreign students now exceed 40,000, according to Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta, Sivista’s Managing Director.

International personnel numbers have also risen across all educational sectors over the past year.

“Our sector’s development towards greater internationalisation aligns with predictions made a year ago, and growth expectations for next year are clear. This growth is anticipated across member organisations of all sizes and throughout Finland,” said Niinistö-Sivuranta.

“Internationalisation is both positive and necessary. Finland needs immigration linked to work and education. We will increasingly require skilled professionals across various sectors. Finland must remain an attractive, open, and tolerant country for both incoming students and workers,” she added.

Foreign-background students in Finland totalled 182,000 in 2023. The largest proportion (17%) was in vocational education, while the smallest share (9%) was in upper secondary schools. Other education levels reported 12–13% foreign-background enrolment. Nearly one in five new students in vocational training and universities came from a foreign background.

The number of international staff is expected to rise, particularly in higher education, during the coming year. Early childhood education is also projected to see a slight increase in international professionals. Other sectors are expected to maintain current levels.

Sivista’s barometer revealed varied experiences and expectations regarding funding. Overall funding appears to have increased slightly, but fewer respondents expect funding growth in the coming year, particularly in vocational training and early childhood education.

“Public funding has performed better than anticipated, but future expectations remain pessimistic,” said Harri Hietala, Sivista’s Chief Economist.

The full report, Sivistysalan toimialakatsaus ja barometri 2024, is available through Sivista.

Definitions used in the report clarify that “foreign” refers to individuals without Finnish citizenship, while “foreign background” includes those with at least one foreign-born parent, regardless of their citizenship.