Meritähteet

Meritähteet are a prize system used in Finland to recognize outstanding academic achievement. The Meritähti symbol is a golden star awarded to students who perform exceptionally well in their studies. There are five different sizes of Meritähti, each indicating a level of academic achievement.

The largest Meritähti is awarded to students who maintain an average grade of 9.2 or higher throughout their secondary education. The second largest Meritähti is awarded to students with an average grade of 9.0 or higher, and so on, with the smallest Meritähti indicating an average grade of 8.0 or higher.

Meritähteet are given at various stages of education, including upper secondary education and vocational education. The system is based on the students' final grades, and the awarding of Meritähteet is not necessarily tied to their future career prospects. The idea behind the system is to encourage students to strive for academic excellence and to recognize their achievements.

In addition to the Meritähti symbol, students who achieve exceptional academic results may also receive a letter from the Finnish National Education Board. This letter confirms their academic achievement and can be used to boost their standing in the eyes of future employers or in higher education applications.

Meritähteet have been awarded since the late 19th century, and over the years, the system has undergone several changes. Despite these changes, the Meritähti remains an iconic symbol of academic excellence in Finnish education.