ylioppilas

Ylioppilas is Finnish for a person who has completed the Matriculation Examination (ylioppilastutkinto) at the end of upper secondary school (lukio). The title signifies that the holder has passed the national examination and is eligible for admission to Finnish universities, while also serving as a traditional marker of educational achievement. The term remains common in everyday language and in cultural contexts.

The matriculation examination is administered by the Matriculation Examination Board (Ylioppilastutkintolautakunta). After finishing lukio, a student takes written and sometimes oral tests in several subjects. The exams are offered in Finnish or Swedish, reflecting the country’s two national languages. When the student earns a passing result, they receive the ylioppilastutkintotodistus (matriculation certificate) and the right to be called a ylioppilas. The certificate is widely used for university admissions and as a formal record of completion of upper secondary education.

Cultural and social aspects are tied to the title. A traditional symbol of the achievement is the white student cap, the ylioppilaslakki, which is worn during celebrations such as Vappu (May Day) and other festive occasions. While the term primarily denotes academic completion, it also carries historical and social significance in Finland’s education system and its rites of passage.

See also: lukio, ylioppilastutkinto, ylioppilastutkintotodistus, ylioppilaslakki, Vappu.