ylioppilastodistus

The ylioppilastodistus, often translated as the matriculation examination certificate, is the Finnish secondary education leaving certificate. It is awarded upon successful completion of the matriculation examination, a standardized test administered by the Finnish National Agency for Education. This examination is the final assessment for students who have completed their upper secondary education, typically after nine years of comprehensive schooling.

The ylioppilastodistus signifies that a student has met the required academic standards to graduate from a Finnish upper secondary school, either a general upper secondary school or a vocational school that also offers the matriculation examination. The examination consists of several compulsory subjects, usually Finnish, Swedish, and mathematics, and a choice of optional subjects such as foreign languages, natural sciences, or social sciences. Students must pass a minimum number of these subjects to earn the certificate.

The ylioppilastodistus is crucial for further education. It serves as the primary qualification for entry into Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences. The grades obtained in the matriculation examination can also be used as a factor in university admissions, alongside other criteria. The certificate is a widely recognized document within Finland and demonstrates a student's readiness for higher academic pursuits or entry into the workforce.