ylioppilastutkinto

Ylioppilastutkinto, commonly abbreviated yo-tutkinto, is Finland’s national matriculation examination taken by students who have completed the general upper secondary education (lukio). It serves as the primary qualification for admission to Finnish universities and many other higher education programs. The examination is administered by the Finnish Matriculation Examination Board, known in Finnish as Ylioppilastutkintolautakunta (YTL), and is a central part of Finland’s education system.

The exam consists of multiple subjects chosen by the candidate, with a combination of compulsory and elective tests. Typically, a language test in Finnish or Swedish (or Sámi for Sámi speakers) is required, and examinees then select additional subjects such as a second language, mathematics, sciences, or humanities. Assessments include written examinations and, in some subjects, oral components. Examinations are normally held in spring, with retake opportunities in autumn granted for certain subjects.

Results are reported with subject grades, and successful candidates receive a Matriculation Examination Diploma. The diploma documents the grades achieved in the examined subjects and is used in university admissions, as well as recognized as a formal completion of upper secondary education. While primarily a national qualification for Finland, the yo-tutkinto is also understood within a broader Nordic and international educational context.

Historically, the ylioppilastutkinto has represented a long-standing method for validating readiness for higher education in Finland. Its role has evolved, but it remains the most common route for Finnish students to enter universities and to demonstrate academic achievement after upper secondary studies.