Matriculation exam (Finland)

The Matriculation Examination (Finnish: ylioppilastutkinto, Swedish: studentexamen) is a standardized test taken in Finland at the end of upper secondary school (lukio). It is a prerequisite for applying to most higher education institutions, including universities and universities of applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulu). Although not formally required for graduation from upper secondary school, it is considered a de facto requirement for students aspiring to higher education.

The exam is administered by the Matriculation Examination Board (ylioppilastutkintolautakunta, studentexamensnämnden), a permanent body operating under the Ministry of Education and Culture. The board is responsible for the content, grading, and administration of the exam.

The Matriculation Examination is not a single test but a series of individual exams. Each student must take at least four exams:

• Mother tongue: Finnish, Swedish, or Sami (for Sami-speaking students).
• One of the following:
  • Mathematics (either advanced or basic level)
  • Second national language (Finnish or Swedish, depending on the student's mother tongue)
  • Foreign language (advanced or basic level)
  • General studies (consisting of questions from humanities and natural sciences)

In addition to the mandatory subjects, students can take additional exams in any of the subjects mentioned above or in other languages (e.g., English, German, French, Russian, Spanish, Latin). The exams are typically taken over several examination periods, typically held in spring and autumn.

The grades awarded in the Matriculation Examination are used as part of the admission criteria for higher education institutions in Finland. The grading scale is: Laudatur (L), Eximia Cum Laude Approbatur (E), Magna Cum Laude Approbatur (M), Cum Laude Approbatur (C), Lubenter Approbatur (B), Approbatur (A), and Improbatur (I) (Fail).