Regulation and Guidelines

The official regulations and guidelines are available in Finnish here: Määräykset ja ohjeet. 

Below are some general guidlines.

Eligibility for participation

The following individuals are eligible to participate in the Matriculation Examination:

• General upper secondary school students: Students who have completed the required compulsory studies in the subjects they wish to participate in.
  • If the syllabus of a subject in humanities or natural sciences does not include compulsory studies, students may participate after completing two study modules in the subject.
  • For foreign languages without compulsory studies, students may participate after completing three study modules in the language.
  • In exceptional cases, the principal of the school may allow a student to take the test without completing the required studies (e.g., if the student has learned a language abroad or experienced a prolonged illness).
• Graduates: Individuals who have completed the Finnish general upper secondary school.
• International graduates: Individuals who have completed a similar upper secondary education abroad, equivalent to 12 years of education.
• Vocational students: Individuals who have completed or are studying for a vocational qualification.
  • If the qualification requires at least two and a half years of study, no additional studies are required.
  • If the qualification requires less than two and a half years of study, candidates must complete additional general upper secondary school studies as specified by the Matriculation Examination Board.
• Test retakers or supplementers: Individuals who wish to retake a test they have previously completed or supplment their examination with a new test after graduation.

The principal of the general upper secondary school where the test is organised is responsible for verifying that candidates meet the eligibility requirements for the examination and the specific tests.

Enrolment for the Matriculation Examination

• Deadlines:
  • For the spring examination, enrolment must be completed by December 1st.
  • For the autumn examination, enrolment must be completed by June 5th.
• Process: Candidates must submit their enrolment application to their general upper secondary school’s principal. Enrolment is binding and can only be altered for a valid reason.

Supplementing the Examination

Individuals who have passed the Matriculation Examination may later supplement it by taking a test they have not previously attempted or by retaking a test at a different level. This option is only available after the entire examination has been passed. Tests taken to supplement the examination are considered equal in value to the original tests. 

After succesfully supplementing the examiantion, candidates receive a new certificate including the supplementary tests.

Retaking tests

A candidate who has passed a test may retake it as many times as they want. There is no time limit for retaking a test that has been passed. If the candidate retakes a test before they have been awarded a Matriculation Examination Certificate, the better grade will be entered on the certificate. If the candidate has already been awarded the certificate, and then retakes a test and receives a better grade, they are given a a new certificate including the new grade.

Candidates who fail a test may retake it up to three times within three consecutive examination periods. If the candidate fails to pass within this period, they must retake the entire examination, though successfully completed tests from the previous attempt may be included.

Annulment of enrolment

Enrolment is binding. If a candidate meets the participation requirements but fails to appear on test day, it is counted as a failed attempt. The Board may annul enrolment only for a valid reason, such as illness, studying or working abroad, or military service that prevents participation. If annulled, this does not extend the overall time limit for completing the examination.

Medical certificates and other official statements

The Board has specific guidelines on how medical certificates, dyslexia statements, language assessments, and other official documents are considered in the Matriculation Examination. These documents must be submitted to the Board according to the set schedule. Detailed information is available in Finnish under Erityisjärjestelyt.

Academic integrity

Candidates are required to adhere to the Board’s rules and regulations during the Matriculation Examination. Any form of cheating or violation of these rules will result in all tests taken during that examination period being marked as failed. In severe cases, a candidate might additionally be prohibited from participating in the next exam period.