Finland, known for its world-class education system, is preparing for a major shift starting in August 2026. The Finnish government has announced that upper secondary schools will be able to offer a full curriculum in English, alongside the traditional Finnish and Swedish mediums of instruction. This change is designed to attract more skilled foreign workers, international students and their families by providing a smoother educational pathway for students who are not proficient in Finland’s national languages.
Finland’s decision to expand its English-language secondary school options marks a turning point in its educational and labour market strategy. By 2026, schools will be looking for skilled, motivated English-speaking teachers to meet the needs of a more international student body. For educators worldwide, this reform signals a wave of opportunity—and for Finland, it reinforces its reputation as a forward-thinking hub for education and skilled migration
Why the Change Matters
Until now, students who wanted to study in English in Finland primarily relied on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is limited in scope and availability. From 2026, however, schools can apply to the Ministry of Education to teach the entire upper secondary curriculum in English. By autumn 2028, even the prestigious Finnish matriculation examination will be available in English, making the system more inclusive and internationally competitive. This move is expected to create more teaching jobs in Finland for English-speaking educators.
Rising Demand for English Curriculum Teachers
This policy shift will spark a significant demand for qualified English-language teachers in Finland. Schools adopting the English curriculum will require:
- Subject specialists (math, sciences, history, social studies) who can teach fluently in English.
- English language and literature teachers to strengthen academic English skills.
- Internationally experienced educators familiar with multicultural classrooms.
- Curriculum developers to align Finnish academic standards with English-medium delivery.
With Finland’s emphasis on high-quality teaching, schools will seek teachers with strong pedagogical training, advanced degrees, and cross-cultural competence.
Opportunities for International Educators
For teachers abroad, this reform opens new opportunities to work in a country globally respected for education. Key advantages include:
- Competitive salaries and strong professional support systems.
- A chance to be part of a pioneering education reform in Finland 2026.
- Living in a society that values work-life balance, safety, and innovation.
Many international educators are already searching for English teaching jobs in Finland, and the 2026 reform will only accelerate demand.
Preparing for the Demand
Aspiring teachers can take steps now to position themselves for opportunities in Finland:
- Gain teaching qualifications recognized in the EU.
- Develop expertise in English-medium instruction (EMI).
- Build experience in international or bilingual schools.
- Stay updated on Finland teacher requirements for foreign educators set by the Ministry of Education.
