Most popular international schools in Finland

International School of Helsinki (ISH) offers the IB continuum for students aged 4 to 18, with English as the language of instruction and a broad language program that includes Spanish, French and Finnish as Foreign Languages, plus Finnish Mother Tongue and English as an Additional Language support where needed. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) runs from early years through Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) covers Grades 6-10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) spans Grades 11-12. ISH became Finland's first fully IB-accredited school in 2005, and it has maintained IB, CIS, and NEASC accreditation through subsequent re-authorisations. Beyond academics, the school offers an extensive after-school activities and athletics program (ASA) for K-12, as well as cultural, language and social clubs. The Parents' Teacher Organization supports the community, and volunteers help events. ISH emphasizes an international community, cross-cultural workshops, and services to help families settle in. A welcoming, thriving environment.

Turku International School (TIS) is a municipal school operating in the Kupittaa district of Turku, providing basic education for students in grades 1 through 9. Established to serve both international families in the region and returning Finnish expatriates, TIS delivers instruction primarily in English while strictly following the framework of the Finnish National Core Curriculum. A defining feature of the school is its structural integration with the City of Turku's broader educational network, allowing students access to municipal morning and afternoon hobby programs directly on campus. The curriculum heavily incorporates Finnish language studies for all proficiency levels to ensure community integration. Rather than operating as an independent international bubble, TIS functions as a public multicultural environment that emphasizes practical cooperation, sustainability, and cross-cultural understanding within the framework of Finland’s tuition-free basic education system.

The English School in Finland is a private bilingual institution offering Finnish-English education from preschool through secondary level to about 700 students (ages 5–18). The curriculum combines the Finnish national framework with strong English instruction, and in the high school there are two study options: the bilingual English–Finnish Language and Culture Program and a General Upper Secondary English program. Both programs culminate in the Finnish Matriculation Examinations, with language of instruction determined by program. The school's ethos is rooted in Christian values and a commitment to global citizenship, cultural understanding, respect for diversity, ecological sustainability and responsible citizenship. Campus facilities include a two-campus layout (Mäntytie for Grades 1–6 and Preschool and Valimotie for Grades 7–12), two gymnasia (one divisible), and a central bilingual library. The school runs exchange links, a debate club with international and national competitions, and clubs organised by The Friends of The English School, alongside after-school care.

Finnish International School of Tampere (FISTA) is a comprehensive school serving ages 6 to 16, with preschool, primary and lower secondary education (grades 1–9) in Tampere, Finland. The school teaches mainly in English, while Finnish, Swedish, and other languages are offered as part of the curriculum. It follows the City of Tampere curriculum based on the Finnish National Core Curriculum, and applicants complete a language test to participate in English-language education. FISTA began as Amurin kansakoulu in 1954 and became FISTA in 2012. The campus is in central Tampere and serves 910 students with 110 staff in the 2025–2026 year. Features include preparatory education for Finnish learners (up to one year) and two study lines for grades 7–9: bilingual and international. Students take Finnish lessons from early grades, with Swedish from grade 6 and optional A2 languages (Spanish, French or German). A program of clubs supports after-school interests and wellbeing.

Founded in 1992, the International School of Vantaa is a municipal school serving grades 1-9 with about 670 students in Vantaa, Finland. The language of instruction is predominantly English, serving students whose home language is English or who are fluent in English, while the general Finnish National Board of Education framework shapes a tailor-made curriculum built around thematic units that integrate multiple subjects. From grade 4, elective language offerings include French, Spanish, Swedish and German; Swedish becomes compulsory from grade 6. The school is situated in Kartanonkoski; premises also house a daycare center and a public library. Student selection is based on oral or written English assessment. The school emphasizes after-school activities for younger and older students, free daily school meals, and wellbeing programs such as Urhea athletics and the Schools on the Move initiative. The environment blends municipal schooling with an international-flavored English instruction within the Finnish system.