Kannonkoski Karstula Kinnula Kivijärvi Kyyjärvi Pihtipudas Viitasaari
Study in the Heart of Finland
In the Heart of Finland, you can study in upper secondary school or vocational school. You can also take courses at an open college or university according to your own interests. Learn more about your opportunities on this page.
On this page, you will find links that will help you find a place to study in the Heart of Finland. Further information from the links is in Finnish, we recommend using a translator.
Upper secondary schools
There are upper secondary schools in four municipalities: Karstula, Kinnula, Pihtiputas and Viitasaari. Upper secondary schools offer several different programmes in addition to general studies. The offering includes e.g. a music programme, an IT programme, a bioeconomy programme and a rescue and safety programme.
Karstula
Karstula Upper Secondary School has about a hundred students. Education is diversified by school–specific courses and diverse teaching methods, which also enable online studies.
Karstula offers an IT programme that has been implemented in cooperation with the Faculty of Information Technology of the University of Jyväskylä and the Open University of the University of Jyväskylä. Students are selected for the programme.
In Karstula, the student benefits of the upper secondary school include free breakfast and driving licence training. In addition school transport is arranged free of charge for upper secondary school students.
Kinnula
Kinnula Upper Secondary School is the most international of the upper secondary schools in the region. It has small teaching groups and a modern and innovative learning environment.
Kinnula Upper Secondary School also educates international students. They speak Finnish when they arrive in Kinnula, and at the end of their upper secondary school years, they will take their matriculation examination in Finnish. International students bring a touch of multiculturalism to Kinnula and they enrich the everyday lives of local students and residents.
Kinnula Upper Secondary School‘s student benefits include free textbooks, a laptop for studying, school transport for school trips of more than 5 km, and a free school lunch.
Pihtipudas
Pihtipudas Upper Secondary School offers its students a diverse range of courses and teaching, as well as the opportunity to combine hobbies with studies. The strengths of the upper secondary school are small teaching groups and individual teaching, and there has also been an investment in student benefits.
There are several different studying programmes in Pihtipudas: a volleyball academy, a music programme, a scout and leadership programme, and an individual athlete programme. Students can also study without a spesific programme.
In Pihtipudas, the student benefits of the upper secondary school include postgraduate study scholarships, a gym card, and for students from outside the city, one trip home per month for the price of a student ticket. Music students also have the opportunity to study one major subject free of charge at a music institute.
Viitasaari
Viitasaari Upper Secondary School‘s student benefits include free textbooks and a computer for the duration of your studies. Free matriculation examinations for five subjects. Kela reimburses school journeys of at least 7 km. In addition, students can use the swimming pool and gym free of charge.
Vocational College
Vocational education leading to a degree is available at the Evangelical College in Karstula and at the North Central Finland Vocational College in Viitasaari, called Poke. The Karstula Evangelical College offers vocational qualifications in education and guidance, and the Poke Viitasaari unit offers mechanical and production technology, logistics, construction, restaurant and catering, and social and health care.
Vocational College Poke
Poke is a versatile vocational college with units in Viitasaari, Laukaa, Äänekoski and Saarijärvi. Vocational studies are practical, and part of the studies are done at workplaces in authentic environments. At workplaces, you can study either through a training agreement or an apprenticeship. A vocational upper secondary qualification provides basic skills for working life. During the studies, students study at an educational institution, virtually and at workplaces. Those who want to deepen their professional skills are offered further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational qualifications.
Evangelical College in Karstula
Karstula Evangelical College – more commonly known as KEO–Karstula – operates as a vocational school, a multidisciplinary folk high school, and a course and camp centre. KEO–Karstula‘s degree programmes include the care sector, education and guidance, handicraft expression, health exercise and education for immigrants to familiarise themselves with the Finnish language and Finnish society. Open University degree studies can be included in the study programme. The college‘s pre–furnished dormitory also makes it possible for long–distance students to study.
Courses offered by the Open Universities
Jamk University of Applied Sciences and the University of Jyväskylä offer a wide range of opportunities for studying through open courses. You can complete studies in different fields that are open to everyone. The courses are also suitable for further training and expanding professional competence. The courses are open to everyone, regardless of age. Read more about open studies and course offerings from the links below.
Student Housing
In many towns, affordable shared housing is available for secondary school students. Also private renters, rent apartments to students. In addition, KEO has a furnished dormitory. Below are links where you can read more information about housing. Also ask about housing directly from the educational institution, they will be happy to help you find an apartment and guide you forward.
