Lifelong learning

School is an early and vital part of lifelong learning. Åland invests in the future of children with small classes and nice school environment.

Åland offers a wide variety of education to its students:

1. Preparatory preschool education

The foundation to life-long learning begins already before a child starts school with preparatory preschool education as a part of childcare.

2. The municipal comprehensive school

The municipal comprehensive school has no tuition fee and is open for all. The first-rate small-scale education is evident in the PISA results where Åland are first among the Finnish and Nordic schools.

3. Higher education

After graduating from comprehensive school there are several possibilities for higher education. First the basic vocational education or general upper secondary education followed by studies in the university level.

It’s important to have nutritious food in childcare centres and schools

Åland’s schools and day care centres serve children good and nutritious food. It is important to have varied and nutritious food that is prepared from scratch.

Day care centres in Åland serve breakfast, lunch and snack every day. In schools, pupils are served lunch and snack.

For lunch, the kitchen prepares varied home cooking, preferably with organic and locally produced ingredients. At least once a week, fish and vegetarian dishes are on the menu. Vegetables and fruit are always available, and many of the day care centres bake their own bread.

Maternity package

Did you know that the Social Insurance Institute (Folkpensionsanstalten FPA/Kela) distributes a maternity package with baby clothes and other necessary accessories as a benefit to all future mothers in Finland and in Åland?

Child benefit

The Government of Åland/FPA pays child benefit for children under the age of 17 who are living in Åland. You receive child benefit from the beginning of the month following the birth of the child.

Child benefit is paid until the end of the calendar month when the child reaches the age of 17.

Lifelong learning

1. Preparatory preschool education

2. The municipal comprehensive school

3. Higher education

Useful information

Apply for student aid if you are 17 years or older

Start learning Swedish

General courses in Swedish

SFI – Swedish courses if you are unemployed

Other Swedish classes

Teach yourself Swedish on-line

It’s important to have nutritious food in childcare centres and schools

Maternity package

Child benefit