A promise of free education is not enough

Bildung is more than just raising the level of education

The title of the vision published by the Ministry of Education and Culture on 15 June 2026, Bildung as a Way Forward for Finland, emphasises Bildung, competence and expertise as part of the country’s future and development. The vision paints an ambitious picture of the future of Finland where Bildung and higher education play a key role in solving many of the world’s problems. There is still work to be done with the objectives and measures, and the vision needs to be paired with a functional implementation plan that supports the autonomy of universities.

For students, the vision may seem distant at first, as 2040 is still a long way in the future. However, the vision affects many things since it guides future higher education policy and thereby also the everyday life of students. The most important individual objective is to increase the number of university graduates to 60 per cent in the young age group. This means that the number of students would increase in the future, as the corresponding figure is currently 39 per cent. The objective is ambitious but necessary.

The vision’s relationship to Bildung is strongly focused on increasing the number of university graduates and academic freedom. Increasing the number of university graduates requires increasing the basic funding for universities in a systematic and predictable manner. Funding for new available places alone is not enough – attention must also be paid to guidance and support services, the livelihood and well-being of students and the sense of community. Without healthy students and a university community that supports and motivates in different situations, the level of education will not increase as desired. As the vision is implemented, it must be taken into account that Bildung means more than just raising the level of education. Supporting the autonomy of universities and facilitating the different educational paths of students are important parts of it.

Accessible higher education supports Bildung

The vision aims to steer higher education more strongly towards raising the level of education, such as emphasising first-time students and upper secondary students' access to higher education. It is important to maintain the opportunity for flexible educational paths and a smooth career change at different stages of life in order to maintain opportunities for comprehensive Bildung and finding different career paths. 

Free education and the accessibility of education play an important role in the discussion of raising the level of education and rights related to Bildung. The promise of free higher education alone is not enough – opportunities for self-development and finding your own place at different stages of life are also important. In order for Finland to support higher education and Bildung towards a better future, public investments and other political measures must be in line with the objectives.

All in all, the vision promises good things for future university students. If successful, the vision will support high-quality higher education and prosperous university communities and strengthen Finland’s position as a country of high competence. We look forward to the implementation plan and to making an impact on it.

Totti Korpua
Advocacy Specialist, education policy
0504065141