Applying to the School

You apply to the School of Mathematics by attending one of our introduction weekends, which include the entrance exam and a chance to see how the School works. You also get to try out studying and living at Päivölä. Do come to the entrance exam even if you’re not sure of your skills, as long as you’re interested. You can read more about the admission criteria.

Language of instruction

All teaching at the School and at Tietotie Upper Secondary School is in Finnish. You don’t need to be a native speaker: if you have completed Finnish lower secondary school (grades 7–9) successfully, your Finnish will be good enough. If you have only just moved to Finland and don’t speak Finnish yet, it will probably not be enough. In between, it depends on how much work you are prepared to put into your Finnish alongside a demanding mathematics programme. Note that the entrance exam is in Finnish only. If you’re unsure, get in touch – all our staff speak English, and we can talk through your situation.

You can also join the School via the summer term. For details, call Merikki Lappi (Finnish, English or Swedish) on +358 400 534 139.

Each introduction weekend starts on Friday at 18:30 and ends on Sunday at 14:00. The 2027 introduction weekends are:

  • Week 2: Fri 15 – Sun 17 January 2027

  • Week 4: Fri 29 – Sun 31 January 2027

  • Week 6: Fri 12 – Sun 14 February 2027

Registration for the introduction weekends opens in the autumn on the Päivölä website (the form is in Finnish).

If none of these weekends suits you, contact the Päivölä office: [email protected] or +358 3 233 2200. Registration closes one week before each weekend (for example, by 10 January 2027 for the week 2 weekend). Results are announced around week 9 (early March).

The introduction weekend is free of charge. Please bring:

  • Standard maths equipment:

    • calculator

    • compasses

    • set square

    • pens, pencils, erasers, etc.

  • For the weekend:

    • a change of clothes

    • sauna things (towel, toiletries)

    • your own bed linen

On the Friday evening of each introduction weekend there is also an information session for parents. It is held in Finnish, but the staff is happy to answer questions in English.

 

Location

Päivöläntie 52
FI-37770 Tarttila
Finland
(Valkeakoski, south of Tampere)