Upper secondary school with more mathematics, programming, physics and chemistry – plus a work placement in technology.
Applying for 2027–2029: sign up for an introduction weekend in January or February!
Päivölä School of Mathematics, 2016. Video in Finnish.
A lot fits into two years
At the Päivölä School of Mathematics you can study mathematics in depth, along with plenty of computing, physics and chemistry – and university courses if you wish. Alongside the School’s own programme, students complete the full Finnish upper secondary syllabus at Tietotie Upper Secondary School in Valkeakoski. Päivölä Student Innovation Lab (PSIL), where students do their work placement, develops and delivers software projects for clients.
Most students complete the programme and pass the Matriculation Examination in two years instead of the usual three – made possible partly by living on campus. From the start, the School has been designed to prepare students for university and working life. That makes learning both challenging and fun, and it has also brought plenty of competition success.
Päivölä Folk High School (Päivölän opisto) is a residential college in Valkeakoski, in the Häme region of southern Finland. It was founded by Hämäläis-Osakunta, a student nation at the University of Helsinki, and is run by a non-profit association, Päivölän Opiston Kannattajayhdistys ry. Finnish folk high schools offer education outside the degree system, often with students living on site. The School of Mathematics, one of Päivölä’s study programmes, started in 1994. It is also supported by its own association, Päivölän matematiikkalinjan tukiyhdistys ry.
“The best things about the School of Mathematics are the quality of the teaching and the team spirit among the students.”
— student, 2021
Studying at Päivölä also means broadening your general education and enjoying a lively social life in a friendly boarding-school setting. The School tends to attract a like-minded but varied group of students. On campus we take part in shared events such as the Independence Day ball and other celebrations, and we make use of Päivölä’s wider teaching, especially its guest lectures.
Kivitalo (“the Stone House”), the School of Mathematics building, provides good facilities for studying, living and hobbies.
c. 20
students per year group
12 h/week
of technical work placement on software projects
30+ ECTS
credits of optional university studies available
Over the years the School has had its share of chess enthusiasts. Here, a game during a study trip to Geneva.
You apply 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 – interest matters most.
Teaching is in Finnish, but you don’t need to be a native speaker – see language of instruction.
Introduction weekends: 15–17 January, 29–31 January and 12–14 February 2027. The application form must be returned by 16 February 2027.