Flexible learning pathways in higher education: Finland’s country case study for the IIEP-UNESCO SDG4 project in 2018–2021

In March 2019, Finland accepted an invitation to join the IIEP-UNESCO Sustainable Development Goal 4 project: Planning for Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education. The IIEP-UNESCO research project, 2018–2021, includes eight country case studies from different regions around the world. This report presents findings from the Finnish national case study. This study provides a holistic picture of flexible learning pathways (FLPs) in Finnish higher education, encompassing flexibility in access, progression, transfer, completion and transition to the labour market. The report offers an analysis of the strengths and good practices regarding the Finnish FLP policies, regulatory frameworks, instruments and practices, as well as national and institutional recommendations to further develop FLPs. The study was conducted in 2019–2020 by the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) and Finnish Institute for Educational Research (FIER) at the University of Jyväskylä.