When a pupil stays abroad for more than one month, guardians can either:

• apply for a temporary interruption of compulsory education, or
• request the pupil’s withdrawal from school.

Why is a temporary interruption the better option?

• The pupil remains officially a compulsory education student in Finland.
  The guardian arranges learning abroad and provides a description of how it is organised.

• Easy return.
  The pupil can return without a new application. Withdrawal may require re‑application and document translations.

• Support continues.
  Upon return, the pupil keeps their access to support. A withdrawn pupil does not automatically receive the same services.

• Clear responsibility.
  The school can plan the pupil’s return; a withdrawn pupil re-enters as a new applicant.

Effects of withdrawal

Withdrawal ends compulsory education, the right to support, and all related obligations. Returning requires a new application and new assessments.

Important note

Basic education — including home education — can only be provided within Finland (with few authorised exceptions abroad). Therefore, families must apply for a temporary interruption or receive a withdrawal certificate when staying abroad for over one month.