Upcoming events
Higher Education in Finland: A strategic look
Jan 13, 2026
Higher Education in Finland: A strategic look at its role in the Education system and what can be learned from higher education policies in the UK: A talk by Birgitta Vuorinen – Counsellor, Education and Science, Embassy of Finland, London
Community Hall, St Anne’s Church, 55 Dean Street, London, W1D 6AF at 18.00 -19.30 on 13 January 2026
The Talk: Context and Content
Finland is known for its high-quality education system striving for educational equity, equality and excellence, at all levels. Finland invests in building a strong foundation for learning in early childhood education and care, offers inclusive comprehensive education as well as upper secondary general education and VET, which both give eligibility for degree studies either at academically oriented universities or professionally oriented universities of applied sciences.
A well-functioning education system has been crucial in transforming Finland from a poor war-torn nation to a prosperous, innovative society in a relatively short time. Today, Finland is renowned as one of the most innovative economies in the world.
Birgitta Vuorinen will talk about the role of higher education, research and international cooperation in these fields in today’s Finland. She will also share her view on the UK’s higher education and research policies Finland could learn from.
About Birgitta Vuorinen
Birgitta Vuorinen joined the Embassy of Finland in London in 2022 as Counsellor for Higher Education and Science. She relocated to London from the Finnish Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, where she had worked in various roles since 1995. Her latest position at the Ministry was Director of Higher Education Policy Unit (2019-2021), before that she was Head of the Group for Government Key Projects (2016-2018). In her roles she has been involved in European policy making in the context of the Nordic Council of Ministers, European Union and Bologna Process.
In London, her task is to follow higher education and science policy in the UK, foster opportunities for cooperation, promote Finland’s visibility, and assist Finnish higher education institutions, research institutes and other innovation ecosystem stakeholders in their endeavours for closer cooperation with British parties.
Birgitta Vuorinen belongs to Team Finland Knowledge Network which consists of eight higher education and science experts stationed in seven countries and eight cities: Beijing, London, Los Angeles, New Delhi, Pretoria, São Paulo, Singapore and Washington. All experts work in Finnish missions abroad.
Birgitta Vuorinen graduated from the University of Jyväskylä in 1995 with a Master’s Degree in Educational Sciences.
Members of the Anglo-Nordic Societies and guests are welcome to attend (£5). Students and under 26 year olds can attend free but student ID will be requested at the door. Please use this link to book: