Central Finland is a province of education and culture, with a strong focus on training, research, and schooling at all levels. The educational sector is a major regional employer and an educated workforce form a significant competitive factor for the region.

The educational know-how in Jyväskylä ranks at the top level in Finland: the JAMK University of Applied Sciences is the third most popular establishment of its kind in our country, the University of Jyväskylä ranks fifth in the total number of applicants and Gradia is the no. 3 provider of general and vocational upper secondary education in the country. The educational sector has been a strength in the Jyväskylä region for a century: Uno Cygnaeus founded the first Finnish-language teachers’ seminary in Jyväskylä more than 150 years ago.

Innovative teaching methods, cooperation between education and business, and learner-centred pedagogy are some of the main themes in exportation of education. The best-trained teachers in Finland are also based in Jyväskylä.

EduFutura: Flexible study paths between different levels of education

The Jyväskylä Educational Consortium Gradia, the JAMK University of Applied Sciences and the University of Jyväskylä have created EduFutura, a unique centre of excellence that aims to create flexible study paths between different educational levels. In practice, the cooperation between the JAMK and the University means that a student can cross-study in these establishments and to create their own individual study path.

EduFutura coordinates the interoperability of the study plans of different educational institutions and the shared use of experts, projects, and facilities. Additional focus is put on student counselling, support services, methods of credit transfers and smooth transitions.

Exporting the Education Expertise: know-how to the world

In Jyväskylä, determined efforts are made in terms of exporting the region’s strong knowledge in education. To spread the education expertise, the EduCluster Finland expert organization (ECF) has been founded. Its focus on the GCC countries, Asia and Latin America.

EduCluster Finland provides services in education quality assurance and assessment, as well as training on developing international expertise in education.

EFC is active within educational systems reform, the assessment and development of the quality of training and education, professional development, teacher training and supporting employment through vocational and higher education.

Educational institutions in Jyväskylä

University-level institutions:

• The University of Jyväskylä
• The JAMK University of Applied Sciences 
• The HUMAK University of Applied Sciences 
• The Air Force Academy 

Institutes and adult education:

• Jyväskylä Christian Institute
• Jyväskylä Educational Consortium Gradia
• The Vocational College Spesia
• The Alkio College
• The Jyväskylä College of Services
• Apprenticeship training at Gradia

International recognition for Jyväskylä’s educational institutions

The Faculty of Educational Sciences of the University of Jyväskylä was ranked 39th in July 2019 in the international Shanghai Ranking of universities. In terms of its placement in the Times Higher Education Europe Teaching Ranking, the University of Jyväskylä is the best university in the Nordic countries and the fourth best in Europe.

The quality of the internationalization of the JAMK University of Applied Sciences has been recognized in the world. The European Commission has awarded the JAMK with the following distinctions among others: 

• Diploma Supplement Label 2013–2016
• Erasmus Charter for Higher Education 2014–2020
• Erasmus Golden Award for Excellence 2013