Vocational institute Hyria has announced it will discontinue its dual degree program that allowed students to simultaneously complete vocational qualifications and university entrance exams. The decision affects future students in the Hyvinkää and Riihimäki regions of southern Finland.
Starting in the third quarter of 2026, new students will no longer have the option to pursue both qualifications at once. Current dual degree students can complete their studies under the existing program structure. The school made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon.
The primary reason for ending the program stems from low completion rates. Very few dual degree students actually graduated with both qualifications, according to school officials.
Hyria will now focus on pathway studies that accelerate transitions to universities of applied sciences. Their partner institutions include Häme University of Applied Sciences, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
Assistant principal Juho Pakarinen explained the strategic shift in a statement. "Our goal is to provide excellent preparation for employment and further studies," Pakarinen said. "Our vocational students receive a skills guarantee, and preparatory studies support success in universities of applied sciences."
This decision reflects broader challenges in Finland's education system. Dual degree programs have struggled with student retention nationwide. The demanding nature of pursuing both vocational and academic qualifications simultaneously often proves overwhelming for students.
The change affects educational opportunities throughout the Uusimaa region. Hyvinkää and Riihimäki residents seeking combined vocational and academic paths will need to look elsewhere for such programs.
Finland's vocational education system has undergone significant reforms in recent years. The country continues balancing academic preparation with workforce development needs. This move toward specialized pathway programs represents the latest evolution in that ongoing process.
International observers often look to Finland's education system as a model. This program cancellation shows even successful systems must adapt to practical realities. The low completion rates suggest the dual approach may not serve most students effectively.
What does this mean for Finnish vocational education trends? The shift toward clearer, more focused educational pathways could signal a move away from combined qualification models. Other institutions may follow Hyria's lead in prioritizing completion rates over program variety.
The decision also highlights regional educational disparities. Students in smaller Finnish municipalities increasingly face reduced program options compared to urban centers. This could impact family decisions about where to live and study.
Local employers may feel the effects too. Businesses in Hyvinkää and Riihimäki that valued employees with both practical skills and academic backgrounds might need to adjust their hiring strategies.
Educational policy experts will watch how this change affects student outcomes. The success of Hyria's new pathway approach could influence vocational education reforms across Finland and other Nordic countries facing similar challenges.