Islam Becomes Third Most Studied Religion in Finnish Schools

October 16, 2025

New statistics show Islam now ranks behind only Evangelical Lutheranism and secular ethics in Finnish religious education.

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Key Takeaways

Secular ethics courses show the fastest growth rate
Islam surpasses Orthodox Christianity in student enrollment
4.2% of primary students now study Islam

HELSINKI — Islam has become the third most studied religion in Finnish comprehensive schools, according to new data from Statistics Finland.

The 2024 figures show 4.2 percent of primary school students and 3.3 percent of lower secondary students received Islamic education, marking significant increases since 2018.

Senior Statistician Vesa Hämäläinen confirmed the trend, noting Islam has now surpassed Orthodox Christianity in enrollment numbers. “Among primary school pupils, the share of those studying Islam is now two percentage points higher than those studying Orthodox Christianity,” Hämäläinen stated.

The gap narrows slightly in lower secondary grades to 1.3 points.

Despite these shifts, Evangelical Lutheran religion maintains its dominant position in Finnish religious education. The subject attracts 77 percent of primary students and 82 percent of lower secondary students, though both figures represent declines from previous years.

The most dramatic growth appears in secular ethics courses, known locally as “elämänkatsomustieto.” Enrollment has more than doubled since 2016, reaching 15 percent in primary grades and 11 percent in lower secondary levels.

Regional disparities highlight demographic influences on educational choices. In Uusimaa region, which includes Helsinki, 9 percent of primary students study Islam and 24.2 percent take ethics courses.

The area contains Finland’s highest concentration of non-native Finnish or Swedish speakers, with one in five students falling into this category.

Meanwhile, traditional Lutheran strongholds maintain different patterns. South Ostrobothnia records 96 percent Lutheran enrollment among primary students, with only 2 percent choosing ethics instruction.

Neighboring Central Ostrobothnia shows similar adherence to traditional religious education.

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Maisah

Maisah is a Muslimah and journalist for The Islamic Information based in Indonesia. Studying Law at Maritime University of Raja Ali Haji. She believes in the power of words and hopes that her articles will positively impact all of her readers.