Popularity of EXAM visit exams grew strongly in 2025
An increasing number of students in Finland are taking advantage of the opportunity to complete a digital exam in facilities other than those of their own higher education institution – flexibly and in a way that suits their personal circumstances. In 2025, as many as 49,000 EXAM visits were taken at higher education institutions across Finland. The growing use of the service reflects students’ evolving needs and the unique collaboration among Finnish higher education institutions.
The year 2025 was significant for the growth of EXAM visits within the electronic EXAM system in Finland. For many years, the system has offered students flexibility in selecting exam times and locations, and its popularity continues to rise. This development reflects students’ changing needs, the increasing diversity of life situations, and the exceptionally advanced collaboration between higher education institutions in Finland – also in international comparison.
The number of EXAM visits has increased steadily since the operating model was introduced in 2019. During 2025, a total of 443,000 exams were completed in the system, and 49,000 EXAM visits took place, allowing students to complete a supervised digital exam at another higher education institution’s EXAM facilities.
Flows of EXAM visits in 2025
The visualization below illustrates how EXAM visits were distributed in 2025 among the 24 higher education institutions participating in the EXAM visit scheme. The left side of the chart shows the student’s home institution, and the right side shows the receiving institution (target institution). The thickness of each line represents the volume of EXAM visits: the wider the line, the stronger the flow of students was between the two institutions.
The visualization shows that even though a large portion of EXAM visits is directed to the Helsinki metropolitan area, exam movement occurs rather evenly across Finland. EXAM visits are widely distributed across the higher education field, as they can be completed in 29 different locations.
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Supporting smooth EXAM visits in various ways
As EXAM visits have become more common, the EXAM consortium, comprising 29 Finnish higher education institutions, has responded to feedback from institutions and students by developing solutions that support flexible study completion. Below are two key examples:
- Cost-sharing model between higher education institutions
The EXAM consortium introduced a model in which institutions share the costs generated by EXAM visits. Institutions that receive large numbers of visiting students are compensated, helping them cover expenses related to facilities, equipment, and staff work. - Unified guidelines and practices for students requiring accommodations
The consortium has agreed on measures and procedures aimed at providing equal opportunities for students who need accommodations. Shared principles clarify the practices and ensure a functional and equitable EXAM visit experience, regardless of the institution.
The electronic EXAM system
- CSC has been the provider of the electronic EXAM system since the beginning of the EXAM consortium’s operations in 2014.
- The EXAM consortium consists of 29 Finnish higher education institutions.
- Students can book a suitable exam time and complete the exam flexibly according to their own schedule in supervised EXAM facilities.
- EXAM facilities provide a supervised, secure, and equitable environment for completing exams.
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Topi Litmanen
Topi Litmanen is responsible for educational technology services.
Henna Toivola
Henna Toivola is responsible for the national electronic assessment and examination service EXAM and promotes cooperation of higher education institutions in study and information management.
