Student health checks to change in autumn 2026
From 1 September 2026, the student health check programme will be renewed and a new digital health questionnaire introduced for new students. The questionnaire will help us identify more effectively than before which students need support or a health check already at the beginning of their studies.
The changes will come into force simultaneously at all schools in Western Uusimaa.
A digital health questionnaire will be introduced in student healthcare services for new upper secondary students. It will be completed online at the start of studies using strong authentication. Students will receive instructions on how to complete the questionnaire at the beginning of the school year via Wilma from the school nurse, as well as during information sessions for students.
There will be separate versions of the questionnaire for students in compulsory education and for adult students, and it will be available in Finnish, Swedish or English. Students who do not have access to strong authentication can request a paper version of the questionnaire from the school nurse.
In the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, the questionnaire was piloted in spring 2026 at Haukilahden lukio and Omnia, and experience so far suggests that it provides both students and professionals with comprehensive information on students’ wellbeing and health.
“The information we get from the questionnaire allows us to support students’ ability to study at an early stage, from the start of their studies,” says Service Supervisor Anna Tynell.
Health checks will be targeted according to need
The aim of the reform is to improve the identification of students whose health or need for support should be assessed already during their first year of studies.
For students subject to compulsory education, the digital health questionnaire will help determine when the health check takes place. If the questionnaire shows that the student does not need support, the health check conducted by the school nurse and doctor will be carried out in the year the student turns 18. This check also includes the pre-conscription health check. The questionnaire will also be used in preparing the assessment of fitness for military service, and female students will be asked to give their consent to this assessment.
Adult students will be invited to a health check when needed, based on the health questionnaire. However, students can always also contact student healthcare services on their own initiative.
In vocational schools, the first-year health check is an essential part of supporting students’ ability to study when an assessment of study ability is needed because of the field of study or future profession. Students can book an appointment for the health check when they begin their studies.
Access to the right support at the right time
“The digital health questionnaire helps us direct student healthcare resources and support to the students who need them most,” says Anna Tynell.
Students can still contact student healthcare services at any stage of their studies, regardless of how they responded to the questionnaire.
Further information
Anna Tynell, anna.tynell@luvn.fi
Service Supervisor, School and Student Healthcare Services
- Family centre