MECHANISMS OF FINANCING GENERAL EDUCATION EXPENDITURES: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE (CASE OF FINLAND)

Abstract

This study explores the mechanisms of financing general education expenditures with a particular focus on international best practices, using Finland as a case study. The research examines the structural features of centralized and decentralized education financing systems and evaluates their effectiveness in promoting equity, accessibility, and quality in education. Finland’s model is analyzed due to its strong performance in global education rankings and its emphasis on publicly funded, inclusive education. The study employs comparative and analytical methods based on data from international organizations such as OECD and the World Bank. The findings indicate that equity-based funding, decentralized governance, and sustained investment in teacher quality are key determinants of an effective education financing system. The paper also discusses the applicability of Finland’s experience to developing countries, particularly Uzbekistan, and proposes policy recommendations for improving the efficiency and sustainability of education financing mechanisms.