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Are you looking for vocational schools in Finland that help you gain or upgrade your practical and technical skills? If so, then you have made the right choice. The North European country is a popular hub for vocational education and training among its own students as well as international ones. This blog will help you discover some renowned vocational institutes in the country, along with the programs they offer, admission requirements and their application process. We will also discuss the benefits of vocational education in the long run and its career scope. So let’s get started!
| Number of students choosing Vocational Programs after Primary Education | 341,600 (Approx) |
| Qualifications Offered | Both upper secondary qualifications (3 years) and specialized qualifications (1-2 years) |
| Top Industries for Vocational Education | Business and administration, health and welfare, engineering, manufacturing, and construction |
| Language | Instruction primarily in Finnish, with some programs in English or Swedish |
| Cost | EUR 4,500 per program, with potential scholarships for international students |
| Employment rate | More than 80% |
This Blog Includes:
Also Read: Vocational Courses After 12th
Why Study in Vocational Schools in Finland?
Vocational schools aim to equip students with hands-on practical knowledge relevant to a particular industry. The vocational schools in Finland help provide seamless, future-oriented learning for both local and international students, keeping in mind the needs of local industry. These programs focus on enhancing work-based learning through innovative pedagogy and customized study paths. Given below are some reasons for you to choose Finland as your destination for vocational education and training:
- Vocational institutes in Finland have a smaller class size, enabling students to learn intensively.
- The program has individualized instructions, based on developed planning and imparts essential, lifelong skills to students.
- Students acquire crucial skills through a hands-on approach to learning paid, apprenticeships and internships, and immediate employment as soon as they graduate.
Top Vocational Schools in Finland
There are numerous vocational schools in Finland, seeing that most students prefer and opt for vocational education instead of traditional higher education. Among other industries, the following are generally the most popular choices among students:
- Business and Administration
- Health and Welfare
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Construction
Here are some of the top vocational institutes in Finland for international students in 2024, along with the programs they offer:
| Institute | Program |
| SASKY Municipal Education and Training Consortium | Vocational Qualification in Social and Healthcare, Practical Nurse and care, and Rehabilitation For Elderly People (top-up) |
| Tampere Vocational College, Tredu | Vocational Qualification in Social and Healthcare, Practical nursing and care, and Rehabilitation For Elderly People (top-up) |
| SAIMAA Vocational College SAMPO | Vocational Qualification in Social and Healthcare, Practical nursing and care, and Rehabilitation For Elderly People (top-up) |
| WinNova | Vocational Qualification in Social and Healthcare, Practical Nurse |
| Educational Consortium OSAO | Continuous Education in Social & Health Care and Cleaning (non-degree programs) |
Tuition Fees
Compared to Canada and Australia, the tuition fees for programs at vocational schools in Finland are much more affordable i.e. EUR 4,500 per program. Moreover, students can work up to 30 hours/week at a wage of EUR 8-12/hour, as per the recently modified law for international students.
Vocational Schools in Finland: Admission Requirements
Although the vocational schools in Finland have specific admission requirements for each of their courses, here are some general ones that students must qualify:
- Completing secondary education equivalent to Finnish upper secondary school
- Employment Certificate/CV
- Passport ID page/official ID with your nationality
- Admission interview
- Proof of no past criminal record
- Knowledge of English and Finnish language (IELTS, TOEFL, YKI (Finnish Language Tests))
- Vocational qualifications in their preferred program
Vocational Schools in Finland: Application Process for International Students
Students can apply to vocational schools in Finland through the following steps:
- Ensure you meet the basic and program’s specific eligibility requirements.
- Research and choose a program and institution based on your interests and career goals.
- Consider factors like location, language of instruction, tuition fees, and application deadlines.
- Most institutions have online application platforms. Submit all required documents such as academic transcripts, certificates, test scores, and CV/resume. Some programs may require entrance exams or interviews.
- Pay any necessary application fees.
- Apply for a student visa through the Finnish Immigration Service well in advance (3-6 months).
- Prove you have sufficient funds to cover living expenses and tuition fees.
- Admission decisions are usually made by individual institutions based on academic merit, skills, and motivation. You may receive an offer letter by email.
- Accept the offer by the deadline and pay any required fees. Apply for a residence permit if applicable.
- Arrange housing and health insurance.
Relevant Reads:
FAQs
Ans: Many programs are offered in English, but mastering Finnish opens doors to more options and enhances your integration. Check specific program requirements and consider preparatory courses if needed.
Ans: Absolutely! Part-time work is encouraged and often integrated into programs through internships or practical training. This valuable experience strengthens your resume and career prospects.
Ans: Scholarships, grants, and student loans are given by Finnish institutions and organizations like Edufi. Research options early and explore possibilities based on your chosen program and background.
Ans: Finland boasts a high employment rate for vocational graduates. Your acquired skills are highly sought-after, paving the way for immediate job entry, further studies, or even entrepreneurship in diverse fields.
We hope that this gave you a complete overview of studying in vocational schools in Finland for international students. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more updates on study-abroad destinations. Thank you for reading!
Leave a Reply
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I my self saniya vahora from india and I have diploma degree in general nursing midwifery with 2 years experience in gov’t hospital. I apply for vocational education in healthcare practical nurse program
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Hey Saniya,
You can apply for vocational education in healthcare and practical nurse program. However, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements. That is, you must be at least 18 years of age, must have cleared high school from a recognised educational institution, must have good IT skills, good physical and mental health to study and work as a practical nurse, and must clear the English eligibility criteria of the university. Aside from these, you must provide essential documents. For further information on studying in Finland, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu. You can also call us at: 1800 57 2000
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my name is Nnamdi Ojie from Nigeria I am interested in a vocational training in the field of IT-TECHNOLOGY I have a Bachelor degree in geology.
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Hey Nnamdi Ojie,
Some of the best institutions where you can take up vocational training in IT are OSAO,Riveria Vocational School, Omnia, Kiteen Evankelinen Kansanopisto, and Careeria. You can take admission in a vocational course irrespective of your background in geology.
For the vocational course in IT, you must be proficient in English, must have completed your higher secondary education from a recognised institution, and must be at least 18 years of age. You must also have good IT skills, and must have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, and additional expenses for the duration of your stay.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
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Hi, My name is Abdur Rahman, and I am from Bangladesh. I completed a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and have 3 years of experience. can I apply for a vocational course as an international student? if possible which course is suitable for me?
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Hey Abdur Rahman,
You can take up a vocational course in Finland with just your high school qualification. That said, those with higher degrees can also apply for the course. It is important to note that most of the courses are conducted in either Finnish or Swedish. Hence, you need to be proficient in these languages. However, there are a few courses available in English as well.
A suitable course that you can pursue is Electrical Engineering and Automation Technology. Some of the institutions offering this course are Vamia, OSAO, and HAMK University of Applied Sciences. Ensure you visit the official website of the university, and verify the medium of instruction before applying.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
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My name is Novel from Cameroon.
I am interested in avocational training program in the field of mineral processing . I hold a bachelor’s degree in Geology.-
Hey, Ambeh Novel Ambilina
You can take up a vocational course in mining. The Aalto University is an excellent university for mining courses. Alternatively, you can also take up an engineering vocational program. Tampere University, LUT University, and EIT RawMaterials Academy are some of the best institutions for engineering courses. For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu. You can also call us at: 1800 57 2000.
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24 comments
I my self saniya vahora from india and I have diploma degree in general nursing midwifery with 2 years experience in gov’t hospital. I apply for vocational education in healthcare practical nurse program
Hey Saniya,
You can apply for vocational education in healthcare and practical nurse program. However, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements. That is, you must be at least 18 years of age, must have cleared high school from a recognised educational institution, must have good IT skills, good physical and mental health to study and work as a practical nurse, and must clear the English eligibility criteria of the university. Aside from these, you must provide essential documents. For further information on studying in Finland, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu. You can also call us at: 1800 57 2000
my name is Nnamdi Ojie from Nigeria I am interested in a vocational training in the field of IT-TECHNOLOGY I have a Bachelor degree in geology.
Hey Nnamdi Ojie,
Some of the best institutions where you can take up vocational training in IT are OSAO,Riveria Vocational School, Omnia, Kiteen Evankelinen Kansanopisto, and Careeria. You can take admission in a vocational course irrespective of your background in geology.
For the vocational course in IT, you must be proficient in English, must have completed your higher secondary education from a recognised institution, and must be at least 18 years of age. You must also have good IT skills, and must have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, and additional expenses for the duration of your stay.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
Hi, My name is Abdur Rahman, and I am from Bangladesh. I completed a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and have 3 years of experience. can I apply for a vocational course as an international student? if possible which course is suitable for me?
Hey Abdur Rahman,
You can take up a vocational course in Finland with just your high school qualification. That said, those with higher degrees can also apply for the course. It is important to note that most of the courses are conducted in either Finnish or Swedish. Hence, you need to be proficient in these languages. However, there are a few courses available in English as well.
A suitable course that you can pursue is Electrical Engineering and Automation Technology. Some of the institutions offering this course are Vamia, OSAO, and HAMK University of Applied Sciences. Ensure you visit the official website of the university, and verify the medium of instruction before applying.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
My name is Novel from Cameroon.
I am interested in avocational training program in the field of mineral processing . I hold a bachelor’s degree in Geology.
Hey, Ambeh Novel Ambilina
You can take up a vocational course in mining. The Aalto University is an excellent university for mining courses. Alternatively, you can also take up an engineering vocational program. Tampere University, LUT University, and EIT RawMaterials Academy are some of the best institutions for engineering courses. For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu. You can also call us at: 1800 57 2000.
my name is Victor Amos from Nigeria,
I need more clarification on Finland vocational program.
my contact: +xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxx
I will appreciate your response.
Hey VICTOR AMOS.
Thank you for reaching out to us. Our study abroad experts would contact you soon.
I am Emmanuel Udochi Victory, I am interested in applying for vocational study in nursing but can’t see the apply button.
Hi Emmanuel,
Most vocational schools in Finland have their own online application systems. If you want to pursue vocational training in nursing, follow the steps given below:
1. Explore from a list of Finnish vocational institutes and choose the school and the Nursing program you want to enroll in.
2. Ensure you meet the basic and program-specific eligibility criteria.
3. Gather and prepare the required documents.
4. Fill out the application form accurately and completely.
5. Pay any application fees if applicable.
6. Upload all required documents as specified in the application guidelines.
7. Ensure all documents are in the correct format and language.
8. The admission process may take several weeks.
9. If accepted, you’ll receive an admission letter.
We hope this helps. To know more, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
Good morning. please if my WAEC result has a different year of birth from the one on my passport ID and other documents but same day and month, will it affect my application to a vocational school?
Secondly, can I use my Higher National Diploma certificate (HND) in place of my SSCE (WAEC) certificate?
Hi Onyejinbe,
Thanks for your query! Yes, a discrepancy in your birth year between your WAEC result and your passport and other documents can raise questions about the legitimacy of your qualifications. So it’s advisable to reach out to the West African Examinations Council to inquire about the possibility of correcting the birth year on your result. If correcting the WAEC result isn’t feasible, gather additional evidence to support the correct birth year, including birth certificates, school records, or other official documents. And yes, you can use your Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate in place of your SSCE (WAEC) certificate. We hope this helps.
I am Taridu Sandeepana from Sri Lanka. currently iam a HND student at Cinec campus Sri Lanka I have one year yet to complete the HND in electrical engineering.
I am interested in fallowing a vocational training course in Finland.
your advice will be highly appreciated. Thank you so much.
Hey Taridu Sandeepana Amarasinghe,
Some of the vocational courses that might be of interest to you are:
1. Vocational Qualification in Electrical Engineering and Automation Technology (vamia)
2. Mechanical engineering and production technology
3. Vocational Qualification in Social and Healthcare, Practical nursing and care, and Rehabilitation For Elderly People (Tampere Vocational College, Tredu/SASKY Municipal Education and Training Consortium)
You can select an institution based on your career goals. For further information consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
My name is Mutanga Christopher from Cameroon.
I and wife are interested in avocational training program in the field of Vocational Qualification in Social and Healthcare, Practical nursing and care, and Rehabilitation For Elderly People.I have a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy and welding and my wife has a bachelor’s degree nursing science.
Our objective is to open a group home for elderly people in Finland if permitted or else where if not possible in Finland. The funding for activity will come from my retirement benefits. I am presently working with the national oil refinery of cameroon (SONARA) AS A REFINERY INSPECTOR. My wife is also an experience Nurse who has worked with the district hospital of limbe Cameroon are a nurse. she presently in the UK working as a group home care nurse for elderly people. The funding for this activity will be gotten from my retirement benefits.
have a blessed day.
Hey, Mutanga Chuo Christopher
It is an excellent idea to set up a group home for elderly people in Finland. Your wife can take up the course, Practical nurse Vocational qualification in Social and Health Care for the purpose.
You can take up Vocational Qualification in Social and Healthcare course from institutions like Sasky, and Riveria. Most likely, both of you are eligible for the vocational courses. Just ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria.
Generally, the eligibility criteria requires you to have a high school degree, a Finnish language proficiency of level B1.2/English language proficiency, and good IT skills. You may also need to clear any entrance examination for this course entry.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
I am Sarah from Ghana and I have diploma in Midwifery and degree in Public health nursing
with 17years of experience in a hospital. I want to apply for vocational education in culinary art as a cook.
Hey Sarah Baiden is,
Several vocational colleges provide programs in culinary arts. For example,
1. Riveria- Restaurant and Catering Services qualification
2. Turku Vocational Institute (TAI)-Restaurant and Catering Services (12 month program)
Vamia, and Tampere Vocational College Tredu are also good institutions to undertake the course. To enroll, you must be at least 18 years of age. must have completed your higher secondary education from a recongised instiution, and must be proficient in English. You may have to show your IELTS/TOEFL/PTE test score for the same.
The drawback? Most of these courses require you to have a Finnish residence permit or citizenship. Therefore, read the eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
Hi, am Petrus Jairus Namibia. I would like to study electrical, I have a BTEC diploma in electrical and electronics level 3 and want to upgrade to level 5,6.
Hey Petrus Jairus,
You can either pursue a vocational Qualification in Electrical Engineering and Automation Technology (Level 5), or take up a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Automation Engineering (Level 6). Your BTEC Level 3 Diploma is considered equal to a Finnish upper secondary education. Therefore, you are eligible to apply for these programs. Note- before enrolling in the course ensure that the medium of instruction is English.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
my name is Konja Mhagama from Tanzania, I am looking for avocational training college in Finland in the field of logistic and supply chain management, Currently i have a degree in business administration.thank you
Hey,konja beno mhagama
You can take up vocational qualification in Logistics provided by the Turku Vocational Institute. Alternatively, we would suggest that you enrol in a Master’s Programme in Supply Management, or a Diploma in Global Logistics program. Universities such as LUT University, and Aalto University provide these courses.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.