Vocational Education and Training in Finland :
Vocational education in Finland focuses on job-oriented training, emphasizing practical skills over theoretical knowledge, making it an excellent pathway to employment. Since its reform in 2018, vocational education spans across 10 fields, including Business, Technology, Nursing, Agriculture, Social Services, and the Arts.
The duration of vocational programs typically ranges from 1 to 3 years, depending on the level of qualification and the field of study. Students can pursue full-time studies, part-time studies, or even apprenticeships, which allow them to earn a salary while gaining practical experience.
Why Choose Vocational Education in Finland?
- Practical Focus: Vocational studies emphasize hands-on learning, often incorporating internships and work placements, giving students real-world experience.
- High Employment Rates: Many vocational programs are closely aligned with industry needs, leading to high employment rates among graduates.
- English-Taught Programs: Several vocational programs are available in English, making them accessible to international students.
- Pathways to Further Education: Vocational studies can also serve as a stepping stone to further education, such as universities of applied sciences or specialized training programs.
- No tuition fees.
All the vocational
studies are free of costs , however you have to manage the accommodation and
living costs by yourself. You can contact migri website for the visa processing.
NOTE: Most of the vocational institution are for the people who are already residing in FINLAND and have necessary residency permit. Very few Vocational institution take students outside of FINLAND. Check our Post on VOCATIONAL STUDIES IN FINALND FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RESIDING OUTSIDE OF FINLAND for the people seeking visa.
Fields of Study in Vocational Education:
Vocational schools offer programs across various industries, providing students with opportunities to pursue careers in both traditional trades and emerging sectors. Some of the key fields of study include:
- Business and Marketing: Courses in administration, customer service, and sales, equipping students with the skills to work in diverse business environments.
- Information Technology (IT): Training in software development, network administration, and cybersecurity, preparing students for careers in the growing tech sector.
- Healthcare and Social Services: Programs in nursing, elderly care, and social services, offering a pathway into Finland’s robust healthcare sector.
- Hospitality and Tourism: Training in hotel management, event planning, and culinary arts, designed for those seeking careers in the service industry.
- Creative Arts and Design: Courses in graphic design, media production, and photography, catering to the growing demand for creative professionals.
The
following institution provides vocational education and training programme in English:
Business College Helsinki
Vocational Qualification in Business (QB):QB is a compact and practical program and that lasts 1,5 years on average. The studies are centered around business which include entrepreneurship, marketing communication and logistics. Additionally, you will learn the latest skills in business IT. Read More
Full Stack Web Developer program – React & Node:)
Full Stack Web Developer program is designed for adults who want to work as software developers. Studying in the program is very practical in comparison to academic studying. The studies focus 100 % on getting the core skills needed as software developer. .Read more.
Careeria, Helsinki
Vocational Qualification in Business (QB): Business skills are needed in all sectors of the world of work! As a QB graduate, you can work in a variety of jobs such as Customer Service, Sales, Marketing Communications, Service Design and Office Services in many different companies in many different countries or start your own company.. Read MoreKeuda Vocational School , Järvenpää -Kerava – Helsinki
Cleaning and property services in English – Housekeeper These studies require that you already work in the cleaning and property services field in Finland, and your employer has agreed to tie an apprenticeship training contract. Estimated duration of studies is from 4 to 6 months. Read MoreOmnia, Espoon keskus
VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Interested in working in sales, customer service and marketing communication tasks in various fields of business and public sector?At Omnia you can study the Vocational qualification in Business Management in English. Read MoreVOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION IN CLEANING AND PROPERTY SERVICES As a site facilities operative you work on various sites, keeping them comfortable and clean. Work includes standard cleaning procedures, periodic cleaning, facility and user services and catering services. Read More
VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION IN SOCIAL AND HEALTH CARE - Practical nurse education in English- At Omnia you can study to be a practical nurse in English. This education is especially well suited for you if your mother language is other than Finnish. You will, however, need to understand and speak Finnish to be able to work in Finland.The curriculum includes theoretical and practical studies at Omnia as well as on-the-job learning at workplaces mainly in Finland. Read More
VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION IN RESTAURANT AND CATERING SERVICES
Restaurant cook : A restaurant cook who has completed the qualification knows how to work in food preparation tasks in different restaurants, preparing tasty, nutritious and wholesome food taking into account special diets. Read More
VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION IN RESTAURANT AND CATERING SERVICES
Waiter/Waitress : Interested in working in sales, customer service and marketing communication tasks in various fields of business and public sector?At Omnia you can study the Vocational qualification in Business Management in English. Read More
OSAO, Oulu
Vocational Qualification in Business: After graduation you will be qualified to work in various business-related jobs such as customer service, sales and marketing communications in Finland or abroad. The programme includes International Baccalaureate career-related studies (IBCP).Read MorePerho Liiketalousopisto, Töölön kampus, Helsinki
Restaurant and Catering Services, competence area in Food Service, Cook: Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College provides English-taught vocational education of Restaurant Cook. Restaurant Cooks are trained to plan and carry out food preparation and customer service tasks in the catering sector.Read MoreTampere Vocational College Tredu, Tampere
Vocational Qualification in Business (QB): Tampere Vocational College Tredu offers Business studies in English. The program provides broad basic skills for Customer service, Sales and Marketing communications in international context. Read MoreVocational Qualification in Tourism Industry, Hotel Services: Would you like to develop your international expertise? Do you dream of working in customer service in an international hotel or possibly working at a travel center in the international environment? Read More
Vaasan kaupunki, Vamia, VAASA
Vocational Qualification in Mechanical Engineering and Production Technology, Competence area in Production Technology: This programme provides you with the basic knowledge of both theory and practice of mechanical engineering industry. As a machinist you will make components of machines and other parts in accordance with working drawings by machining, utilising automatic machine tools. Read MoreVocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services, Cook – Waiter: This programme provides you with the basic knowledge of both theory and practice in the food production tasks in restaurants, cafes, pizzerias, canteens etc. in planning, cooking and presenting restaurant dishes and in storing food ingredients. Read More
Varia Campus, Vantaa
Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services, Competence area of Food Services, Cook: The objective of the study program is that the student will be able to work as a cook in the hospitality industry. Furthermore, the study program gives qualifications to work within the industry in several other positions as well. Read MoreBelow are other institutions that offers vocational eductional in english:
Southern Finland /Helsinki
Ostrobothnia/VaasaVocational College of Ostrobothnia
Here is a list of key vocational colleges in Helsinki:
1. Helsinki Business College
- Specialization: Business, Information Technology (ICT)
- Programs: Business and Administration, ICT
- Website: helsinkibusinesscollege.fi
2. Stadin AO (Helsinki Vocational College and Adult Institute)
- Specialization: Various fields including technology, healthcare, arts, and business
- Programs: Business, ICT, Beauty Care, Healthcare, Construction, Media, and more
- Website: stadinao.fi
3. Omnia (Espoo Region Vocational College)
- Specialization: Business, Construction, Hospitality, Beauty and Wellness
- Programs: Business, Marketing, Construction Technology, Beauty and Wellness, Hospitality and Tourism
- Website: omnia.fi
4. Keuda Group (Keuda Vocational College)
- Specialization: Business, IT, Social and Healthcare, and Creative Industries
- Programs: Business, Healthcare, IT, Media, and more
- Website: keuda.fi
5. Prakticum
- Specialization: Social and Healthcare, Technology, and Business
- Programs: Social and Healthcare, Electrical Engineering, Business
- Website: prakticum.fi
6. Hyria Education (located near Helsinki)
- Specialization: Technology, Business, Social and Healthcare
- Programs: Automotive Engineering, ICT, Business, Social and Healthcare
- Website: hyria.fi
7.Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College :
- Specialization: Restaurant and catering services
- Programs: Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services
- Website: perho.fi