Vocational Training in Finland for International Students 2026

Many older articles, including our own 2025 version, said vocational school in Finland was free for everyone. That changed. Finland now charges tuition to most non-EU students who start upper secondary studies, including vocational qualifications, on or after 1 August 2026. This page explains the rules for the 2026 and 2027 intakes, using information from Finnish schools and the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).

What is vocational education in Finland?

Vocational education and training (in Finnish, ammatillinen koulutus) teaches practical skills for a specific job, such as practical nurse, cook, electrician, logistics worker or property maintenance. It is upper secondary level, not a university degree.

• Vocational upper secondary qualification: the basic qualification, usually 180 competence points and about three years full time.
• Further and specialist vocational qualifications: for people who already have work experience or a basic qualification.
• Work-based learning: a large part of training happens at real workplaces, sometimes as apprenticeship.

It is different from universities of applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulu), which award bachelor's degrees. If you want a degree, look at those instead.

Is vocational training in Finland free for international students?

No, not for most non-EU students starting from August 2026. Fees apply if you move to Finland to study or hold a residence permit for studies, and each school sets its own amount.

Examples published by Finnish providers for students starting in 2026:

Provider	Annual fee for non-EU students
Omnia (Espoo area)	6,400 euros for vocational and further vocational qualifications
Sedu (Seinajoki area)	11,000 euros for vocational upper secondary; 9,000 euros for further and specialist; some qualifications 9,500 to 24,000 euros
OSAO (Oulu area)	About 7,500 to 29,200 euros depending on the qualification

Who usually does not pay: EU and EEA citizens and Swiss citizens, holders of a permanent residence permit (P or P-EU), exchange students, people with international or temporary protection, and apprentices whose residence permit is based on work. Schools review fees each year, so confirm the amount for your exact programme with the school before you pay anything.

Some schools require you to pay the whole first year after admission and before studies start. You cannot begin until it is paid.

Are there vocational programmes taught in English?

A small number, and the list changes every year. Most vocational qualifications in Finland are taught in Finnish or Swedish.

• Some programmes start in English and switch to Finnish later, so you must study Finnish from day one.
• Finnish-taught programmes often require a Finnish language level such as A2 before admission.
• Examples seen for 2026 and 2027 include English-taught logistics and cleaning and property services qualifications at Taitotalo, and practical nurse programmes that move from English into Finnish at some schools.

Even in an English programme, finding work placements and a job is much easier with Finnish. Plan to learn it.

How to apply for vocational training in Finland

There are three main routes, and which one you use depends on the school.

1. Joint application (yhteishaku) on Studyinfo.fi: mainly for young people who have just finished comprehensive school and have no upper secondary qualification yet. In 2026 it ran from 17 February to 17 March. The 2027 dates are expected around the same time but were not published when we checked, so confirm on Studyinfo.fi.
2. Continuous application (jatkuva haku): many vocational schools accept applications all year for adults and people with previous studies. You apply through Studyinfo.fi or the school's own site.
3. Fee-based or commissioned programmes: some schools sell places abroad through named partner agents, with interviews by video call and conditional admission.

Steps that apply in most cases:

1. Choose the qualification and check its language, fee and start date on the school's official website.
2. Check entry requirements: completed basic education, language test (for English, some schools accept tests such as Duolingo with a set minimum score), and sometimes an entrance test or interview.
3. Apply in the official system or directly to the school. Note that some Studyinfo vocational forms are only in Finnish or Swedish.
4. Receive an admission decision and the fee invoice.
5. Pay the first year's fee directly to the school if required.
6. Apply for a residence permit for studies on Enter Finland (Migri) with your admission letter.

Residence permit and how much money you need

To study for more than 90 days you need a residence permit for studies from Migri. For studies of one year or longer, Migri asks that you have 9,600 euros in your bank account when you apply, which is 800 euros a month.

• If you still owe tuition when you apply, you need the first year's tuition plus the 9,600 euros. Money for living costs cannot be counted as tuition money.
• If the school gives free housing, the monthly requirement is lower (Migri lists 400 euros a month, or 270 euros if meals are also free).
• A scholarship that covers living costs reduces the amount you need to show.
• You need a bank statement covering the past six months, plus health insurance that meets Migri's rules.

Example: with an 11,000 euro fee unpaid, you would need about 20,600 euros available when you apply, before flights and setup costs.

Can international vocational students work in Finland?

Yes. With a residence permit for studies you may work in any field for an average of 30 hours a week, counted over the year. Placements that are part of your studies do not count toward the limit if agreed in advance.

Do not plan to pay your fees from part-time work. Wages help with living costs, but jobs without Finnish are hard to find, and your studies must progress at a normal pace or your permit can be affected.

Warnings about agents and scams

Because vocational places now cost money, fake agents and fake "free vocational school" offers are common on Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok. Protect yourself.

• Finnish schools publish their official partner agents on their own websites. If an agent is not listed there, do not pay them.
• Pay tuition only to the school's own bank account, shown on the official invoice. Confirm by email with the school's admissions office first.
• No agent can guarantee a residence permit. Migri decides each case.
• Be careful of offers of "free vocational training with job and permanent residency". Most non-EU students now pay fees, and residency depends on later work and Migri rules.
• Do not pay "processing fees" for Studyinfo applications. Applying on Studyinfo.fi is free.

What you need

• Valid international passport
• Admission letter from a Finnish vocational school
• Proof of tuition payment or funds for the first year's fee
• About 9,600 euros for living costs (for one year or more) shown in a six-month bank statement
• Health insurance that meets Migri requirements
• School certificates and language test results
• Money for the Migri permit fee, flights and first-month rent

Frequently asked questions

Is vocational school in Finland still free for Nigerians and Ghanaians?

No, not for those starting on or after 1 August 2026 with a study residence permit. Each school charges its own yearly fee, often between about 6,400 and 29,200 euros.

Can I study vocational training in Finland in English?

Only in a few programmes. Most are in Finnish or Swedish, and some English programmes switch to Finnish during the course.

When is the next joint application for vocational schools?

The 2026 joint application ran from 17 February to 17 March 2026. Check Studyinfo.fi for the 2027 dates, and ask schools about continuous application, which is open for much of the year.

How much bank balance do I need for a Finland student visa?

Migri asks for 9,600 euros for studies of a year or more, plus any unpaid tuition for the first year.

Can I bring my family on a vocational study permit?

Family members can apply for permits based on your studies, but they need their own funds and may also be charged fees if they study. Check current rules on migri.fi before planning.

How do I know if a Finland school agent is real?

Look for the agent's name on the school's official website and email the school to confirm. Never pay tuition into an agent's personal account.