Vocational education and training in different languages

If your language skills are not yet sufficient to study in Finnish or Swedish, you can improve your study capabilities with preparatory education for an upper secondary qualification (TUVA) or basic education for adults.

The options for vocational education and training in languages other than Finnish and Swedish are currently limited. If your language skills are not yet sufficient to study in Finnish or Swedish, you can improve your study capabilities with preparatory education for an upper secondary qualification (TUVA) or basic education for adults. 

The private educational institutions in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area offer some study and training opportunities in English. Read more about the study and training opportunities in different languages offered by private educational institutions at the end of the page.

The options presented below are mostly intended for students aged 15–19. Still, there are also opportunities for adult students in vocational education and training.

Vocational education and training (VET) focuses on learning practical skills needed in working life and the profession you study for. The learning environments and work-based learning periods are also strongly linked to working life.

You can study for a vocational qualification in a specific profession or a special vocational qualification or choose apprenticeship training to combine study and work.

Stadin AO offers diverse vocational education and training that you can apply flexibly throughout the year through rolling admissions.

Most of the opportunities are provided in Finnish or Swedish. Therefore, you need good Finnish or Swedish language skills to apply. Knowledge of Finnish or Swedish is also important for further studies and working in Finland.

Have you completed basic education in Finland or in another country? Would you like to improve your skills before entering vocational education and training or general upper secondary school, or strengthen your Finnish or Swedish language skills before starting upper secondary education? 

In that case, you should consider preparatory education for an upper secondary qualification in Finnish (TUVA) or Swedish (Hux), which can also be a good option if you wish to refine your plans for further studies and improve your basic education grades. 

TUVA and Hux also allow you to study vocational qualification and general upper secondary school study units, which can be accredited to a later degree.

Read more:

Almost all upper secondary education requires good Finnish or Swedish language skills. You should also study Finnish or Swedish because proficiency in Finnish or Swedish will increase your chances and opportunities to apply for further studies. Also, many employers value proficiency in Finnish or Swedish.

Where to learn Finnish

Where to learn Swedish

Vocational education and training in English

Besides Finnish and Swedish, Helsinki has some vocational institutions that offer instruction in part or fully in English. You can find out more about the options on the websites of the schools and educational institutions or by contacting them directly.

  • If you are about to complete comprehensive school in Finland, the normal procedure is to apply through the joint application system via Studyinfo online service(Link leads to external service). The school will help with the application.
  • If you have already completed comprehensive school and need a place to study, you should contact the desired school directly and inquire about applying.