Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for education:
1. Who can apply for education?
Basic entrance requirements for studying Basic Vocational Qualifications:
- Completed Finnish comprehensive school or other basic education (approximately nine years, from ages 7-16)
- Priority will be given to applicants who have the right to work in Finland. For more information: Finnish Immigration Service – Work in Finland
- Good written and oral command of the English language
- 18 years of age
- Suitability requirements: good health for vocational labor and flexibility in working hours as requested
Applicants from outside of Finland
- The education is targeted at Finns, citizens of the EU and applicants possessing a residence permit in the EU/Schengen countries. If you have a residence permit in the EU, please attach it to the application
2. Can I apply for education even if I have no residence permit or don’t live in Finland?
Our study programs in English are targeted at Finns, citizens of the EU and applicants possessing a residence permit in the EU/Schengen countries. So if you have a residence permit in the EU/Schengen countries, you are welcome to apply to our programs.
Our educational programmes include contact teaching at the school, teaching in the educational institution’s own learning environments, and workplace learning periods, so distance learning is not possible
3. Can the Turku Vocational Institute help me apply for a residence permit?
The applicant takes care of getting a residence permit and other practical arrangements, such as housing. You can find further information on how to apply for a residence permit here: https://migri.fi/en/work-in-finland
4. When will the courses taught in English begin?
You can find the study programmes that are open or open for application and their schedules on our school’s website where we update the latest information about our courses.
Our courses usually start in September or in January–February for the spring semester.
5. Which degree programmes does TAI offer in English?
You can find the degree programmes that are open or open for application on our school’s website where we update the latest information about our degree programmes.
6. I was late to the application period, can I still apply for the course?
If student places become vacant after the application period, we will reopen the application process on our educational institution’s website. Check the search information for courses.
7. I have degree certificates completed abroad. Do I need to get them translated and attach them to the application?
Applicants suitable for the programme will be invited to an interview. If you receive a student place, your guidance counsellor will tell you which certificates should be translated.
8. Can a non-EU resident apply for a degree programme?
Our study programs in English are targeted at Finns, citizens of the EU and applicants possessing a residence permit in the EU/Schengen countries. So if you have a residence permit in the EU/Schengen countries, you are welcome to apply to our programs.
9. Does the Turku Vocational Institute offer training for NON-EU citizens?
Our study programs in English are targeted at Finns, citizens of the EU and applicants possessing a residence permit in the EU/Schengen countries. So if you have a residence permit in the EU/Schengen countries, you are welcome to apply to our programs.
Our educational programmes include contact teaching at the school, teaching in the educational institution’s own learning environments, and workplace learning periods, so distance learning is not possible
Questions related to the educational programmes:
1. How is the education organised? Is distance learning possible?
Our educational programmes include contact teaching at the school for five days a week, from Monday to Friday, and teaching in the educational institution’s own learning environments and workplace learning periods, so distance learning is not possible.
You can find a link to the national qualification requirements in the information concerning the degree programmes open for applications, showing the learning objectives of the degree programme.
2. In what language is the course held?
Courses are organised in English. Finnish is studied during the course so it’s easier to find employment in Finnish companies once the studies have been completed.
3. Does studying cost?
The programme is free of charge for the student. Acquisition of working clothes, working footwear and textbook incur expenses.
You will study full-time. This means that you can apply for support.
4. Can I study remotely?
Our educational programmes include contact teaching at the school, learning in the educational institution’s own learning environments, and workplace learning periods, so distance learning is not possible
5. How long will the degree programme last?
Programme duration is approximately 1,5-2 years or according to personal plan. Studies include contact teaching, distance learning and on-the-job learning.
6. Is it possible to work alongside studies?
Our educational programmes include contact teaching at the school for five days a week, from Monday to Friday, and teaching in the educational institution’s own learning environments and workplace learning periods, so you can work alongside your studies during evenings and weekends.
Apprenticeship: If you have a paid job in the field you are studying, you can apply for an apprenticeship. When studying under an apprenticeship, you must work for at least 25 hours per week. The student arranges the apprenticeship with a company in their field and concludes an employment contract with the company. For more information about apprenticeships, contact the Turku apprenticeship office.