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How to Apply

We have compiled essential information for international applicants on the “How to apply” page. We offer instruction for international students in the English language. Available training programs for international students include cook, waiter, machinist and plater-welder.

Also familiarize yourself with the additional information on the Web page, FAQ and Studying. vamia.fi/en

Entry requirements

General requirements in Finland (Vocational Education Act 531/2017)

Equal grounds shall be applied in student admissions. VET providers decide on the criteria for their student admissions and on entrance examinations and aptitude tests.

General requirements at Vamia

  • You have the necessary qualifications for studying in the field and completing a degree
  • You have an educational need
  • You are motivated to study
  • You are suitable for the tasks in the field
  • You have sufficient health requirements for the chosen field
  • You have adequate language proficiency for the field

Specific requirements for English-language vocational qualification programs

We accept applicants of all nationalities into our English-language education qualification programs.

  • You have to be at least 18 years of age when studies start. There is no upper age limit
  • You have at least qualification equivalent to Finnish basic Education of nine years
    • You will need scan or photo of your original certificates when you apply
      • Original certificates in English, Finnish or Swedish are accepted
      • Translated certificates in English, Finnish or Swedish need to be verified by a public notary (at the location you live)
  • You have successfully completed the English language proficiency test (Duolingo English Test) with at least the minimum score required by the school (see below)
  • You have a valid passport or personal ID-card which is attached to the application

You cannot complete your application after the application period has closed.

Requirements for resident permit

  • You are selected to a study program in Finland
  • You have enough funds for living expenses on your account to be presented for the immigration office for the resident permit

Application periods

Planned schedule for upcoming applications (we reserve the right to make changes):

  • November 28 – December 5 2024; Cook, Waiter/Waitress – Application closed!
    • for vocational programs starting in August 2025
  • April-May 2025; Cook, Waiter/Waitress
    • for vocational programs starting in January 2026
  • November-December 2025; Cook, Waiter/Waitress and Machinist
    • for vocational programs starting in August 2026
  • April-May 2025; Cook, Waiter/Waitress
    • for vocational programs starting in January 2027
  • November-December 2026; Cook, Waiter/Waitress and Plater-welder
    • for vocational programs starting in August 2027

English proficiency test

  • All applicants must have a valid Duolingo English Test (the test is valid for two years). The test score is submitted to the application.
  • Note!
    • The minimum score required for the Duolingo English Test is 85 points.
    • Vamia does not provide free vouchers for taking the Duolingo English test.
  • Register for the Duolingo English Language Test on https://englishtest.duolingo.com
    • Choose Vamia as your school.
    • Save the language test certificate file and attach it to the application.
  • English language test is part of our scoring system and therefore it cannot be waived.
  • We do not accept any other language tests, diplomas or qualifications as proof of language skill.
    • Due to the high volume of emails regarding this matter, we are unable to respond to inquiries related to this.

Application procedure

  • The application to the programs in English is done through the studyinfo.fi website. The application form will be activated when the application period begins. A direct link to the application form will be found at the end of this page when the application starts.
  • The next application will be announced in the beginning of 2025.
  • Note!
    • It is not possible to complete the application outside the application period.
    • You can only apply to one of the programs in English.
    • There is no application fee.
  • Fill out the application form accurately.
  • Upload all documents while the application period is on (it is recommended to use PDF files, if the documents are scanned).
    • Work or Employment certificate is not mandatory
    • You do not need a motivational letter for the application.

  • You will be notified by an email from no-reply@opintopolku.fi (Studyinfo) when the application has been received.
  • The applicants who receive the highest scores based on their application (in addition to scoring, we also consider the diversity of the applicant group in the selection process), will be invited to Teams interviews (approximately 40-50 applicants).
  • We select 20-25 students per each vocational program.
  • The admission results will be announced approximately 2-3 month after the application period is closed. All applicants will be informed, whether they are selected or not.
  • An admission letter will be sent to the selected new students. The admission letter includes information about the health documents and how to apply for the resident permit.
  • Note!
    • Start the application for the residence permit immediately, in some countries applying can take many months!
      • How to get a student’s residence permit in Finland? See video
    • Visit a doctor in your home country to get the health documents that we require.
    • Before coming to Finland send the results of laboratory tests, X-ray of lungs [Thorax (please note that you should not send the X-ray photographs)] and Doctors’ statement T to School Nurse.

Beginning of studies

  • Approximately 2 months before the studies begin, the new students will receive an e-mail about the start of the studies.
  • Arrive to Finland well in time before the studies begin.
  • The first week will include orientation studies and practical information about the school.
  • The school will provide the new students with appropriate uniform for kitchen and restaurant work /mechanical work.
  • For students in Restaurant and Catering Services the following test is obligatory and will be taken in Vaasa: Salmonella.

The link to the application form

  • Cook or Waiter/Waitress – APPLICATION CLOSED
  • Mechanical fitter APPLICATION CLOSED! *
    • Due to the deteriorating employment situation and changes in funding for vocational education, we regret to inform you that the application process for the Mechanical Fitter training program has been suspended. Unfortunately, we will not be starting a new training program in the fall of 2025.

FAQ
Language test

All applicants must have a valid Duolingo English Test (the test is valid for two years). The test score is submitted to the application. English language test is part of our scoring system and therefore it cannot be waived. We do not accept any other language tests, diplomas or qualifications as proof of language skill.

You can find the updated information on application period at our website: https://vamia.fi/en/education-and-applying/how-to-apply/ Check under the title “Application periods”.

School certificates, employment or work certificates, Duolingo English Test results and a copy/photo of your passport or ID card.

Do not include in the application: bank information, health information or letters of recommendation.

The available professions for international students include cook, waiter/waitress, machinist, mechanical fitter and plater-welder. https://vamia.fi/en/education-and-applying/programmes/
Scholarship to Vamia / Tuition fee (Financing of studies)


Residence Permit and Visa

 

Yes. Read more about applying: https://vamia.fi/en/education-and-applying/how-to-apply/

https://migri.fi/en/students-family-members

https://migri.fi/en/income-requirement-for-students

“If you have been granted a residence permit for studies, you are allowed to work in paid employment in any field for an average of 30 hours per week. The number of working hours can be exceeded some weeks, as long as the average working hours are no more than 30 hours per week at the end of the year. However, your work may not slow down your studies. ”

https://www.vaasa.fi/en/living/housing-and-construction/housing/rental-apartments/

Due to high volume of applicants, we are unable to provide individual guidance for applying to Vamia. We have collected all the necessary information to “How to apply” site: https://vamia.fi/en/education-and-applying/how-to-apply/

The admission results will be announced approximately 2-3 month after the application period is closed. All applicants will be informed, whether they are selected or not. More info: https://vamia.fi/en/education-and-applying/how-to-apply/

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