How to Apply

We have compiled essential information for international applicants on this “How to apply” page.

Available study programs in English

Cook and Waiter/Waitress (Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services)
Plater-Welder and Machinist (Vocational Qualification in Mechanical engineering and Production technology)
- Avalilable only for citizens of EU/EEA countries
Electricity and Automation (Vocational Qualification in Electrical Engineering and Automation Technology)
- Available only for clients of Employment Services registered in Finland

Application periods

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

Plater-Welder and Machinist starting in August 2026
- continuous application spring 2026
Cook, Waiter/Waitress starting in January 2027
- From April1st to 7th 2026
Cook, Waiter/Waitress for vocational programs starting in August 2027
- November 2026

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, Cook and Waiter/Waitress

We accept applicants of all nationalities into our Cook and Waiter/Waitress programs conducted in English.

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

Key factors in the selection criteria

We are primarily seeking applicants who have a good command of English and some relevant education or work experience in the field.

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

Even if one meets all the requirements, it does not guarantee selection for the program.

Tuition fees for non EU/EEA students

The tuition fee for no EU/EEA students for Cook and Waiter/Waitress programs is 7000 euros/study year. (The exact annual tuition fee will be announced when the application period begins). The tuition fees concern students who are not citizens of EU/EEA countries and who have started their studies in English-taught programmes in August 2026 onwards. However, students can be exempted from the tuition fee e.g. on the basis of their residence permits.

From August 1st 2026 onwards in order to be exempted from the tuition fee at Vamia, an applicant must deliver a copy of one of the following documents:

Passport or identity card to indicate the citizenship of EU/EEA/Switzerland *)
EU Blue Card in Finland
Continuous residence permit card in Finland (Type A permit) issued for purposes other than studies may exempt from paying tuition fees. However, they are required to pay tuition fees if:
- their first residence permit in Finland was granted for studying, they have to pay tuition fees, even in case they have later obtained a continuous residence permit (type A) on other grounds.
- they have a continuous residence permit (type A) based on family ties in Finland, and their family member originally came to Finland on a residence permit granted for studying, they are required to pay tuition fees.
EU Family Member’s Residence Card in Finland
EU residence permit for third-country citizens with long-term residence permit card in Finland (Type P-EU)
Permanent residence permit card in Finland, Type P permit
Brexit residence permit card, Type SEU = Right of residence under the withdrawal agreement, or P SEU = Right of permanent residence under the withdrawal agreement
a residence permit based on temporary protection

*) Citizens of Finland are not required to provide proof of their citizenship as it will be verified from the population register.

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 of the Cook and Waiter/Waitress programs

The application to the Cook and Waiter/Waitress 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.
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).
The final student selection will be made based on the interviews and we will select the most suitable candidates for the field. 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 applying for a residence permit as soon as you receive confirmation of your study place, 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.

PLEASE NOTE

We do not disclose specific scoring models.
We do not have the capacity to assist or guide in completing applications.
Applications can only be submitted during the specified application period.
The form will be accessible at the designated time. A direct link to the application form will be found at the end of this page when the application starts.
Applications cannot be completed once the application period has closed.

Requirements for residence 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 residence permit
- More information on F innish Immigration Service website.
- Please note that living and housing costs in Finland are quite high. Make sure you have sufficient financial resources for your studies.

Beginning of studies

Approximately 1-2 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: Salmonella. The test will be conducted at the beginning of the studies.

The link to the application form

Application is not open at the moment