Application procedure
What kind of educational background is required?
You need to have a qualification equivalent to Finnish basic Education of nine years.
For example
- primary education and lower secondary education
- higher secondary education
- general school
- high school
When is the application period and how to apply?
Application periods are organized twice a year (for Cook and Waiter/Waitress) in November (for studies beginning in August) and in April (studies beginning in January). Applications to other English‑language programmes can be submitted during the specifically announced application period. More information about the application procedure you can find here.
When are the admission results released?
The admission results will be announced approximately 1-2 months after the application period has closed. All applicants will be informed, whether they are selected or not. Vamia does not publish individual scores.
What kind of health documents are required?
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.
Can I postpone my studies?
In Vamia you cannot postpone studies to the next academic year.
Studying
How are the studies scheduled?
In Vamia we have four study periods (nine weeks each) per school year. The classes are held during daytime from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm. As a student you can check your schedule from the mobile app of Studenta. The schedule will change after each period.
The school is closed for holidays (autumn holiday, Christmas holiday, winter holiday and summer holiday).
The duration of studies is approximately 2 years. The qualification includes full-time studying as well as workplace education and training periods.
Do I get a free school lunch at the school?
No, the lunch is not included for free for international students on school days. You can get a student prized school lunch your lunch with your id-card.
When do I get the id-card?
You get your id-card when studies begin. More information from the study office.
Does the program include practical training?
Workplace education and practical training is included in all vocational programs. The length of the workplace education and training depends on your personal skills, on the workplace and the vocational unit.
You can also apply for workplace education and training abroad.
What are the costs of the studies?
Starting from August 2026 tuition fees are being planned for vocational education for students coming from outside the EU/EEA area.
The tuition fees for Cook and Waiter/Waitress is 7 000 € (euros) for an academic year.
The tuition fees for Plater-Welder is 11 100 € for an academic year.
The tuition fees for Electrician or Automation assembler is 11 100 € for an academic year.
The duration of the program will be shortened from three years to two years as a result of the tuition fee reform, starting in August 2026.
The school will provide the new students with appropriate working clothes and accessories.
NOTE! If you study to become a cook or waiter/waitress you have to buy your own working shoes. The cost for the shoes is about 70€
We have no scholarships available.
Where do I find more information about studying in Vamia?
You can find more information in study guide of Vamia.
School
What kind of school is Vamia?
Vamia is a vocational upper secondary education and training school offering programs in Finnish, Swedish and English (Vamia is not a university).
What kind of student health care / welfare services does the school offer?
At Vamia we have our own nurses. Their consulting hours are on display outside their office on the door. You will find all information in the study guide. Doctor and psychologist services are also available regularly for students. These services are free for the students.
Other precautions
Am I eligible to apply for further studies?
After graduation you are eligible to apply for further studies (both universities and universities of applied sciences, NOTE! There are still tuition fees for international students who continues their studying in English).
How do I apply for the residence permit?
You need to have the admission letter from Vamia to apply for the permit from The Finnish Immigration Service. Begin to apply for the residence permit immediately. In some countries applying can takes months!
What is the total spending per month?
You should plan for monthly living expenses of approximately 800-1000 € (euros), covering food, rent, and other daily costs. One of the requirements for obtaining a residence permit is that you have at least 9,600 € available in your bank account.
What kind of accommodation options are there?
Vaasa offers many possibilities living on rent. There are apartments both in the city center as well as on the countryside.