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. The available professions for international students include cook, waiter/waitress, machinist, mechanical fitter and plater-welder.

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 public notary
• 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
• More information on Finnish Immigration Service website.

The following attachments can be included with the application

English language test

• All applicants must have completed the Duolingo English Test. The test score is submitted to the application. Please note that the test has to be valid at the time of applying.
  • Duolingo English Test (85 points minimum).
    • Vamia does not provide free vouchers for taking the Duolingo English test.
• On Duolingo test choose Vamia as your school
  • send results
  • save the file to attach to the application.
• English language test cannot be waived.
• We don not accept any other 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.
• Starting from application round in May 2024, we will only accept the Duolingo English Test as a language proficiency test.

Application procedure

• We select 20-25 students per application round for each vocational program.
• Due to limited resources, we are limiting the number of applications to 500 per program.
  • The final day for applications is not specified separately.
  • The application form will be closed as soon as we receive 500 applications.
  • It is not possible to complete the application outside the application period.
• Link to the application will be provided when the applying is open.
  • The only valid way to apply to Vamia´s English-language vocational programs is by using the application form
  • There is no fee for applying to Vamia
• Application periods are organized twice a year
  • Next application period is in December 2024 for the studies beginning in August 2025. In this application period it is possible to apply to Cook, Waiter/Waitress and Mechanical fitter programs.
  • Planned schedule for upcoming applications (We reserve the right to make changes)
    • December 2024; Cook, Waiter/Waitress and Mechanical fitter
      • for vocational programs starting in August 2025
    • May 2025; Cook, Waiter/Waitress
      • for vocational programs starting in January 2026
    • December 2025; Cook, Waiter/Waitress and Machinist
      • for vocational programs starting in August 2026
    • May 2025; Cook, Waiter/Waitress
      • for vocational programs starting in January 2027
    • December 2026; Cook, Waiter/Waitress and Plater-welder
      • for vocational programs starting in August 2027
• You can only apply to the one of the English programs.
• Fill out the application form accurately.
  • It is important that the name you provide in the application matches the one on your passport. The Finnish Immigraton services (Migri) does not grant the right to study if you have provided a wrong name in the application.
• Upload all required documents while the application period is on.
  • You do not need a motivational letter for the application.
• You will be notified by email when the application has been received.
• Based on the applications, the applicants who receive the highest scores (approximately 40-50) will be invited to Teams interviews.
• The admission results will be announced approximately 2 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.
• Begin to apply for the residence permit immediately, in some countries applying can takes months!
  • How to get a student’s residence permit in Finland? See video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKtrA5vbNBg

Beginning of studies

• Approximately 2 months before the studies begin, the new students will receive an e-mail about the start of the studies.
• 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.
• 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 next application is in December 2024

• The application link will be activated when the application opens.