Are you looking for a way to study in Finland with only a WAEC or high school certificate? Do you want to enroll in a vocational school that offers guaranteed admission and no age limit? If yes, then this article is for you. Here, you will learn everything you need to know about applying for vocational education and training in Finland, the benefits of studying in this Nordic country, and the steps you need to follow to secure your place.
What is vocational education and training in Finland?
Vocational education and training (VET) in Finland is a form of post-secondary education that prepares students for various occupations and careers. VET programs are based on the needs of the labor market and society, and they combine theoretical and practical learning. VET programs can lead to a vocational qualification, a further vocational qualification, or a specialist vocational qualification. These qualifications are recognized nationally and internationally, and they can also provide access to higher education.
VET programs in Finland cover a wide range of fields, such as business and administration, health and social services, technology and engineering, tourism and hospitality, arts and culture, and many more. VET programs are offered by vocational institutions, universities of applied sciences, and adult education centers. Some VET programs are also available in English, which is an advantage for international students who want to study in Finland.
Why study in Finland?
Finland is a country that is known for its high-quality education, innovation, and social welfare. Studying in Finland can offer you many benefits, such as:
1. A safe and stable environment with low crime rates, high living standards, and respect for human rights and democracy.
2. A multicultural and tolerant society with a rich culture and history, and a vibrant student life.
3. A competitive and dynamic economy with a strong focus on research and development, and a high demand for skilled workers.
4. A beautiful and diverse nature with four distinct seasons, stunning landscapes, and plenty of outdoor activities.
5. A free or low-cost education system with no tuition fees for EU/EEA students, and affordable fees for non-EU/EEA students. You may also be eligible for scholarships, grants, or loans to support your studies.
How to apply for vocational education and training in Finland with only a WAEC or high school certificate?
If you have only a WAEC or high school certificate, you can still apply for vocational education and training in Finland. However, you need to meet some specific requirements and follow some steps to complete your application. Here are the main steps you need to take:
1. Choose a VET program that suits your interests and goals. You can browse the available programs on the [Studyinfo. fi] website, which is the official portal for applying to education in Finland. You can filter the programs by field, level, language, location, and institution. You can also read more about the admission criteria, curriculum, duration, and outcomes of each program.
2. Check the application periods and methods of the program you are interested in. There are two main ways to apply for VET programs in Finland: the joint application and the continuous application. The joint application is a national system that takes place twice a year, usually in January and September. The continuous application is an individual system that allows you to apply throughout the year, depending on the availability of places. You can find out the application periods and methods of each program on the [Studyinfo. fi] website or on the institution’s website.
3. Prepare the required documents for your application. You will need to submit the following documents:
i.A copy of your WAEC or high school certificate, or a provisional result slip if you are waiting for your final results. The certificate must be in English, Finnish, or Swedish, or translated and verified by a public notary.
ii. A proof of your English language proficiency, such as a Duolingo English Test or an IELTS test. The minimum score required varies depending on the program and the institution. You can find out the specific requirements on the [Studyinfo. fi]website or on the institution’s website.
iii. A copy of your passport or personal ID card, which must be valid for at least six months after your planned arrival in Finland.
Iv. A motivation letter or a video, where you explain why you want to study in Finland and the chosen program, and what are your plans and goals.
V. A curriculum vitae or a resume, where you highlight your educational and professional background, skills, and achievements.
Vi. Any other documents that may be requested by the program or the institution, such as a portfolio, a reference letter, or a work certificate.
4. Submit your application online via the [Studyinfo. fi]website or the institution’s website, depending on the application method. You will need to create an account fill in an application form with your personal and educational information, and upload the required documents. You can apply for up to six programs in the joint application and for one program at a time in the continuous application. You can also track the status of your application and receive notifications on the website.
5. Take part in the entrance exam or the interview, if required by the program or the institution. Some VET programs may invite you to take an online or an on-site test, or to have an online or an on-site interview, to assess your suitability and motivation for the program. You will be informed about the date, time, location, and format of the exam or the interview, and the topics or questions that may be covered. You will need to prepare well and show your best performance and attitude.
6. Receive the admission decision and accept the study place. You will be notified about the admission decision by email or by post, usually within a few weeks after the application deadline or the exam or the interview. If you are accepted, you will need to confirm your acceptance by the given deadline, or you will lose your study place. You can only accept one study place per academic term in Finland.
7. Apply for a residence permit, if you are a non-EU/EEA student. You will need to apply for a residence permit before you travel to Finland, as you cannot enter the country with a tourist visa. You will need to submit the following documents:
-A copy of your passport or personal ID card, which must be valid for at least six months after your planned arrival in Finland.
– A proof of your admission to a VET program in Finland, such as a letter of acceptance or a certificate of enrollment.
– A proof of your sufficient funds for living expenses in Finland, such as a bank statement, a scholarship letter, or a sponsor letter. You will need to have at least 560 euros per month, or 6,720 euros per year, on your account.
– A proof of your health insurance, which must cover at least 100,000 euros for medical expenses and repatriation. You can buy health insurance from a Finnish or a foreign company, or use the European Health Insurance Card if you are an EU/EEA student.
You can apply for a residence permit online via the [Enter Finland] website, or at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate in your country. You will need to pay a fee of 300 euros for the first permit, and 150 euros for the extension. You will also need to visit a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service in Finland to provide your biometric data and to collect your residence permit card. You can find more information about the residence permit process on the [Finnish Immigration Service] website.
Conclusion
Studying in Finland with only a WAEC or high school certificate is possible and rewarding. You can apply for vocational education and training in Finland, which offers guaranteed admission and no age limit, and gain valuable skills and qualifications for your future career. You just need to follow the steps outlined in this article, and prepare well for your application and your studies. If you have any questions or doubts, you can contact the program or the institution you are interested in, or visit the [Study in Finland] website for more guidance and support.
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