Education pathways in Finland: joint application, continuous application and apprenticeship

Joint application after comprehensive school

The joint application for post-comprehensive education in spring 2026 was open 17.2.–17.3.2026. You could rank 1–7 choices in order of preference, and choices could be changed only during the application period. About 88 000 study places were on offer, of which 38 800 in vocational education and 39 900 in general upper secondary education. Results were published at the earliest on 11.6.

For those subject to compulsory education, the joint application is the main way to fulfil the obligation to apply for upper secondary or transitional education before comprehensive school ends. The application periods for the following spring are published on Opintopolku.

Ongoing application for adults

If you already have a vocational qualification, matriculation examination or higher education degree, you apply to vocational education through continuous admission directly to the institution. Many institutions admit students throughout the year, and prior learning is recognised, which can shorten studies considerably.

There are three levels of vocational qualification: the vocational upper secondary qualification, the further vocational qualification and the specialist vocational qualification. The vocational upper secondary qualification provides broad-based competence in the field, while the further and specialist qualifications deepen the skills of those already in working life.

A personal study plan is drawn up for each student, taking previous work experience and education into account. If you have already worked in the field, you can demonstrate your skills through competence demonstrations and concentrate only on the missing parts of the qualification. Ask the educational institution before applying how the recognition of prior learning works and how long your studies are likely to take.

Apprenticeship: pay during studies

Apprenticeship training combines work and study. It is a fixed-term employment contract in which the student is paid and learns most of the occupation in the workplace. Working time is on average at least 25 hours per week. With an apprenticeship you can complete a vocational qualification, a further vocational qualification or a specialist vocational qualification, or parts of them.

According to the City of Helsinki, completing a vocational qualification takes about 1–3 years depending on prior competence, and a vocational or specialist vocational qualification about 1–1.5 years. An employer can receive a wage subsidy for hiring, which must be applied for before the employment contract is signed. During an apprenticeship the student is not an unemployed jobseeker and does not receive unemployment benefit, because the employer pays the salary.

Higher education institutions

Applications to universities of applied sciences and universities are made through the joint application to higher education. The spring application is the largest, and in autumn a smaller joint application is held for programmes starting in January. The autumn 2026 application was open 31.8.–10.9. A vocational qualification gives eligibility to apply to a university of applied sciences and a university, so the vocational route at upper secondary level does not close the door to further studies.

The scope of a higher education degree is expressed in credits. For example, a bachelor's degree in nursing at a university of applied sciences is 210 credits and an engineer's degree is 240 credits. Selection criteria, such as the weighting of certificate-based selection and entrance exams, vary by programme, so check them in Studyinfo (Opintopolku) well before applying.

Licensed and regulated professions

In some occupations, a qualification alone is not enough, and a permit or registration from the authorities is needed to work. Healthcare professionals, such as nurses and doctors, need professional rights granted by Valvira. To become a security guard, you complete basic security guard training and apply to the police for security guard approval, i.e. a security guard card. A bus driver needs a category D driving licence and a professional qualification.

Find out about permits before choosing a training programme, as they may involve health, reliability or age requirements. If you completed your degree abroad, find out about recognition of the degree before applying for work in the field in Finland.

Changing careers as an adult

Adult education allowance has not been granted for studies starting on or after 1.8.2024, so a career changer has to plan the funding of their studies in other ways. The options are studying alongside work, an apprenticeship where you receive a salary, and labour market training arranged through the employment area if you are an unemployed jobseeker.

An employer can also train new talent for its own needs. In RekryKoulutus, the employment area trains unemployed jobseekers for the company's needs, and the employer pays 30% of the costs. If you are unemployed and interested in changing careers, ask your own employment area whether such training is coming up in the area. Applying for training can also be recorded in a young jobseeker's employment plan.

When choosing a new field, look at the ratio of open vacancies to unemployed people and at pay levels. You can find information by occupation and education routes in Career Radar, and the admission criteria for programmes in Opintopolku.

Find out which of your previous skills can be recognised
Ask the educational institution about the start dates for continuous application
Find an apprenticeship place directly from employers or from Työmarkkinatori
Calculate your livelihood for the whole duration of your studies

Frequently asked questions

Can you still get adult education allowance?

Not for new studies. Adult education allowance is not granted for studies that began on or after 1.8.2024.

Do you get a salary under an apprenticeship contract?

Yes. An apprenticeship is a fixed-term employment contract, and the employer pays the salary. Working time is on average at least 25 hours a week.

How does an adult apply for vocational education?

If you already have a qualification, you apply through continuous admission directly to the institution. The joint application is intended primarily for those completing comprehensive school.

Is a permit needed to work as a security guard?

Required. You can become a security guard by completing the basic security guard training and applying to the police for security guard approval, i.e. a guard card.

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Sources

The article is general information and does not replace the guidance of an authority, a lawyer or an adviser. Check up-to-date information from the sources.