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Vocational school in Finland if you already live here

Living in Finland on a work or family permit? You can study for a Finnish vocational qualification without a new residence permit, and often without the new tuition fee. Here is how it works.

By Fovo · 5 min read · 29 October 2026

Key facts at a glance

  • No new permit: if you already live in Finland with a valid residence permit, you usually don't need a separate student permit to study. If you're unsure, check your permit with Migri.
  • Tuition fees (from 1 August 2026) mainly apply to students whose permit is based on studies. Many people on family-based or permanent permits pay nothing.
  • Language: most vocational qualifications are taught in Finnish, so you need good enough Finnish. A few are taught in English.
  • Applying: many vocational schools accept applications all year (continuous admission), often followed by an interview.
01

Do I have to pay the tuition fee?

Since 1 August 2026, students from outside the EU/EEA pay a tuition fee in vocational education. But the fee is mainly for people who came to Finland to study. Helsinki's vocational school Stadin AO lists who pays and who doesn't:

You pay the fee ifYou don't pay if, for example
  • you are moving to Finland to study
  • your residence permit is based on studies (A or B)
  • your first Finnish permit was based on studies
  • your permit is based on a family member's studies
  • you have a permanent residence permit (P or P-EU)
  • your family member is a Finnish or EU/EEA citizen and your permit is based on family ties
  • your family member has a permanent permit and your permit is based on family ties
  • you have international or temporary protection
  • you study through apprenticeship training (oppisopimus): many schools, such as Samiedu, don't charge the fee for it
  • you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, or a dual citizen of Finland or an EU/EEA country
Check your own case with the school. Each school applies the rules to your permit. Some schools, such as Samiedu, also charge people with a temporary (B) permit. When you apply, have your residence permit card and decision ready.
02

How to apply

  1. Choose a field: for example care, cleaning, restaurant and catering, logistics or tourism.
  2. Check the school's website. Many schools have continuous admission: you can apply at any time, and each field has its own application period and start dates.
  3. Fill in the application form on the school's page for that field.
  4. Go to the interview. The school may also check your Finnish.

Example: Samiedu in Savonlinna offers many qualifications in Finnish, and many of them have continuous admission. You apply on the page of the field you choose, and the school then invites you to an interview.

03

Finnish or English?

Most vocational qualifications are taught in Finnish and are meant for applicants with good enough Finnish. Schools decide the level themselves, so ask the school what it expects.

A few programmes are in English. For example, Samiedu's Further Vocational Qualification in Tourism Services (start 4 October 2027, applications 15 October 2026 – 15 January 2027) is for people with a tourism qualification, at least two years of tourism work and IELTS 5.0 or Duolingo 85.

Getting ready in Finnish: check your level with the free Finnish Level Check (reading and listening), learn the words of your field with a Work Finnish pack, or find a teacher on our Finnish courses page.

04

Studying while you work

If you work, ask your employer and the school about apprenticeship training (oppisopimus): you study for the qualification mainly at your workplace. Apprenticeship training is not subject to the tuition fee at some schools, such as Samiedu. Check with your school.

Checklist

  • Your residence permit card and decision (to check the tuition fee rule)
  • Your Finnish level: take the free Finnish Level Check
  • The field you want and the school's application period
  • An up-to-date CV for the application and interview

Thinking about studying in the Savonlinna region?

Fovo is based in the Savonlinna area and gives free guidance to people who want to study at a vocational school, in English and Thai. Start with the free 3-minute study check: tuition fee, permit, language and money.

Take the free study check →

More help

Sources

This article is general information based on the sources above as of 29 October 2026. It is not legal advice. Each school decides on admission and applies the tuition fee rules, and rules can change, so always check with the school before you apply. Fovo is not connected to the schools mentioned.