Are you dreaming of moving to Finland to study without spending thousands on tuition? Good news—you can study for free in vocational schools in Finland, and in this article, you’ll learn exactly how to take advantage of this opportunity.
When it comes to studying abroad in Europe, Finland is probably not the first country that comes to mind; however, in recent years, this Northern European country has really become one of the best countries for students, specifically, international students looking for practical, hands-on training.
Vocational schools in Finland offer high-quality teaching, modern classrooms, and direct connections to real jobs. If you want to start a career without spending countless years in a university, a vocational school in Finland may be a good option for you in 2025.
In this article, we will look at the five best vocational schools in Finland for international students in 2025. We will discuss what they are like, what programs they have to offer, and how to apply. There is something for everyone, whether you are interested in healthcare, business, tech, or hospitality.
Why Study at a Vocational School in Finland?
Before we get straight to the list of schools, let’s discuss why vocational education in Finland is so important. In other countries, vocational schools are often not held in high esteem and may be considered a plan B. In Finland, vocational education is just as respected as universities.
Vocational education and training (VET) in Finland emphasizes the skills that employers want. VET is hands-on learning, and you will learn things by doing, not just from books. Most VET programs have practical components such as training, internships, or work experience to give you a clear path, either to further education or an actual job.
The best part is that many VET programs are free (or not very expensive) if you are an EU or EEA student, and many programs for students from outside of the EU are often very affordable.
Can You Study in Finland for Free as an International Student?
Yes, some vocational schools in Finland offer free education to international students. That means no tuition fees—you only need to handle your living expenses, visa application, and exam fees.
These schools offer practical, hands-on training in fields like hospitality, healthcare, mechanics, and more. With the right preparation and documents, you can apply, get accepted, and move to Finland without paying tuition.
See Also: Best Vocational Schools in Germany for International Students in 2025
Top Vocational Schools in Finland You Can Apply To
Finland provides international students with a unique opportunity to study for free through its vocational education system. These schools offer practical, hands-on training that equips students with job-ready skills in fields such as hospitality, healthcare, and technical services. Below are two of the most recognized vocational institutions offering tuition-free programs to both EU and non-EU students.
1. Vamia Vocational College
Location: Vaasa, Finland
Tuition Fee: Free
Popular Programs:
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Cooking and Culinary Arts
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Waiter/Waitress Training
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Mechanical Fitting
Why Choose Vamia:
Vamia is known for its strong industry ties and practical training approach. Students benefit from modern learning facilities and real-world experience through internships. Located in Vaasa, a student-friendly city on Finland’s west coast, Vamia is an excellent choice for those seeking a direct path to employment.
Website: Visit Vamia
2. Riveria Vocational School
Location: North Karelia, Finland
Tuition Fee: Free
Popular Programs:
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Health and Social Services
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Restaurant and Catering Services
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Electrical Engineering and Installation
Why Choose Riveria:
Riveria offers a wide range of vocational programs, integrating classroom instruction with work-based learning. It is one of Finland’s largest vocational training providers and is especially strong in healthcare, electrical work, and hospitality. Riveria’s programs are tailored to meet modern industry demands, making graduates highly employable both in Finland and abroad.
Website: Visit Riveria
3. Omnia—Joint Authority of Education in the Espoo Region
Location: Espoo, Finland
Tuition: Free for EU and EEA students; fees for international students
Popular Programs:
- ICT
- Business
- Hospitality
- Social Services
- Health Care
Why study at Omnia?
Omnia is one of the best vocational schools in Finland and a popular choice for international students. It is located in Espoo, close to the capital city, Helsinki. Omnia has lots of programs in English and a good relationship with local business owners.
One reason students like Omnia is the innovative focus and student-centered approach to creating a business, meaning you don’t just learn how to work for someone else; you learn to work for yourself. Studying at Omnia means you can learn from real-world experience, utilizing actual experiences, such as practice simulations and partnering with organizations.
As a result, many students take internships that turn into job offers, with many student internships occurring in the IT, customer service, and healthcare industries. If your goal is to attend a school for a focused experience that you can get after graduating or even during the study period, you should consider Omnia as a choice.
4. Tampere Vocational College Tredu
Location: Tampere, Finland
Tuition fees: Free for EU and EEA students; low fee system for other students
Popular Programs:
- Vehicle Technology
- ICT
- Mechanical Engineering
- Social and Health Care
Why study at Tredu?
Tredu is one of the largest vocational colleges in Finland. Tredu is recognized for its modern facilities and flexible study path. The school is located in the city of Tampere, which is a vibrant city with a large student population and plenty of job opportunities, especially in tech and manufacturing.
Tredu has programs that are designed to fit the needs of Finnish companies today. Tredu is well regarded by international students due to the many support services it provides to students, such as Finnish language classes, job advice, and support for settling in.
At Tredu you won’t just be reading from textbooks; you will be studying in laboratories, workshops, and in real companies. Many students also work part-time, or they work through apprenticeships while they study. Tredu is a great place to prepare you for work or to continue to higher education.
5. Keuda—Keuda Group (Keski-Uudenmaan koulutuskuntayhtymä)
Location: Central Uusimaa region, near Helsinki
Tuition: Free for EU and EEA students, fees for others
Popular Programs:
- Culinary Arts
- Tourism/Adventure Tourism
- Entrepreneurship
- Media and Communication
Why study at Keuda?
Keuda is a strong choice for international students who want to study hospitality, tourism, or media! Their campuses are located in multiple towns, allowing students to get experience in different environments.
The emphasis in courses at Keuda is on meaningful work experience. Students work with, or for, hotels, restaurants, media organizations, or small businesses. You can also select a study plan that caters to your personal needs.
Students said they enjoyed working in friendly, international environments and early engagement with the practical requirements of their programs. So, if you are interested in developing real skills in a peaceful and safe country like Finland, Keuda could be the right option for you.
6. Raseko—Raisio Regional Education and Training Consortium
Location: Raisio, next to Turku, Finland
Tuition: Free for EU and EEA students; reasonable for non-EU students
Popular Programs Offered:
- Business
- IT
- Beauty and Wellness
- Catering
Why study at Raseko?
Raseko is a smaller school with a focus on the programs it offers. The school is located close to Turku, which is one of Finland’s oldest and prettiest cities. Raseko is great for students who prefer a quieter, supportive space for learning.
Raseko’s programs are hands-on. Business and IT students work on real projects. Beauty and hospitality students train in salons and cafés open to the public. Learning in this way gives students a “growth” period and lots of self-confidence.
Raseko works to keep its programs “current” with the sector’s job market needs. If you are interested in learning ‘quickly’ and wish to work in a field such as customer service, digital marketing, or healthcare, Raseko is a good option.
7. Gradia—Jyväskylä Educational Consortium
Location: Jyväskylä, Finland
Tuition: Free for EU and EEA students; affordable fees for everyone else
Popular Programs:
- Construction
- ICT
- Health and Social Care
- Creative Arts
Why study at Gradia?
Gradia is located in Jyväskylä, a city devoted to education and student life, sometimes referred to as the “Athens of Finland.” Gradia provides many options for flexible learning, including programs that combine vocational and academic learning.
Gradia’s approach to learning is special because of its emphasis on creativity, technology, and a hands-on approach to learning. Students have access to fully equipped laboratories, technical spaces, and strong connections with businesses in the surrounding community.
International students are well supported at Gradia. Students can access Finnish classes, mentors, and career workshops. Whether they aspire to enter health care or want to be a part of Finland’s growing tech sector, Gradia can help them prepare for real success.
Can International Students Work While Studying in Finland?
Yes, it is possible. One significant advantage of studying in Finland is that international students are permitted to work while studying. In 2025, the law will permit students to work up to 30 hours a week. This can help with living costs and provide some experience while you look for jobs locally.
Additionally, many vocational programs are compulsory to have some work-based learning as part of their course. That means you could be in a working environment that may even offer you permanent employment.
How to Apply to a Vocational School in Finland
The application process is uncomplicated, but you need to be prepared. First thing first, you have to choose a school and course that will meet your career needs. If you’re in doubt, you can do thorough research on the school’s website and input requirements.
Next, you’ll need to prepare your documentation, which includes school certificates, a valid passport, proof of English (for example, IELTS or TOEFL), and whatnot, depending on what the school requires of you during the application process.
After much is said, apply online, and make sure to do so during the online application periods, typically between January and September. If you are accepted, then you will apply for a study residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service. Viola! That’s all there is to applying for a vocational school in Finland as an international student.
Wrap Up
Vocational education and training in Finland is a smart choice for international students who are looking for more than a classroom education. You learn skills, gain work experience, and have increased job prospects. These five schools in the list below are ranked among the best in Finland for 2025. They offer programs ranging from technology, business, health care, hospitality, etc.
With low tuition fees, incredible support, and the possibility of working while studying, Finland is one of the best countries in the world to get involved in building a thriving lifelong career. If you want a practical future, to be respected, and to have endless possibilities, Finland could be the right destination for you in 2025.
