After basic education, the most common options are upper secondary school and vocational education and training. They are both considered upper secondary education.
Vocational education and training is practical and gives the student the skills needed in working life. The education is free of charge.
Completing a vocational upper secondary qualification takes approximately three years. During your career, you can also complete a vocational qualification or a specialist vocational qualification. On-the-job learning is an essential part of vocational education and training. If you wish, you can even continue to higher education after completing your vocational studies.
A vocational qualification can also be completed with an apprenticeship contract. This means that the student works at a workplace in their own field and receives a salary equal to at least the internship salary while completing their studies at the same time.
Good language skills are essential. If the student’s language skills are not yet sufficient for vocational education and training, they can apply for preparatory education for programmes leading to an upper secondary qualification (TUVA).
Additional information: InfoFinland.fi.