The Finnish National Framework for Qualifications (FiNQF) describes the qualifications, syllabi and other extensive competence modules that belong to the Finnish national education system. The FiNQF includes, among other things, general education, vocational education and higher education.
The qualifications, syllabi and other extensive competence modules are classified into eight levels based on the required competences. The competences acquired at each level are defined in the Government Decree, and the level descriptors are in line with the level requirements of the European qualifications framework.
level 2: Basic education syllabus and Preparatory education for working life and independent living (TELMA)
level 3: Preparatory studies for general upper secondary school (LUVA) (until 31 July 2022), Preparatory education for vocational training (VALMA) (until 31 July 2022), an Advanced syllabus for basic education in the arts, Preparatory education for programmes leading to an upper secondary qualification (TUVA) (as of 1 August 2022) and Non-qualification programmes at folk high schools for learners within the scope of compulsory education (as of 1 August 2022)
level 4: General upper secondary school syllabus and the Matriculation Examination, Upper secondary vocational qualifications and further vocational qualifications, Basic Examination in Prison Services, Fire Fighter Qualification, and Emergency Response Centre Operator Qualification, a Basic course for Border Guards and a Basic study module for non-commissioned officers
level 5: Specialist vocational qualifications, the Sub-Officer Qualification (Fire and Rescue Services), the Vocational Qualification in Air Traffic Control, a General level (1 and 2) study module for non-commissioned officers and a Master level study module for non-commissioned officers
level 6: Bachelor’s degrees at universities and Bachelor’s degrees at universities of applied sciences, Professional specialisation programmes provided by universities and universities of applied sciences intended for holders of a Bachelor's degrees or a UAS Bachelor’s degree, and Specialised training and Pastoral qualification provided by the church
level 7: Master’s degrees at universities and Master’s degrees at universities of applied sciences, Professional specialisation programmes provided by universities and universities of applied sciences intended for holders of a Master’s degree or a UAS Master’s degree, Advanced pastoral qualification, Senior staff officer course, Further studies in war economy and technology and Specific qualification on prescribing medicines
level 8: Universities’ and National Defence University scientific and artistic postgraduate degrees (licentiate and doctor degrees), the General Staff Officer’s Degree, the Specialist Degree in Veterinary Medicine, and Specialist training in medicine and Specialist training in dentistry
In the qualifications or competence modules classified at the same level, different dimensions of competences may be emphasised. The qualifications and syllabi that have been removed from the national qualifications system before the qualifications framework was confirmed in 2017 have not been classified.
The education providers indicate in student’s degree certificate, certificate, or Diploma/Certificate Supplement the reference level of the qualification, syllabi or competence module in the national and European qualifications framework.
The Finnish qualifications framework is based on the European Parliament’s and Council’s Recommendation on the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF). The Finnish qualifications framework is also in line with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) qualifications framework.
Provisions on the Finnish National Framework for Qualifications and Other Competence Modules are laid down in Act (93/2017) and Government Decree on the National Framework for Qualifications and Other Competence Modules (120/2017).