These pages contain information on the support measures for immigrants provided by higher education institutions.

The role of the Finnish National Agency for Education is to share information on different activities. The Finnish National Agency for Education also provides support through different programmes.
Kolme naista kuuntelee
Photo: Kari Kuukka

Questions related to higher education for migrants are solved in higher education institutions responsible for immigration, in particular (Supporting Immigration in Higher Education in Finland, SIMHE).  

The aim of SIMHE services is to streamline the identification and recognition of the prior learning of highly educated migrants arriving with different statuses as well as to facilitate their access to higher education, completion of degrees and employment in the Finnish labour market at the national and regional levels.  

The objective of the SIMHE activities is to benefit the entire Finnish field of higher education and mainstream good practices and models nationally. The participating higher education institutions engage in diverse cooperation with regional, national and international actors. 

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In spring 2018, EDUFI granted state aid to promote immigrant integration. Five of the projects are coordinated by higher education institutions.

Projects
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The Studyinfo portal is maintained by the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). Finnish educational institutions and higher education institutions maintain their own study programmes' information on Studyinfo.

Studyinfo.fi is the official and up-to-date website with all the information about study programmes leading to a degree in Finland. At Studyinfo.fi you can find information on different degrees and qualifications and learn about studies in educational institutions in Finland. The service can be used to find different study options and apply for the studies online.

Information targeted for immigrants is also available at Studyinfo.

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Through its various activities, Erasmus + programme supports the integration of refugees and migrants in Europe.

Erasmus+ cooperation partnership projects promote inclusion and diversity and aim to facilitate the participation of people with fewer opportunities. These groups include persons with disabilities, persons with an immigrant background and those facing social and economic difficulties. The partnership projects strive to create inclusive environments that promote equity and equality and meet the needs of a wider community.

Erasmus + capacity-building projects seek to develop higher education in non-European countries. This also makes it possible to support higher education in the countries that are the most grievously affected by the refugee situation and to target actions especially at learners who are in the most vulnerable position.

The European Commission has also had separate calls for proposals targeting projects that focus on promoting social inclusion and the integration of migrants and refugees. Applications from higher education institutions are also accepted in these calls.

The Finnish National Agency for Education participated in two Horizon 2020 Science4Refugees projects that supported the integration of students and researchers with a refugee background into higher education and working life in Europe: Guiding for Refugees via European Exchange and Training GREET and Career Advancement for Refugee Researchers in Europe CARe. The materials produced by the projects are still available for use.

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The Scholar Rescue Fund (SRF) programme offers scholars threatened or persecuted in their home country the chance to continue their work in a safe environment.

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The Artist Protection Fund (APF) programme offers artists threatened or persecuted in their home country the chance to continue their work in a safe environment.

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