On this page you can find the application forms and instructions for applying for a decision as well as information about the required documents and their fees.
Students studying in a library
Photo: Satu Haavisto

Application forms and instructions

Application form and instructions in English
Application instructions in Arabic and Russian
Application form for a final decision on recognition
Please use one of these forms if you already received a conditional decision on recognition and have completed the adaptation period, aptitude test or supplementing studies in accordance with the decision.
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Required documents

When submitting your application, enclose copies of the following documents:

  • Degree/qualification certificate
  • Document specifying the content of studies (e.g. transcript)
  • Proof of nationality (e.g. an extract from the Population Information System in Finland or copy of the ID page of your passport)
  • Document verifying name change (if applicable)

If you are an EU/EEA national and you apply for recognition of professional qualifications obtained in an EU/EEA member state, enclose also:

  • A certificate issued as evidence of professional qualifications, if such a document is issued in the country where you have obtained your professional qualifications (e.g. document on teacher registration)
  • If applicable, certificates of professional experience (work certificates) and certificates of life-long learning.

Translations
Provide a translation of each document into Finnish, Swedish or English if the original document is in a language other than English, Estonian, French, Dutch, German, Spanish or one of the Nordic languages.
The translator must be an authorised translator in Finland or an official translator in the source country, working in the language pair in question. Translations done by the body that has issued the original document are also accepted. 

Official copies and original documents
Official copies of documents are not to be enclosed with the application - the Finnish National Agency for Education will request these separately, if necessary.

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When applying for a decision from the Finnish National Agency for Education

1. Download the application form.
2. Fill in the application form according to the instructions, print it and sign it.
3. Attach the required documents according to the instructions.
4. Send the application to Finnish National Agency for Education, P.O. Box 380, 00531 Helsinki, Finland

 

What happens after I have submitted my application?

  1. You receive an email confirming that your application is received.
  2. If all documents are not provided, you will receive an email requesting you to supplement your application. Send the required supplementing documents to the Finnish National Agency for Education.
  3. The processing of an application takes on average 2-3 months counting from the date on which all the necessary documents were provided.
  4. The handler of your application will contact you by email in case additional information is required.
  5. When the decision is ready it is sent to you by post. The invoice is sent after the decision is posted.

 

What do I do when I have received the decision?

  1. If the decision is conditional and you are required to complete certain studies or a compensation measure, you will receive, along with the decision, instructions on how to complete what is required. After completing the requirement, submit your application for a final decision and attach the certificate showing you have completed what was required. Link to the application for a final decision.
  2. If the decision you receive is not conditional, you can use it to prove your eligibility for a position. When applying for a job, the employer may require also other documents, such as a certificate attesting language proficiency.

 

Language of the decision

The Finnish National Agency for Education issues its decisions in Finnish or Swedish.

 

Appealing a decision

A decision issued by the Finnish National Agency for Education can be appealed against to an administrative court in Finland. The appeal instructions are sent along with the decision.

 

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Fees

  • Decision on recognition of a higher education degree as comparable in terms of level to a degree completed in Finland 234 €
  • Decision on recognition of higher education studies as comparable to a specific degree or certain study module 353–597 €*
  • Decision on recognition of professional qualifications 353–597 €*
  • Decision on sufficient studies for instruction in a foreign language, teaching based on Steiner pedagogy or pre-primary education based on Montessori pedagogy  353 €*
  • Processing fee for a cancelled application 62 €
  • Final decision on the recognition of professional qualifications or final decision on the recognition of higher education studies 55 €

*The fee includes a decision on the recognition of the level of a higher education degree, where applicable.

Examples of the fees in different cases are provided on the application form.

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