Information for a holder of a foreign qualification

If you have completed a qualification abroad, you may need a decision on recognition of your qualification to be able to study or work in Finland.

In most cases, the employer, educational institution or higher education institution assesses the competence and skills that your foreign qualification provides.

If you wish to work in Finland in a regulated profession or in a post that requires a higher education degree of a certain level, you will need a decision on recognition of your qualification made by Finnish National Agency for Education or another competent authority.

Email: recognition(at)oph.fi

Do I need a decision on recognition of my qualification?

Applying for a decision

Guidance videos on the recognition of qualifications

Working in Finland

Applying for a decision on recognition: application forms and instructions

Regulated professions in Finland

List of regulated professions and competent authorities in Finland

Education and training related professions

Early childhood education and care professions

Recognition of a degree as comparable to a Finnish Master of Laws degree

Professions in rescue services

Posts that require a higher education qualification

In Finland there are positions for which the legislation determines higher education degree as an eligibility requirement. If you apply for such positions, you will need a decision on the comparability of your foreign degree to a degree completed in Finland. The decision is made by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

Advisory statements on vocational qualifications completed abroad

If you have completed a vocational qualification abroad, you can apply for an advisory statement from the Finnish National Agency for Education. The advisory statement may be useful when applying for a job.

FAQs on the recognition of qualifications

www.oph.fi

Studying in Finland

Studyinfo

www.studyinfo.fi

If you hold a foreign qualification and wish to continue your studies in Finland, apply for the right to study from a Finnish institution of higher education or educational institution. The institution will assess the rights that your foreign qualification gives for further study, decide on granting the right to study, and decide on crediting of prior learning towards a qualification you can complete in Finland.