Practical information for international students

Finnish educational system

The educational system in Finland is made up of a 9-year comprehensive school, general or vocational secondary-level education, and higher education, which is implemented according to a dual model at universities, universities of applied sciences, and other institutions of higher education. Adult education is provided by independent organisations, evening schools, vocational institutions, as well as by higher education institutions. www.minedu.fi

The function of universities of applied sciences is to provide high-standard higher professional education and to implement, among other things, applied R & D activities based on the needs of working life in their regions. The creation of the system of universities of applied sciences began in 1991, and today there are 26 of them in Finland. The operating licences of the universities of applied sciences are granted by the Finnish Government.

Studies at universities of applied sciences consist of theoretical studies and practical training in the student’s own field. Universities of applied sciences are characterised by varied teaching and learning methods, and emphasis is placed on students' own responsibility for the progress of their studies. As the amount of information increases, it is important for the student to adopt the idea of lifelong learning and independent search for information during and after their studies. A Bachelor’s degree earned at a university of applied sciences provides students with the qualifications they need for work in demanding job positions in working life. The Ministry of Education and Culture confirms the degree programmes and degree titles of the universities of applied sciences. Finnish degrees earned at universities of applied sciences are mainly equivalent to the Bachelor's and Master's degrees of most European institutions of higher education.

In Finland, one third of the population (35%) of the age of 25 to 64 years have a degree in higher education, which is one of the highest percentages in the EU countries.

Although Finland is situated in northern Europe, its climate is not as cold as its northern location might suggest. However, temperatures below zero degrees centigrade in winter are not uncommon. Summers are light and warm, and, in the northern part of the country, the sun does not set at all for a few weeks. The average temperature varies between –6 in January and +21 in July (Helsinki).

Industrialisation began in Finland in the 19th century, and particularly rapid growth took place after World War II. Traditionally, the forestry and wood processing industries have played a central role in the economy of the country. Other important industrial fields include electrical and metal engineering, and the chemical and textile industries. Today, many Finnish companies are known for their high-tech products. The rate of unemployment is around 9.5 per cent.

Arriving in Finland

Passports

Please check the foreign passports and other travel documents accepted by Finland in the list on the web page of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at http://www.formin.fi/public/default.aspx?nodeid=15720.

Visas

Students from the EU countries and a number of other countries do not need a visa to enter Finland. If the student comes from a country the citizens of which are required to have a visa, the visa must be applied for at the Finnish embassy or consulate located in the student’s own country. If a prospective student has to apply for a visa to participate in the entrance exam, they will most likely have to apply for a new visa upon acceptance to the university, as the first visa is granted for a short period only. As of September 1, 2007, foreign students coming to Finland from outside the EU/ETA countries have needed insurance of a certain amount before they can be granted a visa for Finland. See www.formin.fi.

Residence permits

A residence permit is required if a person's stay in the country exceeds three months, with the exception of the citizens of the Nordic Countries, who do not need one. Also other EU citizens (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are exempt from residence permit requirements but must register at a local police office in Finland if their stay exceeds three months. Students from countries other than the Nordic Countries may need to provide proof of funding. Students arriving from outside the EU and ETA countries should apply for a residence permit at the Finnish Embassy or Consulate in their own countries. Students must be able to prove that they have at least 560 euros per month at their disposal to cover the living expenses in Finland. The residence permit is usually granted for one year at a time. In order for a student to obtain an extension to their residence permit, it is required that the student has proof of sufficient income, is registered as a full-time student at a Finnish institution of Higher Education, and has completed a sufficient number of courses included in the institution's curriculum. An application for the extension of the residence permit is submitted to a local police station in Finland. See www.formin.fi.

Work permits

EU citizens and those of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can work while studying in Finland and do not need to apply for a special work permit to do that.

The residence permit for study purposes allows students from other countries to work within certain limits, i.e. if the work is part of their practical training required by their Degree Programme. As a rule, part-time work must not exceed 25 hours a week. Yet, the student is allowed to take full-time employment during holidays, when the educational institution does not provide any courses. See www.formin.fi.

Applying for a Finnish identity number

As of the beginning of year 2015, the Ministry of Education and Culture has required the Finnish universities of applied sciences to register all their students in a national data acquisition system. For this, all the student of the universities of applied sciences (incl. foreign students studying in Finland for at least 3 months) must apply for a Finnish identity number at the Register Office (Juhonkatu 4, Seinäjoki). The identity number must be applied for also in case the student would not spend those three months without interruption in Finland (e.g. the student travels outside Finland during that time). A Finnish identity number is also needed e.g. for payment of wages and the use of health care services.

Travel in Finland

The airport nearest to the City of Seinäjoki is located in Vaasa (70 km from Seinäjoki). A flight from the Helsinki airport to the Vaasa airport takes around one hour. At present, the quickest train connection from Helsinki to Seinäjoki takes 2 h 30 min. Finland has right-hand traffic, and all vehicles must use headlights, even during the day. Wearing a seatbelt is also compulsory. Drivers are only allowed to use mobile phones while driving if they have a hands-free set, and driving under the influence of alcohol is forbidden. You can obtain a driver's licence at the age of 18.

Health care and social welfare services

Public health nurse, doctor and psychologist

Foreign degree and mobility students of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences studying on the campuses in Seinäjoki can use the student health care services of SeAMK. If necessary, students can also visit the Health Centre of Seinäjoki (Y-talo / Y-building), and those studying on the Ilmajoki campus one of the JIK Health Centres, respectively. To see a doctor at a health centre always requires making an appointment by phone. As a rule, health centres are on duty also in the evening and at weekends. Students from the EU and ETA countries and Switzerland are entitled to use health centre services the same way as Finnish citizens are if they are carrying the European Health Insurance Card. A visit to a doctor at the health care centre costs about 16 euros. A health centre doctor's referral is always needed for special medical care. There are also several private health care clinics in Seinäjoki and the surrounding area. It costs at least 60 euros to see a private doctor. Without insurance, visits to private clinics and staying in hospital can be very expensive.

Dentist

Dental care is not free for students, but it is less costly at the municipal dental clinic than at private clinics.

Pharmacies

Finnish pharmacies (apteekki) have an excellent range of medicines and other medical products available without prescription. If you need a prescription for a medicine, you must make an appointment to see a doctor. You will get more information about health care and related issues from the International Coordinator of your Faculty and from the International Office of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

Information about the localities where SeAMK provides education

Seinäjoki: www.seinajoki.fi

Ilmajoki: www.ilmajoki.fi