Which major should you choose in Finland? Top 5 potential majors

Vocational training in Finland is becoming an attractive option for international students thanks to its practical learning programs, employment opportunities and post-graduation settlement. However, choosing the right vocational training in Finland is an important step in determining career success, income and long-term prospects.

I. Advantages & disadvantages of choosing vocational training instead of university

Vocational training in Finland is becoming an attractive option for international students thanks to its outstanding advantages compared to traditional university studies. Firstly, vocational training programs focus on practical skills, helping students master professional knowledge and be ready to work immediately after graduation.

Second, vocational training is shorter, usually 2-4 years, which helps save on tuition and living expenses compared to 3-4 year university programs. Third, job opportunities after vocational training in Finland are very promising, especially in industries that are lacking human resources such as engineering technology, health care, IT and construction.

In addition, vocational training also offers the opportunity to study abroad in a practical, adaptable learning environment and gain access to a career during the course of study. For these reasons, many international students are choosing vocational training in Finland as a fast, effective and sustainable path.

II. Why is choosing a major when studying a vocational course in Finland so important?

• Deciding on job opportunities after graduation

Choosing the right vocational major in Finland helps students find jobs easily, especially in industries that are lacking in human resources. Hot industries in Finland will bring stable income and expand long-term career opportunities. In addition, choosing the right major also helps students accumulate practical experience while still studying, creating a competitive advantage in the labor market.

• Impact on study time and training costs

Some professions have shorter training periods and lower costs, while others require long-term study and lots of practice. Choosing the right profession helps optimize both time and cost when studying vocational training in Finland. At the same time, making the right choice also helps students easily balance their living and study budgets throughout their studies.

• Skills and language requirements

Each vocational field of study requires different professional skills and languages. Choosing the right field helps students develop practical skills, improve their English or Finnish language skills, and easily integrate into the learning and working environment. This also helps students feel more confident when participating in internships or professional projects in Finland.

• Compatible with interests and long-term career orientation

A major that suits your interests and personal orientation will motivate you to study, increasing the effectiveness of acquiring knowledge and skills. This is also an important factor that helps students develop sustainably when working in Finland or internationally. In addition, choosing a major that you love also helps students maintain a positive spirit, reduce study pressure and improve the quality of vocational training.

• Impact on settlement ability and long-term work opportunities

Certain occupations are given priority in the Finnish labor market, making it easier for international students to obtain a post-study work visa and increasing their chances of permanent residency. In addition, the right occupation helps students build professional connections and important career networks for the future.

III. Overview of the Finnish vocational training system

The Finnish vocational education and training system (VET) is designed to provide practical skills and professional knowledge to meet the real needs of the labor market. Vocational training programs in Finland combine classroom theory with internships at businesses, helping students approach their careers right from their school days.

IV. Criteria for choosing a major when studying abroad in Finland

1. Labor market needs

One of the important criteria when choosing a vocational course in Finland is to assess the demand in the labor market. A course with high demand will help students easily find a job after graduation, ensuring a stable income and long-term development opportunities. Therefore, before deciding, students should research the occupations that are lacking in human resources in Finland.

2. Study time & vocational training costs

Length of study and cost of training are key factors when choosing a major. Some majors require short study periods and reasonable costs, while others require long study periods, lots of practice, and high financial investment. Careful consideration will help students vocational training in Finland both optimize costs and ensure quality of learning.

3. Internship & work opportunities after graduation

The ability to participate in internships and employment opportunities after graduation are important factors affecting student success. A major with a good internship program will help students gain practical experience, build professional networks and increase their chances of finding employment in Finland or internationally.

4. Language requirements

Each vocational training program in Finland has different language requirements, usually English or Finnish. Choosing a program that matches your language ability will help students study effectively and easily integrate into the practice and internship environment. In addition, improving language skills also helps students communicate professionally and develop their long-term careers.

5. Personal interests & long-term career orientation

A major that matches your personal interests and career orientation helps students maintain their motivation to study and acquire knowledge and skills effectively. At the same time, choosing a major that you love also creates conditions for sustainable development in the profession, increases opportunities for promotion and finding stable employment after graduation.

V. Top 5 most potential vocational training majors in Finland

1. Technology & Engineering

Technology and engineering are the top choices when studying vocational training in Finland due to high labor demand and stable income. Students can study majors such as automation, electricity, mechanics, and construction. This is a hot industry in Finland, suitable for students who love practice, solving technical problems and long-term career development.

2. Health & wellness

The health and medical care sector, such as nursing, elderly care, and medical assistance, is facing a severe shortage of skilled workers in Finland. Vocational training in this sector not only provides stable employment, but also meets an urgent social need. International students can gain practical experience in health care facilities, which helps develop their professional skills and opens up opportunities for permanent residency.

3. Green technology industry

Green technology encompasses the fields of renewable energy, environmental engineering and resource management. It is one of the most promising vocational fields due to the green transition in Europe and the high demand for experts in the field of sustainability. Students who study this field contribute to the environment and have open and attractive job opportunities in Finland and internationally.

4. Information technology & digital skills

Information technology, software development, cyber security and big data are fields of study that are in increasing demand in Finland. IT students will be exposed to modern technologies, work on real projects and have the opportunity to work at large technology companies. This is an attractive international field of study, helping students develop their skills and expand their global career opportunities.

5. Construction & support services

The construction and support services industry includes electrical, mechanical, plumbing, logistics and hospitality. This is an industry with high demand for labor due to infrastructure projects and urban development. Vocational students in this field have the opportunity to practice, improve practical skills and easily find employment after graduation.

VI. Compare the benefits & difficulties of each profession

VII. Cost & duration of vocational training in Finland

VIII. Strategy when choosing vocational training in Finland

• Research on labor market needs in Finland

Before choosing a major, students should research the professions that are in shortage of human resources and have high employment prospects. Choosing a hot major in Finland will help optimize job opportunities after graduation and increase the possibility of permanent settlement.

• Consider reputable vocational education (VET) schools and training programs

Each vocational school in Finland has its own strengths in terms of study and practical quality. Choosing the right school will help students access internationally standardized curriculum, practical internships and effective career support.

• Evaluate internship and real work opportunities

Choosing a major with a good internship program will help students gain experience, build professional relationships and increase their chances of finding a job after graduation. Practical practice also helps students master professional skills and confidently participate in the Finnish labor market.

• Consider study time, cost and personal circumstances

Study time, training and living expenses must be suitable for the student's budget and conditions. In addition, health, interests and ability to adapt to the living environment in Finland should be considered to choose a suitable and effective vocational course.

• Long-term orientation: personal interests & career opportunities

Choosing a major that aligns with personal interests and career goals will help students maintain motivation to study, develop skills and maximize career opportunities after graduation. At the same time, this also helps build a sustainable career and is consistent with settlement goals, if any.

• Improve language skills and soft skills

In addition to professional skills, students need to invest in improving their English or Finnish, along with soft skills such as communication, time management and teamwork. These are important factors that help students integrate into the vocational training and internship environment effectively and improve their long-term employment opportunities.

Conclusion

Choosing the right major when studying vocational training in Finland will open up wide job opportunities, stable income and the ability to settle down permanently. The top 5 potential vocational training majors – technology & engineering, green technology, healthcare, IT and construction – are outstanding choices with high labor demand and long-term development opportunities.