Recognition of studies

Recognition of your Finnish degree abroad

If you complete a Finnish degree and then decide to look for further education opportunities or employment abroad you will need to apply for recognition of your Finnish qualifications from the receiving foreign university or employer. In these cases, academic or professional recognition cannot be decided in Finland. Recognition decisions are ultimately made without Finnish authorities or institutions having direct influence on the result.

However, when applying for recognition of your Finnish qualification abroad, either for study or employment purposes, you can make use of the Diploma Supplement that you will receive upon graduation. If necessary, you may also apply to the Finnish National Board of Education for a specific statement on your Finnish qualification.

Recognition of your foreign qualifications in Finland

If you have completed your secondary education, diploma or degree abroad, and are planning to come to Finland for either further studies or to look for a job, you usually need to have your earlier studies recognised.

• Academic recognition: if you are applying for studies at a Finnish university or polytechnic, then the recognition of your earlier educational certificates is always carried out at the higher education institution you are applying to. That is, the universities and polytechnics independently decide on your eligibility for further studies in connection with the application process. Please see section ‘How to apply’ for more information.

• Professional recognition: if you are seeking employment in Finland with a foreign academic or professional qualification, you may need to have your foreign qualification recognised by the Finnish authorities, especially if you are applying for regulated professions or vacancies in the public sector. You may find more information on professional recognition on the Finnish National Board of Education web site at: http://www.oph.fi/recognition