Have you completed your qualification abroad and want to qualify for an ECEC profession in Finland? In this page, we give you the instructions on what you need to do and whom to contact.

The same information is also available in diagram form as an attachment.
Lapset hyppäävät ruutua
Photo: Getty Images / Cavan Images

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Have you qualified abroad for an ECEC profession? 

    If you answer Yes, go to question 2.

    If you answer No, go to question 3.

  2. Have you qualified for the profession in an EU or EEA country or Switzerland? 

    If you answer Yes, go to question 4.

    If you answer No, go to question 5.

  3. Do you have a higher education degree in education or social sciences? 

    If you answer Yes, do the following: 1) Apply to the Finnish National Agency for Education for a decision on the comparability of your degree to a higher education degree in education or social services. The Agency will make a decision on your application. The decision may include additional requirements. 2) Apply to complete the qualifying ECEC studies in Finland. Information on study options and applying for a study place is available in the Studyinfo service.

    If you answer No, apply to complete the degree and studies required for qualification in Finland. Information on study options and applying for a study place is available in the Studyinfo service. The educational institution or higher education institution decides on student admissions and the recognition of your prior studies.

  4. Are you an EU or EEA citizen or do you have a document entitling you to be treated as an EU citizen?

    If you answer Yes, do the following: 1) Apply to the Finnish National Agency for Education for a decision on eligibility for an ECEC profession. The Agency will make a decision on your application. The decision may include additional requirements.
    2) Complete any additional requirements. Apply to the Finnish National Agency for Education for a final decision.

    If you answer No, go to question 5.

  5. Is your qualification in ECEC a higher education degree?

    If you answer Yes, do the following: 1) Apply to the Finnish National Agency for Education for a decision on eligibility for an ECEC profession. The Agency will make a decision on your application. The decision may include additional requirements.
    2) Complete any additional requirements. Apply to the Finnish National Agency for Education for a final decision.

    If you answer No, apply to complete the degree and studies required for qualification in Finland. Information on study options and applying for a study place is available in the Studyinfo service. The educational institution or higher education institution decides on student admissions and the recognition of your prior studies.

Chart: Eligibility for a profession in early childhood education and care
Chart version, not accessible. Equivalent text version is provided earlier in the content.
Updated