Chapter 70: Finland

Chapter 70 Finland

Academic and vocational recognition

Finland's educational system is closely linked with the International Standard Classification of the Unesco. In 1992, the Finnish classification of education was brought into line with the Unesco-classification. By the co-operation of the five member states of the Nordic Council, the mutual recognition of certificates in vocational training has been put into action.

The Finnish NARIC is part of the department for higher education and research within the ministry of education. It provides information about recognition of foreign certificates for academic as well as for vocational purposes.

Questions concerning the recognition of foreign certificates should therefore be directed to the following address:

Ministry of education
Department for higher education and research
Meritullinkatu 10
P.O. Box 293
FIN - 00171 Helsinki
Phone: (358) 0 - 134171
Fax: (358) 0 - 656765
Telex: 122079 mined af
Contact: Anita LEHKOINEN

Before the ministry of education decides on the equivalence of educational certificates, it usually requests a statement on the matter by a certain university or by an advisory committee.

A second Finnish institution is the CIMO, which is responsible for inquiries concerning the aspect of mobility or exchange programmes:

Centre for International Mobility (CIMO)
Hakanienmenkatu 2
P.O. Box 343
FIN - 00531 Helsinki
Phone: (358) 0 - 774775
Fax: (358) 0 - 763911
Telex: 122093 cimo sf

Since Finland joined the EU in 1995, the country has been increasingly trying to help its own workforce to achieve foreign language skills and to enhance flexibility in vocational training and qualification.