Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry

Varia's vocational trainings are intended primarily for people living in Finland. If applying for training from outside the EU or Schengen countries, the applicant must have a job in Finland.

The studies include theory and practical training at the institution, e-learning and studying under a training contract, or apprenticeship in working life.  Competence is demonstrated by practical work in real working life situations.

In general, studies can be either during the day or late afternoon, from Monday to Friday. During the periods of learning in the working life, the students follow the working hours of the workplace.

The studies take place in Tennistie 1, 01370 Vantaa. Studies will begin at the Hiekkaharju office in the spring of 2025. The tourism industry will move to temporary premises in Koivukylä from the Hiekkaharju office during the academic year 2025-2026.

The duration of the studies is determined by the Personal Competence Development Plan (PCDP), which is updated during the studies.

The estimated duration of the education and training is 2,5-3 years.

Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry is composed of the vocational units (145 competence points) and the common units (35 competence points). The program also includes studies that support learning skills, such as the Finnish as a second language and working life in Finland.

The vocational units (145 cp) consist of one compulsory unit for all students, Customer Service in Tourism Industry (40 cp) and a selection of several units that students can complete based on their Personal Competence Development Plan. 

The common units (35 cp) consist of three main competences: Interaction and Communication (11 cp), Mathematics and Science (4 cp) and Citizenship and Working Life (9 cp). The remaining 9 voluntary common units will be Finnish as a Second Language courses.

It is important to note, that even though the instruction language of the qualification in English, the students are required to be able to manage with the Finnish language at the workplace (and Finnish language skills are a part of the assessment at the workplace).

Education in Vantaa Vocational College Varia is free of charge and so is a daily lunch.

The estimated expenses per student is 400 euros consisting of study materials, work clothes and study trips. A personal laptop is needed for the studies. 

Applicants under 18 years of age who have completed 9 years of basic education in Finland are entitled to free learning materials.

Read more about the student selection criteria on Opintopolku

Admission will be based on an in-person interview on Hiekkaharju campus. The interview is scored and the maximum score that can be obtained is 30. The Lowest score entitling to acceptance is assessed annually and is determined by the overall scores and number of applicants each year.

Interview emphasis areas and the division of scoring points (0-30 points):

Motivation and interaction skills, maximum 10 points

Suitability for the hospitality industry, maximum 10 points

English language skills, maximum of 5      points. (Demonstrated knowledge of English language must be shown with a certificate for exemple TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English, PTE ). Oral English language skills will be evaluated in the admissions interview.

Work experience in the field is considered an advantage, maximum 5 points (Demonstrated work experience must be shown with a certificate)

A total of 25 applicants will be accepted for the training program. In addition, 10 applicants can be added to a waiting list, in case of cancellations by accepted students.

If there are applicants with a tie for the minimum number of points, a lottery is used for student selection. If necessary, the lottery is also used for student selection of reserve places (waiting list) in case of a tie.