Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry
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OSAO is offering a study programme in tourism industry delivered completely in English. After graduation you will be qualified to work in various tasks in the tourism sector in international environments.
Career and studies
After graduation you will be qualified to work in various tasks in the tourism sector, customer service tasks in sales, accommodation and implementation of tourism services in the tourism sector. You are able to service both Finnish and foreign customers in a customer-oriented manner. You can utilize good interaction skills, language proficiency and knowledge of cultures.
Employment and opportunities for further studies
The course of study provides you with vocational as well as language skills that are an advantage when working in international tourism environments.
Vocational qualification gives students eligibility for further education in universities and universities of applied sciences in Finland.
Details and application
Rolling admission – for adults
Studies and applying
Rolling admission is aimed especially at upper secondary school graduates and those who are changing career direction and already have some previous studies or work experience. Applicants with upper secondary or higher level qualifications completed abroad are also suitable for the programme if their Finnish language skills are not sufficient for Finnish-language vocational education (matkailualan perustutkinto). The studies require both good English language skills and good study skills.
Who can apply
Basic entrance requirements for studying Vocational qualification inTourism Industry:
- Completed Finnish comprehensive school or corresponding education
(9 years of education) - Good written and oral command of the English language
- Basic level command of Finnish language (A.1.3 European language framework)
Applicants without Finnish basic education certificate
- Copy of original basic education certificate must be certified by authorized public body.
- Copy of original basic education certificate must be translated into English and certified translator.
- In case foreign basic education certificate is not comparable with Finnish basic education certificate the applicant will be invited to attend (learning) preparedness test (emphasis on Mathematics and digital skills).
- Finnish language fluency (level A.1.3 European language framework) will be tested.
- The tests will be held in Oulu.
Application period
The application form is available during the application period from 19 March to 27 April 2025.
Start and planned duration of studies
The next studies are planned to start on 6.10.2025.
Planned duration is two years. You will have a personal competence development plan (PCDP). Duration of your studies depends on your prior competence and PCDP.
Place of study
OSAO, Kaukovainio unit, Services, Kotkantie 1, 90250 Oulu
Selection criteria
Selection interview
All eligible applicants will be invited to an interview. The interview will be scored on a scale of 0-10 points. The selection criteria are:
- Selection group 0-6 points (see scoring in the description of selection groups)
- Need for training 0-4 points (applicant’s situation: changing profession, threat of unemployment, health status, motivation)
Applicants will be contacted and invited to a selection interview within a week after the application period has ended. Interviews will be held in week 24/2025.
An invitation to the entrance exam and interview will be sent to all applicants at the same time, after the application period has ended.
(Learning) preparedness test and Finnish language test will be arranged before the selection interview. Only applicants who have passed the tests will be invited to the selection interview.
Language proficiency assessment
Language requirements
- Good written and oral command in the English language is required. English skills are tested in the entrance examination or in the interview.
- Finnish language fluency (level A.1.3 European language framework) will be tested.
Form of studies
The study is carried out as full-time education in accordance with the personal competence development plan. It is not possible to complete the studies as online studies. Teaching and guidance is provided as face-to-face, online and distance learning (Teams). Studies also include independent study.
Structure of studies
Scope of qualification is 180 competence points (cp)
Compulsory vocational units, 40 cp
- Customer service in the tourism industry, compulsory unit, 40 cp Optional vocational units, 75 credit points
Each unit is credited between 15-30 credit points
- Cleaning services for hotel and accommodation facilities
- Customer service at a hotel
- Working in wellbeing tourism
- Meeting services
- Accommodation services
- Working in a tourist resort
- Marketing communications in tourism services
- Producsation of tourism services
- Sales and brokering of tourism activities
- Working in event tourism
- Organising tourism activities
- Customer service and sales at a restaurant
- Planning and producing virtual guidance
Common units, 35 credit points
- Communication and interaction competence
- Skills in mathematics and natural sciences
- Societal and working life competence
Cost of studying
There is no tuition fee but you must have your own laptop and buy the books yourself.
Further information
Guidance Counsellor Mervi Savela, p. +358 40 4858 604, mervi.savela@osao.fi
Applying
FAQ about applying to Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry
How can I apply?
You have to fill in an online application form. The application form is available during the application period. You can attach the required documents to your application.
Who counts as a Legal Guardian?
With legal guardian we most often refer to the parent; legal guardian has the right to decide for matters concerning a student that is under 18 years old. For example, if an underaged student has some problems, we must be able to contact the legal guardian and have them responsible for helping the student.
Is it possible to take the entrance examination online?
No, unfortunately we can not arrange any examinations, (Learning) preparedness test, Finnish language test or an interview online. You have to attend the exam, tests and the interview in Oulu, Finland.
Do you get any advantage for admission from work experience?
No, we follow the Finnish national joint application criteria in which you do not get any extra points from work experience.
I have a test result of my English skills (IELTS/TOEFL, etc.). Should I attach it to the application?
No, your English skill are tested in the entrance examination or in the interview.
I live outside of the EU countries. Can I apply?
Yes, you can apply. Basic entrance requirements are completed Finnish comprehensive school or corresponding education (9 years of education), Good written and oral command of the English language and basic level command of the Finnish language (A.1.3 European language framework) .
I do not speak any Finnish. Can I apply?
Vocational Qualifications include Finnish as a second language studies and customer service Finnish skills. In order to pass the level required a student must have basic command of the Finnish language at the beginning. The level recommended is A.1.3 in European language framework.
The Finnish language fluency will be tested. You can study the basics of Finnish before the entrance examination or the Finnish language test.
What documents must I attach to the application.
You must attach copies of the school certificates and an official English translation to the application. The translation must be done by an authorised translator and must include the translator’s signature and stamp.
I have upper secondary education completed outside Finland. Can I apply?
Upper secondary or higher education graduates can apply in rolling admission.
Upper secondary or higher education graduates with completed qualification cannot be accepted in separate admission (Vocational Qualification in Business including IBCP studies). If you are eligible for higher education in Finland, you can’t apply for our education in separate application.
How can I prepare for the entrance examination?
You don’t have to study especially for the entrance examination. The entrance examination measures oral and written English language skills, learning skills, and learning motivation.
Does OSAO have scholarships for international students?
There is no tuition fee. Students are required to finance their studies and living expenses themselves. We don’t have a dormitory.
OSAO does not have scholarships available for international students and cannot offer financial assistance to students.