Professional teacher education

About this programme

Qualify as a Professional Teacher! Professional Teacher Education provides a general pedagogical qualification required for teaching in Finland. The programme is intended for professionals who want to move into teaching as well as for those already working as teachers in vocational education and universities of applied sciences. During the programme, you will complete teacher's pedagogical studies (60 ECTS). During your studies, you will complete studies in educational sciences, professional pedagogical studies and other studies offered by the professional teacher education institution. You will also develop your practical teaching skills through teaching practice. After completing the programme, you will be able to utilise your professional expertise, skills and networks you have developed throughout your career and apply them in teaching and guiding of future professionals. The studies are offered online or in blended-learning format and are designed to be completed in 1-1.5 years. Professional teacher education is organised in Finnish and English, and it is provided by professional teacher education institutions in several locations across Finland. Can I apply? You are eligible to apply if you meet the qualification requirements for teachers of vocational or general subjects in vocational education in Finland. The major subject or orientation of your higher education degree determines whether you are considered an applicant seeking qualification as a teacher of vocational subjects or as a teacher of general subjects. The eligibility requirements differ for vocational subject teachers and general subject teachers. In general, applicants must hold a higher education degree for eligibility. See Admission Criteria for detailed information about eligibility requirements. If you have obtained your higher education degree outside Finland, you must first obtain a recognition decision for the degree from the Finnish National Agency for Education. Apply for professional teacher education and become a professional teacher in your own field!