Practical training

Practical training during studies is a great opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice, improve their professional skills, narrow down their career choices, and make direct contact with potential employers. Having work experience in your own discipline, no matter how brief the period of employment, gives you an advantage over others in the job market. Think very carefully about where you apply for practical training because the workplace and work tasks you choose are relevant to your future career.

Read more on: Student guidelines on the practices of supported practical training

Practical training supported by the university

The university has two different ways to support international students practical training: UEF Trainee programme (solely international students) and practical training support (for all students). Following text is about practical training support. UEF Trainee programme you’ll find more information here.

The faculties can reserve money for supporting their students’ practical training financially. The financial support for practical training is meant for students who study general academic subjects. The goal is to support the students in finding a place to do their practical training in their own discipline. Practical training helps students get an understanding about the situation in the labour market and the job seeking process before they graduate. The best time to do practical training is during the third or fourth year of studies because by then the student will have acquired the capacity needed to put their skills and knowledge into practice. This will also enable working on a master’s thesis while doing practical training. The university does not, however, offer financial support for practical training after graduation, so leaving it last is not recommended. Please note that you can receive financial support for practical training only once during your degree studies!

• Decision to grant financial support for practical training to students enrolled in international degree programmes (pdf) 
• Instructions for practical training supported by the university as of 1.1.2024 (pdf)

The practices relating to practical training vary between the units (department or school). Each unit has its designated contact person for practical training who will

• check whether the place of practical training meets the goals set in the curriculum
• guide in the practical arrangements related to practical training, such as concluding a practical training contract
• acts as the point of contact for the employer

The university does not grant financial support in the following cases:

• practical training included in teacher’s pedagogical studies, practical training in pharmacy, practical training for the students of clinical medicine in wellbeing services counties, clinical and advanced practical training for the students of dentistry, practical training for the students of social work, as well as practical applied studies for the students of theology
• cases where the student simultaneously receives other financial support from the university or another organisation for the same traineeship
• the student has already received financial support for practical training
• the practical training is unpaid or
• the salary falls below the minimum wage confirmed by the Social Insurance Institution KELA annually (see the KELA website, opens in a new tab) or
• the practical training is part of a project funded by the EU
• the employer dos not arrange workplace guidance

If you will be doing unpaid practical training, read about insurance coverage for students.

Practical training abroad

All students of all disciplines are entitled to financial support for practical training done abroad. The financial support for practical training granted by the faculty can be paid as a grant. The eligibility criteria for the grant include not receiving any other financial support (e.g. Erasmus, CIMO, etc.) and not having done practical training supported by the university before. A placement agreement is concluded with the place of practical training, to be signed on behalf of the University of Eastern Finland by the head of the department or the contact person for international relations. Read more about doing practical training abroad on the international studies web pages.

Read more on International traineeship.

Finding and applying for a placement

As a rule, students should find a place for practical training and apply for it themselves so as to get a sense of how the application process works in the labour market after graduation. Practical training can take place in a company, government agency, local authority, or an association. The places for doing practical training offered to the university are posted in the JobTeaser– jobportal, which includes advertisements for regular jobs, internships and thesis work. The university’s units may also have practical training positions that students can apply for.

The work tasks must correspond with the objectives for the practical training stated in the curriculum. The place of practical training must be approved by the participating student’s contact person for practical training or person in charge of practical training at the unit. The details of the practical training should be agreed with the employer and an employment contract concluded before the practical training starts.

Applying for financial support for practical training

Financial support for practical training is granted when the student has found a placement, the traineeship meets the objectives of the curriculum and the employer requires it.

Applicable agreements in

• Agreement for practical training in Finland by 1.1.2024 (docx) (in English)
• Agreement for practical training abroad (docx) (in English)

Further information

At the university level, general information on practical training is provided by Outi Suorsa Coordinator at Career Services. When you need more information about practical training, you should first contact the person in charge of practical training for your academic subject. She/he knows the practices for granting financial support for practical training and approving the place of practical training the best. If you have questions concerning practical training abroad, you can turn to International Student Services.

About UEF Trainee programme, please contact International Relations Coordinator Marko Pietilä.