What is an equivalency certificate
An equivalency certificate demonstrates that you have acquired the knowledge and skills corresponding to teacher education through means other than the studies included in the statutory qualification requirements. You typically need this certificate when you are applying for a teaching position or when you are applying for pedagogical studies for teachers and need to demonstrate that you have completed sufficient studies in the subject you will be teaching.
If necessary, the university may require you to complete supplementary studies as a condition for issuing the certificate.
You can apply for an equivalency certificate from the University of Eastern Finland if you hold an upper university degree and your most recent study module has (as a rule) been completed at the University of Eastern Finland.
The University of Eastern Finland issues equivalency certificates within the scope of its own educational responsibility. Certificates are issued in Finnish. The University of Eastern Finland has transitioned to digital equivalency certificates.
If you completed your degree abroad, apply for a decision on the comparability of your qualifications from the Finnish National Agency for Education.
How to apply for an equivalency certificate
Complete the online application form in finnish.
Attach the following documents to your application:
- degree certificate,
- transcript of academic records,
- course descriptions if you completed your studies at a university other than the University of Eastern Finland and
- receipt of payment (126 €).
Arrange for translations of your documents if they are in a language other than Finnish.
Your attachments must clearly indicate the content of your studies so that equivalence can be assessed.
Certificate fee
The fee for an equivalency certificate or a decision to reject the application is 126 euros. Attach the receipt of payment to your application..
Under Section 4.2 of the Government Decree (1082/2009), a fee of €126 is charged for an equivalency certificate related to teacher education, as referred to in Section 26, Subsection 5 of the Government Decree on University Degrees, or for a decision to reject such an application.
Processing time
The processing time is approximately 3–4 weeks. During the summer and Christmas holidays delivery times are longer. Processing also takes longer if your studies were completed abroad.
Contact persons by faculty
- Philosophical Faculty: Academic Affairs Specialist Riikka Myllys, [email protected]
- Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology: Academic Affairs Secretary Aada Kokkonen, [email protected]
- Faculty of Health Sciences: Head of Academic Affairs Susanna Järvelin-Pasanen, [email protected]
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies: Academic Affairs Specialist Anne Korhonen, [email protected]
Lost or destroyed certificate
Digital certificates (issued from 1 January 2025 onwards) You can order a new certificate from the UEF Registry Office: [email protected].
Paper certificates (issued before 1 January 2025) You can order a certified copy from the UEF Registry Office: [email protected].
Free separate certificate for UEF students and alumni
You may not always need an equivalency certificate. If you are a current student at the University of Eastern Finland or have graduated from UEF, you can apply for a free separate certificate. It includes the name, scope, grade and completion date of the study module, as well as a qualification clause if needed.