Based on section 26 of the Government Decree (794/2004), a university where a study attainment can be completed that forms part of the teacher education studies referred to in section 19 may issue a certificate on request indicating that the applicant has demonstrated acquisition of knowledge and skills corresponding to the study attainment otherwise than by means of the studies prescribed in statutory eligibility requirements. The university may require the applicant to complete supplementary studies as a condition of issuing the certificate.
The University of Eastern Finland issues equivalence certificates within the scope of its own educational responsibilities. The issuing of equivalence certificates is based on the learning outcomes and content of the teaching subject, which have been defined in the curriculum. For an equivalence certificate to be issued, the applicant’s most recent study module must, as a rule, have been completed at the University of Eastern Finland. For degrees completed abroad, an equivalence decision is, as a rule, issued by the Finnish National Agency for Education upon application.
The documents enclosed with the application must indicate the content of the studies in such a way that the equivalence can be assessed. The applicant must enclose a degree certificate and a transcript of academic records with the application. In addition, the applicant must enclose with the application course descriptions, unless the studies were completed at the University of Eastern Finland. The applicant is responsible for acquiring translations, if any are needed.
Equivalence certificates are only issued to persons who have completed a higher education degree.
The equivalence certificate of teacher education is electronic. Equivalence certificates are issued in Finnish.
Based on section 4.2 of the Government Decree (1082/2009), a fee of EUR 126 is charged for the equivalence certificate related to teacher education provided for in section 26(5) of the Government Decree on University Degrees or for a rejection decision made on an equivalence certificate application.
How to apply for the equivalency certificate?
The equivalence certificate of teacher education is applied for using electronic form (in Finnish).
Contact details:
Philosophical Faculty, Riikka Myllys, Academic Affairs Specialist, riikka.myllys@uef.fi
Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, Secretary Anita Oimasmaa, anita.oinasmaa@uef.fi
Faculty of Health Sciences, Susanna Järvelin-Pasanen, Head of Academic Affairs, susanna.jarvelin@uef.fi
Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, Anne Korhonen, Academic Affairs Specialist, anne.m.korhonen@uef.fi