WinNova in English

Prospective applicants interested in our vocational studies must prove their Finnish language knowledge (A2.2-B1.2 depending on the field of study) either with a certificate or a test. Language tests for applicants are held monthly in Pori or Rauma.

The Fields of Study offered include the following and more:

• Aircraft Maintenance *
• Building Maintenance Technology 
• Construction 
• Vehicle and Logistics
• Hairdressing and Beauty Care
• Business, Management and Entrepreneurship **)
• Cleaning and Property Services
• Electrical Engineering and Automation Technology
• Food Processing Industry
• Forestry, Nature & Environment and Earthwork *
• Social and Health Care **)
• Restaurant and Catering Services **)
• Immigrant and Language Training:
  • We offer Finnish language tuition as integration trainings to those registered as clients of the municipal employment services and residing in Finland – for more information(avautuu uuteen ikkunaan, siirryt toiseen palveluun)
  • Workplace Finnish provides an opportunity to study Finnish while working in Finland – for more information in Finnish(avautuu uuteen ikkunaan)
• Information and Communications Technology
• Laboratory Technology
• Seafaring *
• Mechanical Engineering and Production Technology
• Process Industry
• Safety and Security Services *
• Tourism Industry
• Vocational Education in Media Services
• Vocational Education in Music

* The authorization to organize education in this field of study in Finland has been granted to only a limited number of education providers.
**) In these fields we will also start offering a vocational qualification programs in English and/or in Finnish with Pathway studies in autumn 2026 and in spring 2027. More information for students coming from third countries.

We offer immigrants integration training and TUVA training that prepares them for studying for a vocational qualification, as well as card trainings, and various trainings tailored for the needs of students and working life. As a rule, applications for language training at the initial stage are made through the municipality’s labour authority.

WinNova offers vocational training to immigrants either in separate groups or together with native Finns. Studying for a qualification also includes developing language skills, and Finnish language support is available at S2 Language Labs in Pori and Rauma. Vocational education requires Finnish language skills. Applications for vocational training in Finnish are made either on WinNova web pages or through the national Studyinfo(avautuu uuteen ikkunaan, siirryt toiseen palveluun) page.

WinNova’s degree programs have a language requirement. Sufficient Finnish language skills can be demonstrated with a language test or a standardized, approved certificate. A separate invitation to the Finnish language test will be sent to non-native applicants. The language test has four parts: speaking, listening and reading comprehension as well as writing.

As a main rule, language proficiency tests are organized on the first Wednesday of every month in Pori or Rauma from 9:00 a.m.

Bring your ID, pen and eraser. Come on time, because you cannot be late for the test. Be prepared to be there possibly all day.

Instructions and requirements for those applying from abroad in a nutshell:

1. There is a Finnish language requirement for a reason: Teaching and qualifications are delivered in Finnish at WinNova. Therefore you need to be able to speak Finnish, understand the language, read and write at an adequate level when you start with your studies.
2. Finnish language proficiency testing is carried out on-site in Finland, either in Pori or Rauma. The applicant’s Finnish language test has four parts: speaking, listening comprehension, reading comprehension and writing. We expect you to know Finnish at a level of CEFR A2.2 – B1.2 depending on the field of study you are applying for. More information (in Finnish).
3. To be eligible for a student visa, you need to be approved for a programme leading to a full vocational qualification and must have enough funds to support your living during your studies. The Finnish Immigration Service(avautuu uuteen ikkunaan, siirryt toiseen palveluun) checks that you meet these criteria when applying for a student visa.
4. In the future, students coming from third countries will be charged tuition fees in vocational education and training. A tuition fee will be charged from individuals coming from third countries who start their studies on or after 1 August 2026.
   
   The tuition fee requirement in upper secondary education will apply to students from third countries who begin their studies in general upper secondary education or vocational education on or after August 2026, and who arrive in Finland or reside in Finland with a student residence permit. A third‑country national refers to a citizen of a country other than an EU Member State, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
   
   In vocational education and training, the tuition fee applies to persons
   – whose first residence permit in Finland has been granted on the basis of studies
   – adults who come to Finland on the basis of family ties, if their sponsor (the family member residing in Finland) holds, or has first been granted, a residence permit on the basis of studies.
   
   These individuals must pay the tuition fee until they are granted a permanent residence permit.
   
   For students subject to compulsory education, studying in Finland remains free of charge. Compulsory education applies to persons under the age of 18 who move to Finland together with their family or guardian and who have obtained a municipality of residence in Finland. The grounds on which the sponsor’s residence permit has been granted have no significance.
   
   During the application phase, the applicant’s obligation to pay tuition fees will be verified, and the education provider will request the necessary information from the Finnish Immigration Service.
   
   The applicant must prove their identity and attach a valid identity document to the application.
   Accepted identity documents include a valid:
   – passport
   – identity card issued by Finland or another EU/EEA country, or
   – equivalent original, photo-bearing identity document issued by a Finnish authority or other official domestic body.
   
   If you do not, for a justified reason, have any of the documents listed above, we can also accept another form of identification (e.g. Finnish Red Cross customer card, residence permit card, alien’s travel document, or Finnish driving licence).
   
   If the applicant does not pay the tuition fee by the due date, the education provider may cancel the study place. The payment of the tuition fee is a prerequisite for participation in instruction.
   
   If the applicant has paid the tuition fee but does not receive a residence permit, the tuition fee will be refunded to the applicant.  A negative decision must be submitted in the form of an official document issued by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). Fees for any orientation studies are non‑refundable under any circumstances.
   
   Amount of tuition fees
   This section will be updated with detailed information on the tuition fee amounts once the information is available.
   
   Student Welfare Services and Learning Support for Students Liable to Pay Tuition Fees
   A student who is liable to pay tuition fees is entitled to student welfare services, learning support, and special support.
   
   Costs Included in Studies
   A student who is liable to pay tuition fees is not entitled to daily free meals in vocational upper secondary education, to study-related social benefits in apprenticeship training, nor to free accommodation in a student dormitory.
   A student who is liable to pay tuition fees is not entitled to free learning materials or supplies.

5. You need to provide truthful information about your state of health and your ability to function, which according to Finnish education legislation is required for working in certain jobs regarding the safety of minors, patient and customer safety, or traffic safety. More information (in Finnish).

6. There is plenty of affordable housing available in Pori and Rauma and, overall, in the region of Satakunta. Unfortunately WinNova does not offer student housing.

More information for students coming from third countries to Finland.

WinNova is involved in several EU-funded projects. These projects lead to new pedagogical methodologies and learning environment innovations as well as pedagogical competence.

Staff mobility and projects expand the international knowledge and competencies of all our employees. There are approximately 100 staff members and different specialists that annually come in and go out on exchange.

Erasmus+ mobility grants enable students to go abroad for internships. It is a great way to improve the skills and competence to successfully manage in the global world and multicultural working environments. There are approximately 200 students that annually come in and go out on exchange.

WinNova has been awarded Erasmus+ accreditation (2021 – 2027) by the Finnish National Agency for Education. Erasmus+ accreditation means a quality-assured “Erasmus+ membership”. Accredited organisations have demonstrated the long-term nature of their activities and commit themselves to complying with the quality standards of the Erasmus+ programme.

For inquiries in English, please contact: international(at)winnova.fi

WinNova Management

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Juha Miikkulainen
• Principal Ms Taina Kivioja 
• Vice-principal (Student services) Ms Fia Heino
• Director, Administration and HR Ms Diana Bergroth-Lampinen
• Director, Work-Life Services Ms Teija Harju

Organization of WinNova

Executive Board

Representatives:        

• City of Pori (3 + chair)
• City of Rauma
• City of Laitila
• Pori Adult Education Institution
• Employee Groups
• Chamber of Commerce
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Juha Miikkulainen

WinNova is both Inspecta and ISO9001 certified.

The quality management system of Länsirannikon Koulutus Oy WinNova Rauma complies with the requirements of the standard ISO 9001:2015.

Certification covers Secondary vocational education and training, services in lifelong learning, student guidance and support for learning, study and information management, development and international operations, working life cooperation, administration, learning environments and maintenance of facilities at WinNova. Main operational units in Rauma, Pori, Laitila and Ulvila.

 The certificate is issued on 2025-03-25 (first issue 2016-04-13). The certificate is valid until 2028-04-13.

We Länsirannikon Koulutus Oy WinNova process and file our invoices electronically. Please, send your bills to us primarily as e-invoices.  

Business ID 2245018-4  

Electronic invoicing address  003722450184  
Electronic invoicing operator Telia  
Mediator (operator) ID  003703575029  

 If you cannot send e-invoices, deliver your paper-format invoice to the following address:  

Länsirannikon Koulutus Oy  
003722450184  
PL 299  
02066 DOCUSCAN  

Please include the reference number WIN-xxxx-xxx in the invoice.  Ask the number from your own contact person.

• https://workandstudyinwestcoastfinland.fi/en(avautuu uuteen ikkunaan, siirryt toiseen palveluun)
• https://www.pori.fi/en/monipori-multilingual-info-2/(siirryt toiseen palveluun)
• https://www.rauma.fi/en/work-and-entrepreneurship/international-house-rauma/(avautuu uuteen ikkunaan, siirryt toiseen palveluun)
• https://migri.fi/en/studying-in-finland (avautuu uuteen ikkunaan, siirryt toiseen palveluun)
• https://opintopolku.fi/konfo/en/(avautuu uuteen ikkunaan, siirryt toiseen palveluun)
• https://www.oph.fi/en/national-certificates-language-proficiency-yki(avautuu uuteen ikkunaan, siirryt toiseen palveluun)