Under the Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education in Finland (SIMHE) scheme, the University of Helsinki guides and advises highly educated immigrants interested in studying at Finnish higher education institutions or exploring their own career paths.
Our guidance and counselling staff are happy to help you. Please read the answers to frequently asked questions or email us at simhe@helsinki.fi.
When contacting us, please describe at least the following:
Are you planning studies in Finland or trying to find your own career path? Come and talk to the SIMHE guidance staff. No appointment is required.
In the 2023 autumn and 2024 spring term, you can find the SIMHE staff at the Kaisa House Guidance Corner (address: Fabianinkatu 30), located by the building’s main entrance, on the following dates:
You should check this website in advance to ensure that the schedule has not changed. No appointment is necessary; it is first come, first served. If our service is congested, please understand that we may not be able to serve all visitors.
You can book a personal appointment for education counselling. Together we will consider what training or continuing education would be the options for you. The guidance is provided at the city centre campus or online via Zoom.
Before the discussion, please consider the following questions:
Book an appointment through the Vihta system. You can find available slots in the booking calendar. From the categories select SIMHE education counselling.
Each counselling session lasts one hour, and you will be asked to provide some information on your situation via email in advance.
You can book an appointment for personal career counselling if you need support for job hunting or career planning.
Before the session, please consider the following questions:
Book an appointment through the Vihta system. You can find available slots in the booking calendar. From the categories select SIMHE career counselling. You can meet our career counsellors at the City Centre Campus or on Zoom.
Each counselling session lasts one hour, and you will be asked to provide some information on your situation in advance.
Are you eager to learn Finnish in a laid-back and inviting setting? SIMHE - Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education in Finland is inviting you to join our Finnish Language Cafe (Kielikahvila)!
What We Offer:
🗣️ Improve your listening and speaking skills in Finnish
🌐 Learn in a relaxed, non-classroom environment
🙌 All language learners are welcome, no matter your level
🎙️ Dive into native accents, slang, and everyday spoken language
In our warm and welcoming space, no registration is needed – just bring your enthusiasm to learn Finnish! Whether you're a beginner or looking to fine-tune your language skills, our Language Cafe is the perfect spot to practice and refine your Finnish in a stress-free atmosphere. Our facilitators will dedicate their time to helping you enhance your oral skills in Finnish.
Where and when?
🗓️ Every Wednesday from 28.2.2024 onwards 🕓 16:00 - 18:00 📍 PORTHANIA, P219 Lehtisali, Yliopistonkatu 3, Helsinki
Bring a friend, meet new language enthusiasts, and let the words flow in a relaxed and supportive environment. Let's make learning Finnish an exciting and rewarding experience together!
For more information, contact us at simhe@helsinki.fi
The SIMHE guidance and counselling staff organise lectures and events on current education and career planning issues. These activities are free of charge and open to all highly educated immigrants. They are organised at the City Centre Campus and online. Many activities require registration. We look forward to seeing you!
The service is intended for immigrants who are interested in studying at a Finnish higher education institution or who require career counselling. You will be informed about how to apply to a Finnish higher education institution. If you have previously studied at a higher education institution, we can advise you on how to continue your studies.
If you wish to practise a profession that requires a specific degree in Finland (e.g., teaching, medicine, psychology or nursing), you must apply to the Finnish National Agency for Education or the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health Valvira for the recognition of your degree or qualification.
Decisions on the recognition of teacher qualifications are made by the Finnish National Agency for Education; see further information on the Finnish National Agency for Education website.
Decisions on the recognition of healthcare qualifications are made by Valvira; see further information on the Valvira website.
You can contact the SIMHE service after receiving a decision from the Finnish National Agency for Education or Valvira. We will then help you apply for additional studies.
Information on all professions requiring the recognition of degrees and qualifications can be found here: Finnish National Agency for Education – Decisions on eligibility for a profession.
You need not apply for the recognition of your degree or qualification if your profession is not on the above list. If you need guidance and support for career planning or job hunting, you can contact the SIMHE career counsellors.
If applying for higher education in Finnish or Swedish, your language skills must be at level B2 or higher in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Language requirements may vary by programme.
The ways you can demonstrate your language skills depend on the study option you are applying for, so see the detailed instructions from the programme specific instructions. Please note that each higher education institution uses its own methods for demonstrating language skills.
You can study Finnish at various institutions, such as the University of Helsinki Open University. See information on the Open University’s Finnish studies: Finnish for foreigners.
If you are unable to submit all the required enclosures with your application, or if the enclosures do not meet the country-specific requirements, please send an email to simhe@helsinki.fi, stating your application number and the fact that you are unable to submit all the required enclosures. We will contact you, and you will receive an email with instructions for proving your refugee status. Read more here: Applicants with refugee status.
You can study most fields at the Open University without pursuing a degree. At the Open University, you can study a field that interests you for your own enjoyment, learn new things, or improve your language and other skills. Studies at the Open University are usually subject to a fee. Read more about the Open University: Open University studies.
Most faculties can grant applicants the right to complete non-degree studies. This right is limited to the field and module for which it was granted. The studies are usually subject to a fee and do not lead to degrees.
Read more about non-degree studies: Instructions for Students – Non-degree studies.
The right to complete non-degree studies can be granted only for studies not offered by the Open University.
The University of Helsinki is part of the Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education (SIMHE) network that supports immigrant education paths and integration.
The other higher education networks involved in the network are the University of Jyväskylä, the Karelia University of Applied Sciences, the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, the Oulu University of Applied Sciences, the Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Tampere Universities, the University of Turku, the University of Vaasa and the Arcada University of Applied Sciences.
The goal of SIMHE activities is to guide and advise immigrants about higher education and employment in Finland, and provide them with career counselling. The purpose is to accelerate the integration of immigrants and help them find employment to match their education. SIMHE activities are coordinated by the Finnish National Agency for Education.
Follow SIMHE activities in Facebook! The SIMHE Group provides information on nationwide services for highly educated immigrants living in Finland, such as training, events and official decisions (laws, regulations, language proficiency requirements).