Application process

Application process

Teaching language: Finnish

We offer education only in Finnish. On this site, we provide additional information on the application process in English for English-speaking guardians.

Vocational education organised on the basis of demanding special support

You can apply to education organised on the basis of demanding special support if you need long-term or regular support for learning and studying because of learning difficulties, a disability, an illness or some other reason.

Joint application

Joint application is meant for people of compulsory school age finishing their basic education as well as applicants with no degree.  The next upper secondary joint application period is from 18 February to 18 March 2025. The application will be completed on the Studyinfo website.

Rolling admission

At other times, you can apply to study with the rolling admission system. People who already have a degree can apply in the rolling admission system. On the Education site, you can examine all education programmes at Spesia.
On the study programmes website, you can find more information about the programmes in Finnish. If an application period is ongoing, click to view which city has available places. When the application is open, you will see a link to Studyinfo next to the city to fill in the application form.

Criteria for student admission

Vocational College Spesia’s student admission considers applicants who need demanding special support, guidance and counselling as they study and look for work.

Special support needs during studies can include learning difficulties, a disability, an illness or health-related and social reasons. In addition, the admission will consider the applicant’s ability to study and function in relation to the education and degree they are applying for. Young applicants with no vocational degree are given priority.

Application appendices

As our education is meant for students who need individual support, we will need some additional information about the student in addition to the application. If you are applying to several Spesia programmes, one set of appendices is enough. The appendices must be in Finnish (authorised translations).

Attach copies of the following documents:

• Special support plan, such as HOJK or HOKS
• An expert statement describing the state of health or ability to function, if the need for study support is a health-related reason or some other disability
• Copies of previous school and education diplomas

Please include the RUORI self-assessment in your application to give us a better overview of your ability to study and function. Instructions for completing and submitting the Ruori self-assessment (in Finnish).

The appendices are primarily sent via an electronic link that the applicant will receive by email after they submit their application.  If necessary, paper versions of the appendices can be sent to the main location nearest to the location that is the applicant’s primary wish. Our main locations are Jyväskylä, Järvenpää, Pieksämäki and Turku.