Vaasa International Talents is designed for international degree students in the Vaasa region who want to better understand Finnish working life, build networks and prepare for future career opportunities in Finland.
The programme supports you alongside your studies and helps you gain skills, confidence and connections that are often difficult to build on your own.
Is this programme for you?
Vaasa International Talents might be a good fit for you if you:
- Are an international Bachelor’s or Master’s degree student in Vaasa
- Study at one of the participating higher education institutions (University of Vaasa, VAMK University of Applied Sciences, Novia University of Applied Sciences, Åbo Akademi University and Hanken School of Economics).
- Are interested in better understanding Finnish working life
- Want to build networks beyond your own study programme
- Are motivated to actively take part in lectures, workshops, coaching and events
The programme brings together international students from different fields, study levels and institutions, creating a diverse and supportive learning environment.
What will you gain from the programme?
By participating in Vaasa International Talents, you will gain:
- Tools and understanding for Finnish working life. Learn how Finnish working life functions, what employers expect, and how recruitment processes typically work.
- Coaching and guidance. Practice for interviews and improve your application materials, get insights about your branch of interest to support your own professional goals, career planning and job search.
- A strong peer and alumni network. Connect with other international students, alumni and working life representatives who have gone through similar experiences.
These experiences help you feel more confident when approaching Finnish employers and working life situations.
What does participating feel like?
Vaasa International Talents is not a traditional course.
Instead, it combines interactive sessions, discussions, coaching and working life activities in a supportive and welcoming setting.
You will:
- Learn together with students from other institutions and fields
- Take part in discussions and reflection, not exams
- Hear real experiences from alumni and work life representatives
- Build networks gradually and naturally
The focus is on learning, sharing and exploring!
Practical information in short
- The programme runs from September to December or from January to May.
- It takes place alongside your studies (you do not get study credits for it)
- Participation is free of charge
- A limited number of students are selected for each round
- The programme requires active participation and commitment
More detailed information about the structure, timeline and expectations can be found on the How the programme works.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to international degree students at higher education institutions in Vaasa (University of Vaasa, VAMK University of Applied Sciences, Novia University of Applied Sciences, Åbo Akademi University and Hanken School of Economics).
The eligibility criteria:
- You are international Bachelor’s or Master’s degree students (or recently graduated)
- Study or have studied (graduated since September 2025) at one of the participating institutions
- Hold a valid residence permit in Finland or have Finnish citizenship
- Have completed at least the first year of Bachelor‑level studies
Each programme round has its own application period and selection process
Key Take-aways from Programme Participants
"Impactful programme, engaging speakers, and amazing fellow talents. All in all, a truly rewarding experience."
"I am thankful for the professional development that the programme provided me and for all the inspiring people I met during this period!"
"This is a great programme for international students to step into the Finnish working life. Many opportunities start here, and lovely people meet here."
"Thanks so much for this valuable program. I really enjoyed it, and appreciated all the efforts you put into it!"
"I am proud that I joined this program! It was the key for me to develop"
"The programme turned out to be wonderful and exceeded my expectations.”
"It is a great initiative in Vaasa! I wish it had started much earlier."
"Very beneficial programme for international students in Vaasa. Hoping for it to be long-term."
"Great programme for networking"
Curious to hear what former participants say?
Discover our alumni stories and learn more about the impact and outcomes of the programme here: Alumni stories & Impact
