Lapland University of Applied Sciences and University of Lapland a joint project of "Higher education for immigrants - a path to a degree" continues

Lapland University of Applied Sciences and University of Lapland a joint project of "Higher education for immigrants - a path to a degree" continues in Lapland UAS Jokiväylä campus. There were punch of joyful and well-motivated new students. Vita Kosonen is one of them.

"I have graduated from the Murmansk University, majoring in social pedagogy and psychology. However, those degrees are not valid in Finland. I feel that this project will help me significantly in a future with the employment. My dream is to work in the social field. I have a great desire to help others, especially among immigrants, there are many people who simply don’t know well enough what are their rights and liabilities. Many immigrants doesn’t have the knowledge about Finnish law and the common practices in this country. Therefore, I would like to work in the social field and be in the position where I could make the difference. I would like to share the information what I, as an immigrant have already experienced and what are the things that could be developed." Vita says. Vita has been living in Finland for five years.

“University Level Education - the road to qualification” gives an opportunity to immigrants to get qualified with a Finnish University level diploma. There are no age or initial education requirements to get in to this project. Education is also free of charge for the admitted students. Criteria for being admitted is a Finnish language skills, capability and motivation for studying and IT-skills. You also have to have a valid residence permit in Finland.

University of Lapland amanuensis- Anne Kautto emphasize that everything is possible equally to immigrants if they only set up goals for themselves and are willing to work to reach them.

Immigrants are often well educated in their own country but their qualifications are not valid in Finland. This project gives them an opportunity to be qualified with the Finnish university standards as well. The project will also help to improve the education level of immigrants living in Lapland.

Additional information:

Jonna Löf, Coordinator, Project Manager, 040 708 0724

Irmeli Kari-Björkbacka, Head of Education, 040 484 4197

The project is funded by North Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development (ESF)

In collaboration University of Lapland and the Lapland University of Applied Sciences

Vita Kosonen on the right