Finland: share of VET students with migrant background increasing

The share of these students in initial vocational qualifications is significantly higher (17%) than in further and specialist vocational qualifications (9%). They pursue qualifications in social and health care, restaurant and catering, and cleaning and property services more often than other students. In 2023, most of them were originally from Russia, Estonia, the Philippines, Iraq, and Ukraine.

Compared to native speakers of Finnish, Swedish or Sámi, a slightly higher proportion of non-native speakers aim to complete specific parts of a qualification rather than the entire qualification: in 2023, 26% of students were studying for parts of a qualification. 

Wellbeing in focus

Although surveys show that students with a migrant background are generally satisfied with their studies, they experience bullying and harassment more frequently. 
According to a student feedback survey of all VET students completing a qualification or parts of a qualification, in the 2022/23 school year, 9% of non-native speakers reported personally experiencing bullying, discrimination, or harassment at their educational institution or workplace, compared to 5% of all respondents. According to a survey conducted in 2022, 13% of respondents who spoke languages other than Finnish, Swedish, or Sámi reported that experiences of discrimination and racism had led them to consider changing study fields, switching VET institutions, or discontinuing their studies. The corresponding figure was 7% for Finnish and Sámi-speaking respondents, and 12% for Swedish speakers. 

In addition, every fifth non-native speaker cited language difficulties as a reason for considering a change in field or institution, or discontinuation of studies. 

According to the EDUFI publication, the wellbeing of students should receive continuing attention, particularly in study guidance, student welfare services, and work related to equality and non-discrimination planning. Focus should be put on language-aware instruction, personalising studies, providing support, and enhancing training readiness of workplace instructors.

Statistics can be analysed locally 

VET students with a migrant background are a diverse group when it comes to, for example, their stay duration in Finland, educational paths, and resources. The data on students’ native language does not provide comprehensive understanding of their proficiency in the language of instruction. 

Further insights can be gathered locally to assess what type of measures could be needed.   

The publication

The EDUFI publication presents a situational picture on topics such as study progress, wellbeing, and support. Its primary sources include statistics, assessments made by the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre, and studies. In the publication, individuals with a migrant background are defined as those with a mother tongue other than Finnish, Swedish, or Sámi. This definition is used because mother tongue is the most commonly used criterion in education statistics.

Read more
Finnish National Agency for Education, 2024.  Maahanmuuttotaustaiset ammatillisessa koulutuksessa – Tilannekuva  [VET students with a migrant background – situational picture]