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Vantaa Vocational College Varia

Finland, Vantaa

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Finnish
Fees €25,000
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 6000
Type Co-educational
Opened 1963
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Finnish Curriculum, IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Taught languages Finnish
Strengths Languages, Academic Enrichment, Sport
Clubs Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Vantaa Vocational College Varia operates across five campuses in Vantaa: Aviapolis (Aerolankaari 5), Hiekkaharju (Tennistie 1), Koivukylä (Talvikkitie 119), Myyrmäki (Ojahaantie 5) and the Leija Business Service Center (Elannontie 3). The school follows the Finnish national curriculum and offers the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IB CP), introduced in October 2024. The CP is taught in Finnish and English within ICT basic degree instruction and links vocational studies with IB values to support pathways to international higher education and the labor market. English-language qualifications include the Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services and the Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry. English-language vocational units include Housekeeping – Targeted Training (20 credits). Extra-curriculars include international activities such as study trips, placements abroad, and eTwinning, plus student leadership, volunteering, tutor roles, and wellbeing initiatives. Facilities emphasize accessibility with illuminated entrances, smooth routes, and lifts or ramps where needed. The campus network supports learners everywhere.

Aviapolis (visiting address: Rälssitie 13, 01530 Vantaa); Hiekkaharju (visiting address: Tennistie 1, 01370 Vantaa); Koivukylä (visiting address: Talvikkitie 119, 01360 Vantaa); Myyrmäki (visiting address: Ojahaantie 5, 01600 Vantaa); Leija Business Service Center (visiting address: Elannontie 3, 01510 Vantaa)

The Essentials

Vantaa Vocational College Varia has 6,000 pupils, instruction in English, Finnish.

Location
Vantaa Vocational College Varia operates across multiple campuses in Vantaa, Finland. Koivukyla campus is at Talvikkitie 119, 01360 Vantaa. Vehkala campus is at Vehkalantie 6, 01730 Vantaa. A campus in the Aviapolis region is located at Elannontie 3, 01510 Vantaa.

Stages
Vocational upper secondary qualification; vocational qualification; specialist vocational qualification; TUVA preparatory training; Career-related Programme (CP) IB.

Country affiliation
Finland
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
Owned and operated by the City of Vantaa.
Fees

Annual tuition at Vantaa Vocational College Varia ranges from EUR 25,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- There is no separate application fee for applying to Vantaan ammattiopisto Varia through the standard national application routes for upper secondary vocational education.

Tuition / Lukuvuosimaksut (academic year 1 Aug 2026 – 31 Jul 2027)
- For students who are subject to annual tuition (primarily third‑country nationals who begin studies 1.8.2026 or later), the annual fees are charged per qualification as follows (amounts apply for the 2026/27 academic year):
- Ajoneuvoalan perustutkinto — EUR 12,000. Per term (approx., two terms per academic year): EUR 6,000.
- Elintarvikealan perustutkinto — EUR 12,000. Per term: EUR 6,000.
- Hius- ja kauneudenhoitoalan perustutkinto — EUR 12,500. Per term: EUR 6,250.
- Kasvatus- ja ohjausalan perustutkinto — EUR 11,000. Per term: EUR 5,500.
- Kone- ja tuotantotekniikan perustutkinto — EUR 12,000. Per term: EUR 6,000.
- Lentokoneasennuksen perustutkinto — EUR 16,000. Per term: EUR 8,000.
- Logistiikan perustutkinto (muu kuin kuljetus) — EUR 12,500. Per term: EUR 6,250.
- Logistiikan perustutkinto (kuljetus) — EUR 25,000. Per term: EUR 12,500.
- Matkailualan perustutkinto — EUR 12,500. Per term: EUR 6,250.
- Media-alan perustutkinto — EUR 12,000. Per term: EUR 6,000.
- Pintakäsittelyalan perustutkinto — EUR 12,000. Per term: EUR 6,000.
- Puhtaus- ja kiinteistöpalvelualan perustutkinto — EUR 12,500. Per term: EUR 6,250.
- Rakennusalan perustutkinto — EUR 12,000. Per term: EUR 6,000.
- Ravintola- ja catering-alan perustutkinto — EUR 12,500. Per term: EUR 6,250.
- Sosiaali- ja terveysalan perustutkinto — EUR 11,000. Per term: EUR 5,500.
- Sähkö- ja automaatioalan perustutkinto — EUR 12,000. Per term: EUR 6,000.
- Talotekniikan perustutkinto — EUR 12,000. Per term: EUR 6,000.
- Tieto- ja viestintätekniikan perustutkinto — EUR 10,000. Per term: EUR 5,000.
- Tieto- ja viestintätekniikan perustutkinto + IBCP-koulutus — EUR 11,000. Per term: EUR 5,500.
- Turvallisuusalan perustutkinto — EUR 12,500. Per term: EUR 6,250.
- Ammattitutkinnot (examples for 2026/27):
- Kasvatus- ja ohjausalan ammattitutkinto — EUR 9,000. Per term: EUR 4,500.
- Kuljetusalan ammattitutkinto — EUR 10,500. Per term: EUR 5,250.
- Puhtaus- ja kiinteistöpalvelualan ammattitutkinto — EUR 9,000. Per term: EUR 4,500.
- Taideteollisuusalan ammattitutkinto — EUR 10,000. Per term: EUR 5,000.
- Talonrakennuksen ammattitutkinto — EUR 9,000. Per term: EUR 4,500.
- Turvallisuusalan ammattitutkinto — EUR 9,500. Per term: EUR 4,750.
- How per‑term amounts are derived: the annual tuition is set per academic year; the institution determines fees year‑by‑year and fees for parts of qualifications are calculated pro rata by months — i.e., the annual fee divided by 12 and multiplied by the number of months the study component covers (so a typical half‑year/one‑term charge will be approximately half the annual fee). The annual fee is determined at the start of the studies and is payable year‑by‑year in advance.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition is charged and invoiced at the start of the study period; each year's fee must be paid for each academic year before studies begin. First‑year tuition is not refunded except when a study‑based residence permit is refused. Fees for partial study periods are prorated monthly.
- Standard municipal invoicing options and practices apply (e‑invoice/e‑lasku, paper invoice sent by post, bank transfer instructions on the invoice). Typical municipal invoice payment terms are short (for city services a common invoice due period is 14 days plus three bank days); check invoice instructions when you receive the bill.

Boarding fees
- Varia does not operate a student residence; there is no boarding or school dormitory fee. Accommodation is not included in the tuition.

Other costs and typical additional expenses
- Many study programmes remain free while a student is covered by the free‑education age rule (materials, required tools and workwear free until the calendar year the student turns 20). After that, or for students not covered by the free‑education rule, typical additional study costs by field include (examples and typical estimates for planning):
- Food industry: books ~EUR 150; personal work tools and equipment ~EUR 300.
- Hair and beauty: total additional costs during studies commonly around EUR 1,300.
- Media and visual communications: books ~EUR 100; a suitable laptop typically EUR 800–1,500.
- Restaurant and catering: workwear, tools and footwear ~EUR 400.
- Logistics and technical fields: study‑specific equipment and supplies commonly up to ~EUR 500–1,000 depending on options.
- Security services: students pay official authority fees for professional cards (e.g., approximately EUR 140 for the security/guardian card).
- IBCP and other external examination fees: IBCP exam fees approximately EUR 200.
- The institution may require students to cover costs such as certain permits, professional card application fees, optional course exam fees, personal protective equipment, or materials for specific practical modules. Meal costs are not included in the annual tuition.

Refunds, credits and special cases
- The first annual tuition payment is non‑refundable except if a required study‑based residence permit is denied; if a student withdraws, is expelled, or the study right is cancelled, paid tuition is not refunded. If a student temporarily suspends studies for legally defined reasons, paid tuition may be credited for the suspension period. If a student's residence permit situation changes so that they are no longer subject to tuition, future fees will not be charged but already paid fees are generally not returned. Detailed operational rules govern refunds and credits.

How fees are billed and accepted payment methods
- Fees for tuition are billed by the education provider / city finance unit and follow municipal invoicing practices. Standard invoice delivery and payment channels include e‑invoicing (e‑lasku), paper invoices and bank transfer; payment instructions and reference numbers appear on each invoice. The annual tuition must be paid in advance as specified on the invoice.

Notes on who pays tuition
- Annual tuition obligations apply primarily to students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who begin their studies on or after 1 August 2026 and who do not meet statutory exemptions (for example: those who have a permanent residence permit, are covered by international protection, are exchange students of up to one year, or are otherwise exempt by law). Oppivelvolliset (compulsory‑education‑age) students are not charged tuition and remain eligible for free study materials and tools until the year they turn 20.
Academics

Vantaa Vocational College Varia teaches Finnish Curriculum, IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme).

Curriculum
Varia offers English-language vocational qualifications and study units. English-language upper secondary qualifications include the Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services (cook and other hospitality roles) and the Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry (receptionist or tourism activities organizer in Finland and abroad). English-language vocational qualification units include Housekeeping – Targeted Training (cleaning services for hotel and accommodation facilities, 20 cp). International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IB CP) is part of Varia's international education expansion and began in October 2024; the CP is taught in Finnish and English within ICT basic degree instruction and combines vocational studies with IB values. The CP provides pathways to international higher education and the labor market.

Higher Education Progression
IB CP provides pathways to international higher education institutions.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Varian student welfare supports social and emotional wellbeing. Opiskeluterveydenhuolto (student health care) promotes health, study capacity and a healthy learning environment, with health nurses, doctors, psychologists and counselors working together with other professionals. Kuraattori (counselor) and on-site youth workers visit campuses and organize community activities to support students in daily life. Annie tukibotti is a chatbot that identifies students' need for guidance and directs them to available support services. Varian follows City of Vantaa anti-bullying and harassment procedures to address bullying and harassment and maintain a safe student community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Special education support is available in Vari a. Erityisopettaja (special education teacher) designs learning-support techniques in cooperation with other teachers. Each study area has a designated special education lead to assist with learning needs. The teacher can support in class, in small groups, or provide one-on-one help. Oppimisen tuki (learning support) is being updated to offer more flexible support for all students, with changes taking effect from 1 August 2026.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Varia offers vocational qualifications and study units in English. There are two degrees in English: Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services and Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry. The instruction language for English-language qualifications is English, but students must be able to use Finnish at the workplace, and Finnish language skills are part of the workplace assessment. Housekeeping Targeted Training is also listed as an English-language unit. International applicants can apply without a Finnish language requirement for these English-language qualifications.

Mental Wellbeing
Opiskeluterveydenhuolto (student health care) promotes health and the ability to study and contributes to a healthy study environment and community wellbeing. The health team includes nurses, doctors, psychologists and counselors who support students as needed in collaboration with other school professionals. In the first year, students may have a health check to review health, studying capacity and life situation and to identify needed support. If students require special support, they are directed to the appropriate services.

Safeguarding
Kiusaamiseen ja häirintään puuttuminen (bullying and harassment intervention) follows City of Vantaa's anti-bullying procedures to address and prevent bullying. Varian offers additional safeguarding resources including Oppilaitosnuorisotyöntekijät (on-site youth workers), Oppilaitosdiakonit ja papit (chaplains and priests), and Annie tukibotti to support students' wellbeing and safety.
Parent Experience

History
Vantaa's vocational education has evolved through decades. Varian history began in Hiekkaharju in autumn 1963 with the opening of Tikkurilan ammattikoulu's new building, which still serves as Varia's Hiekkaharju campus. The school initially had space for 430 students and offered lines such as viilaaja-koneistaja, maatalouskonekorjaaja, pukuompelijaksi and keittäjäksi. Over time the institution expanded to five campuses and around 4,500 students annually, and in 1996 a merger with Vantaan käsi- ja taideteollisuusoppilaitoksen ammatillinen koulutus created a broader organisation; in 1999 three institutions merged to form Vakes. In 2006 Vakes was renamed Varia and added an adult education line including apprenticeship training and personalized programs, with ongoing plans to build new facilities in Vehkala and at the Tikkurila Osaamiskampus to keep pace with work-life needs.

Community
Vantaa Vocational College Varia is a multi-disciplinary, practical vocational education institution. It offers education for young people, adults and organizations. It is an IB Candidate school. There are multiple campuses in Vantaa.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Varia operates Aviapolis, Hiekkaharju, Koivukylä and Vehkala campuses in Vantaa, all located near good transport connections. The Aviapolis campus is at Aerolankaari 5, 01530 Vantaa; the Hiekkaharju campus is at Tennistie 1, 01370 Vantaa; the Koivukylä campus is at Talvikkitie 119, 01360 Vantaa; and the Vehkala campus is at Vehkalantie 6, 01730 Vantaa. Varia's services cover all vocational qualifications and training forms related to updating staff competencies and acquiring new labour. The facilities emphasize accessibility: entrances are illuminated, routes to entrances are smooth and wide, and lifts or ramps are available where needed. The customer service point is present on the Koivukylä, Hiekkaharju and Vehkala campuses, with three floors at Koivukylä and Hiekkaharju, and four floors at Vehkala.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Students on the Move programme promotes physical activity and study ability among upper secondary students. Varia students are offered diverse opportunities to participate in international activities and strengthen their international skills.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Cultural & Language
Varian students participate in international activities to strengthen language and cultural competencies. International activities include study trips, placements abroad, teaching events, and international co-teaching. The aim is to provide memorable experiences and enhance language and cultural knowledge for students and staff. Virtual international collaboration with partners enables joint teaching and digital exchanges, including activities such as eTwinning.

Social & Hobbies
Varian students can engage in tutor activities, student council activities, volunteering, or other community involvement inside or outside the school. Tutor activities empower students to strengthen Varian's community and act as ambassadors for their field, guiding new students and helping to run group activities. Student council members plan and carry out events such as wellbeing weeks, friendship weeks, and Easter events. Active participants can also represent the student body in Varian's internal working groups and attend external events.

Community & Service
Other participation and influence activities include group representatives who act as liaisons between students and staff, attend meetings, and participate in cross-institutional working groups to share practices and ideas. Student members can influence Varian's development by providing feedback through a formal feedback process and by engaging in committee and project work.

Leadership & Professional
Varian students have opportunities to lead through tutor roles and student council participation, acting as representatives and coordinators in school-wide initiatives. Tutor roles involve mentoring younger students and representing the program when communicating about training. Student council members gain experience planning events, coordinating with staff, and representing peers in Varian's internal working groups.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Active student association members plan and implement events focused on wellbeing, such as wellbeing weeks and social or friendship weeks, as well as seasonal events like Easter celebrations. These roles also provide space to contribute to wellbeing-related working groups within Varian.
Languages

Language Provision
Varia offers studies in English across vocational qualifications and study units, including Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services; Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry; and Housekeeping Targeted Training. Two languages are used in the IB CP: Finnish and English; English is the main language of instruction, and Finnish is used and Finnish language skills are developed through CP coursework. During IB CP, students take one Language B course, choosing either English B or Finnish B.

Bilingual Teaching
IB Career-related Programme at Varia is taught in two languages: Finnish and English.
Admissions

Admissions
1. You can apply to Vantaa Vocational College Varia through a joint application system or through continuous admissions. The joint application system is part of the national admissions process, while continuous admissions are handled by Varia on a rolling basis. The application services help with your studies, applications and study-related choices. 2. Review English-language programs available at Varia. Varia offers vocational qualifications and study units in English, including two degrees in English: Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services and Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry. These programs prepare you for hospitality and tourism roles in Finland and abroad. 3. Decide which program matches your goals and language needs. English-language programs are described in the Studies in English section, while other programs are described in Finnish. 4. Submit your application through the chosen route. Applications can be submitted via the joint application system or through continuous admissions, and the application services provide guidance on the process. 5. Prepare and provide required documents and evidence of language proficiency. Identity must be verified with a valid photo ID; most school and employment certificates must be translated into Finnish or English; language requirements vary by program, and for English-language programs language proficiency is typically assessed during the admissions interview rather than via a separate Finnish test. 6. Under continuous admission, selection may include interviews, documents, a task completed as part of the interview, and sometimes entrance or aptitude tests (e.g., for certain qualifications). If study places are limited and applicants are equally qualified, a random draw may determine offers. 7. If admitted, accept the study place within seven days. Acceptance emails come from noreply@opintopolku.fi, and applicants can also accept via MyStudyPath with Suomi.fi authentication (foreign IDs may not be supported). 8. Tuition fees may apply for students from third countries. Fees for the 2026 intake begin August 1, 2026, and the exact amounts are announced in spring 2026. Fees do not include meals or accommodation, and certain exemptions apply depending on residence and status.
School Events
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