HAMK was once again the most popular institution in Finland for the 2024 application period for professional teacher education and training
The application period for vocational teacher education has ended. This year, HAMK received a total of 1834 priority applicants, which is almost 400 applicants more than last year and the highest number of applicants of all five Finnish Schools of Professional Teacher Education.
For the third year in a row, Häme University of Applied Sciences has the highest number of applicants for professional teacher education compared to other teacher training colleges. Of the three options, there were 1,329 applicants for professional teacher education, 149 for professional special needs teacher education and 354 for professional student counsellor education.
This is the highest number of applicants in our history for professional teacher education and professional student counsellor education. In addition, we received the highest number of applicants for special needs teacher training in the country.
According to Piia Kolho, Head of Degree Programme, there are several factors that explain the good result. The good feedback from HAMK’s graduates spreads more widely within the field of education. The good atmosphere and the smooth study process, which guarantees graduation, are also praised. HAMK also has the highest number of graduates – since 2017.
“We have made efforts to ensure that students are not left to their own devices, for example by having responsible teachers and study circles. Applicants are also drawn to the fact that we are the only School of Professional teacher education where they can choose to study completely online.”
Another reason for the growing interest in becoming a professional teacher is that there are signs of a “professional transition” in certain sectors.
“In particular, people holding a degree in health care and social services or business want to continue their careers by becoming a teacher in their field. In addition, the increasing need for special support in schools is reflected in the fact that teachers want to upgrade their skills with a qualification as a special needs teacher or student councellor,” says Kolho.
In addition to HAMK, Jyväskylä, Oulu and Tampere Universities of Applied Sciences as well as Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences offer professional teacher education.
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