Supporting Immigrants in Early Childhood Education Careers
Are you already working in early childhood education and want to qualify as a Bachelor of Social Services specializing in early childhood education? Or are you interested in early childhood education and looking to change careers?
During the academic year 2025–2026, we will offer an early childhood education training program for immigrants as part of the project "Language-supported competence paths for the labour shortage sectors of immigrants in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area". You can find more information about the project on its dedicated webpage.
The project is led by the University of Helsinki, with Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Aalto University as partners. This webpage focuses on the early childhood education training program provided by Metropolia UAS.
![The project is co-funded by the European Union.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_1_content_large/public/2025-01/en-v-co-funded-by-the-eu_pos.jpg?h=2d6fcffb)
Bilingual First-Year Studies for Bachelor of Social Services in Early Childhood Education
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences will offer bilingual first-year studies for the Bachelor of Social Services degree in early childhood education during the academic year 2025–2026. The program is tailored for immigrants with intermediate proficiency in both Finnish (B1) and English (B2).
The training uses a language-integrated approach, allowing you to begin with more English-based studies and gradually increase the use of Finnish as you progress. The program accommodates 30 participants.
What Are the Goals of This Program?
- Improve your Finnish language skills so you can later apply for a degree program in early childhood education in Finnish, and work more comfortably in Finnish.
- Enhance your skills for working in early childhood education.
- Make it easier to find jobs in the field of early childhood education in Finland.
- Provide an opportunity to network with students in the early childhood education teacher training program at the University of Helsinki.
This training program alone does not grant you the qualification of a Bachelor of Social Services. After completing this program, you will need to apply for a degree program in social services. You can apply through a separate admissions process to continue in either the Finnish or English degree program. If accepted, you will continue your studies directly from the second year.
![Aikuinen ja kaksi lasta leikkimässä.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_1_content_large/public/2025-01/keksi_pia-inberg_metropolia_0t6a8008_nettikoko.jpg?h=9994641b)
Information for Applicants about the Training in Early Childhood Education
What: First-year studies for the Bachelor of Social Services in early childhood education (60 ECTS). You will study both in English and Finnish.
When: August 2025 – May 2026.
Where: Blended learning: a combination of online studies and in-person sessions at Metropolia’s Myllypuro campus in Helsinki. In-person classes will be held twice per month, every second Thursday. Additionally, the online classes will take place twice per week in the time frame between 2.30-6.30 pm. The training requires plenty of independent studying.
Cost: Free of charge.
Application Period: 1.-30.4.2025.
Application Process: Your language skills and motivation for the training will be tested during the application process. The student selection process will take place at the Metropolia Myllypuro campus on two days in the beginning of June. More detailed information and the exact dates will be published on this page in March at the latest.
Who Can Apply: Immigrants with:
- at least intermediate proficiency in English (B2) and Finnish (B1). You do not need to provide a National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) test result or similar to prove your language skills, but your language skills will be tested during the student selection process.
- Applicants must meet higher education eligibility criteria, meaning you have completed at least a secondary-level qualification. Your previous field of study does not matter.
- You can apply whether you are currently working in early childhood education or only considering entering the field.
What Does the Program Include?
- General social services studies.
- Finnish as a Second Language (S2) courses and communication skills.
- Early childhood education studies.
- Practical training: If you are already working in early childhood education, you can complete the practical assignments at your workplace instead of formal training.
More details about the program content will be added to this page before the application period begins.
Stay tuned for updates and start your journey towards a rewarding career in early childhood education!
Interested?
Leaving contact details is not binding on you to anything.
Contact
Emilia Deseille
Project Manager
+358 40 671 3888
emilia.deseille@metropolia.fi
Check Emilia's profile on Metropolia PeopleFinder