TAITO Vocational Qualification in
Restaurant and Catering Services
Overview
Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a career as a chef/cook in Finland.
This full-time, on-campus program offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning.
The campus emphasizes the importance of practical learning, sustainability, and student well-being, aiming to equip its graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in today's evolving job market.
The main objectives of this program are to:
- Develop students’ competence in food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen management.
- Enhance students’ communication and customer service skills.
- Prepare students for successful integration into the Finnish workforce.
Program Timeline
Vocational training start: July 27, 2026
Deadline for applications: January 25, 2026
Structure
The program consists of three main components:
Compulsory vocational units cover essential topics such as working in food preparation services, preparation of lunch dishes, and preparation of dishes.
Optional vocational units allow you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and career goals. Common units focus on developing transferable skills such as communication, mathematics, and social skills.
Program
Information
Duration: 12 months (180 competence points) full-time studies on campus
Studies start: July 27, 2026
Location: Turku, Finland
Language: English and Finnish (graduation and demonstrations will be in Finnish)
Seats: 22 seats
Target market: All nationalities
Program Fees:
Total program fee: EUR 11,650 (includes uniform, chef's knives set, and food during practical classes)
Mandatory online Finnish language course: 545 EUR
Application fee: EUR 100
Admission
Criteria
To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following requirements:
Completed vocational qualification or associate degree in Restaurant and Catering Services or equivalent from a recognized institution.
Working experience in cooking (beneficial).
Completed upper secondary education (high school).
Ability to participate in a Finnish language course conducted in Finnish.
Acceptable Backgrounds
for TAITO
The program is open to applicants with a variety of backgrounds, including:
Applicants must have completed upper secondary education (high school).
Completion of a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, vocational qualification or diploma/training in relevant field to Restaurant and Catering Services (e.g., Cookery NC II) from a recognized institution.
Applicants must demonstrate relevant work experience in the kitchen, specifically preparing food or working directly with food products (e.g., chef, sous-chef, kitchen assistant roles). Minimum 1 year.
Application
Process
Edunation recruits and pre-screens students.
Edunation interviews applicants who meet the pre-requirements.
Shortlisted applicants are forwarded to TAITO for final selection based on their background, experience, and interview performance.
TAITO sends acceptance letters to selected students.
Edunation sends acceptance packages to students, including program documents, Finnish language course information, and program fee invoice.
Upon receipt of program fee payment, Edunation provides residence permit instructions and online Finnish language course access.
What to Do After Graduation?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a vocational qualification in restaurant and catering services.
This qualification will allow you to apply for a work permit or a look-for-work residence permit in Finland. You may also choose to continue your studies or return to your home country.
Career
Opportunities
Graduates of this program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in the restaurant and catering industry, such as:
The average salary for a cook in Finland is approximately EUR 2,888 per month before taxes and EUR 2,190 per month after taxes.
Book a Free Counselling Session!
In our counselling session, we will guide you through the process of applying and going through your questions and concerns regarding the journey in studying to Finland.
Book a Free Counselling Session!
In our counselling session, we will guide you through the process of applying and going through your questions and concerns regarding the journey in studying to Finland.