If you are under 25 years of age, you have a duty to apply for education if you have sufficient Finnish language skills. Apply at least for two study places. Take part in the entrance exam and the other events that are part of the application process. If you are admitted, accept your place and begin your studies.

If you do not apply for any education or training, there will be a mandatory waiting period. During the waiting period, you will not receive the financial support for unemployed jobseekers. The waiting period may last between 15 and 90 days. If you are applying for income support, it may also be reduced for the duration of the waiting period.

However, if you are attending a work try-out or similar during your waiting period, you will receive unemployment benefit.

If you need to improve your Finnish language skills, the TE Office can ask you to attend integration training or comprehensive school education. If, for any reason, you are unable to apply for education, talk about it with the TE Office’s employee. For example, maybe you are unable to apply because of illness.

For the Hämeenlinna TE Office contact details, see here.