Program Overview

Introduction to the UEF Trainee Programme

The UEF Trainee programme is designed to enhance employment possibilities for international degree students. The programme offers paid placements provided by collaborators for two months (or four months half-time), allowing international students to gain work experience in expert tasks and become familiar with Finnish working life and culture.

Programme Details

• The programme is open to international degree students registered at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) as active bachelor's or master's students during the application period.
• Students will be selected by the provider of the training placement (employer) based on application documents and a possible interview.
• Prior experience, previous and current study merits, and communication skills are prioritized.
• Trainees are expected to possess a positive service attitude, hands-on working manners, good teamwork and organizing skills, readiness to use IT tools and software, and accuracy in given tasks.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible, students must be registered to one of UEF's degree programs as an active bachelor's or master's student during the application period.
• Students with Finnish citizenship are excluded from the programme.
• International doctoral researchers are not eligible.
• Students who have already been accepted on the programme as a UEF Trainee or have reserved practical training support from the university previously during their degree are not eligible.

Application Process

• The application needs to be submitted by using an electronic application form.
• The application must include the following appendices:
  • CV
  • Copy of transcript of records from UEF
  • Cover Letter (a separate cover letter is recommended for each applied position)
• The application deadline is Tuesday, 30th January 2026 (by 16:00 hours Finnish time).

Programme Structure

• The programme offers a balanced distribution of training placements in Joensuu and Kuopio.
• Many expert jobs are done mainly online, and students should not limit their choices to their hometown.
• Some employers may agree that the training is done during the summer break.
• Working time, place, and other working conditions will be agreed upon with the employer before signing the work contract.

Benefits

• The UEF Trainee programme provides international degree students with the opportunity to gain work experience in expert tasks and become familiar with Finnish working life and culture.
• The programme offers financial support to employers who are willing to take students to fixed-term paid internships for at least two months or equivalent part-time work.
• The UEF Trainee position is a normal fixed-term working contract, and students can graduate during or even before their internship period, as long as they are a registered student during the application period.