Ministers' roundtable: employment of international students requires more tailored language support and stronger links to working life
International higher education students could play an even bigger role in driving Finland’s growth. Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen and Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie invited businesses, cities, higher education institutions and students to find solutions to improve international students’ employment prospects in Finland.
The number of international higher education students in Finland has grown in recent years. As many as two out of three would like to stay and work in Finland after graduation, but currently only just over half succeed in finding employment. More than 60 per cent of those who do find work are employed in specialist-level positions. While the share of employed students has remained stable, the overall increase in student numbers means that more international students are now working in Finland.
Solutions to connect students and employers were discussed at a roundtable convened by Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen and Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie on 12 November 2025. Participants included representatives of companies, cities, higher education institutions, students, authorities and people who have moved to Finland.
“International students have exceptional potential for expert roles, especially in technology and industry where innovation is vital. We need to make better use of internships during studies to strengthen their links to the world of work more effectively. This is a major opportunity we should seize,” says Minister of Employment Marttinen.
The discussion highlighted in particular:
- more tailored language training and use of technology in multilingual workplaces
- broader and new meeting points for connecting international students with SMEs/start-ups
- sharing best practices for strengthening students’ links to the world of work
- more support for spouses’ career development
- improving society’s receptiveness
“International students have engaged with Finnish society, picked up Finnish or Swedish, embraced the culture and even adjusted to our climate. They want to find jobs or start businesses. We need agile forms of cooperation between higher education institutions, companies and municipalities so that businesses and international students can connect more easily,” says Minister of Science and Culture Talvitie.
The current weak economic and employment situation also makes it harder for international students to enter the labour market. Finland needs long-term solutions, which can also help boost the country’s economic growth.
At the end of the discussion, Ministers Marttinen and Talvitie urged participants to work together to promote the proposed solutions under the ministries' lead. Progress will be monitored over the coming year.
Inquiries:
Teresa Salminen, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 295 047 318 (questions to the Minister of Employment)
Emma Hannonen, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 295 330 077 (questions to the Minister of Science and Culture)
Petra Lehto, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 188
Jonna Korhonen, Director, Higher Education Policy, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 295 330 008