The revised requirements for the vocational qualification in sports and coaching have been published. The reform addresses the changing skills needs in the sports industry, strengthens the program’s focus on the workplace, and increases students’ opportunities for individualized study plans.

The field of study for coach education has been renamed the field of study for sports coach education, and the degree title will be Sports Coach (AT). At the same time, the degree requirements now include a new approach to describing professional competence requirements and assessment criteria, and greater flexibility and choice have been introduced.

The most significant changes in the field of sports training include a stronger emphasis on responsibility and safety, clearer learning objectives, and closer collaboration with the professional world. The flexibility of the program allows students to choose more individually tailored paths of development.

In the field of physical education, the core curriculum has been updated to reflect the expanded scope of work in the sector. New elective course components include sports and nature tourism, the implementation of remote services, personal branding, and the development of international competencies. The mandatory components have been developed specifically to strengthen sports counseling and guidance.
The reform was implemented under the leadership of the Finnish National Agency for Education in collaboration with education providers and representatives from the workforce.

– Our goal is to strengthen the quality and consistency of education at the national level. The new structure promotes collaboration and helps better meet the needs of both students and the workforce, says Herkko Koski, who works to develop expertise in coaching and leadership.

Programs based on the new guidelines will begin in the fall of 2026.

For more information: Herkko Koski, Training and Leadership Development Specialist, Finnish Sports Institutes
herkko.koski@urheiluopistot.fi