LAB Career Spark Subsidy

The Career Spark Subsidy is on hold for 2027 due to the budgeting process. Subsidies for job periods taking place and paid in 2026 will be processed as usual.

For questions, please contact the responsible official directly.

LAB Career Spark Subsidy for Employers

LAB Career Spark is a wage subsidy that helps employers hire students from LAB University of Applied Sciences for internships, thesis projects, or other fixed-term positions outside of their home country. The work period should support the student’s professional development. The subsidy reduces wage costs and supports early-career talent integration.

Work related terms

• Work should be an internship, thesis project, or fixed-term employment related to the student’s field of studies.
• The working period should be paid the minimum salary of 1,430 €/month (Kela recommendations for minimum wage 2025). For part-time work, salary must be proportional to working hours.
• Work must be on-site or hybrid. Fully remote work is not eligible.
• Minimum duration is one month of full-time work or equivalent part-time workload.

Subsidy Amount & Payment

• 💶 1 month work period: 600 €
• 💶 2 months work period: 1,200 €
• 💶 3 months work period or longer: 1,800 €

The subsidy is paid directly to the employer after the work period ends.

How It Works?

• The student submits the subsidy application.
• LAB University of Applied Sciences reviews eligibility and issues the decision.
• The employer signs an electronic subsidy agreement with LAB University of Applied Sciences.
• The employer invoices LAB University of Applied Sciences for the subsidy after the employment period.

Employer related terms

• The employer can be any organization. Private individuals and the student’s own company are not eligible.
• The employer must comply with Finnish labor legislation and the collective agreements.
• The employer provides adequate supervision throughout the working period.
• The employer signs an employment contract with the student.
• The employer signs the subsidy agreement with LAB University of Applied Scienses before the work period begins.

Timeline

• The subsidy's application must be submitted at least 2 weeks before employment starts.
• The decision is issued within 5 working days.
• The subsidy agreement must be signed before employment begins.

Contact

📧 careerserviceslut [dot] fi (careerservices[at]lut[dot]fi)

📧 Mays Sweidan – Mays [dot] Sweidanlut [dot] fi (Mays[dot]Sweidan[at]lut[dot]fi)

Career Services will happily support employers throughout the process.