Basic Degree in Physical Education and Sports Counseling (LPT)
Train to become a sports professional under the guidance of top professionals!
A basic degree in physical education prepares you for the sports field.
The Basic Degree in Physical Education Guidance is a secondary vocational basic degree intended for anyone interested in physical education and its guidance.
The basic education in physical education guidance provides versatile skills for employment in practical physical education guidance tasks in the sports sector.
The degree also qualifies you to apply for postgraduate studies at a university of applied sciences or university.
The degree title is physical education counselor. Studying to become a physical education counselor and working as a physical education counselor are very practical.
Occupation: Sports counselor
Sports advisor
- Safely guide exercise for a variety of clients
- Utilizes various forms of exercise, sports and operating environments in physical education instruction
- Provides exercise advice and acts as a sports professional in various interaction situations
- Creates exercise programs for clients that promote health and physical function
- Organizes sports or competitive events.
A physical activity counselor's expertise can focus on health-related exercise, the provision of physical activity services, or coaching.
Physical education counselors work as physical education instructors, physical education counselors, group exercise instructors, gym instructors, swimming instructors, swimming supervisors, applied exercise instructors, occupational well-being promoters, coaches, afternoon activity instructors, instructors and producers of physical experience services, and personal trainers.
Typical work environments include municipal sports activities, fitness centers, swimming pools, sports clubs and organizations, sports institutes, companies and other organizations that provide sports services. A sports counselor can also work as a self-employed person.
Who is the training suitable for?
A basic degree in physical education is a great choice for anyone interested in promoting physical activity and well-being.
The training provides versatile skills to work with different customer groups – whether it is gym supervision, group exercise, physical education guidance for children and young people, or senior activities.
The education is suitable for you if you want to get a good basic education for several different fields, such as those applying to study as a physical education instructor (BA), physiotherapist, teacher, police officer or firefighter.
Student experiences
Training content
The basic qualification in physical education guidance is worth 180 credits. The qualification consists of professional qualification components (145 credits) and common qualification components (35 credits).
Professional degree components 145 credits
Compulsory degree components 70 ECTS credits
- Physical education for children and young people 20 credits
- Adult Physical Education Instruction 20 credits
- Physical education 20 credits
- Organizing a sports event 10 credits
Elective degree components 1 30-60 ECTS credits
- Health Exercise Guidance 30 ECTS
- Coaching 30 credits
- Providing sports services 30 credits
Elective degree components 2 15-45 ECTS credits
- Group exercise supervision 15 credits
- Applied Physical Education Instruction 15 credits
- Working in an indoor swimming pool environment 15 credits
- Directing adventure sports 15 credits
- Directing volunteer and organizational activities 15 credits
- Climate-responsible operations 15 credits
- Working in an international work environment 15 credits
- Acting as a top expert 15 credits
- Business Planning 15 credits
- Working in a company 15 credits
- Training to become a workplace instructor 5 credits
- Part of the degree based on local professional skills requirements 5-15 ECTS credits
- Part of the degree from a basic vocational qualification, vocational qualification or specialist vocational qualification 5-15 ECTS credits
- Higher education studies 5-15 credits, including pathway studies Pathway studies for vocational students – Xamk
- Sub-areas of joint degree components, upper secondary school studies or other studies supporting postgraduate study readiness 1-25 ECTS credits
Common degree components 35 ECTS credits
- Communication and interaction skills
- Mathematical and scientific competence
- Social and working life skills
Read more detailed descriptions of the content of the degree about the basics of the degree.
Method of implementation of studies
The education is full-time.
Studying is practical, functional, physical, and involves a lot of teamwork.
Students practice physical education instruction with real clients and participate in physical education and sports events organized at our school.
A personal competence development plan (HOKS) is prepared for each student at the beginning of their studies, which takes into account the student's previous competence and need for learning support.
The study forms include contact studies, on-the-job learning and independent study. A training contract is drawn up for the periods of on-the-job learning.
The studies generally last 3 years.
The skills acquired during the studies are demonstrated in demonstrations carried out in real working life situations.
Education costs and student benefits
Teaching and supervision for the basic qualification in physical education guidance is free of charge for students.
Materials and equipment necessary for teaching are also free of charge for students in compulsory education.
Personal sports clothing and equipment are not included in the free admission.
In the day program, students of compulsory education are provided with accommodation, where they stay and eat (breakfast, lunch and dinner) free of charge in Tanhuvaara.
Non-compulsory students selected through a continuous search have the opportunity to apply for accommodation in Tanhuvaara.
Full-time undergraduate students studying without accommodation receive one free meal or meal allowance during school days.
Full-time students have the opportunity to apply for Kela study benefits.
Accommodation and meal prices (incl. VAT)
2-4 people (Townhouse) €39,50/night/person, incl. breakfast
1 room €74,50/night, breakfast included
Pet fee 10€/day (limited number of rooms)
Lunch / dinner: €8,90/meal
Search information
JOINT SEARCH
Application period: 17.2.-17.3.2026
Entrance and aptitude tests: 8.5.2026
(everyone is invited to the test)
Selections will be announced: 11.6.2026
Training starts on September 4.8.2026, XNUMX
Search Through the study path
Selection criteria
Point selection
When you apply for a vocational basic qualification after comprehensive school, you will receive:
6 points for having completed comprehensive school in the same or previous year as you are applying, OR:
6 points for certain studies completed after comprehensive school, for example, tenth grade.
6 points for training preparatory to degree training, TUVA (at least 19 weeks)
In addition, you will receive
1–16 points for general school success,
1–8 points of weighted grades,
Sports, fine arts, music, crafts, home economics (top 3)
0–10 points from the entrance and aptitude test 8.5.2026 in Tanhuvaaraha
2 points for the first application request regarding vocational training.
The applicant takes the entrance and aptitude test for their highest application target and the same scores are transferred to their other possible applications for the basic qualification in physical education guidance.
The entrance and aptitude test includes:
Physical activity section, which tests, among other things, endurance, body control, agility, coordination and swimming.
Social and expressive skills section, which involve the desire and skill to work with people and express oneself through various means.
- Physical education instruction, which measures the applicant's social skills, desire to work with people, and means of self-expression.
- An interview that measures the applicant's motivation, desire to work with people, and learning abilities.
Degree-specific health and functional capacity requirements
The Basic Degree in Physical Education Guidance and the Professional Degree in Physical Education and Coaching are degrees covered by the SORA (Solutions for Unsuitability for Study) regulations.
In SORA degrees, the education provider may request information about the student's health and functional capacity when applying for studies or if these change during the studies.
A circumstance related to the health or functional capacity of an applicant may not be an obstacle to admission. However, a student may not be admitted if his/her health or functional capacity does not allow him/her to perform practical tasks related to education in an educational institution, workplace or other learning environment, if the safety requirements related to the qualifications referred to in Section 531 of the Vocational Education and Training Act (2017/81) so require and if the obstacle cannot be removed by reasonable measures. With regard to the person's health or functional capacity, the limitations caused by possible illnesses and the individual treatment situation for the illnesses must be assessed. Read more Health requirements in the sports industry
Obstacles to admission may include:
- an illness or injury that limits physical health and ability to function
- an illness or disability that prevents communication and sign language
- drug addiction or problem or abuse
- a mental health disorder or psychological illness that is not under treatment
- substance dependence or problem or abuse
- a functional impairment that makes interaction difficult
The student is obliged to inform the educational institution of any of the above-mentioned circumstances that may affect their studies or work in the field of physical education. In SORA degrees, a student's right to study may be revoked if they repeatedly or seriously endanger the health and safety of another person or do not meet the requirements for admission to SORA degrees in terms of their health or functional capacity.
A choice based on discretion
Discretionary selection is part of the joint application. Discretionary selection is made regardless of the selection points in the joint application.
- learning disabilities
- social reasons
- lack of a school certificate or difficulties in comparing the certificate
- Insufficient language skills in the language of the degree to complete the degree
- Studies in accordance with an individualized curriculum in both mathematics and the mother tongue and literature.
- you have completed your education abroad
- you lack a basic education certificate, or
- you have an individualized curriculum in both your mother tongue and literature and mathematics, and the assessment was carried out before August 1, 2025.
The selection is based on the admission and aptitude tests and the submitted attachments. An invitation to the admission and aptitude test will be sent to the applicant by email.
The entrance and aptitude test will be held on May 8.5.2026, XNUMX at Tanhuvaara Sports Institute.
How to apply with discretionary selection
- Fill out the joint application form at www.opintopolku.fi .
Indicate on the application form that you are applying for a discretionary selection. You can apply for discretionary selection for each of your application areas or only for some of them.
2. Obtain the necessary, up-to-date documents for a discretionary search:
- When the grounds are social reasons or learning difficulties, the justification is based on a statement prepared by an expert. The expert statement must be up-to-date. If the expert statement is more than a year old, a school representative (for example, a special education teacher, school counselor, study counselor, public health nurse) can prepare a statement describing the applicant's current situation.
- When the basis is an individualized curriculum in the mother tongue and mathematics, an up-to-date statement from the school representative must be submitted as an attachment, which takes a position on the applicant's study requirements.
- When the basis is difficulties in comparing certificates, copies of the certificates and a Finnish translation certified by an official translator must be attached to the application. If the foreign applicant does not have any certificates at all, a statement signed by a Finnish authority must be attached to the application.
- When the reason is insufficient language proficiency in the language of the degree, the applicant must justify the matter with, for example, a statement from a teacher or other expert.
3. Send the documents by secure mail to arja.laine@tanhuvaara.fi or by post to: Tanhuvaara Sports School/ Arja Laine, Moinsalmentie 1042, 57230 Savonlinna. Write the word “A choice based on discretion".
The attachments must be in Tanhuvaara no later than March 28.3.2025, XNUMX.
The documents submitted for discretionary selection are handled confidentially at our institution. The documents submitted by the applicant are processed only by those persons who are involved in the student selection process. The documents are used only as a basis for student selection and after the retention period, the documents are destroyed. With the permission of the applicant and guardian, the information submitted by the student for discretionary selection can also be utilized at Tanhuvaara in organizing studies and planning support.
The criteria for a judicious choice are:
Learning disabilities
This is used as a basis when the applicant has a confirmed learning disability. The learning disability is justified by a statement prepared by an expert (e.g. doctor, psychologist, special education teacher). The statement must explain how the learning disability has concretely manifested itself in the applicant's studies and in their coping with them. In some cases, the HOJKS may also suffice as a statement if it clearly highlights the applicant's learning disability.
Social reasons
This is used as a basis when the applicant has had reasons related to personal or family circumstances that have affected their success in basic education. These may include, for example, child protection measures, being the target of severe bullying at school, or a serious illness of the student or someone close to them. Social reasons are justified by a statement prepared by an expert (e.g. psychologist, school counselor, social worker). The statement must describe how the reason used as a basis has affected the applicant's studies and coping with them.
Lack of school certificates
This is only used as a criterion if the applicant has dropped out of comprehensive school. In such a situation, the applicant can only be selected through a discretionary selection if he or she is assessed to have sufficient qualifications to complete the degree.
Difficulties in comparing certificates
This is used as a basis when the applicant does not have a Finnish comprehensive school leaving certificate and/or applies with a foreign certificate. Copies of the certificate and a Finnish translation certified by an official translator must be attached to the application. If the foreign applicant does not have any certificates at all, a statement signed by a Finnish authority must be attached to the application.
Personalized curriculum in mathematics and mother tongue
When an applicant has an individualized syllabus in mathematics and mother tongue, a joint application is automatically considered. The applicant must attach an up-to-date statement from a school representative, which takes a position on the applicant's study requirements.
Insufficient proficiency in the language of the degree
If an applicant feels that their language skills are not at the level specified for completing the degree, they may apply for a discretionary selection based on insufficient language skills. In this case, the applicant must justify the matter with, for example, a letter from a teacher or other expert. The educational institution will assess the adequacy of the applicant's language skills and the prerequisites for completing the studies.
Permission to use data in organizing studies
With the permission of the applicant and guardian, information submitted for the discretionary selection process can also be utilized in organizing the new student's studies and planning support.
After the retention period, the documents will be destroyed.
Read more about discretionary selection on Studyinfo.fi
https://opintopolku.fi/konfo/fi/sivu/hakeminen-harkinnanvaraisen-valinnan-kautta
CONTINUOUS SEARCH
Application from 1.1.2026 January XNUMX
Entrance and aptitude tests: 8.5.2026
Selections will be announced by: 26.6.2026
Training starts on September 4.8.2026, XNUMX
Selection criteria
Entrance and aptitude test
The entrance and aptitude test includes:
Physical activity section, which tests, among other things, endurance, body control, agility, coordination and swimming.
Social and expressive skills section, which involve the desire and skill to work with people and express oneself through various means.
- Physical education instruction, which measures the applicant's social skills, desire to work with people, and means of self-expression.
- An interview that measures the applicant's motivation, desire to work with people, and learning abilities.
Secondary education and academic success
The applicant must attach certificates of previous studies to the application (pdf, image).
If you wish, you can share your academic records with the application using the link available from the My Study Guide service.
In this case, you do not need to attach a separate transcript of records and diploma to your application.
Degree-specific health and functional capacity requirements
The Basic Degree in Physical Education Guidance and the Professional Degree in Physical Education and Coaching are degrees covered by the SORA (Solutions for Unsuitability for Study) regulations.
In SORA degrees, the education provider may request information about the student's health and functional capacity when applying for studies or if these change during the studies.
A circumstance related to the health or functional capacity of an applicant may not be an obstacle to admission. However, a student may not be admitted if his/her health or functional capacity does not allow him/her to perform practical tasks related to education in an educational institution, workplace or other learning environment, if the safety requirements related to the qualifications referred to in Section 531 of the Vocational Education and Training Act (2017/81) so require and if the obstacle cannot be removed by reasonable measures. With regard to the person's health or functional capacity, the limitations caused by possible illnesses and the individual treatment situation for the illnesses must be assessed. Read more Health requirements in the sports industry
Obstacles to admission may include:
- an illness or injury that limits physical health and ability to function
- an illness or disability that prevents communication and sign language
- drug addiction or problem or abuse
- a mental health disorder or psychological illness that is not under treatment
- substance dependence or problem or abuse
- a functional impairment that makes interaction difficult
The student is obliged to inform the educational institution of any of the above-mentioned circumstances that may affect their studies or work in the field of physical education. In SORA degrees, a student's right to study may be revoked if they repeatedly or seriously endanger the health and safety of another person or do not meet the requirements for admission to SORA degrees in terms of their health or functional capacity.
Other conditions
Students are required to have their own computer.
Additional information
A homely place to study
Tanhuvaara is known especially for its history, but also for its homeliness and the famous "Tanhuvaara spirit", which has accompanied Tanhuvaara's development for decades.
Expert teachers
Our teachers have master's degrees in sports/health sciences, professional coaches, and are the best experts in their field.
Our teachers have diverse expertise, from health-related exercise to detailed sports and coaching skills.
Questions about training - please contact us
Training manager
Arja Laine
+358 50 572 7348
arja.laine@tanhuvaara.fi
Education Secretary
Satu Kosonen
+ 358447150407
satu.kosonen@tanhuvaara.fi
