Universities of applied sciences

You can apply to a university of applied sciences once you have completed vocational school, general upper secondary school or a matriculation examination in Finland or some other country. Read more on the InfoFinland page Applying for education and training.

At universities of applied sciences, you can study many fields:

• humanities and the arts,
• education
• commerce, administration and law
• natural sciences,
• agriculture and forestry,
• services,
• technology,
• health and wellness,
• information and communication technology (ICT),
• social sciences

In a universities of applied sciences, you can study and train for a new profession. In this case, the studies take about 3.5–4.5 years.

At a university of applied sciences, you can also supplement college or vocational higher education qualifications that you have previously completed. In this case, the studies will take about 1–2.5 years.

The studies include a practical training period.

In a university of applied sciences, you need sufficient language skills. Usually, universities of applied sciences require at least level B2 skills in the language in which you will complete your degree. This corresponds to language proficiency level 4 in the National Certificate of Language Proficiency (yleinen kielitutkinto). There are many different ways to demonstrate language skills. Ask the university of applied sciences you are applying to for more information.

Read more about language skills level ratings on the InfoFinland page Language course levels.

Universities of applied sciences may organise free-of-charge preparatory education for immigrants aimed at providing students with language skills and other abilities necessary to study at a university of applied sciences. During this education, students practise their Finnish skills, learn how to read expository texts and polish their study skills. The students also receive information on their field of study, employment opportunities and studies leading to a degree. Preparatory education applicants are often required to have Finnish skill level B1 or B2.

An open university of applied sciences provides access to courses available at universities of applied sciences. Anyone can study in open universities of applied sciences. You can study in an open university of applies sciences, even if you do not have a degree or qualification of any kind. Read more on the InfoFinland page Studying as a hobby.

If you would like to deepen your professional expertise, you can complete a higher university of applied sciences degree (ylempi ammattikorkeakoulututkinto). It is intended for people who have graduated, for example, from a university of applied sciences and who are already employed.

You can apply for the opportunity to complete a master’s degree at a university of applied sciences if you have

• Qualifications from a university of applied sciences or another suitable higher education institution; as well as, in addition,
• at least two years of work experience in a relevant field.

You can apply for the higher university of applied sciences degree in the joint application (yhteishaku) period. This is held twice a year in the spring and autumn. Read more on the InfoFinland page Applying for education and training.

Completing the higher university of applied sciences degree takes about a year or 18 months. The scope of the studies is about 60 or 90 credits.

The further studies deepen and expand your knowledge in your own professional field. Nurses can complete a higher degree in rehabilitation, for example. You can also choose a degree programme conducted in English.

You can use the SIMHE services of higher education institutes to seek help and information about Finnish higher education and how to apply for higher education. They can also provide information about other educational opportunities for people who have already completed higher education courses.

You are entitled to guidance in SIMHE services if

• you have moved to Finland,
• you are interested in higher education, and
• you have completed higher education courses or a higher education degree abroad.

The guidance can be individual or group guidance.