Applying to Universities of Applied Sciences

University of applied sciences (UAS) 

• University of applied sciences degree is a higher education degree that gives you skills and competences to work in a variety of expert, planning and development positions.

• In universities of applied sciences, you complete a Bachelor’s degree.

• UAS masters are offered as well but they require Bachelors degree + 3 years work experience.

• There are 24 universities of applied sciences in Finland, located in different parts of the country.

Application system

One applies via joint application system Opintopolku/Studyinfo:

https://opintopolku.fi/konfo/fi  (if you want to use the system in Finnish)

      or 

https://opintopolku.fi/konfo/en/ if you want to use the system in English)

Application periods

There are three application periods:

1. First application period takes place in January: education in English 

   • You can apply to 6 places at the maximum. 

   • You can set the programmes in any order and you can be accepted to several study programmes. 

2. Second application period takes place in March: education in Finnish and Swedish

   • You can apply to 6 places at the maximum. 

   • You have to set programmes in order of preference on the application form. This order is binding and you cannot change it after the application period has ended.

   • You can be accepted to one study programme.

3. Third application period takes place in September: limited number of programmes available in Finnish, Swedish and English

Selection methods

The following selection methods may be used:

• sähköinen valintakoe (Finnish/Swedish programmes)

• international UAS exam (English programmes)

• certificate-based selection

• SAT test

• School's own entrance exam (eg design)

• other methods

Good to know

One place per student provision: 

A student may accept only one study place in a degree programme in Finland leading to a higher education degree (universities of applied sciences and universities) during any one academic term !!

Application quotas:

• Research universities use two quotas for applicants:

1.for students who haven’t confirmed a study place in Finnish universities or universities of applied science

2.for students who have confirmed a study place 

If you have confirmed a study place in Finland, then you will have to apply in quota 2. This quota is a smaller one. You need to carefully reflect whether it’s wise to confirm a place that is not your first choice.