NB. Information on this site is subject to change.

The International UAS Exam is a joint digital entrance exam of the Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), used for selecting students to study programmes leading to a bachelor’s degree and conducted in English. The entrance exam is completed by the applicant’s own computer.

Three study programmes using the International UAS Exam are included in the autumn joint application, please see further information on them here. The applicants participate only once in the International UAS Exam, regardless of the number of targeted study programmes. Please read the instructions carefully as a number of changes have been introduced to the autumn 2023 exam compared to the spring 2023 exam.

The entrance exam consists of two phases organised online:

1. First phase: written exam

• The written exam is organised on 19 October 2023.

2. Second phase: group interview

• Group interviews are organised between 8 November 2023 and 10 November 2023. Further information on how the applicants are invited to the second phase group interview is available here.

In the entrance exam, the applicants’ readiness for UAS studies is assessed. The entrance exam does not include any advance reading materials or pre-assignments.

The entrance exam is used in the following study fields:

• Humanities and Education
• Business Administration, Information and Communication Technology
• Natural Resources
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Seafaring
• Social Services, Health Care, Sports and Exercise, Beauty Care
• Technology

Please check in Table 1 whether your targeted study programmes use the exam. If your targeted study programme does not use the International UAS Exam, please refer to Studyinfo.fi for more information on the programme and admission criteria. In that case, please check whether the programme involves a pre-assignment or a separate entrance exam requiring preparation

Language requirements

To be selected by the International UAS Exam, the applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or previous studies. Please attach the required document to your Studyinfo application on 21 September 2023 at 15:00 Finnish time (UTC/GMT+3) at the latest.

Only the tests listed above will be accepted. No exceptions will be made.

There are no expiration dates, but the language test results must be verifiable from the online verification service of the organiser. The TOEFL test cannot be verified after two years. If the test scores can no longer be verified, the test is not valid. The applicant should make sure that the test results are not too old. If the applicant is unsure and the test results are more than 2 years old, it is advised to retake the test.

Point 1 above: When taking the language test, the applicant should choose the university of applied sciences that uses the International UAS Exam as the recipient of the results, if possible. The results must be at least sent to the university of applied sciences that is listed highest on the list of targeted study programmes in the application form. If possible, the test results should be sent to every university of applied sciences using the International UAS Exam where the applicant has applied to. The applicant must also attach a scanned/electric copy of the test result to the application for verification purposes, and notify their unique identifier.

Point 2 above: If applying with the National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI), the unique identifier is not necessary. However, the applicant must attach a scanned/electric copy of the test result to the application for verification purposes.

Points 3-5 above: The applicant has to submit a certificate on their previous degrees in the application form section where previous studies are to be declared.

Points 3-4 above: The applicant must attach a document that shows the language of the degree.

Identification documents

The applicant needs a valid, acceptable identification document to be able to participate in the International UAS Exam. The following documents are accepted as proof of identity:  

• A biometric passport (ICAO 9303 standard compliant)
• A biometric EU/EEA identity card (ICAO 9303 standard compliant)

The passport/identity card has to comply with the ICAO 9303 standard. Other passports/identity cards are not accepted. All ICAO compliant documents carry the following logo. The logo is located outside of the front cover of the biometric passport or on the front or back cover of the biometric identity card.

Logo of the ICAO 9303 standard

Examples of the logo, the colour of which may vary between the identification documents of different countries.

The passport/identity card has to be valid until 10 November 2023.

You have to submit the number of your biometric passport or EU/EEA identity card to the application form during the application period. In addition, you have to attach a copy of that document to your application form on 21 September 2023 at 15:00 Finnish time (UTC/GMT+3) at the latest (passport or EU/EEA ID card (UAS) section on the application form). You must attach a copy of both sides of the EU/EEA identity card to your application form. If the information you submit is incorrect or you do not submit this information to the application by the given time limit, you cannot identify yourself in the first phase written exam and thus not proceed in the International UAS Exam selection process.

Please note that your identity will be verified during the second phase group interview. The identification document that you show in the second phase must be the same document as the submitted document on the application form, otherwise you will be dismissed from the second phase. A picture of the document will not be accepted, you must show the actual identification document during the second phase in front of the camera.

First phase: written exam 19 October 2023

The first phase of the entrance exam is a written exam conducted individually on the applicant’s computer remotely online. The exam will be organised on 19 October 2023. Please familiarise yourself carefully with the instructions before taking the exam.

First phase written exam: exam sections, duration and scoring

The entrance exam is conducted in the English language. The exam sections and duration of the exam are determined on the basis of the study programmes you apply for. You complete at one time all the exam sections that are included to the study programmes you apply for. The entrance exam includes both common exam sections to all study programmes and field-specific exam sections. The exam sections for each study field are presented in Chart 1. A total score of the written exam is the sum score of the exam sections included to your study programme. In order to be invited to the second phase group interview, you must pass all the exam sections and reach the study programme specific cut-off scores.

A specific response time has been allocated for each exam section. When the section-specific time is up, the section will close. If you don’t finish the section, the latest version will be saved as your answer. You can complete the sections in any order. However, please note that once a section is opened, it needs to be completed, and you cannot return to the section later.  

Common exam sections to all study programmes:

• Reasoning skills (25 minutes): You have to complete this exam section regardless of the programme you apply for. The section assesses your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The maximum score in this section is 20 and the minimum pass score is 1. Penalty scores (wrong answers produce minus points) are used in this section. You can also leave a question unanswered. Please have a look at the reasoning skills example questions.
• English language skills (20 minutes): You have to complete this exam section regardless of the programme you apply for. The section assesses your skills in reading and interpreting texts, such as understanding the relation between different parts of the text, mastering vocabulary and linguistic reasoning. The maximum score in this section is 20 and the minimum pass score is 3. Penalty scores (wrong answers produce minus points) are used in this section. You can also leave a question unanswered. Please have a look at the English language skills example questions.

Field-specific exam sections:

• Mathematical skills (25 minutes): This exam section is required for the fields of Technology, Business Administration and ICT, Natural Resources, Tourism and Hospitality, Seafaring, Social Services, Health Care, Sports and Exercise and Beauty Care. The contents of the section are the same for all the above-mentioned fields. In this section, your basic mathematical skills are assessed. The focus is on basic calculations, calculating percentages, first-degree equations, geometry, mathematical-logical reasoning and interpreting tables, graphs and diagrams. In this section, you are allowed to use the function calculator of the examination system. The maximum score in this section is 20 and the minimum pass score is 1. Penalty scores (wrong answers produce minus points) are used in this section. You can also leave a question unanswered. Please have a look at the mathematical skills example questions.

  Calculator’s functions in the exam system

  Calculator’s functions in the exam system:

  • addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems
  • brackets
  • square of two and square root
  • power of ten and general power function
  • trigonometric functions (angle values in degrees)
  • natural logarithm (ln) and base-ten logarithm (log)
  • constant numbers π and e
  • storing the most recent return value in ANS variable
  • storing values of expressions in M_in and recalling values in M_out.

  Example: Entering expressions into calculator
  
  
  
  
• Advanced mathematical skills (30 minutes): This exam section is required for the field of Technology. The section assesses your abilities in mathematics and physics. Your mathematical skills are assessed by questions related to reducing rational expressions, solving equations, level geometry and trigonometry (e.g. right-angled triangle). Your physics skills are assessed by questions related to basic knowledge in physical phenomena and calculation formulas, your ability to calculate and reason on the basis of basic physical knowledge and given models, and your ability to interpret charts, graphs and diagrams. In this section, you are allowed to use the function calculator of the examination system. The maximum score in this section is 20 and the minimum pass score is 1. Penalty scores (wrong answers produce minus points) are used in this section. You can also leave a question unanswered. Please have a look at the advanced mathematical skills example questions.

  Calculator’s functions in the exam system

  Calculator’s functions in the exam system:

  • addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems
  • brackets
  • square of two and square root
  • power of ten and general power function
  • trigonometric functions (angle values in degrees)
  • natural logarithm (ln) and base-ten logarithm (log)
  • constant numbers π and e
  • storing the most recent return value in ANS variable
  • storing values of expressions in M_in and recalling values in M_out.

  Example: Entering expressions into calculator
  
  
  
  
• Ethical skills (10 minutes): This exam section is required for the fields of Social Services, Health Care, Sports and Exercise, Beauty Care, and Humanities and Education. The contents of the section are the same for all the above-mentioned fields. In this section, your skills in recognising the ethical nature of statements are assessed. The maximum score in this section is 20 and the minimum pass score is 1. Penalty scores (wrong answers produce minus points) are used in this section. You can also leave a question unanswered. Please have a look at the ethical skills example questions.
• Emotional intelligence skills (10 minutes): This exam section is required for the fields of Social Services, Health Care, Sports and Exercise, Beauty Care, and Humanities and Education. The contents of the section are the same for all the above-mentioned fields. In this section, your capabilities in emotional intelligence skills, such as recognizing and controlling emotions, are assessed. The maximum score in this section is 20 and the minimum pass score is 1. Penalty scores (wrong answers produce minus points) are used in this section. Please have a look at the emotional intelligence skills example questions.

Chart 1. The first phase written exam sections.

Identification & monitoring of the first phase written exam

NB. This information is subject to change. Please read the updated instructions before the start of the joint application period and taking the entrance exam.

Verifying your identity

You have to verify your identity to be able to participate in the first phase written exam and proceed in the International UAS Exam selection process.

The identification process consists of two phases:

1. Before the first phase written exam, you have to complete a pre-identification process within an indicated time limit. You will receive an invitation to the pre-identification to the email address given in your application form on 9 October 2023 at the latest and the pre-identification process has to be completed on 11 October 2023 at the latest.
   
   The pre-identification process consists of identification by the Candour ID mobile application and registration to the Smowl proctoring software. In order to successfully pass the pre-identification process, the information you provide in both phases of the pre-identification process must match.
   
   
2. Those applicants who have passed the pre-identification process will be invited to the first phase written exam. On the exam day, you have to verify your identity again while logging in to the entrance exam.

You need the following for verifying your identity:

• A biometric, ICAO 9303 standard compliant passport or EU/EEA identity card. The passport/id card has to be valid until 10 November 2023.
• A mobile phone with NFC support
• Candour ID mobile application (available in App Store or Google Play)

For the identity verification process, you have to submit the following information on the Studyinfo application form:

• The number of the biometric passport or EU/EEA identity card
• Also, a copy of the said passport/identity card has to be attached to the application form on 21 September 2023 at 15:00 Finnish time (UTC/GMT+3) at the latest

For the applicant to be able to verify their identify for the first phase written exam and proceed in the International UAS Exam selection process, the number of the passport/identity card submitted to the application form has to be same as the number of the document attached to the application. The universities of applied sciences may modify the information submitted to the application form for the purposes of identification if the information is incorrect and/or mutually contradictory.

Monitoring

Your activities during the first phase written exam are monitored by Smowl proctoring software in the exam system. More detailed information on monitoring and hardware requirements related to it will be updated in autumn 2023 before the first phase written exam.

Participating in the first phase written exam

The first phase written exam is organised on 19 October 2023. The entrance exam is a digital exam, completed by the applicant’s own computer.

NB. All email messages will be sent to the address you have given in your Studyinfo application during the joint application period. Please make sure that the email address you give in your Studyinfo application is correct, it is in your own (the applicant’s) personal use and you have access to it. Also make sure that you have free space in your inbox and check your spam and other folders regularly.  

The personal link to pre-identification and to the first phase (written exam) of the International UAS Exam will be sent to the email address you give in in your Studyinfo application. You will also receive the possible invitation to the second phase (group interview) to the same email address you have given in your application.   

Please verify that the email address provided on the application form is correct. If the applicant’s email address is changed on the application form after 29 September 2023, the applicant will not receive important emails related to the International UAS Exam to the updated email address. 

Please note that incoming and outgoing emails from/to email addresses in Russian and Belarusian domains have been blocked in some universities of applied sciences. These include, but are not limited to, domains that end with .ru and .by. Do not use email addresses in the above-mentioned domains to ensure that you receive all the necessary information through email. 

Instructions and hardware and network requirements are going to be released in autumn 2023 before the first phase written exam. Please check the up-to-date instructions before participating in the exam.

Second phase: group interview 8–10 November 2023  

Group interviews are organised between 8 November 2023 and 10 November 2023. The second phase is common to all study fields and the applicant participates in only one group interview. The result is valid to all degree programmes using the International UAS Exam you applied for and which first phase written exam you passed.

Who are going to be invited to the second phase group interview?

The most successful applicants of the first phase written exam per study programme are going to be invited to the second phase group interview. In order to be invited to the second phase group interview, the applicant must:
1) successfully complete the first phase written exam (e.g. reach the minimum pass score per section)
2) achieve the required cut-off score of the selected study programme
3) submit an acceptable document to the Studyinfo application form to prove the English language skills, and
4) submit an acceptable identification document to the Studyinfo application form.

The study programme specific cut-off score is the lowest total score of the written exam, which the applicant needs to reach to be invited to the group interview. The number of applicants to be invited per study programme are listed on the table below. The cut-off scores will be published on this site approximately one week before the second phase group interview.

In the Entrance Exam Score Service, you can view your International UAS Exam first phase written exam scores per section.

If you have applied for more than one of the above (three) study programmes, you will be invited to that programme’s interview group which is highest on your list of preferences in your Studyinfo application form, provided that you have passed the written exam and reached the study programme specific cut-off score. If you pass the second phase exam, you may be selected, in the final student selection, to all the study programmes where you had reached the programme specific cut-off score.

The invitations to the group interview are sent approximately one week before the interview. Please make sure that the email address you have given in your Studyinfo application is correct and you have access to your email. The invitations are sent only once. Please note that you must use the same email address throughout the student selection process. Make sure that you have space in your inbox and, if necessary, check your spam and other folders. Please read the invitation carefully and follow the instructions.

Second phase group interview: content, duration and scoring

The group interview involves a discussion among a small group of applicants. They talk about a given topic. The duration for the discussion is approximately 30 minutes. The highest possible score in the interview is 40, and the lowest passing score is 8. The primary emphasis during the group interview is placed upon evaluating the applicants’ proficiency in the spoken English language. Furthermore, the applicants’ adeptness in interpersonal communication is also evaluated within the context of the group interview.

The main focus is on evaluating the applicants’ ability to speak English well. Their communication skills and how well they interact with others are also assessed during the interview.

The applicant is excepted to express their own opinions and thoughts. If the applicant is suspected of using AI or other sources during the interview, their attempt will be nullified.

Please note that your identity will be checked during the group interview. The identification document that you show in the second phase exam must be the same document as the one you submitted in your application form, otherwise you will be dismissed from the second phase. A picture of the document is not accepted, i.e. you must show the actual identification document during the second phase, in front of the camera.

Hardware and network requirements for the second phase group interview

NB. The instructions are subject to change. Please check the up-to-date instructions before participating in the exam.

Frequently asked questions about the second phase group interview 

NB. The instructions are subject to change. Please check the up-to-date instructions before participating in the exam.

Individual arrangements for the first and the second phase of the entrance exam

If, due to disability, disease, dyslexia or some other specific reason, you need individual arrangements during the entrance exam (e.g. additional time, tasks without pictures for applicants using a screen reader), you have to fill in a written request for individual arrangements. Please attach a medical certificate or other equivalent attestation on the nature of your disability or disease. The applicants’ situations are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Submit your request for individual arrangements, with the necessary attachments, by 21 September 2023 at 15:00 Finnish time (UTC/GMT+3) to the Admissions Services of the university of applied sciences using the International UAS Exam that is highest on your application form. Check the instructions below whether the request for individual arrangements shall be submitted on paper or in electronic form to the university of applied sciences in question.

If you receive an invitation to the second phase of the International UAS Exam and you have been granted individual arrangements for the second phase, please submit the decision on the individual arrangements granted to you to the Admissions Services of the university of applied sciences that sent the invitation by 3 November at 15:00 Finnish time (UTC/GMT+2).

Final student selection and publishing the results of the International UAS Exam

Final selection of students is done on the basis of the total score of the International UAS Exam. The total score is the sum of the first phase written exam score and the second phase group interview score. The student has to pass both phases of the exam and reach the study programme specific cut-off score in order to be selected. Applicants who do not meet the programme-specific eligibility criteria will not be selected as students. 

The results will be published on 24 November 2023 at the latest. You may view your scores in Studyinfo service. You may also be admitted from the waiting list on 12 December 2023 at the latest. Your entrance exam scores will remain valid only for the application round in question.

The questions and the right answers of the entrance exam will not be published. International UAS Exam is deemed a secret official document based on the Act on the Openness of Government Activities, Section 24(22).

Entrance Exam Score Service

In the Entrance Exam Score Service, you can view your International UAS Exam first phase written exam scores per section.

The Entrance Exam Score Service opens on 1 November 2023 at the latest. When the Entrance Exam Score Service is open, the information will be updated on this page. You can view your International UAS Exam first phase written exam scores per section in the Entrance Exam Score Service until 3 January 2024.

You can log in to the Entrance Exam Score Service in the following way:

1. On 1 November 2023 at the latest, you will receive an email, which contains a personal link to Entrance Exam Score Service. The link will be sent to the email address you gave on your Studyinfo application form. 
2. Your link to Entrance Exam Score Service is also available in your own application in Studyinfo service. After you submitted your joint application form in Studyinfo service, you received a confirmation email to the email address you put in your application. The confirmation email contains a link to your own application. If you have not saved the confirmation link, please contact the Admissions Services of that university of applied sciences you have applied to.

You can access your own application also in My Studyinfo service. Suomi.fi e-identification is used for logging in, so you need Finnish online banking credentials, a Finnish electronic id-card or a mobile certificate. Please note that identification methods for foreigners in Suomi.fi e-identification service are not currently supported.

If you cannot log in to the Entrance Exam Score Service please contact the Admissions Services of that university of applied sciences you have applied to.

If you are invited to the second phase of the International UAS Exam, you will receive a separate invitation by email.