”I’m thinking about studying at a UAS. Why would I choose a programme taught in English in Finland, and how to apply for a study programme conducted in English?”
Study programmes in English
In study programmes in English, you study in an international student group and complete a UAS degree in English. The programmes have the same contents and provide you the same qualifications as the corresponding programmes taught in Finnish. The language of instruction is English which helps you develop your competences in working in English.
Why study a UAS degree in English in Finland?
- During your studies, you develop your English language skills and can easily work in English later in life.
- High-quality education and good English skills are very useful on the international labour market.
- You’ll make friends from all over the world, and you can also go on a student exchange programme abroad.
- Degree in English offers you the same opportunities to continue your studies as a UAS degree in Finnish.
Eligibility in joint application procedure
In most cases, you are eligible to apply for Bachelor’s level studies in Finland if you are eligible to apply for higher education in your home country.
Eligible applicants for degree studies at universities of applied sciences have completed at least one of the following:
- the studies required for graduating from the Finnish upper secondary school or a Matriculation Examination;
- an International Baccalaureate (IB) degree; IB certificate completed (at least six subject groups)
- a European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma;
- a Reifeprüfung (RP) or Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA) degree;
- a Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification covering 120 credits or 180 competence points or a corresponding earlier Finnish vocational degree covering at least 80 credits;
- a Finnish post-secondary or higher vocational level diploma;
- a Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification or a further or specialist vocational qualification as a competence-based qualification, or a corresponding previous qualification;
- a foreign qualification that provides eligibility for higher education studies in that country;
- Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree.
Depending on the higher education institution, you can also be eligible if you hold an Advanced International Certificate of Education degree (AICE) in Finland, have the right to study towards a university degree in Finland, or hold a degree granted by a Finnish higher education institution or at least a Bachelor level degree granted by a foreign institution.
Please check the language skill requirements of the higher education institution before you apply.
Always check specific admission criteria directly on the description of the study programme.
Required educational certificates
When filling in the application form at Studyinfo.fi, you have to demonstrate your eligibility by required certificates. The required certificates have to be uploaded to your application, or submitted to the Admission Services of the UAS you applied for by the set deadline.
Spring 2025
Applicants graduated before the application deadline
You need to attach a copy of the certificate/the final graduation diploma to your application by 29 January 2025 15.00 Finnish time if you have completed any of the following education:- Finnish Vocational upper secondary qalification completed before year 2017
- Finnish Further or Specialist Qualification completed before year 2018
- Finnish Matriculation examination completed before year 1990
- Finnish upper secondary school syllabus
- Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification completed in Åland
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma or Reiferprüfung (RP)/ Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA) diploma
- Higher secondary school certificate completed outside Finland (e.g. high school diploma)
- Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, postgraduate licentiate and doctoral degrees completed outside Finland
Applicants graduating in spring 2025 after the application deadline
You need to attach a copy of the certificate/the final graduation diploma to your application by 29 January 2025 15.00 Finnish time if you are completing any of the following education:- If you are completing your higher secondary education OR a bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate licentiate or doctoral degree outside Finland in spring 2025, attach a transcript of study records or other certificate provided by the learning institution that states the degree/qualification you are completing to your application. It should also state the scope of the degree and estimated date of graduation. The certificate should be provided with the official stamp of the educational institution and must be signed and clarified by an educational institution representative including a representative's title.
- IB diploma/EB diploma: If you are completing your education in the spring 2025, attach a transcript of study records (Predicted Grades) or other certificate provided by the learning institution that states the degree/qualification you are completing to your application. It should also state the scope of the degree and estimated date of graduation. The certificate should be provided with the official stamp of the educational institution and must be signed and clarified by an educational institution representative including a representative's title.
- DIA degree: attach a copy of the final graduation certificate which states the final grades.
- attach a certificate to your application form by 12 May 2025 in order to be taken into account in the certificate-based student selection. Certificate must contain the following information: final parcial performances, weighted average grade and confirmation of graduation.
- Finnish general upper secondary school syllabus: The final graduation certificate
- Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification completed in Åland
- EB diploma
- IB Diploma Programme (DP) Results
- DIA diploma
- Higher secondary education outside Finland: The final graduation certificate and its official translation
- Bachelor's, Master's, postgraduate licentiate or doctoral degree completed outside Finland - The final graduation certificate and its official translation
Autumn 2024
Applicants graduated before the application deadline
You need to attach a copy of the certificate/the final graduation diploma to your application by 18 September 2024 15.00 Finnish time if you have completed any of the following education:- Finnish Vocational upper secondary qalification completed before year 2017
- Finnish Further or Specialist Qualification completed before year 2018
- Finnish Matriculation examination completed before year 1990
- Finnish upper secondary school syllabus
- Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification completed in Åland
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma or Reiferprüfung (RP)/ Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA) diploma
- Higher secondary school certificate completed outside Finland (e.g. high school diploma)
- Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, postgraduate licentiate and doctoral degrees completed outside Finland
If you are a refugee or in refugee like situation and cannot submit documentary evidence of your qualification, you can submit a copy of the decision on asylum or a residence permit granted on the basis of a need for protection. Document must be delivered to the Admission Services of your first choice by 18 September 2024.
Applicants graduating in autumn 2024 after the application deadline
You need to attach a copy of the certificate/the final graduation diploma to your application by 18 September 2024 15.00 Finnish time if you are completing any of the following education:- If you are completing your higher secondary education OR a bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate licentiate or doctoral degree outside Finland in autumn 2024, attach a transcript of study records or other certificate provided by the learning institution that states the degree/qualification you are completing to your application. It should also state the scope of the degree and estimated date of graduation. The certificate should be provided with the official stamp of the educational institution and must be signed and clarified by an educational institution representative including a representative's title.
- IB diploma/EB diploma: If you are completing your education in the autumn 2024, attach a transcript of study records (Predicted Grades) or other certificate provided by the learning institution that states the degree/qualification you are completing to your application. It should also state the scope of the degree and estimated date of graduation. The certificate should be provided with the official stamp of the educational institution and must be signed and clarified by an educational institution representative including a representative's title.
- DIA degree: attach a copy of the final graduation certificate which states the final grades.
- attach a certificate to your application form by 8 October 2024 in order to be taken into account in the certificate-based student selection. Certificate must contain the following information: final parcial performances, weighted average grade and confirmation of graduation.
- Finnish general upper secondary school syllabus: The final graduation certificate
- Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification completed in Åland
- EB diploma
- IB Diploma Programme (DP) Results
- Higher secondary education outside Finland: The final graduation certificate and its official translation
- Bachelor's, Master's, postgraduate licentiate or doctoral degree completed outside Finland - The final graduation certificate and its official translation
How to apply to university of applied sciences in joint application procedure
First joint application round in spring
In the first joint application in spring, you can apply for study programmes of universities of applied sciences conducted in English. The application period for the first joint application in spring is January. The application period only lasts a couple of weeks (2–3 weeks). Please familiarize yourself with the study programmes available for application and the available selection methods before submitting your application.
Filling in the application form
You can apply to university of applied sciences by filling in a joint application form at Studyinfo.fi during the application period. In the first joint application in spring, you can apply for a maximum of six different study programmes with a single form. The programmes do not have to be listed in any order of priority.
Studyinfo: How to fill in the application form in joint application
Accepting a study place in university of applied sciences
Depending on your selection process success, you can be accepted to one or more study programmes. However, if you are selected to more than one programme, you can only accept one study place for programmes starting on the same semester. You’ll find more information on accepting a study place at Studyinfo.fi.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Universities and universities of applied sciences in Finland charge a tuition fee from students coming from outside EU/EEA area. If you are uncertain about the amount of the fee, please check the description of the study programme at Studyinfo.fi by following the link ‘Annual tuition fees’ or check the amount of the fee at the UAS website you apply to. More information is also available at Studyinfo.fi at Am I required to pay tuition fees?.
If you have to pay tuition fees, you can apply for a scholarship. Every UAS has its own scholarship programme. Please check the options for scholarships at the UAS website you apply to.
More information on tuition fees and scholarships at the UAS websites:
- Arcada University of Applied Sciences (Arcada)
- Centria University of Applied Sciences (Centria)
- Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak)
- Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Haaga-Helia)
- Humak University of Applied Sciences (Humak)
- Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK)
- JAMK University of Applied Sciences (JAMK)
- Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK)
- Karelia University of Applied Sciences (Karelia)
- LAB University of Applied Sciences (LAB)
- Lapland University of Applied Sciences (Lapland UAS)
- Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Laurea)
- Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Metropolia)
- Novia University of Applied Sciences (Novia)
- Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk)
- Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK)
- Savonia University of Applied Sciences (Savonia)
- Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK)
- South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk)
- Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK)
- Turku University of Applied Sciences (Turku UAS)
- Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK)
Health and functional capacity required for studies
If you plan to apply for a study programme leading to a degree in the fields of social services and health care, humanities and education, sports and exercise or seafaring, you have to assess your own suitability to the field already at the application stage, on the basis of your health and functional capacity. Discuss the potential restrictions related to your health and functional capacity with your study counsellor when you plan for your further education. Also, discuss this with your treatment facility representatives who can assist you in assessing your suitability to studies in different fields.
The so-called SORA legislation applies to education leading to a UAS degree in the fields of social services and health care, humanities and education, sports and exercise and seafaring. These fields have requirements concerning the safety of minors, patient and client safety or traffic safety which restrict student admission. In these fields, it is required that health and functional capacity of approved applicants are such that they are able to take part in the practical assignments or training relating to studies.
A restriction related to health or functional capacity does not prevent students from being admitted if the effects of the restriction can be reasonably eliminated, for example by making special arrangements. The purpose is not to impose unnecessary obstacles to access to education for applicants with disabilities, or applicants with physical or mental impairments. Restrictions apply only in situations where it is clear that the applicants cannot participate in the study programme because of their health or functional capacity. The severity of the restriction and its treatment status are taken into account when assessing the applicant’s suitability as a student in the degree programme concerned.
At the request of the university of applied sciences, students shall present a criminal record extract if, for their studies or practical training relating to studies, they are given assignments which substantially require work with minors. University of applied sciences may oblige a student to present a certificate on a drug test if there is reason to suspect that the student performs practical assignments or practical training relating to studies under the influence of drugs or that the student has a drug addiction.
Familiarize yourself with the field-specific requirements on health and functional capacity before submitting your application. You’ll find the field-specific requirements in this menu:
Social services and health care
Health and functional capacity requirements determined here apply to students admitted to study social services and health care.
In social services and health care, studies include working with client groups requiring special protection, thus ethical requirements and requirements on patient or client safety are essential. Health and functional capacity of students shall be such that they are capable of performing assignments and practical training related to their studies. Studying and working in these professions requires sufficient physical, mental and social capacity.Prerequisites for student admission are assessed when studies include requirements related to the safety of minors or patient or client safety (Universities of Applied Sciences Act, Section 33).
Obstacles to student admission may include, for instance, the following:
- severe rash and/or allergy to e.g. medicinal products and detergents
- severe sensory disability affecting functional capacity
- psychological disorder or severe mental health disorder
- substance abuse/drug abuse or misuse of prescription drugs during the last two years
- limited social functional capacity which makes it difficult to work with people
- long-term illness or physical injury limiting participation in studies and practical training
A restriction related to health or functional capacity does not prevent students from being admitted if the effects of the restriction can be reasonably eliminated, for example by making special arrangements. The severity of the obstacle and its treatment status are taken into account when assessing the applicant's suitability as a student in the degree programme concerned.
Based on the applicant's notification filed at the application stage, the university of applied sciences may require more detailed health status information to assess whether the student will be able to manage the studies and which reasonable support measures may be required.
Information to the applicant:
Students involved in practical training in social services and health care operational units shall be vaccinated against measles and chicken pox or have acquired immunity to them from natural infection, and those treating infants shall be vaccinated against whooping cough. In addition, annual influenza vaccination is required. (Section 48 of the Communicable Diseases Act 1227/2016). The required vaccinations are free of charge for students in social services and health care. Please check your vaccination status in good time.Social services and health care sector is not suitable for individuals convicted of one of the following: offences against children, sexual offences, violent offences, crimes against freedom, or drug offences.
A criminal record extract shall be submitted for completing assignments or practical training relating to studies, if they involve work with minors.
Further specifications for certain degree programmes:
Sports and exercise
Health and functional capacity requirements for sports and exercise students
Health and functional capacity of applicants of sports and exercise sector must be such that the students are able to perform the practical assignments and practical training related to their studies. Studying and working in these professions requires sufficient psychological and social capacity. Restrictions in physical functional capacity may affect practical assignments given during studies and practical training.At the request of the university of applied sciences, applicants shall provide information on their health and functional capacity as required for student admission, as well as information on any previous decisions to revoke their right to study. University of applied sciences may request presentation of a criminal record extract in advance if future learning situations and practical training substantially involve work with minors.
University of applied sciences may oblige a student to present a drug testing certificate if there is reason to suspect that the student is under the influence of drugs in learning situations or practical training relating to the studies, or that the student has a drug addiction.
The suitability of students shall be assessed throughout their studies.
Individuals applying for sports and exercise studies should note that:
- studying and working in these professions requires good mental balance
- the sector is not suitable for persons with substance abuse/drug abuse or prescription drug misuse during the last two years
- the sector is not suitable for persons convicted of one of the following: offences against children, sexual offences, violent offences, crimes against freedom, or drug offences (Universities of Applied Sciences Act, Section 33).
University of applied sciences may revoke a conditional study place:
- if the certificates are not submitted within the time limit indicated by the university of applied sciences;
- if the applicant has provided incorrect personal information or has failed to provide essential information;
- if it is evident that the student does not fulfil the prerequisites for admission in regard of his or her state of health or functional capacity. (Universities of Applied Sciences Act 932/2014)
- if it is evident that the student does not fulfil the prerequisites for admission in regard of his or her state of health or functional capacity;
- if the student has concealed a prior decision to revoke the right to study;
- if the student has repeatedly or seriously endangered another person's health or safety in their studies and thus proven to be unsuitable to perform practical assignments or practical training relating to studies;
- If the studies or practical training relating to studies substantially require work with minors, the university of applied sciences may revoke the right to study on grounds of serious offences referred to in the Universities of Applied Sciences Act or the Universities Act.
Humanities and education
Health and functional capacity requirements for humanities and education students
In humanities and education, interpreter and community pedagogue studies involve working with minors and with different client groups, thus ethical requirements and requirements for client safety are essential. Health and functional capacity of students shall be such that they are capable of performing the assignments and practical training related to their studies. Studying and working in these professions require sufficient physical, mental and social capacity. The suitability of students shall be assessed throughout their studies.A restriction related to health or functional capacity does not prevent students from being admitted if the effects of the restriction can be reasonably eliminated, for example by making special arrangements. The purpose is not to impose unnecessary obstacles to access to education for applicants with disabilities or applicants with physical, mental or social impairments. Restrictions apply only in situations where it is clear that the applicant’s health or functional capacity may endanger the safety of minors or patient or client safety. (Universities of Applied Sciences Act, Sections 26, 27 and 33.
Obstacles to student admission may include:
- psychological disorder or severe mental health disorder
- substance abuse/drug abuse or prescription drug misuse during the last two years
- limited social functional capacity which makes it difficult to work with people
- long-term illness or physical injury limiting participation in studies
- A condition, disability or motor issue which prevents signing or interpretation or renders it more difficult, for instance a serious musculoskeletal disorder, motor weaknesses or inappropriate positions of the limbs, visual impairment, speech defect or hearing impairment, a significant, specialized linguistic impairment, significant phonic impairments, partial facial paralysis or a clear or severe squint which makes it difficult to study and work as an interpreter.
- Students suffering even from a minor hearing impairment are not admitted to interpreter training at DIAK and HUMAK (UAS). However, contrary to the above, individuals using sign language may be selected for the HUMAK regional unit in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area if Finnish sign language is their native language/communication language.
University of applied sciences may oblige a student to present a drug testing certificate if there is reason to suspect that the student is under the influence of drugs in learning situations or practical training related to the studies, or that the student has a drug addiction.
Revoking the study place or the right to study
Universities of applied sciences may cancel a conditional study place:- if the certificates are not submitted within the time limit indicated by the university of applied sciences;
- if the applicant has provided incorrect personal information or has failed to provide essential information;
- if it is evident that the student does not fulfil the prerequisites for admission in regard of his or her state of health or functional capacity. (Universities of Applied Sciences Act 932/2014).
- the student, by repeatedly or seriously endangering the health or safety of another person, has proven to be manifestly unsuitable to perform practical assignments or practical training related to studies;
- it is evident that the student does not fulfil the prerequisites for admission referred to in Section 26(1) in regard of the student’s state of health or functional capacity;
- at the application stage, the student has concealed a decision to revoke the right to study referred to in Section 26(2) which could have prevented his or her admission as a student; or
- where the studies or practical training relating to studies substantially require work with minors, the university of applied sciences may revoke the right to study where necessary to protect minors, or if the student has been sentenced for a crime referred to in the Criminal Code, Chapter 17, Section 18, 18a or 19, Chapter 20, Chapter 21, Sections 1–3 or 6, Chapter 31, Section 2, or Chapter 50, Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 or 4a. (Universities of Applied Sciences Act 932/2014).
Seafaring
Health and functional capacity requirements for seafaring students
Medical certificate
Approved applicants must submit a medical certificate issued by a seamen’s health care centre to the university of applied sciences according to the instructions given by it. The medical certificate shall indicate that:- the individual's vision and hearing and colour vision meet the requirements laid down in the decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health;
- the individual’s health and capacity to function are suitable for the intended tasks and that he or she does not have a disability or illness which would prevent him or her from performing the duties or clearly make them more difficult;
- the individual does not suffer from a disease which can be expected to worsen at work or to jeopardise the safety of other persons on board, or to endanger maritime safety.
Revoking the right to study
Section 33 of the University of Applied Sciences Act (932/2014) applies to seafaring training and states that a student's right to study may be revoked in cases where the studies involve customer safety or traffic safety requirements, and the student has proven unsuitable for the studies:- by repeatedly or seriously endangering another person’s health or safety in their studies and thus manifestly proven unsuitable to perform practical assignments or practical training related to the studies;
- if it is evident that the student does not fulfil the prerequisites for admission in regard of his or her state of health or functional capacity;
- during the application period, the student has concealed a prior decision to revoke the right to study which could have prevented his or her admission as a student.
What if I have restrictions related to health or functional capacity?
How do things progress at the application stage?
When you are filling in your application form in Studyinfo.fi, the following questions will be asked:
- Has your right to study been revoked before, due to your health or endangering other persons’ health or safety?
- Are the any factors in your health or functional capacity that might hinder your studies in the study programme/programmes you applied for?
You will receive an email where you are asked to submit a health status declaration form, together with a statement of a health care professional, and, if applicable, a report of your previously revoked right to study.
You will have to submit the requested documents with their attachments to that university of applied sciences where you have been conditionally accepted. If the report you submit is not sufficient, the UAS representative may contact you and ask you to send further clarifications. These documents are to be kept secret.
The university of applied sciences that has conditionally accepted you will decide in regard of your health and functional capacity.
Accepting a conditional study place
The study place is conditional until the university of applied sciences has processed and assessed the information related to health and functional capacity of the applicant required for the assessment of admission.
University of applied sciences may revoke the study place of the applicant:
- if the certificates are not submitted within the time limit indicated by the university of applied sciences;
- if the applicant has provided incorrect personal information;
- if it is evident that the student does not fulfil the prerequisites for admission in regard of his or her state of health or functional capacity (Universities of Applied Sciences Act 932/2014);
- if the student has concealed a prior decision to revoke the right to study. (Universities of Applied Sciences Act 932/2014)
One study place per term provision
You may accept only one study place leading to a higher education degree in education that begins in the same term. This rule applies to all higher education leading to a degree regardless of whether you apply in joint application or in separate application. This rule does not apply to the Police University College, Åland University of Applied Sciences and foreign higher education institutions. However, you may have more than one study place if you have accepted them in different terms.
Claims for adjustment
You may file a claim for adjustment after the publication of the student selection results. The results will be published on 4 June 2024 at the latest. Claims for adjustment have to be filed within 14 days after the publication of results at that university of applied sciences where you applied to, and where the error in student selection of the available study programme has, in your opinion, taken place. Further instructions for claims for adjustment are available at the Admission Services of the university of applied sciences in question.
Second joint application in spring and autumn joint application
Joint application rounds for study programmes leading to a degree conducted in Finnish and Swedish are organised twice a year (in spring in March–April and in September in the autumn). The study programmes open for applications vary between different application rounds. In the autumn joint application, there are usually less programmes available for applications than in spring. In the autumn joint application, there are typically some English-language study programmes available for applications as well.
In addition to joint application, UAS may organise separate applications for their study programmes taught in English. More information on separate applications is available at the UAS websites and at Studyinfo.fi.
More information on how to apply for study programmes conducted in Finnish or Swedish and leading to a degree is available at Hakeminen (in Finnish) Ansökan (in Swedish).