Higher education in Finland distinguishes between two types of schools: Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS). This article explains the differences and will help you get an idea which type of institution is right for you when you plan to study abroad in Finland.
What is a University of Applied Sciences?
In Finland, the higher education system makes a difference between “Universities” and “Universities of Applied Sciences”. While traditional Universities are research-driven, extending to their teaching approach, Universities of Applied Sciences are more practice-oriented with the goal of educating students for professional work life.
By the way: The Finnish term for “university of applied sciences” is ammattikorkeakoulu, abbreviated AMK. The Swedish term is yrkeshögskola.
What’s the difference between Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland?
The main difference is that Universities of Applied Sciences focus on providing education and conducting research that ties into professional working life. The key differences are:
- Study programmes at UAS’s often include practical training or work placements.
- UAS’s also focus on regional development. Many campuses are located in smaller cities or regions outside of metropolitan hubs.
- Admission requirements are usually a bit less demanding, at least for undergraduate degree programmes. Admission to Master’s programmes at a UAS commonly requires at least three years of relevant work experience.
How are degrees from a University of Applied Sciences different?
A Bachelor’s degree programme at a research university usually lasts for 3 years (6 semesters), amounting to 180 ECTS credit points. Meanwhile, a Bachelor’s programme at a UAS might take between 3.5 and 4.5 years, 210 to 270 ECTS points, depending on the programme.
A Master’s degree programme at a research university usually takes 2 years of full-time study (120 ECTS credits), whereas UAS Master’s programmes are a bit shorter, between 1 and 1.5 years (60 to 90 ECTS credits).
Here’s a complete list of all Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland:
In total, there are 25 Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland:
Is there a difference between Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland and Polytechnics?
No: “Universities of Applied Sciences” is the official term in Finland, but you sometimes find the term “Polytechnics” to describe them, as well. They mean the same thing. In other countries, these types of institutions are also sometimes called “University Colleges”.
What are the tuition fees at Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland?
If you are from the European Economic Area (EEA), you usually do not pay any tuition fees in Finland. That means you can study tuition-free at Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland.
If you are from outside the EEA, you will have to pay for your education. Generally, Universities of Applied Sciences charge lower tuition fees than the research universities. The amounts differ from UAS to UAS and from programme to programme, but the fees are usually somewhere between 6,000 and 10,000 euros per year.
Do UAS in Finland have specific admission requirements?
Yes. First off, the academic admission criteria at Universities of Applied Sciences are usually slightly easier to meet than at research universities. For instance, comparing the English requirements at Finnish universities, Finnish UAS usually require an IELTS score of 6.0 whereas research universities ask for a score of 6.5 or higher.
One important distinction is made for Masters degrees: Masters programmes at research universities are usually open to all applicants holding a Bachelors degree. But Masters degrees at Universities of Applied Sciences generally require 3 years of relevant work experience, in addition to a Bachelors degree.
What are the best Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland?
It is difficult to determine the “best” UAS in Finland because – unlike the best Finnish research universities – no UAS is represented in a global university ranking. The Finnish Ministry of Education conducts a student survey every year, focusing on satisfaction with teaching and other relevant factors. But the survey is only of limited help if you want to choose a specific programme; it might reveal that Centria UAS has very satisfied students in Business & Law and Oulu UAS in Information and Communication Technologies; but the differences in the survey results are minimal and might not be relevant to you.
So, the best way to assess if a university or programme is right for you:
- Have a look at the curriculum and decide whether it matches what you want to learn for your career.
- Do some research on the town you would stay in. It makes a huge difference if you’re going to live in a large city like Helsinki, or a small town like Rovaniemi.
- Reach out to the universities and correspond with their admissions teams. You will quickly get an impression that will help you make your decision.
Why are Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences not represented in international university rankings?
Finland’s education is known to be world-class. But in most international rankings, you will not find any of Finland’s Universities of Applied Sciences. Why is that?
The reason is pretty simple. First off: The fact that Finnish UAS are not represented in global rankings does not mean their teaching isn’t good. On the contrary, Finland’s higher education system is well-regarded for its inclusive, high-quality teaching.
However, international rankings put a lot of weight on academic research – some, like QS, as much as 60% of the total score. This happens via reputation surveys among academics as well as a calculation of research paper citations. And Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences generally conduct less research than classical universities, because their focus lies on practice-oriented education that prepares students for professional careers. So – don’t let rankings fool you, at a UAS in Finland you can expect top-quality education!
Should I study at a University or at a University of Applied Sciences in Finland?
This is a very complicated question and depends on many individual factors. In many cases, both Universities and UAS’s will be a suitable choice for an international student who wants to study in Finland. But let’s have a look at the main differences again:
Choose to apply to Universities if you are looking for a research-driven education, perhaps even as groundwork for a PhD later; if you want to do a Master’s degree straight after your Bachelor’s without work experience; or if you put special weight on your institution’s place in international university rankings.
Choose to apply to Universities of Applied Sciences if you are looking for a more practice-oriented education; if your budget requires you to seek more affordable options; if you want to go to Finland for your Bachelor’s degree; or if you’re looking for a faster Master’s degree (12 to 18 months).
Finland Universities Of Applied Sciences
Finland ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, but the country is also famous for having the best-developed education system in the world, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. The Finnish education system has gained popularity in recent years, with lower tuition fees for international applicants than in other countries and clean nature surrounding the schools in the world’s safest country. Many Finnish universities offer a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in the applied sciences, taught in English.
Below we listed 8 Finland Universities of Applied Sciences:
Metropolia University Of Applied Sciences
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (UAS) is the largest University of Applied Sciences in Finland, with four campuses in Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa. Founded in 2007, this university is popular among applicants and offers degree programs in the fields of Culture, Business, Health Care, and Social Services and Technology. Metropolia UAS has innovative learning environments and a forward-thinking attitude toward work. The Helsinki metropolitan area offers a variety of activities for students.
Satakunta University Of Applied Sciences
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) is situated in the region of Satakunta. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences has 4 different campuses: in Pori, Rauma, Kankaanpää and in Huittinen. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences offer degree programs in Business, Tourism and Hospitality, Engineering and Health Care fields. One core value of Satakunta University of Applied Sciences’ is entrepreneurial skills, which they encourage students to develop during studies.
Kajaani University Of Applied Sciences
Kajaani university of Applied Sciences (KAMK) is located in the heart of Finland, Kajaani. Kajaani University of Applied Sciences offers degree programs in fields such as Business, Tourism and Sports and Leisure Management fields. Many students choose Kajaani University of Applied Sciences to study International Business and Tourism. In Finland, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences has been at the forefront of game and simulator education and application development. Also, city of Kajaani has a beautiful nature around.
Hame University Of Applied Sciences
Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) is situated in the greater Helsinki metropolitan area of southern Finland. They have 7,800 students on seven different campuses: Evo, Forssa, Hämeenlinna, Riihimäki, Lepaa, Mustiala and Valkeakoski. All of these locations are affordable for students to live in. Häme University of Applied Sciences also offers degree programs in Business, Culture and Arts, Engineering and Natural Resources. A high-quality teaching and a multicultural learning environment are something Häme University of Applied Sciences offers.
Tampere University Of Applied Sciences
Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) is located in the most attractive student city in Finland, Tampere. Actually, Tampere University of Applied Sciences is also one of the most largest universities of applied sciences in Finland. They offer degree programs in Construction, Culture and Languages, Data Processing and Information Technology, Health and Welfare and Management, Administration and Economics fields. Tampere University of Applied Sciences is known for strong international focus, multidisciplinary education, and innovative thinking.
LAB University Of Applied Sciences
LAB University of Applied Sciences has two campuses located in Lahti and Lappeenranta, Finland. Both cities are student-friendly. LAB focuses on innovation in different areas such as sustainability, the circular economy, and service innovations. They offer degree programs in Business, Health Care and Social Services, Language studies, Technology, Tourism and Hospitality, and Design and Fine arts. LAB University of Applied Sciences has 8,500 students, making them the 6th largest university of applied sciences in Finland.
Swinajoki University Of Applied Sciences
Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) campus is located near the city centre of Seinäjoki. The city of Seinäjoki is one of the fastest-growing urban centers in Finland. It offers perfect opportunities for students. Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences offers degree programs in different fields such as Business, Health Care and Engineering. The core values of SeAMK are high-quality education and student satisfaction. In fact, SeAMK was the best university of applied sciences in Finland in 2020, according to Graduand feedback questionnaire.
Vaasa University Of Applied Sciences
Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK) is located in the coastal area, in the city of Vaasa, which is popular amongst university students. In fact, Vaasa has the highest number in Finland, number of students in relation to the number of inhabitants. Vaasa University of Applied Sciences has 3,300 students and their campus is near the city centre. They offer degree programs in different fields: Business, Technology and Engineering. Energy-efficient technology and business expertise in the export industry are focuses of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences.
Top ranked universities in Finland
| University | QS Ranking 2021 | THE Ranking 2021 | ARWU Ranking 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Helsinki | 104 | 98 | 74 |
| Aalto University | 127 | 201 | 401 |
| University of Turku | 287 | 351 | 301 |
| University of Jyväskylä | 333 | 401 | 701 |
| University of Oulu | 408 | 301 | 501 |
| Tampere University | 409 | 301 | 501 |
| Lappeenranta University of Technology | 470 | 351 | 901 |
| University of Eastern Finland | 499 | 401 | 501 |
| Åbo Akademi University | 571 | 601 | – |
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