Finland offers one of the best higher education systems in the world when it comes to international students. There are several top-ranked universities and universities of applied sciences in Finland to explore if you are looking forward to studying in Finland. But what exactly are universities of applied science in Finland? Are they better than traditional universities? What are the courses offered? What about tuition fees? Let’s find out with our ultimate guide to universities of applied sciences in Finland.

What are the Universities of Applied Sciences?

Abbreviated as UAS, or AMK in Finland, the Universities of Applied Sciences are a little different from traditional universities. Where traditional universities offer a thorough theoretical and research-based education, a University of Applied Sciences has a more practical approach to learning in the respective fields of study. In short, it prepares the students for professions they are willing to get into after graduation. They offer more practical, real-world courses for real-life problem-solving. If you want to hone your skills in one particular field of study, the universities of applied sciences in Finland might be a good choice for you.

Differences: Universities in Finland & Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland

• As mentioned, the universities offer a thorough knowledge of one course or subject with research facilities for bachelor and master courses. A University in applied science offers real-world training for the profession one is looking forward to.

• Admission requirements for UAS are less demanding than traditional universities in Finland. Especially if you are looking forward to pursuing a bachelor degree with universities of applied sciences in Finland. The requirements, however, can change with UAS and courses.

• A bachelor degree in a traditional university has an average duration of 3 years. This will result in 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). A bachelor degree in universities of applied sciences can last anywhere between 3.5 and 4.5 years. That amounts to 210-270 ECTS, depending on the program.

• A master degree in a traditional university will have a duration of 2 years (120 ECTS), a master program at universities of applied sciences in Finland can have a duration of 1-1.5 years (60-90 ECTS), depending on the program.

List of Universities of Applied Science in Finland:

There are 25 universities of applied science in Finland. Here are some of the crowd's favourite institutions. You can find a UAS in any major or suburban area in Finland. Here are some of them to check out:

1. Arcada University of Applied Sciences

2. Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK)

3. Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK)

4. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK)

5. South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK)

6. Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

7. JAMK University of Applied Sciences

8. Savonia University of Applied Sciences

9. LAB University of Applied Sciences

10. Turku University of Applied Sciences

Tuition Fees for Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland

The tuition fees for universities of applied sciences in Finland range from 6,000 to 10,000 Euros a year, depending on the course you choose. There are no tuition fees for the students coming from the EU/EEA region. Generally, the tuition fees for the universities of applied science in Finland are less than those of the research universities. This also makes it one of the reasons to study in universities of applied science for international students. The fees will vary with UAS and courses you choose, therefore it is advised to check the tuition fee details thoroughly before applying.

Admission Requirements for Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland:

The universities of applied sciences have lower admission requirements than traditional universities. For international students, that makes UAS a lucrative option if they want to study in Finland. For example, the IELTS requirements at universities in Finland is about 6.5. For UAS, the IELTS requirements are generally 6.0. However, many of the master programs at universities of applied sciences in Finland ask for a professional experience. Make sure you have made yourself familiar with admission requirements before applying for a course. UAS has different admission criteria and process than traditional universities.

Courses and Fields of Study Offered at UAS Finland:

There are around 120 bachelor and master degrees offered by universities of applied sciences in Finland. Here are the fields of study in which you can pursue different levels of education with UAS Finland.

• Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary

• Social Sciences, Journalism and Information

• Arts

• Information and Communication Technologies (ICTS)

• Business, Administration and Law

• Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction

• Education

• Health and Welfare

• Humanities

• Services (Hospitality Management, Logistics, Security, Sport Studies)

Are Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland Good for Me?

Many of you considering studying in Finland will have this question in their mind. The confusion about having to study in a traditional university or a UAS is perfectly logical to have. However, the answer is simple. It depends on what you want out of your degree after graduation whether to choose a university in Finland or a UAS.

If you are looking forward to a more practical course that is profession/skill-oriented and offers you practical experience and job placement, a UAS degree is for you. It also comes with added benefits like affordability and shorter course durations.