CERTIFICATES:
Candidates applying with
a non-Finnish qualification, need to send a copy of the certificate to the admissions office of the polytechnic/UAS of their first choice. Also you need to include an official translation of the educational certificate into English, Swedish or Finnish. The translator must sign and stamp the translation. If you used the online application, you were given an applicant code.
In order to demonstrate eligibility to polytechnic/UAS studies, an applicant applying with a non-Finnish certificate must provide a copy of the original certificate to the admissions office of his or her first-choice polytechnic/UAS by the set date. The polytechnic/UAS will then decide on the applicant's eligibility for all options expressed in the application. In addition, an official Finnish, Swedish or English translation of the certificate must be provided, if the certificate is not written in one of these languages. The translation must include the translator signature and stamp. The certificate copies must be posted or delivered to the admissions office by 20 february 2009 at 4.15 pm Finnish time, faxed or scanned copies are not accepted. If you used the online application, you were given an applicant code. Please write down the code to the copies, this will help the admissions office to process your attachments..
Polytechnics/UAS accept only final certificates awarded by a national and regional bodies granting educational certificates. Therefore various other documents such as "Testimonials", "Statements of Results", "Examination Results" or "Result Slips" are not considered as official certificates.
Applicant who is not a citizen of an
EU/EEA -country must provide proof of his/her English language skills by 20 February 2009 at 4.15 pm at the latest to the admissions office of his/her first preference polytechnic/UAS. In order to prove the applicant's English language skills, he/she must provide one of the following minimum requirements: IELTS score academic level 5,5 or TOEFL score 550 paper-based test/ 213 computer-based/ 79-80 internet -based test, or grade C in the Finnish matriculation examination in advanced level English (IB-examination grade 4 completed in Finland, Reifeprüfung -examination grade 7 completed in Finland or EB-examination grade 6.00-6.95), or skills level 4 in English in the Finnish general language examination.
Both TOEFL and IELTS test results are valid for two years. The Finnish general language examination does not have a set date of validity. TOEFL score results are only accepted directly from the Educational Testing Service.
In addition, primary and secondary school education in English completed in Great Britain, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand or Bachelor's or Master's degree completed in English in one of these countries, is also accepted as a demonstration of sufficient English language skills.
Please write down the code to the copies, this will help the admissions office to process your attachments.
As an international student, especially from Africa, i will suggest you do the TOEFL test, (Test Of English as a Foriegn Language). I know most people encounter some problems with registering for this test, i will suggest you visit the test organiser website directly to get more informations on how to register in your country.
For Nigerian, i know in Lagos there are some schools, that are TOEFL accredited to organise the test, i remember i did mine in a school at Abagon close in Victoria Island.
I will also suggest you do the computer based test because you will need the result of the test to apply for admission by January 2009, to prove your English language skill.
Two major Examination/ Test result you will need for the application and admission process are:
SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CERTIFICATE (WASSCE)
TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL)
Addition of other result can be an advantage, but with these two document, then you are qualified to study here. I will include other information later.
Note some UAS will not organise entrance examination next year, i strongly suggest you contact the UAS you are interest in studying, to know more information about their program for next year, so you will not be stressing yourself on assumptions
50% of applicants will be admitted on the basis of the entrance examination only, and 50% on the basis of the combined points for previous school performance and the entrance examination. Some polytechnics/UAS admit all their students on the basis of the entrance examination (see chapter describing the programmes). If study places become available later, applicants on the waiting list will be admitted in the order indicated by their admission points. The Polytechnics Act (351/2003) states the groups that are eligible for studies at polytechnics/UAS.
1. Admission on the basis of total of points for school performance and the entrance examination
Eligible applicants are those who have completed Finnish upper secondary education or the Finnish Matriculation examination, the European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate or Reifeprüfung examination in Finland. Applicants completing their Matriculation, International or Reifeprüfung examination in Finland in the spring of the year of their application will be admitted with this group.
Applicants receive a maximum of 30 points for school performance and a maximum of 100 points for the entrance examination, which is scaled down to a maximum of 70 points. The maximum points total is therefore 100 points.
2. Admission on the basis of the entrance examination
Applicants with Finnish vocational degrees (vocational upper secondary qualification, completed competence based vocational qualification or competence based further vocational qualification) or whose eligibility to apply is based on non-Finnish certificates, and are not mentioned in section 1 above, apply to polytechnics/UAS studies solely on the basis of points awarded for the entrance examination. The admission of those completing an EB examination in the spring of their year of application is also based only on this method. The maximum entrance examination points total is 100. Those applying with competence based vocational qualification, competence based further vocational qualification or non-Finnish qualification must have completed the education they use for applying before the end of the application period 12 September 2008. Polytechnics/UAS accept only final certificates awarded by a national and regional bodies granting educational certificates. Therefore various other documents such as "Testimonials", "Statements of Results", "Examination Results" or "Result Slips" are not considered as official certificates.
Eligibility for studies at polytechnics/UAS depends on completing the Finnish Matriculation examination or upper secondary examination, European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate or Reifeprüfung examination, vocational qualification of three years or more in duration, a non-Finnish qualification or studies equivalent to these qualifications. A vocational qualification of less than three years in duration gives eligibility to a corresponding field of study. Eligibility for polytechnic/UAS studies in a corresponding field of study may be broadened into general eligibility for polytechnic/UAS studies.
Those applying with competence based vocational qualification, competence based further vocational qualification or non-Finnish qualification must have completed the education they use for applying before the end of the application period 12 September 2008.
If a polytechnic/UAS uses discretionary admission, other applicants may also be admitted, if the polytechnic/UAS considers their skills and knowledge sufficient.
More information about eligibility can be found from the UAS admission office of prefered programme.
Applying to programmes conducted in English at polytechnics/UAS takes place through a system of joint application। Prospective students can apply to four different degree programmes at polytechnics/UAS using the same application form. The application form can be submitted online or sent by post to the admissions office of the applicant's first choice polytechnic/UAS.
THE USE OF EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES IN APPLYING TO FINNISH POLYTECHNICS/UNIVERSITIES OF APPLIED SCIENCES
The Finnish National Board of Education, the Finnish polytechnics/universities of applied sciences and the Finnish embassies are co-operating in informing foreign applicants that it is absolutely unnecessary and not recommended to use educational consultants for making an application to Finnish polytechnics
Charging a fee for helping someone to fill in the application to Bachelor degree programmes conducted in English at Finnish polytechnics/UAS is against the very principles of the joint application. If an applicant wants help e.g. in filling the application or something else relating to the application process, the applicant is recommended to contact the polytechnic/UAS, the Finnish National Board of Education and/or the local Finnish Embassy. These are the only reliable sources of information. No local agency has been accredited as an official representative of the Finnish polytechnics and therefore this kind of agency cannot give the applicant reliable advice.
Furthermore, an applicant should always fill in the application him/herself and use his/her own contact details; this ensures that the applicant receives all important information directly from the polytechnic/UAS.
The arrangements for the entrance examinations are in all cases arranged by the polytechnics in co-operation with reliable partners such as the Finnish Embassy, and the fee charged of the applicants at this point is due to the cost generated by the use of the Embassy's premises and personnel. No other fee is charged of the applicants during the application.
When applying to finnish UAS, you need to get yourself information concerning the following;
Eligibility
General admission criteria
Certificates
Application
Options of preference and changing the application
Entrance examinations
Language Test
You can get this information directly from the Admissions office of the UAS offering you intended study programme in Finland.
You need to have clear, accurate and adequate information, for instance i remember a year i apply for admission and i qualified but the programme i applied for is taught in Finnish only; Imagine i had to wait another year because i lack that little information.
Kindly visit this site regularly as i post more information about studying in Finland, hope this information have assist you.
Please add comments to the blog, by following it, you can give you information, i tell you that information will go a long way by helping people.
Information is powerful.
In Finland the universities and polytechnics issue a Diploma Supplement, a document jointly designed by the EU, the Council of Europe and UNESCO to provide information about the studies completed by the student, the status of the degree and the qualification provided by the degree for further studies and for jobs.
Finnish higher education institutions also use the ECTS system (European Credit Transfer System) in international student mobility schemes. ECTS is used to facilitate mobility and this will become more widespread. ECTS aids comparison between study programmes for all students, local and foreign. It facilitates mobility and academic recognition and it helps universities and polytechnics to organise and revise their study programmes. ECTS can be used across a variety of programmes and models of delivery. The key documents of ECTS are the Course Catalogue, the Learning Agreement and the Transcript of Records.
International Cooperation
Internationalisation of education has been one of the key development areas in Finnish educational policy since the late 1980s. All Finnish institutions of higher education, i.e. polytechnics and universities, have close connections to foreign institutions and active exchange and mobility schemes with them.
Every year an increasing number of international students choose Finland as their place of study, and many Finnish students pursue part of their degree studies abroad. In order to attract international exchange and degree students, Finnish universities have developed numerous English-language study programmes.
In 2007 there were close to 400 study programmes in different disciplines taught in English. In 2008-2009 Finnish institutions offer close to 200 degree programmes taught in English on Master's and Doctoral level.
At the moment some 11 300 foreign students representing more than 40 nationalities are studying for a degree in Finland, and of them approximately 5 900 are enrolled in universities. In addition, over 7 200 other students come to Finland every year either on exchange programmes or independently.
According to Statistics Finland the top five countries of origin for foreign students attending Finnish universities and polytechnics in 2006 were:
- China (16,7 %)
- Russian Federation (11,7 %)
- Estonia (6,6 %)
- Sweden (5,7 %)
-
Germany (4,0 %)
In 2005, the degree structure of Finnish universities was amended to become more compatible internationally. All programmes are based on a joint European credit system, which will further facilitate international transparency and recognition of Finnish degrees at a global level.
International Study Programmes.
Below are degree study programmes taught in English in Finnish UAS.
Automation Engineering
Construction Engineering
Degree Program In Mechanical Engineering And Production Technology
Degree Program In Nursing
Degree Program In Paper Technology
Degree Programme For Multilingual Management Assistants
Degree Programme In Business Information Technology
Degree Programme In Business Management
Degree Programme In Business Management, Leppävaara
Degree Programme in Business management, Otaniemi
Degree Programme in Chemistry and Technology
Degree Programme in Design
Degree Programme in Environmental Engineering
Degree Programme in Experience and Wellness Management
Degree Programme In Fine Arts
Degree Programme In Hotel, Restaurant And Tourism Management
Degree Programme In Industrial Management
Degree Programme In Information Technology
Degree Programme in Information Technology (adult education)
Degree Programme In Information Technology (Raahe)
Degree Programme In International Business
Degree Programme In International Business ( BBA )
Degree Programme in International Business and Logistics
Degree Programme In International Business/marketing
Degree Programme In Media Engineering
Degree Programme In Nursing
Degree Programme in Social Science
Degree Programme In Sports And Leisure Management
Degree Programme In Tourism
Degree Programme in Tourism (Hospitality Management)
European Business Administration Double Degree Programme
European Management Double Degree Programme
Facility Management
Human Ageing And Elderly Service (BA)
Industrial Management / Engineering And International Business Management
Information Technology
Information Technology: Internet Technology
Integrated Coastal Zone Management ICZM
International Business
International Business / International Marketing Management
International Business And Marketing Logistics
International Business: International Business Management
International Degree Program In Tourism
Logistics Engineering
Mechanical Engineering And Production Technology
Music and Media Management
Nursing
Physiotherapy
Plastics Technology (BA)
Supply Chain Management
The Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences system was built during the 1990’s to create a non-university sector of higher education. It was founded on the institutions, which previously provided post-secondary vocational education and which have been developed to form a nationwide network of regional institutions of higher education.
Universities of Applied Sciences education emphasises close contacts with business, industry and services, especially at the regional level. The degrees are designed to meet the changing requirements and development needs of the world of work, having a pronounced occupational emphasis, and qualifying graduates for various expert duties.
There are 26 polytechnics (=universities of applied sciences) operating under the Ministry of Education. Most polytechnics are multi-field and operate in several units. Finnish polytechnics have defined themselves as universities of applied sciences. Therefore the institutions have also named themselves as universities of applied sciences.
Currently there are over 133 000 students registered at polytechnics in Finland. Polytechnics undertake some research and development with an applied and practical emphasis.
Degrees
Education offered at polytechnics/UAS is more practical and more focused on vocational skills than at the universities. Bachelor degree programmes take about 3.5 to 4.5 years to complete.
Polytechnics/UAS provide degree programmes in the following fields of vocational education and training: humanities and education; culture; natural sciences; natural resources and the environment; tourism, catering and domestic services; health and sports; technology, communications and transport; social sciences, business and administration.
Bachelor degree programme consists of five modules: basic studies, vocational studies, work practise, free studies and a final project. The scope of the Bachelor degree is usually 210 study credits, even though degrees of 240 and 270 exist, too. In a degree of 210 credits basic studies are usually the scope of 60, vocational studies 90, work practice 30, free studies 15 and the final project 15 credits. During one study year the student is expected to study 1 600 hours which makes up to 60 credits. The study credits used are equivalent to those of the European credit system ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).
Polytechnic degrees are Bachelor-level and Master-level higher education degrees with a professional emphasis. Studies are organised into degree programmes, which are confirmed by the Ministry of Education. However, the curricula are independently decided by the polytechnics.
The extent of a degree programme is measured in ECTS credits. The extent of most degree programmes is from 210 to 240 credits, which corresponds to three and a half or four years of full-time study; an extension of one year is allowed. Degree programmes consist of basic and professional studies, optional studies, practical studies including an on-the-job training period, and a Bachelor’s thesis.
The Master's degree is worth 60-90 ECTS credits.
The compulsory on-the-job training period is equivalent to a minimum of 30 credits. Apart from acquainting students with their profession and future job, it enables many students to combine their degree work with hands-on job experience and an opportunity to work independently and apply their theoretical knowledge in practice. Students can also combine studies in other fields, other institutions, or abroad, with their degree.
The studies also include communication and language studies, i.e. studies in the native language, in the second official language and in one or more foreign languages. Students can also combine studies in other fields, other institutions, or abroad, with their degree.
The postgraduate polytechnic degrees are second-cycle, post-experience programmes.
Statutes and regulations
The objectives, overall structure and extent of polytechnic degrees are defined in a governmental decree, while the more detailed degree regulations and curricula are determined at the institutions.
Instruction is offered in the following fields of education:
- Humanities and Education
- Culture
- Social sciences, Business and Administration
- Natural Sciences
- Technology, Communication and Transport
- Natural Resources and the Environment
- Social services, Health and Sports
- Tourism, Catering and Domestic Services
Polytechnic-level education is also provided (only for the Finnish citizens) at the Police College, which operates under the Ministry of the Interior.
In polytechnics, studies are organised into degree programmes (“koulutusohjelma” in Finnish and “utbildningsprogram” in Swedish), which are approved by the Ministry of Education. The polytechnics are responsible for planning and developing their degree programmes; representatives of business and industry and students also contribute to this development work. Institutions provide students with annual guidebooks describing the curricula and instruction offered during the academic year.
Institutions
Below are the contact information of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences/polytechnics' international offices. One polytechnic may have various institutes and educatinal units located in different towns and cities, but you will find the contact information to all of them through the given websites.
ARCADA
Jan-Magnus Janssonin aukio 1
00550 HELSINKI
tel. +358 (0)207 699 699
fax +358 (0)207 699 611
admissions(at)arcada.fi
www.arcada.fi
CENTRAL OSTROBOTHNIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCESTalonpojankatu 2
67100 KOKKOLA
tel. +358 (0)6 825 2081
fax +358 (0)6 825 2075
admissions(at)cou.fi
www.cou.fi
DIACONIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
Sturenkatu 2
00510 Helsinki
tel. +358 (0)20 690 431
fax +358 (0)9 478 00774
admissions(at)diak.fi
www.diak.fi
HAAGA-HELIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
Ratapihantie 13
00520 HELSINKI
tel. +358(0)9 2296 5221
fax +358(0)9 147 063
admissions(at)haaga-helia.fi
www.haaga-helia.fi
HAMK UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCESPO BOX 225 (Visamäentie 35 A)
13101 HÄMEENLINNA
tel. +358 (0)3 646 4501
fax +358 (0)3 646 4500
admissions(at)hamk.fi
www.hamk.fi
HELSINKI METROPOLIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
Bulevardi 29
00099 CITY OF HELSINKI
tel. +358(0)9 310 83 009 (soc. serv. & health)
tel. +358 (0)20 7553 933 (technology)
tel. +358 (0)20 7553 554 (business)
fax +358(0)9 310 83 001
admissions(at)metropolia.fi
www.metropolia.fi
JYVÄSKYLÄ UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
PO BOX 207 (Rajakatu 35)
40101 JYVÄSKYLÄ
tel. +358 (0)40 526 2671
fax +358(0)14 449 9694
admissions(at)jamk.fi
www.jamk.fi
KAJAANI UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
PO BOX 52 (Ketunpolku 3)
87101 KAJAANI
tel. +358 (0)8 6189 9616
fax +358 (0)8 6189 9620
admissions(at)kajak.fi
www.kajak.fi
KEMI-TORNIO UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
PO BOX 505 (Valtakatu 22)
94101 KEMI
tel. +358 (0)10 383 5179
fax +358 (0)16 258 409
admissions(at)tokem.fi
www.tokem.fi
KYMENLAAKSO, UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
PO BOX 111 (Salpausselänkatu 57)
45101 KOUVOLA
tel. +358 (0)5 2869 8823
fax +358 (0)5 220 8786
admissions(at)kyamk.fi
www.kyamk.fi
LAHTI UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
PO BOX 214 (Paasikivenkatu 7 A)
15101 LAHTI
tel. +358 (0)3 828 2076
fax +358 (0)3 828 2064
admissions(at)lamk.fi
www.lamk.fi
LAUREA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
Ratatie 22
01300 VANTAA
tel. +358 (0)9 8868 7293
fax +358 (0)9 8868 7298
admissions(at)laurea.fi
www.laurea.fi
MIKKELI UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
PO BOX 181 (Patteristonkatu 3)
50101 MIKKELI
tel. +358 (0)15 355 6379
fax +358 (0)15 355 6371
admissions(at)mikkeliamk.fi
www.mikkeliamk.fi
NORTH KARELIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCESTikkarinne 9
80200 JOENSUU
tel. +358 (0)13 260 6413
fax +358 (0)13 260 6411
admissions(at)pkamk.fi
www.pkamk.fi
OULU UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
PO BOX 405 (Albertinkuja 20)
90101 OULU
tel. +358 (0)10 272 1032
fax +358 (0)10 272 1370
admissions(at)oamk.fi
www.oamk.fi
PIRAMK UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
Kuntokatu 4
33520 TAMPERE
tel. +358 (0)3 245 2395
fax +358 (0)3 245 2396
admissions(at)piramk.fi
www.piramk.fi
ROVANIEMI UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
Jokiväylä 13
96300 ROVANIEMI
tel. +358 (0)20 798 5401
fax +358 (0)20 798 5499
admissions(at)ramk.fi
www.ramk.fi
SATAKUNTA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
Tiedepuisto 4
28600 PORI
tel. +358 (0)2 620 3034
fax +358 (0)2 620 3031
admissions(at)samk.fi
www.samk.fi
SAVONIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCESPO BOX 6 (Microteknia, Microkatu 1)
70201 KUOPIO
tel. +358 (0)17 255 5044
fax +358 (0)17 255 5043
admissions(at)savonia-amk.fi
www.savonia-amk.fi
SEINÄJOKI UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
PO BOX 412 (Keskuskatu 34)
60101 SEINÄJOKI
tel. +358 (0)20 124 5208
fax +358 (0)20 124 5022
admissions(at)seamk.fiwww.seamk.fi
SOUTH KARELIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCESPO BOX 303 (Pohjolankatu 23)
53101 LAPPEENRANTA
tel. +358 (0)20 496 6630 or +358 (0)40 741 8842
fax +358 (0)20 496 6588
admissions(at)scp.fi
www.scp.fi
TAMK UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
PO BOX 21 (Teiskontie 33)
33521 TAMPERE
tel. +358 (0)3 565 47277
fax +358 (0)3 565 47238
admissions(at)tamk.fi
www.tamk.fi
TURKU UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
Joukahaisenkatu 3 A
20520 TURKU
tel. +358 (0)10 5535 821
fax +358 (0)10 5535 676
admissions(at)turkuamk.fi
www.tuas.fi
VAASA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
Wolffintie 30
65200 VAASA
tel. +358 (0)20 76633
fax +358 (0)6 326 3327
admissions(at)puv.fi
www.puv.fi
YRKESHÖGSKOLAN NOVIA - UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCESPO Box 6 (Fabriksgatan 1)
65200 VAASA
tel. +358 (0)6 328 5555
fax +358 (0)6 328 5117
admissions(at)novia.fi
www.novia.fi
Education is highly valued in Finland, and the high standard of education forms one of the corner-stones of the Finnish national strategy, which is based on a desire to develop the country as an information society.
For foreign students, studying and training in Finland offers a safe, though quite exotic way to acquire academic and professional experience, as well as to gain personal growth through living in a foreign country and culture.
On this you will find basic information about the Finnish education system and a closer look at the higher education in Finland. I will list the student exchange programmes with which you can come to study in Finland, as well as practically all study programmes taught in English at Finnish universities and polytechnics. Here you will find also important information about various practical matters related to studying in this Northern country.
In Finland the national strategy is based on a desire to develop the country as an information society that educates its citizens to a high standard. In order to achieve this, Finland channels substantial investment into research and development. In addition, Finland has internationally recognized expertise in many areas, and its institutions of higher education have state-of-the-art facilities.
Plenty of choice
Finnish universities and polytechnics offer over 400 international study programmes in different disciplines taught in English.
In 2007, some 11 300 foreign students representing more than 100 nationalities were studying for a degree in Finland, and of them approximately 11 300 were enrolled in universities and polytechnics. In addition, approximately 8 400 other students come to Finland every year either on exchange programmes or independently.
Internationally compatible degrees
In 2005, the degree structure of Finnish universities was amended to become more compatible internationally. All programmes are based on a joint European credit transfer system (ECTS), which facilitates international transparency and recognition of Finnish degrees at a global level.
As the network of Finnish universities and polytechnics covers the whole country, students can choose among very different study environments: there are large urban campuses and quieter, close-to-nature campuses. Thanks to the quality assurance system, the quality of universities’ infrastructures, student services, and teaching and research is high irrespective of location.
More than just studying
Studying in Finland offers also an insight into the culture of Finland and the country's two official languages, Finnish and Swedish, all of which are unique in many ways. Finnish society is egalitarian and well-organised: it provides a solid foundation for the development of modern, internationally-oriented higher education.
