best university of applied sciences in finland

Last Updated on December 17, 2022

Find the list of most popular universities in Finland along with their world ranking, acceptance rate, and tuition fees. If you want to know more about difference between University and University of Applied sciences in Finland, Finland Universities for international students, or get a detailed info on the topic, continue reading here on Collegelearners!

best university of applied sciences in finland.Are you looking for the best university of applied sciences in finland and all you need to know about universities in finland for international students? You’ve come to the right place. As there are a lot of technical colleges in Finland, the list has been narrowed down to the best of them. Also, if you are interested in knowing the differences between Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences, this article is all that you need.

Best University Of Applied Sciences 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:

difference between university and university 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).

metropolia university of applied sciences ranking

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Metropolia) – public higher education institution in Finland. Metropolia began its work in the year 2007. The main building of the university proudly stands in Helsinki inside an urban campus.

University ranking. Many independent ratings put Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in top 20 universities of Finland. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is one of the most famous and prestigious universities in the world.

Application process and the cost of tuition. For evaluation the university uses the applicant’s academic performance and examination results. The academic year is traditionally consists of semesters. Studying bachelor’s at Metropolia is relatively inexpensive – only 1,000 USD per year. A year of master’s studies at Metropolia will usually cost 1,000 USD per year. Among the programs applicants can also find their online equivalents and other online courses.

The composition of the university. Being a medium scale university, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences teaches more than 14 thousand students. Both citizens and foreigners are able to apply. The university participates in a variety of international exchange programs between students and academic staff.

finland universities for international students

Cheap Universities in Finland

1. University of Helsinki (UH)

• Tuition Fee: USD 14,000 Per Year

Ranked among the best universities in the world, the University of Helsinki (UH) was founded more than 300 years ago, in 1640. It currently is the 107^th best university in the world according to the QS World University Ranking and offers the largest amount of disciplines in Finland.

This cheap university in Finland has 11 faculties of law, arts, science, medicine, agriculture and forestry, biological and environmental sciences, social sciences, theology, educational sciences, veterinary medicine, and social sciences.

UH has four campuses in the city of Helsinki where more than 36,000 students receive an education. It also has 11 research institutes. They have English-taught programs available at all levels of higher education. However, you’ll find a larger variety of master, licentiate, and doctorate degree programs.

Regarding tuition fees, UH is on the pricy side of the list. Non-EU students will have to pay EUR 13,000 per year. However, Swedish and Finnish-taught programs are completely free for all international students. Doctorate programs are also exempted from tuition fees for everybody and in case you need financial aid, there are scholarships that are granted only to international students.

2. University of Vaasa

• Tuition Fee: From USD 10,800 to USD 13,000 Per Year

For those that would like to pursue a major in the business or finance field, the University of Vaasa is the perfect one. It started as a school of economics but then expanded to more fields.

It currently has four schools of accounting and finance, technology and innovations, marketing and communications, and management. They offer degree programs at all levels of higher education. However, English-taught programs are only available for masters and doctorate degree programs.

Tuition fees for their master’s degrees go from EUR 10,000 to EUR 12,000 per academic year. This cheap university in Finland offers 100% and 50% tuition fee waivers to their best students.

3. University of Eastern Finland

• Tuition Fee: From USD 8,650 to USD 16,250 Per Year

The University of Eastern Finland was recently created (2010) after merging two higher education institutions. Although it is relatively new, it has already ranked among the best universities in the world. As for 2020, it is the 498^th best according to the QS World University Ranking.

With over 15,000 students, this university has four faculties of social sciences and business studies, science and forestry, health sciences, and philosophy. These are located on two campuses: one in the city of Joensuu and the other in the city of Kuopio.

If you’d like to choose an English-taught program, these are only available for masters and doctorate degrees. Tuition fees for them go from EUR 8,000 to EUR 15,000. They also have many scholarships and tuition fee waivers available.

In case you’d like to start your studies in 2020, they are offering tuition fee waivers (from 50% to 80%) to all new international students to celebrate their 10^th anniversary.

4. Tampere University

• Tuition Fee: USD 6,500 to USD 13,000 Per Year

Tampere University came to life after the merger of two higher education institutions that had been providing education for almost a century. As this university is located in the city of Tampere, which has the most important industrial center in the country, they are renowned for their programs in the technology and engineering sector.

Tampere University is one of the newest higher education institutions in Finland, as it was established in 2019. Nevertheless, it is among the 500 best universities in the world, with 395^th place in the QS World University Ranking. It is affiliated with Tampere University of Applied Sciences.

With over 20,000 students, this cheap university in Finland has seven faculties of education and culture, information technology and communication sciences, medicine and health technology, engineering and natural sciences, management and business, social sciences, and environment.

It has English-taught programs available at all levels of higher education. Tuition fees go from EUR 6,000 to EUR 12,000 per academic year.

5. Arcada University of Applied Sciences

• Tuition Fee: From USD 5,500 to USD 11,900 Per Year

Opened in 1996, the Arcada University of Applied Sciences came to life when four specialized institutes merged together. It offers English-taught bachelor and master degree programs to more than 2,500 students.

This polytechnic has five departments of business management and analytics, culture and media, energy and materials technology, healthcare, and health and welfare. Its campus is located in Helsinki, Finland’s capital city.

Tuition fees for bachelor’s degree programs go from EUR 5,000 to EUR 8,500 per academic year. As for master’s degree programs, tuition fees go from EUR 10,000 to EUR 11,000.

They have scholarships of up to 50% available for all international students but only for bachelor’s degree programs.

6. University of Oulu

• Tuition Fee: From USD 10,800 to USD 14,000 Per Year

Established more than 50 years ago, in 1958, the University of Oulu has ranked the 374^th best university in the world according to the QS World University Ranking.

13,000 students receive education in one of its seven faculties of information technology and electrical engineering, biochemistry and molecular medicine, humanities, science, education, medicine, and technology. It also has a business school.

This university has four research institutes that perform studies in more than 70 areas. It has two campuses located in the city of Oulu.

There are 21-degree programs that are fully taught in English. Tuition fees for them go from EUR 10,000 to EUR 13,000. In case international students need financial aid, they have scholarships available that cover between 50% and 75% of the fees.

7. Aalto University

• Tuition Fee: From USD 13,000 to USD 16,250 Per Year

We finish our list of cheapest universities in Finland with the second largest university in Finland, Aalto University. It came to life after three important universities were merged together in 2010, and all of them were originally founded more than a century ago. With more than 17,000 students, Aalto University is ranked as the 134^th best university in the world according to the QS World University Ranking.

It is known for its innovative methods of teaching, which include the foundation of a design factory and different entrepreneurship programs and society that have resulted in the creation of multiple startups.

The university has six schools of science, business, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, engineering, and arts, design, and architecture. It also has different research institutes, an observatory, and a media factory. Most of them are located in the city of Espoo but some buildings are located in other cities.

Regarding tuition fees, English-taught bachelor degree programs cost EUR 12,000 per year. In the case of English-taught master’s degree programs, tuition fees are EUR 15,000 per year. They have a scholarship program that covers between 50% and 100% of tuition fees. In case you’re interested in a doctorate degree program, those are completely free for all international students.