Application on the basis of open uas studies

Spring 2027 intake

Who is this application for?

This application route is intended for applicants who apply through Open UAS or alternative study paths.

Eligible applicants through Open UAS and alternative study paths:

Open UAS path students

Applicants who have completed the required Open UAS path studies:

  • 50 ECTS credits of bachelor-level studies, or
  • 15 ECTS credits of master-level studies (path for a 60-credit master’s degree), or
  • 30 ECTS credits of master-level studies (path for a 90-credit master’s degree)

Other eligible applicant groups

The following applicant groups are also eligible to apply through alternative study paths:

  • applicants with a Postgraduate Diploma from Xamk (application period 1–31 March 2026)
  • applicants who have completed Foundation Year studies at Xamk
  • applicants who have completed 30 ECTS credits at Golden Gate University (application period 1–29 March 2026)
  • vocational students completing UAS route studies (väyläopinnot ammattiin opiskeleville; instructions available in Finnish)

Personal study plan applicants

Applicants who:

  • wish to update a bachelor’s degree in the same or a related field to a different bachelor’s degree and have completed at least half of their personal study plan (or the studies specified by the degree programme) through Open UAS, or
  • wish to complete unfinished degree studies previously completed at Xamk under a new curriculum and have completed at least half of the required Open UAS studies (or the studies specified by the degree programme)

Application steps made easy

Step 1:
Check you eligibility

Find the eligibility requirements here

Step 2:
Choose programs

Find the available programmes in Studyinfo service

Step 3:
Submit application

Fill in the application form in Studyinfo service

Step 4:
Upload attachments

Find the needed attachments below.

Browse your study possibilities in this intake

Your essential application guides for rolling admission

How to apply?

You can submit only one application and apply to two degree programmes. You cannot submit another application even if your first application is rejected.

Timetable

  • Application opens: 1 March 2026 at 8:00 (UTC+2)
  • Application closes: when the study places reserved for each degree programme have been filled, or at the latest on 30 October 2026 at 15:00 (UTC+2)
  • Applications are processed continuously. The admission result is normally published within one month of submitting a complete application.
  • If the admission decision is based on, for example, an interview, the result is published only after the interview or after all stages of the application process have been completed and evaluated. Admission results are not published during holiday seasons.
  • The deadline for accepting the offer of admission is one week (7 days) from the date of the notice of admission. If tuition fees apply, the tuition fee must be paid within three weeks (21 days) from the date of the notice of admission.
  • Applicants are entitled to an Early Bird discount of 10% if the offer of admission is accepted and the tuition fee is paid within the deadlines stated in the offer letter.
  • Studies begin in August 2026.

Eligibility criteria

Programme-specific admission criteria and required application documents are available on Studyinfo. Select the programme name below for further details:

Bachelor of Business Administration

Digital International Business

  • Open UAS studies must be suitable business or hospitality studies.
  • Open UAS studies must be core competence studies, complementary competence studies, or professional optional studies. Priority is given to applicants whose credits can be directly transferred according to the curriculum (course content and credit amount).
  • Students are selected either
    • on the basis of study progress (number of completed credits and grade point average) and/or an interview, or
    • on the basis of Xamk’s Foundation Year studies (60 ECTS credits completed, minimum GPA of 3.25 on a scale of 1–5, and a passed language assessment).
  • Foundation Year studies must be suitable for the degree programme applied for.

Bachelor of Culture and Arts

Game Art and Game Design

  • Open UAS studies must be suitable core competence or complementary competence studies of the degree programme applied for, or corresponding studies in the field of culture.
  • Students are selected based on study progress. The minimum required average grade for completed Open UAS studies is 3.5.
  • If the average grade is below 3.5, selection is based on a portfolio.

Bachelor of Engineering

Bioproduct Technology, Game Technologies, Information Technology, Water Technology and Sustainability

  • Open UAS studies must be suitable for the degree programme applied for.
  • Students are selected either
    • on the basis of study progress (number of completed credits and grade point average) and/or an interview, or
    • on the basis of Xamk’s Foundation Year studies (60 ECTS credits completed, minimum GPA of 3.25 on a scale of 1–5, and a passed language assessment).

Bachelor of Health Care

Nursing (Kotka and Savonlinna campuses)

  • Open UAS studies must consist of suitable first-year studies completed according to the curriculum of a nursing, paramedic nursing, or public health nursing degree programme.
  • The suitability of the studies for the target degree programme is assessed during the application process.
  • Students are selected on the basis of an interview and/or study progress (completed first-year studies, number of completed Open UAS credits, and grade point average).

In all bachelor’s degree programmes, applicants’ English language skills may be tested as part of the admission process.

Programme-specific admission criteria and required application documents are available on Studyinfo. Select the programme name below for further details:

Master of Business Administration


International Business Management
Applicants may apply through one of the following pathways.


Option 1: Open Path Studies

  • 30 ECTS credits of master-level core competence studies (path for the 90-credit degree)
  • Completed Open UAS studies must be suitable for the degree programme applied for
  • Students are selected based on study progress (minimum average grade of 3.25) and possibly an interview.

In addition all applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements for the degree programme:
a suitable higher education degree, and
a minimum of two years of relevant work experience completed after the award date of the degree.


Option 2: Postgraduate Diplomas from Xamk

  • Postgraduate Diploma (60 ECTS credits) in Entrepreneurship and Start-Ups
  • Postgraduate Diploma (60 ECTS credits) in Business Management
  • Postgraduate Diploma (60 ECTS credits) in Tourism and Service Business
  • Postgraduate Diploma (60 ECTS credits) in Strategic Business Innovation
  • Students are selected based on study progress (minimum average grade of 3.25) and possibly an interview.
  • For admitted applicants, 40 ECTS credits from the Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism and Service Business are transferred to the Master of Business Administration, International Business Management degree studies.

In addition all applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements for the degree programme:
a suitable higher education degree, and
a minimum of two years of relevant work experience completed after the award date of the degree.


Option 3: Golden Gate University Studies

  • 30 ECTS credits completed at Golden Gate University
  • Students are selected based on study progress (minimum average grade of 3.0).
  • In addition, applicants must meet the language requirements.
  • Further information is available on Xamk language requirements.


In addition all applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements for the degree programme:
a suitable higher education degree, and
a minimum of two years of relevant work experience completed after the award date of the degree.

Master of Health Care
Sport Medicine and Exercise Physiology

  • 30 ECTS credits of master-level core competence studies (path for the 90-credit degree)
  • Completed Open UAS studies must be suitable for the degree programme applied for
  • Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements for the degree programme:
  • a suitable higher education degree, and
  • a minimum of two years of relevant work experience completed after the award date of the degree.
  • Students are selected based on study progress and possibly an interview.


Master of Hospitality Management
Tourism and Service Business
Postgraduate Diploma from Xamk

  • Postgraduate Diploma (60 ECTS credits) in Tourism and Service Business
  • Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements for the degree programme:
  • a suitable higher education degree, and
  • a minimum of two years of relevant work experience completed after the award date of the degree.
  • Students are selected based on:
  • study progress (minimum average grade of 3.0), and a pre-task.
  • The pre-task is published on Xamk’s website Entrance examinations starting on 27 February 2026. The completed pre-task must be attached to the application no later than 31 March 2026.

Applicants applying through the Golden Gate University studies pathway must meet the language requirements.

The applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or by previous studies. When using previous studies as a proof of proficiency in English language, the acceptable studies are either a higher education degree or an upper secondary degree completed in one of the following countries: an EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, or the United States. Please note that your degree must be taught and assessed entirely in English. Degrees from international schools or institutions located outside the listed countries, where the degree is completed locally but awarded by an institution from another country, do not qualify.

SAT, TOEFL or GMAT/GRE test results must be delivered to Xamk from the test organizer. Other test results must be verifiable from the online verification service of the test organizer at least two months after submitting the application.

The acceptable language certificates are:

IELTS Academic

Minimum requirement: total score of 6.0 (Test sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking)

IELTS Academic UKVI and IELTS Online are also accepted.

Required documents: The official IELTS score report must be uploaded to the application form and the IELTS Test report form number provided. The test results must be verifiable from the online verification service of the test organizer at least two months after submitting the application. IELTS scores are valid for three years.

TOEFL Academic (iBT)

Minimum requirement: total score of 60 (Test sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing)

TOEFL iBT Home Edition is also accepted.

Required documents: The TOEFL score report must be uploaded to the application form and the TOEFL Appointment number provided. In addition, the test results must be delivered to Xamk from the test organizer. TOEFL scores are valid for two years.

Order your TOEFL result to be delivered to Xamk before you submit the application in Rolling admission!

PTE Academic

Minimum requirement: total score of 55 (Test sections: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening)

PTE Academic Online and PTE Academic UKVI are also accepted.

Required documents: The PTE score report must be uploaded to the application form and the PTE Score report code provided. The test results must be verifiable from the online verification service of the test organizer at least two months after submitting the application. PTE scores are valid for two years.

Cambridge English Scale Sore

Minimum requirement: total score of 169 (Test sections: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking)

Required documents: The relevant certificate must be uploaded to the application form and the Statement of Results number provided. The test results must be verifiable from the online verification service of the test organizer at least two months after submitting the application.

Oxford ELLT (English Language Level Test)

Minimum requirement: a minimum total score of 6.0 (Test sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)

The Oxford ELLT (English Language Level Test) is accepted if it is completed on or after 1 July 2023.

Required documents: The Oxford ELLT certificate must be uploaded to the application form. The Test taker number and Certificate reference number must be provided. The test results must be verifiable from the online verification service of the test organizer at least two months after submitting the application.

TELC (The European Language Certificate) English B2-C1 university qualification

Minimum requirement: level B2 (Test sections: Listening/Reading/Language Elements, Writing and Speaking)

The European Language Certificate (TELC) is accepted if it is completed on or after 1 October 2021.

Required documents: The TELC certificate must be uploaded to the application form and the Attendee ID provided. The test results must be verifiable from the online verification service of the test organizer at least two months after submitting the application.

SAT test, Evidence-based reading and writing section

Minimum requirement: a minimum of 500 points for Evidence-based reading and writing section

Only the new SAT (taken after March 2016) is accepted.

Required documents: The SAT score report must be uploaded to the application form. In addition, the test results must be delivered to Xamk from the test organizer.

Order your SAT score to be delivered to Xamk before you submit the application in Rolling admission!

GMAT/GRE test

Minimum requirement: GMAT test total score of 450 points

The result for GMAT Focus Edition and GRE test results must be equivalent to the GMAT result. These results are converted to the GMAT result with a relevant tool. Further information on the conversion

Required documents: The relevant score report must be uploaded to the application form. In addition, the test results must be delivered to Xamk from the test organizer.

Order your test result to be delivered to Xamk before you submit the application in Rolling admission!

National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) English

Minimum requirement: Grade 4 or higher on all the subtests (speaking, listening comprehension, writing, and reading comprehension)

Required documents: The relevant YKI certificate.

Upper secondary degree completed in English in an EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, or the United States

The upper secondary degree must be completed in English in one of the following countries:

  • any EU/EEA country
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom or
  • the United States

Please note that your degree must be taught and assessed entirely in English. The degree must also be a qualification that provides eligibility for higher education in the country in which it was awarded.

Degrees completed in English in other countries than the ones listed above are not accepted as proof of English language skills. Degrees from international schools or institutions located outside the listed countries, where the degree is completed locally but awarded by an institution from another country, do not qualify.

The member countries of the European Union (EU) are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

European Economic Area (EEA) consists of the member countries of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Required documents: The relevant degree certificate and transcript of records, also a document that shows the language of the degree and the country of studies.

The language of instruction must be clearly stated on official documents (also in cases where the official language of the degree awarding country is English). You can also document this by submitting a certificate/letter from your university / educational institution in addition to your official study documentation. If the applicant’s degree includes courses conducted in a language other than English, the degree might not meet the requirement.

Higher education degree completed in English in an EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, or the United States

The higher education degree must be completed in English in one of the following countries:

  • any EU/EEA country
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom or
  • the United States

A doctoral thesis completed in English in any country is also accepted as proof of English language skills.

Please note that your degree must be taught and assessed entirely in English. Degrees completed in English in other countries than the ones listed above are not accepted as proof of English language skills. Degrees from international schools or institutions located outside the listed countries, where the degree is completed locally but awarded by an institution from another country, do not qualify.

The member countries of the European Union (EU) are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

European Economic Area (EEA) consists of the member countries of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Required documents: The relevant degree certificate and transcript of records, also a document that shows the language of the degree and the country of studies. For doctoral thesis in English, the evaluation of the thesis is required.

The language of instruction must be clearly stated on official documents (also in cases where the official language of the degree awarding country is English). You can also document this by submitting a certificate/letter from your university / educational institution in addition to your official study documentation. If the applicant’s degree includes courses conducted in a language other than English, the degree might not meet the requirement.

Finnish Matriculation Examination, European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, or Reifeprüfung/DIA completed in Finland

One of the following grades in the Finnish Matriculation Examination, European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, or Reifeprüfung/DIA completed in Finland:

  • Finnish Matriculation Examination: English advanced syllabus with a minimum grade C
  • The whole International Baccalaureate diploma or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) completed in English
  • DP Course Results, IB certificate or IB Final Report completed in English
  • International Baccalaureate final examination: English A HL/SL or English B HL/SL with a minimum grade 4
  • European Baccalaureate: at least grade 6.00 in L2-level English
  • Reifeprüfung/DIA diploma completed in Finland: at least grade 7 in advanced English

Required documents: The final diploma or a certificate of grades. Exception: Certificate is not required for the Finnish Matriculation Examination grade, this information is verified from the national register.

Note: If you have completed an eligible upper secondary diploma or higher education degree in Finland, you can apply in Rolling admission if you have taken the SAT test. You can alternatively apply to Xamk degree programmes in the Joint application, spring 2026 (admission based on International UAS Exam or certificate-based selection for Finnish qualifications).

Applicants graduating in 2026

You can use an unfinished degree as a proof of English language skills only if you are completing one of the following degrees/are graduating in 2026:

  • Finnish matriculation examination
  • International Baccalaureate
  • European Baccalaureate
  • Reifeprüfung/DIA completed in Finland
  • Finnish vocational basic qualification conducted in English.

Required document: certificate to prove you are studying for one of the mentioned degrees or are about to graduate during year 2026 from one of the mentioned degrees.

The final certificate as a proof of English language skills must be submitted by 9 July 2026 UTC+3. The possible student selection is conditional until the certificate has been verified. If the language requirement is not met, the selection will be revoked.

If you apply with other degree than the ones listed above and are graduating during 2026, you are required to have other certificate of English language skills when applying (e.g. IELTS / TOEFL / PTE language test or the SAT test).

Attachments

All required documents must be uploaded to the application form on Studyinfo before submitting the application.

⚠️ If any compulsory attachment is missing, the processing time for your application will be prolonged.

Documents to upload

Proof of identity

  • a passport, an EU/EEA country identity card with a photo, or a Finnish driver’s license

Transcript of records (open UAS studies)

  • an up-to-date transcript of records of your open UAS studies
  • the transcript must be official and confirmed by the current higher education institution
  • if you have completed the open UAS studies at Xamk, you can download a transcript of records from Peppi yourself and attach it to the application

Application or tuition fee exemption (if applicable)

  • a document exempting you from application or tuition fees
  • see the exempting documents listed on the Xamk website

Change of name (if applicable)

  • a certificate of change of name
  • a certificate is required if the name on your qualification certificates is not the same as the name on your passport (e.g. a marriage certificate)

Upload all required documents to the Studyinfo application form before submitting your application.

⚠️ If any compulsory attachment is missing, the processing time for your application will be prolonged.

Proof of identity
• a passport, an EU/EEA country identity card with a photo, or a Finnish driver’s licence

Proof of English language skills (Golden Gate applicants only)
• a document proving your English language skills

Degree certificate and transcript of records / statement of marks
• a degree certificate
• an official transcript of records or statement of marks

Work certificates
• certificates proving a minimum of 2 years / 24 months of work experience after graduation

Application or tuition fee exemption (if applicable)
• a document exempting you from application or tuition fees

Official translations (if applicable)
official translations of documents not originally in English, Finnish, or Swedish

Change of name (if applicable)
• a certificate of change of name
• a certificate is required if the name on your qualification certificates differs from the name on your passport (e.g. a marriage certificate)

FAQ

Applicants who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland are required to pay an application fee in order to apply to higher education studies. If you are from outside the aforementioned area and you are applying to Bachelor’s or Master’s level studies, you will need to pay the application fee which is 100 euros. If you are liable to pay the application fee, you are generally also liable to pay tuition fee for the studies.

The Finnish higher education institutions charge tuition fees for students outside the EU/EEA area. The fees concern the study programmes conducted in English. Further information on who is required to pay the tuition fees can be found on the Studyinfo.fi service. If you are liable to pay the application fee, you are generally also liable to pay tuition fee for the studies.

You can submit only one application and apply to one degree programme at Xamk in the Rolling admission procedure. You cannot submit another application even if your first application is rejected.

You are advised to check the programme requirements and choose your programme carefully!

In case the same applicant submits more than one application, only the application submitted last is considered. However, when the admission result for the first application has been published, other applications are not considered after that.

Changes to a submitted application can be made until the application has been processed at Xamk. You should not submit a new application form in order to change the application. You can update information on the application either by editing the application on Studyinfo (link to application in the confirmation email) or by contacting Xamk Admission Services by email.

Changes cannot be made after you have received the admission result.

Payment instructions 

  • Pay the tuition fee online via Flywire service 
  • The available payment methods can be found from the service after selecting the country of origin for the payment. For most countries, bank transfer is one of the available options.  
  • Before paying, read the instructions at Xamk website Instructions for tuition fee payment. You can also find Xamk refund policy and scholarship scheme on the same website. 
  • If someone else is paying the tuition fee for you, please make sure to forward the payment instructions in detail to the relevant person.

Flywire provides a secure global payment network that simplifies paying your fees from your home country and countries around the world. Payment options can include bank transfers, credit cards, e-wallets and more, typically in your home currency for most countries.

Important! When paying the fee for August 2026 intake, include the following details in the payment form to avoid problems with payment tracking: 

  • Amount of the tuition fee: Bachelor’s degree 9 630 euros (Early Bird) or 10 700 euros (full fee), Master’s degree 12 150 euros (Early Bird) or 13 500 euros (full fee).
  • Degree programme
  • Learner ID (given on your offer of admission)
  • Academic year/semester: academic year 2026-2027

If you pay with bank transfer: when making a SWIFT international transfer, you should always select “OUR” in the Details of charges section to avoid banks deducting additional fees for your transfer after completing your payment.

Tuition fee must be paid in one instalment within 3 weeks from the admission. The payment due date cannot be extended and the payment cannot be split into more than one instalment.

The deadline for accepting the offer of admission is 1 week (7 days) from the notice of admission. If you are required to pay tuition fees, also the tuition fee must be paid within 3 weeks (21 days) from the notice of admission.

You can get Early Bird (10%) discount if you accept the offer of admission within 1 week from the admission and tuition fee must be paid within 3 weeks from the admission.

  • the Early Bird scholarship: a 10% discount on the tuition fee for the first study year
  • the scholarship based on study progress: a 20% discount on the following year’s tuition fee with good study progress
    • Xamk Award: raise your discount on the following year’s tuition fee from 20% to 25-35% with creditable integration and active participation in the local community
    • Studies in Finnish language and culture: get additional deductions on the following year’s tuition fee by completing studies in Finnish language and culture.
  • scholarship for humanitarian reasons (Ukrainian citizens)

Read more about scholarships: Tuition fees and Scholarships – Xamk

See examples on the tuition fee and scholarship timetable: Instructions for tuition fee payment – Kaakkois-Suomen ammattikorkeakoulu Xamk

The paid tuition fee can be refunded to new students in the following cases only: 

  • Residence permit for the studies arranged on campus is not granted.
  • Your enrolment status is changed to non-attendant after paying the fee but before the enrolment deadline (August 2026 intake: 9 July 2026, January 2026 intake: 27 November 2025).
  • You receive a document that exempts you from the tuition fee after paying the fee but before deadline for tuition fees and exempting documents. The deadlines are given in the application timetables.

Please note that the fee cannot be refunded for other reasons, for example if you

  • withdraw your residence permit application or
  • transfer to another higher education institution or
  • give up the study place at Xamk for some other reason.

Refund policy in detail: Instructions for tuition fee payment – Kaakkois-Suomen ammattikorkeakoulu Xamk

Are you a new student beginning your journey with us? We got you covered!

Congratulations on your study place! Find all the essential steps, from confirming your study place to your first days on campus.

The New Student guide at Xamk provides practical information to help students prepare for their studies and settle into life in Finland. It covers the key steps to take after accepting a study place, including confirming enrolment, submitting required documents, and paying tuition fees if applicable.

Essential info for international applicants

Did you know that Finnish education system consistently ranks as one of the best in the world, and Xamk is known to be at the top of the Universities of Applied Sciences in the country.

Studying in Finland offers an opportunity to gain a high-quality education in a safe, innovative, and international environment. Before applying, it is important to understand how the Finnish education system works and what everyday life as a student in Finland involves. Check these key things you should know to help you prepare for your application and future studies with confidence.

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Finnish higher education

Education Quality and Teaching Style

Finnish higher education is known for its high quality, research-based teaching, and practical learning approach. Studies often focus on independent work, critical thinking, teamwork, and project-based assignments rather than frequent exams. You are expected to take responsibility for your own learning.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees and Scholarships

Higher education is free for EU/EEA and permanent residents. Find information on Xamk’s fees and scholarships for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees here.

Cost of living

Cost of living

Although tuition may be affordable compared to many other countries, the cost of living in Finland can be relatively high. You should budget for housing, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. Students are required to show proof of sufficient financial resources when applying for a residence permit. All degree students at Xamk are responsible for covering their own tuition fees and living expenses. 

Student life

Student life

Student life in Finland is active and supportive. At Xamk, we will do our best to create an inspirational learning environment and support our students. Therefore, we have created services, which will help our students not only enjoy their studies, but also their lives in Finland!

Live to learn.

Do you want to update, expand or deepen your expertise? With Xamk Pulse learning happens your way. Whether you are interested in an individual course or more extensive studies, you can pick and choose from a wide variety of courses offered by Pulse.

Contact Admission Services

Xamk’s Admissions Services primarily assists with matters related to applying for degree studies. You can contact us by phone or through our online form.

Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00

Degree education in Finnish:

  • +358 44 702 8891 
  • +358 40 585 6610

Degree education in English:

  • +358 40 585 6610

Contact request via online form: