Applying
Your journey towards a degree starts here. Discover a variety of paths to join our diverse student community. Explore application types below to find the best fit for your goals.
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Main degree applications
Joint application, autumn
31.8. – 10.9.2026
Ready to start your studies in the spring semester? The autumn Joint application is your gateway to specific Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes at Xamk. This application channel utilizes versatile selection methods, including certificate-based admission, standardized tests, and programme-specific pre-tasks.
Joint application, spring
7.1. – 21.1.2027
Looking for a new study place for the autumn 2027 intake? Xamk’s Spring Joint Application offers a streamlined path to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees for both local and international students. This application channel utilizes versatile selection methods, including certificate-based admission, standardized tests, and programme-specific pre-tasks.
Rolling admission
15.5. – 15.8.2026
Looking for a fast and flexible way to apply Xamk? Rolling Admission offers a convenient application route for both international applicants and local residents. This channel utilizes versatile selection methods, including certificate-based selection, international test scores (such as SAT, GMAT, or GRE), and programme-specific pre-tasks or interviews.
Supplementary application
3.8 – 6.8.2026
Missed the main application rounds or looking for a study place for autumn intake? The Supplementary Application is designed for late applicants and quick starters who are ready to begin their studies at Xamk on short notice. Please note that if you have already accepted a study place for this semester at any Finnish higher education institution, you cannot accept another offer through this round.
For current & returning students
Transfer application
1.11. – 15.11.2026
Are you currently studying at a Finnish higher education institution and wish to transfer to Xamk? The Transfer Application is designed for students looking to change their place of study, degree programme, or campus without starting their studies from the beginning. This channel applies to both external applicants from other universities and current Xamk students seeking internal path adjustments.
Returning student and options
Continuous admission
Missing the final credits for your degree or need to restore a lost study right? We help you get back on track. Choose the application method that best matches your situation.
Pathways to degree studies
Application on the basis of open UAS studies, autum
1.3. – 31.10.2026
Have you completed studies through an Open UAS in Finland or other alternative learning paths? This application route is designed for path students, vocational route learners, and those looking to update or complete their previous degree through a personal study plan. It offers a flexible way to transition into full degree student status at Xamk based on your already accumulated credits.
Preparatory Studies for Higher Education
14.9.2026 – 3.5.2027
Are you looking to improve your academic skills and prepare for higher education in Finland? The Preparatory Studies for Higher Education are designed for individuals with an immigrant background who want to build a solid foundation before applying for a full degree. The programme offers a flexible, individualized study plan to help you strengthen your language proficiency, digital skills, and academic competencies in English or Finnish.
Just want to see what options do Xamk offer?
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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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 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
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 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.
Find out what our students say
I found my career path in Finland
Combining Quality Education with Practical Experience
Studying Bioproduct engineering leads to highly-paid professional jobs
We offer quality programmes and courses
Game technology studies make me a professional in creative arts
Combining studies and work is what I was looking for
Your Xamk Starter Pack
Sign up for the Study at Xamk Newsletter, and you will receive information about Xamk, our programmes, application processes and open online studies and other courses.
Want to know more about studying in Finland and Xamk? Interested in studying in English? Please download our latest brochure.
Discover the distinct atmosphere and modern learning environments across Xamk’s campuses in Kotka, Kouvola, Mikkeli, and Savonlinna. Each campus city offers unique opportunities for studying, research, and personal growth, helping you find the perfect setting for your success.
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.
Entry into Force of the One Study Right Rule on 1 August 2026
The legislative amendments related to the One Study Right Rule (amendments to the Universities Act and the Universities of Applied Sciences Act) have been confirmed. This means that in the future, a student’s study rights at the same or lower level will be terminated if they accept a new study right leading to a degree. The aim of the legislative changes is to provide the opportunity to complete a higher education degree to as many people as possible who do not yet have a degree or a previous study right.
The provisions apply to universities’ lower and higher university degrees, universities of applied sciences’ bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees from universities of applied sciences. Doctoral degrees, commissioned education degrees, international joint and double degrees, and degrees from the National Defence University and the Police University College are excluded from the regulation.
The Finnish National Agency for Education is preparing the implementation of the legislative changes in the Studyinfo services. In the future, when a student accepts a study place, they will lose their existing study rights. At the moment of acceptance, the applicant will be shown which study rights will be terminated as a result. The decision to accept a study place—and thereby terminate previous study rights—is binding and cannot be changed afterwards.
The legislation enters into force on 1 August 2026. The One Study Right Rule will be applied for the first time in application rounds starting after 1 August 2026, in which students are selected for studies beginning on or after 1 January 2027. The rule will be in effect in the autumn joint application. It is important to note that a student’s previous study rights are terminated only when they accept a new study place; otherwise, existing study rights do not need to be relinquished.
Note: the One Study Right Rule does not concern Rolling admission (January 2027 intake) at Xamk because the application has started before the legislative change. The rule does concern all applications at Xamk that start after 1 August 2026.
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: