Xamk has the best reputation among universities of applied sciences in Finland

Xamk’s reputation is built on a solid foundation and is on the rise. The survey highlighted Xamk’s clearest strengths as high-quality education and research, development, and innovation activities that make an impact. The areas where Xamk showed the greatest improvement were employer reputation and interaction. Additionally, stakeholder support has improved and is now at a good level.

“In recent years, we have focused on strengthening cooperation with working life and stakeholders, ensuring flexible study options across our degree programmes, solving real problems through our R&D, and expanding our open university of applied sciences provision. It is a pleasure to see that Xamk is also regarded as a good and attractive employer. First place is a fantastic result!” says a delighted Heikki Saastamoinen, CEO and President of Xamk.

The survey assesses reputation across eight categories: governance, financial performance, leadership, innovations, dialogue, products and services, workplace, and responsibility. The overall score is calculated as the average of the categories.

“What is particularly promising in Xamk’s results is the long-term, positive development of its reputation. This trend appears to run counter to the public’s opinion of universities of applied sciences in Finland,” notes Susanna Saarenpää, specialist from Reputation and Trust Analytics.

“Public opinion also highlights Xamk’s strong role as a regional actor. Regional impact is clearly seen as important, and this is reflected positively in Xamk’s reputation and attractiveness as an employer,” Saarenpää continues.

The 2026 survey of universities of applied sciences assessed the public reputation of UASs in Finland. All 24 universities of applied sciences participated in the study. The target group consisted of residents aged 15–65 nationwide. There were a total of 5,036 respondents. Data were collected via an online survey between 3 and 30 March 2026.

In recent years, we have focused on strengthening cooperation with working life and stakeholders, ensuring flexible study options across our degree programmes, solving real problems through our R&D, and expanding our open university of applied sciences provision. It is a pleasure to see that Xamk is also regarded as a good and attractive employer. First place is a fantastic result!

For more information, contact Tiivi Pukkila-Nupponen, Head of Communication and Marketing  on +358 40 521 1809