fi-Blog:Entering a Finnish University of Applied Sciences
I applied to the Finnish University of Applied Sciences this spring, and luckily I have passed.
Let me show current information about the Finnish application system.
In Finland, people wishing to get upper secondary education or higher education apply during "yhteishaku," meaning the joint application is open every spring and autumn. They visit Studyinfo, a database and online application system provided by the Finnish National Agency for Education and Ministry of Education and Culture, to get information such as curriculums, requirements, and apply to schools.
1. Roughly about Finnish schools
- ammattiopisto (vocational high school)
- lukio (high school)
- ammattikorkeakoulu (university of applied schiences)
- yliopisto (university)
Both universities and universities of applied sciences have bachelor's and master's degrees.
2. What is Studyinfo?
It is a combined online service of educational institutions database and application system. After logged into Studyinfo, people can see their completed school information, such as transcriptions on screen. They don't need to scan certificates because they are automatically shared with the school they apply to.
3. Entering schools in Finland
Compare to Japan, entering universities and universities of applied sciences is harder in Finland. Some business schools and design schools are private, and else is run by the government in this country. It is well known, but the tuition fee is free. Schools are not business here, so universities/universities of applied sciences accept only those who meet the required standard for admission. No one can buy his way into school. It feels that education truly is an investment for the country's future.
A good point of Finnish culture is that people aren't judged only by academic achievement. Higher education doesn't always suit everyone. People do what they can, that's it, and it's okay. I guess that way of thinking is one reason why Finland is the happiest country in the world.
Also, everyone always has an opportunity to start studying even they aren't from a wealthy family or young. As already referred before, the tuition fee is free, so people don't need to worry about money. Moreover, students can get financial support from the government so that they can concentrate on their studies.
4. In my case
I majored in intercultural understanding at my university in Japan and came to Finland as an exchange student in 2010. After moving to Helsinki, I studied at a vocational school from 2015 to 2017, and this autumn, I start my study at a university of applied sciences. At both the vocational school and the university of applied sciences, I was/am in courses in the Finnish language.
My major at the university of applied sciences is Cultural Management, and my course is totally online. The school provides materials in moodle/bb and other platforms, and students can study at their own pace. It is convenient for us because we can manage our schedules by ourselves. I am excited. It suits me perfectly because my job is to arrange things and manage my time and business.
I am going to be a producer. Creating and arranging projects/events is what I will mainly do in my future. If you have any ideas for projects or events, please feel free to let me know! I am planning to arrange a Finland theme street festival in Japan shortly.
We are happy to make research the Finnish and the Japanese education system and social welfare.
Last edited on 28.4.2021