Finland is an appealing choice for international students. If you want to study in a multicultural setting with hands-on teaching, and to start building a professional network while you are still on the course, HAMK University in Finland is worth a close look. It focuses on applied sciences, uses current technology in its teaching, runs English-taught programmes and offers a supportive environment for students from abroad.
With that in mind, this article introduces HAMK for anyone applying for a Finland student visa and explains how admission to the university works.
The history of HAMK University in Finland
Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) is one of the oldest and most respected universities of applied sciences in Finland. Its roots go back to 1840 and the founding of an agricultural institute, and today, with several schools and campuses, it ranks among the ten leading universities in Finland.
HAMK began with higher education in agriculture and forestry, including the forestry school at Evo, and over the following decades added new fields in technology, design, teacher education and business, before taking its present form as a university of applied sciences.
Today the university runs seven campuses across the Kanta-Häme and Pirkanmaa regions, works closely with Finnish and European industry and teaches through practical, project-based methods. That makes it a common destination for international students looking for a good education in a multicultural setting with real history behind it.
HAMK website: https://www.hamk.fi/en/
Schools and fields of study at HAMK
HAMK is organised across several campuses and offers a wide range of subjects and degree programmes. Its seven main campuses each deliver their own programmes in English and Finnish, covering the following fields:
- Design, including sustainable design, service design and industrial design
- Business Administration & Entrepreneurship, with pathways in management, digital marketing and international trade
- Information technology and ICT, including software development, data engineering and cyber security
- Engineering, Technology & Traffic, with subjects such as mechanical engineering, industrial automation and energy technology
- Natural Resources & Biotechnology, including smart agriculture, forestry and environmental management
- Health & Social Services, including nursing, social services and rehabilitation
- Professional Teacher Education, training teachers and vocational instructors to an international standard
HAMK currently offers more than 29 bachelor’s programmes and 13 master’s programmes, of which around 14 are taught in English.
That range means students can pick a programme that matches their interests and career plans, and build practical skills alongside the theory.
Our suggestion: to help you choose a subject, read our article on the best subjects to study in Finland.
Facilities at HAMK
Alongside its range of applied programmes, HAMK has well-equipped campuses and specialist laboratories, so students get both theory and practice on the same course.
Close links with Finnish and European industry, the networking that comes with them and a learning-by-doing approach are among the strengths of HAMK’s schools, and they raise the quality of the teaching. With that context, here is what admission involves.
How to get admission to HAMK University in Finland
Admission to HAMK requires a certificate in English or Finnish and an application submitted before the deadline. Read the application requirements in the Come to study section of the university website, because deadlines differ between programmes and some require a portfolio or an online entrance test.
The main conditions are original and translated copies of your previous qualifications and transcripts, a language certificate, proof of funds to cover tuition, and payment of the application fee where one applies.
Documents required for HAMK admission
Prepare the following documents and have them translated into English or Finnish. Originals plus translations are required in most cases, and everything must be submitted before the deadline.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Valid for at least six months beyond the end of studies |
| Most recent academic qualification | With an English, Swedish or Finnish translation |
| Academic transcripts | With an English, Swedish or Finnish translation |
| Motivation letter | Explaining why HAMK was chosen |
| Pass the online entrance exam or submit a portfolio | For some art subjects such as design |
Student visa and residence permit
Once you have an offer, you can book an appointment at a Finnish mission to submit documents and give biometrics. Students apply for a Finnish long-stay national D visa and a residence permit for studies, preparing every document on the checklist the mission publishes, which also sets out the route to permanent residence later on.
The documents usually include the offer letter, proof of funds or a scholarship letter covering living costs and tuition, health insurance, a valid passport and academic records.
HAMK tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition at HAMK for students from outside the EU is EUR 9,700 a year at bachelor’s level and EUR 11,700 a year at master’s level. Citizens of EU and EEA countries and Switzerland do not pay tuition and study at HAMK free of charge.
Any student who meets the admission requirements can also apply for a scholarship, which reduces the amount of proof of funds required for the residence permit application and lowers the overall cost of studying and living in Finland.
The university’s scholarships cover both bachelor’s and master’s students and are awarded as follows:
- Bachelor’s scholarships, conditional on Finnish language skills at CEFR level A2 or B1
- Master’s scholarships, conditional on Finnish language skills at CEFR level A2
- Award funds, granted after a review by the finance team where academic progress is satisfactory
Benefits of studying at HAMK University in Finland
After graduating from HAMK you can look for work in Finland and, with a job offer from a Finnish employer, apply to move from a student permit to a Finnish work permit. Other advantages include:
- Applied, project-based teaching
- A focus on learning by doing
- A wide subject range and English-taught options
- A comfortable, safe place to live
- A distinctive student experience and a high quality of life
- A route to Finnish residence through a work permit
- Close ties between the university and industry
- Study in a multicultural, professional environment
- Professional networking that feeds into your career
- Scholarships and Early Bird discounts
Study in Finland with Aval Visa
Studying at HAMK University in Finland gives international students the chance to take a degree in an advanced, practical and multicultural setting. Seven modern campuses, a broad set of English-taught programmes, close industry cooperation, good research facilities and a transparent admissions system make it a sound option for higher education in Europe.
To apply to HAMK and start your life in Finland, contact the Aval Visa office and leave the process to our team. Your job is to prepare for the language test; once you have a valid certificate, we handle admission, correspondence with the university, embassy appointments and the paperwork. With careful planning you can work through this route with confidence and make the most of what is on offer.
Frequently asked questions
- Does HAMK teach in English? Yes. The university offers around 14 bachelor’s programmes and a number of master’s programmes in English.
- How do HAMK graduates do in the job market? According to the university’s annual report, around 87% of HAMK graduates find work without difficulty after finishing their studies, which reflects its industry links and practical teaching.
- How are students selected for bachelor’s programmes? Depending on the programme, selection may be based on school performance, an entrance exam or a standardised test such as the SAT.
