Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to read something for the entrance examination?
Pre-reading material for International Business entrance examination will be updated to our website before entrance examinations. Pre-reading material is not required for Information Technology.
FINNIPS entrance examination materials are not public, hence we cannot give any sample exams to applicants.
Do I need a visa or a residence permit?
Students from EU countries do not need a visa to study in Finland. Students from non-EU countries need a visa for a stay of more than three months in Finland.
More information can be found on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.
How much does it cost to study in a polytechnic/UAS?
At the moment there are no tuition fees for higher education in Finland. Students are expected to pay for their living costs, travel costs, study materials etc. Polytechnics’/UAS’ students can pay an annual membership fee to the student organisation SAMOK to get a student card. The student card grants certain benefits and discounts e.g. on travel etc.
How will I know when and where the entrance examination will take place and what will I need to bring with me?
All eligible applicants will receive an invitation letter to the entrance examination. The letter will inform you of the date and location of the exam. You will need to bring your passport/ID, writing equipment and in some cases a calculator etc. All the necessary information about examinations will be in the invitation letter.
Vaasa UAS is a member of FINNIPS network. More information at www.finnips.fi
I have already accepted a study place in a polytechnic/UAS for this academic year. Can I accept another study place in a university or a polytechnic during the same academic year?
You can only accept one new study place during the same academic term (1st August – 31st December). Acceptance of a study place is always binding and it cannot be altered or cancelled.
I will graduate in June 2013. Can I apply during the application period in January-February 2013?
Discretion can be used with non-EU applicants applying with foreign qualification if applicant does not graduate until June 2013. More information about discretionary admission can be found from admission criteria
Is it advisable to use a fee-charging agency to help with my application process?
Making an application to a Finnish polytechnic/UAS is always free of charge. The use of fee-charging agencies is not recommended. It is highly recommended that applicant submits online application his/herself. Also, the applicant should always use his/her own postal and e-mail address to ensure that he/she will receive all necessary information directly from the polytechnics/UAS.
My entrance examinations did not go as well as I expected due to personal circumstances. Can I appeal?
Personal circumstances such as illness, death in the family etc. are not considered to be valid reasons for a successful appeal.
What documents do I need to send to admissions office after applying?
Applicants applying with non-Finnish qualifications have to send copies of relevant educational certificates (final higher secondary school leaving certificate) and authorised translations of the certificates (stamped and signed by the translator) into English, Finnish or Swedish to the polytechnic/UAS of the applicant’s first choice. The copies must arrive by post by 22 February 2013 at 4.15 Finnish time (GMT +2hrs). Scanned or faxed copies are not accepted.
What is the number of admitted/ lowest admittance point?
Intake in 2013 is the following: Information Technology (43) and International Business (40)
There are two quotas for applicants applying for degree progammes conducted in English language. 50 % of applicants are admitted only on the basis of exam points (applicants with Finnish vocational degree and foreign qualification).
50 % of applicants are admitted on the basis of both exam points and points from degree certificate (applicants applying with Finnish matriculation examination, EB, IB, Reifeprüfung examination).
When are the results announced?
The results are announced on 28th May 2013 at the earliest. The results are posted to the applicants 16th July 2013 at the latest.
Where can I find accommodation?
In matters concerning housing in Vaasa, you can contact VOAS, Vaasa Student Housing Foundation.
