FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences offers Bachelor and Master degree programmes for international applicants. You can apply to SEAMK through direct application or the joint application processes or via several separate applications. Applications to SEAMK are submitted through the Studyinfo.fi website.(Opens in a new window) Any exceptions to the application periods or processes are indicated on the page of the specific application period on the Admissions page.

As of 1 January 2025, citizens of countries outside the EU, the EEA or Switzerland are required to pay an application fee in order to apply for higher education studies. If you are from outside the above-mentioned area and apply for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Finland, you will be required to pay an application fee. The application fee is €100. Further information is available on the Studyinfo.fi website.(Opens in a new window)

Different applications have different eligibility criteria. Eligibity criteria can be found at Studyinfo.fi website.(Opens in a new window)

Eligibility will be checked according to the eligibility criteria. Different applications have different eligibility criteria so please check the eligibility criteria at Studyinfo.fi website.(Opens in a new window)

Different applications have different eligibility criteria. Eligibity criteria with the attachment requirements can be found at Studyinfo.fi website.(Opens in a new window)

Different applications have different eligibility criteria. Eligibity criteria with the attachment requirements can be found at Studyinfo.fi website.(Opens in a new window)

Eligibility will be checked according to the eligibility criteria. Different applications have different eligibility criteria so please check the eligibility criteria at Studyinfo.fi website.(Opens in a new window)

Eligibility will be checked according to the eligibility criteria. Different applications have different eligibility criteria so please check the eligibility criteria at Studyinfo.fi website.(Opens in a new window)

Eligibility will be checked according to the eligibility criteria. Different applications have different eligibility criteria so please check the eligibility criteria at Studyinfo.fi website.(Opens in a new window)

Results of admission will be published according to the eligibility criteria. You can find the eligibility criteria at Studyinfo.fi website.(Opens in a new window)

Results of admission will be published according to the eligibility criteria. You can find the eligibility criteria at Studyinfo.fi website.(Opens in a new window)

You can find more information about registering and study right at SEAMK’s Registration and right to study page.

You can find more information about registering and study right at SEAMK’s Registration and right to study page.

• Teaching at SEAMK is delivered in a variety of ways, depending on the degree programme:
  • on-campus teaching, mainly during weekdays. For Master’s degree programmes, teaching may also take place in the evenings and at weekends.
  • multimodal, blended learning, combining on-campus teaching with independent study at home, often online.
  • nnline learning, where studies are completed independently, primarily through online learning environments.
• In all modes of study, students work both independently and as part of a group.
• Studying is collaborative and practice-oriented. Studies include small-group work, lectures, simulation-based learning, project work, online studies, and practical training.
• Learning is based on real-life workplace situations where you apply what you have learned. You will develop your information retrieval and processing skills, teamwork skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.
• During your studies, you will also gain expertise in digital technologies and sustainability principles, both of which are essential in the future world of work.

University of applied sciences studies

The system of universities of applied sciences is based on Finland’s national and regional needs in education. Universities of applied sciences provide a practical alternative to academic universities and offer the highest level of education in the professional fields represented by them. During their studies, students acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical professional skills required in working life as well as the practical professional skills required of experts in a given field.

Teaching at universities of applied sciences is based on science but involves a practical orientation. A wide range of teaching and learning methods are utilised, and the amount of contact teaching is varying. Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning. Student-centered learning is an essential part of studies. Some of the studies may be online. In changing and developing society, information is constantly being renewed. For this reason, skills in communication and information search are emphasized, as well as the upkeep and development of one’s study and learning techniques. It is also important that students acquire a positive attitude toward lifelong learning while studying.

The aim of studies at universities of applied sciences is to train independent, creative experts capable of collaboration with others, who are internationally oriented and work in field-related jobs associated with planning/design, development, consultation, training, management and entrepreneurship in constantly changing and developing society.

One of the strengths of the universities of applied sciences lies in their international activities; indeed, international activities are an integral part of today’s working life. Students may complete a double degree or a joint degree in the fields of business and engineering based on the agreements of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences and its partner universities abroad, or complete part of their studies or practical training abroad.

Studies completed abroad are accepted as part of the degree completed in Finland. Universities of applied sciences also offer degree programmes and individual courses that are taught completely in a foreign language. There are also foreign students from different parts of the world studying at universities of applied sciences.

Cooperation with business, labour, cultural and public and private organisations is an integral part of the activities of universities of applied sciences. Practical training, various projects and theses are implemented together with various companies and other organisations. Many students have said that the practical training is one of the best stages of their studies at a university of applied sciences. The traineeship post may have a significant impact on the student’s future, as it may be their first proper place of employment after they graduate.

Structure of the studies of universities of applied sciences

Studies at universities of applied sciences are organised into degree programmes, which vary in the number of credits they accrue (210 to 240) and the length of time required to complete the programme (3.5 to 4 years).

A degree programme is a course of study focusing on a specific working life task area requiring professional expertise and on its development.

Degree programmes may also have different elective lines of specialisation or areas of emphasis.

The studies leading to Bachelor’s degree consist of Basic Studies, Professional Studies, practical training, free elective studies and a Final Thesis/Project. The studies and the related teaching are organised into courses. There are compulsory, optional, elective and free choice elective courses. The curriculum of each degree programme defines the extent of a course in credits (ECTS), and objective(s), content, literature/study material, learning methods, assessment and possible courses that students may be required to complete before attending the course in question. The curriculum may also define the RDI credits produced by the course.

The extent of the studies is measured with the ECTS credit unit system. Credits are allotted to courses according to the amount of work required to complete them. An average of 1,600 hours of work, required to complete one academic year of study, is equivalent to 60 ECTS credits.

More information is available at the Study Guide website.(Opens in a new window)

Tuition fee is applicable to degree students who are not citizens of countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. Non-EU/EEA citizens, who confirm that they accept the study place in an English-taught Bachelor or Master degree programme are charged tuition fees. There is no tuition fee for EU/EEA citizens, exchange students or double degree students. First year degree students need to pay the tuition fee at the same time when accepting the study place. The tuition fee must be paid in one installment. For the following study years, the tuition fee must be paid in one installment yearly when registering for the next academic year. See the amounts of tuition fees for bachelor and master degree programmes on the Tuition fees page.

Check the latest information on tuition fees and scholarships on the Tuition fees page.

You can find more information about registering and study right at SEAMK’s Registration and right to study page.

You can find more information about registering and study right at SEAMK’s Registration and right to study page.

You can find information on the cost of living at SEAMK’s Cost of living in Seinäjoki page.

You can find information on the cost of living at SEAMK’s Cost of living in Seinäjoki page.

Seinäjoki is a vibrant and entrepreneurial city with plenty of space for student life, excellent study opportunities, a wide range of leisure activities, and a rich cultural offering.

Find out more about Seinäjoki and the South Ostrobothnia region!

Geographically the city’s location and connections are fantastic. Seinäjoki is a city on a railway junction, allowing quick train travel around Finland, for example, to Helsinki less than 3 hours, to Oulu in 3 hours and to Tampere in an hour. Journeys around the great small city flow smoothly with short distances to services. 

Learn more about public transport!

• Train trips | VR.fi(Opens in a new window)
• Local bus service in Seinäjoki | Komia Liikenne(Opens in a new window)
• Other bus services | Matkahuolto(Opens in a new window)

In Seinäjoki you will find all the elements for a good life. Seinäjoki offers a wide variety of sports, outdoor, cultural and recreational opportunities, all year round. The city is well-known as a lively event city. The most famous large events include Provinssi, the Tangomarkkinat Festival and Vauhtiajot.

Learn more about the recreational opportunities and cultural offerings!

• Student Union SAMO(Opens in a new window)
• Seinäjoki cultural and sports services | Seinajoki.fi(Opens in a new window)
• Visit Seinäjoki Region(Opens in a new window)
• South Ostrobothnia region’s event calendar(Opens in a new window)
• Seinäjoki Adult Education Centre(Opens in a new window)

At Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SEAMK), students are at the heart of everything we do. We value our students highly, and maintaining a high standard of teaching, along with continuous development, is a priority for us. We have close links with working life and industry partners. Our campus is located in a beautiful riverside setting in the centre of Seinäjoki, providing a pleasant environment for studying and social interaction. We invest in internationalisation, and our teaching emphasises entrepreneurship and a strong connection to working life. High-quality online learning methods complement the on-campus teaching.

Our campus extends across both sides of the River Seinäjoki. On the city side, Kampustalo houses learning environments and classrooms for Health Care and Social Work, as well as the SEAMK Library and a Sodexo café and student restaurant. Just a short distance away, on the other side of the river in the Frami A–H buildings, you will find learning environments and classrooms for Business, Culture, Technology, as well as Food and Hospitality and Natural Resources. The main building of the SEAMK Campus, Frami F, also houses SEAMK’s administration and Student Services, the Student Union SAMO office, a Sodexo student restaurant, and Café Tsumppi, operated by Seinäjoki Student Services. Frami F also has two gyms, located on the basement level and on the sixth floor. An outdoor gym, available to everyone, is situated between the Frami F and Frami H buildings. Kampustalo also features a mirrored studio that can be used for activities such as group exercise classes.

Approximately 6,000 students and over 400 experts work and study at SEAMK every day. Multidisciplinarity is one of our key strengths. You can study for a bachelor’s degree in over 20 degree programmes and for a master’s degree in 14 programmes. We also offer open university of applied sciences studies and continuing education. Co-creation and collaboration with working life are important to us – both in education and in research, development and innovation activities.

SEAMK has performed excellently in recent years in the nationwide graduand feedback questionnaire conducted among graduating students (AVOP). According to the results, our students are satisfied with studying at SEAMK. They particularly value SEAMK’s learning environments, international opportunities, support for entrepreneurial skills, and the quality of teaching. Student support services, links to working life, and career guidance have also received praise.

Find out more about the SEAMK Campus here »

SEAMK Campus is located close to Seinäjoki city centre. For example, the campus is only about a 15-minute walk from the railway station. You can also reach the campus by bus from the city centre.

Student life at SEAMK is diverse and full of different experiences, combining studies with friends, events, and personal wellbeing.

In Seinäjoki, you will find all the ingredients for a good quality of life. The city offers a wide range of outdoor, cultural, and leisure activities throughout the year. Seinäjoki is also known for its vibrant events scene, with some of its best-known major events including Provinssi, Tangomarkkinat (the Tango Festival), and Vauhtiajot.

Many SEAMK students also visit, work at, or complete trainign periods and internships within the city’s and region’s numerous events.

The Student Union SAMO and SEAMK’s own wellbeing team also provide plenty of opportunities and activities for meeting other students and finding enjoyable things to do together.

Explore the opportunities available:

• Student Union SAMO(Opens in a new window)
• Seinäjoki cultural and sports services | Seinajoki.fi(Opens in a new window)
• Visit Seinäjoki Region(Opens in a new window)