Open University of Applied Sciences

The Open University of Applied Sciences offers a flexible way to complete courses of Bachelor Degree or Master Degree programmes regardless of educational background and age. You can study specific subjects you are interested in, or subjects you need in order to maintain and improve your professional competencies.

Are studies at the Open University of Applied Sciences suitable for you?

The studies of the Open University of Applied Sciences suit you if you:

  • want to improve yourself or your work-life professional competencies
  • are planning to apply to a university of applied sciences
  • want to become familiar with studying at a university of applied sciences
  • are interested in the POLKU Pathway Studies of Open University of Applied Sciences to pursue a degree

Guide to Studies at Open University of Applied Sciences

Guide tells you what you can study at Open University of Applied Sciences, how and how much it costs.

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POLKU studies at SeAMK

POLKU Studies refer to the option in which you complete the first year’s studies of some Degree Programme at Open University of Applied Sciences, after or during which you apply as a regular student for the Degree Programme.

Studies at Open University of Applied Sciences do not lead directly to a degree, but if you later apply to Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences as a degree student, these studies can be credited in the Degree Programme, whenever applicable.

Fees and invoicing

The fee for Open University studies is 12 euros per one ECTS. For master level studies, the fee is 15 euros per one ECTS. 

The fee  for POLKU Studies for the entire academic year is 300 euros. For master’s level degree POLKU Studies, the fee is 150 euros.

Studying at Open UAS

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

  • 1. What is the difference between university of applied sciences and studies at Open University of Applied Sciences?

    Degree students studying at universities of applied sciences complete a Degree Programme of 210 or 240 credits. When you take courses at an Open University of Applied Sciences, you can complete some parts and modules of these Degree Programmes.

  • 2. Can I earn a Degree at Open University of Applied Sciences?

    At the Open University of Applied Sciences, you don’t write a thesis or do a traineeship. However, if you apply for a degree programme and are accepted, any studies completed at the Open University of Applied Sciences can be applied to equivalent Degree Programme studies for credit.

  • 3. What studies can you complete through Open University of Applied Sciences?

    Find out more about the studies of the Open University of Applied Sciences at the Study Guide. In addition, it is also possible to complete, together with degree students, regular studies of the Degree Programmes, i.e., other than those of Open University of Applied Sciences (provided that there is room in the groups and that there are no other specific requirements). Such degree students’ groups can be joined accordingly, depending on the field of education. Search the Study Guide for interesting studies and ask the corresponding Faculty department about the opportunity to participate in the courses of your choice. In case you do not find a suitable course in the Study Guide, it is advisable to also utilise its word search function when online. Ensure the language of the course is suitable for you (Finnish or English).

  • 4. How can I enrol for Open University of Applied Sciences studies?

    Enrolment for studies is done using an electronic registration form. If you are interested in completing more extensive study modules of a specific Degree Programme or if you are interested in POLKU studies in a Degree Programme and you are planning to apply for as a degree student later on, consult the contact person of the Open University of Applied Sciences of the Faculty providing the Degree Programme of your choice.

  • 5. Is there an entrance examination for Open University of Applied Sciences?

    No, there is not. Open University studies provide an opportunity to complete higher education studies, irrespective of age and educational background. To complete regular studies of a Degree Programme, the student may be required to have previous studies in the field, or there may be other requirements.

  • 6. What is meant by credit and Personal Curriculum?

    The extension of studies is defined as credits. One credit corresponds to an average of 27 hours of student work. It consists of classroom learning and independent work. The Personal Curriculum defines, among other things, the student’s goals, studies and schedules for the consistent progress of the studies.

  • 7. Who can I ask for more information about the studies?

    You can get more information about the studies from jatkuva.oppiminen@seamk.fi.

  • 8. Can I complete parts of specialisation studies or courses of a Master-level Degree Programme through Open University of Applied Sciences?

    At present, you cannot complete parts of specialisation studies, but it is possible to complete parts of a Master’s Degree also through Open University of Applied Sciences. As a rule, in order to attend Master-level courses, you must first have a Bachelor’s Degree.