Program structure

The Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sustainable Forest Bioeconomy at the University of Eastern Finland is structured to provide a comprehensive education over three years, totaling 180 ECTS credits. The curriculum is organized into modules, each comprising several courses, and is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable forest management and bioeconomy.

Year 1: Foundations

• Introduction to Sustainable Forest Bioeconomy: Covers the basics of tree physiology, wood structure and properties, and forest ecology and management in boreal conditions.
• Forest Bioeconomy Analytics: Introduces methods for analyzing forest bioeconomy data.
• Diverse Communities, Responsibility, and Ethics: Explores the ethical dimensions and responsibilities within diverse communities related to forest bioeconomy.

Year 2: Ensuring Sustainability

• Sustainability Studies: Emphasizes the role of forests in contributing to people's and cultural well-being, with a special focus on sustainability.
• Integrated Management of Forest Ecosystems: Focuses on sustainable and integrated approaches to managing forest ecosystems.

Year 3: Specialization and Application

• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): Studies the application of ICT tools in sustainable forest management.
• Field Practices: Provides hands-on experience in forest management practices.
• Bachelor's Thesis: Involves conducting research and writing a thesis on a relevant topic in sustainable forest bioeconomy.
• Professional Traineeship: Offers practical work experience in the field.

Minor Subject Studies:

Students can select a minor subject to build on their specialization, choosing from disciplines such as sustainable business, social sciences, environmental policy, or language and communication studies.

International Opportunities:

The program includes the option to study a term abroad during the final year, leveraging UEF's extensive network of partner universities worldwide.

This structured approach ensures that graduates are proficient in applying fundamental research methods, utilizing digital learning environments, and assessing future trends in forest-related topics using foresight methods.

For detailed information and specific inquiries, please visit the official UEF website or contact the programme coordinator.

Fees and Funding

The Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sustainable Forest Bioeconomy at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) has the following tuition fees and funding options:

Tuition Fees:

• EU/EEA Nationals: No tuition fee.
• Non-EU/EEA Nationals: €10,000 per academic year.

Funding Opportunities:

• UEF Scholarship:

  • Coverage: 100% tuition waiver for the entire duration of the studies (3 years for Bachelor's programmes).
  • Eligibility: Awarded to the highest-ranked tuition fee-liable student based on admission results.
  • Application: Applicants can apply for this scholarship during the university application process by completing the relevant section on the application form.

• Tuition Waiver:

  • Coverage: Up to 50% of the tuition fee.
  • Eligibility: Granted to a limited number of applicants based on academic merit.
  • Application: Applicants can apply for this waiver during the university application process by completing the relevant section on the application form.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) offers several funding opportunities for students enrolled in the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sustainable Forest Bioeconomy:

1. UEF Scholarship:

• Coverage: 100% tuition waiver for the entire duration of the studies (3 years for Bachelor's programmes).
• Eligibility: Awarded to the highest-ranked tuition fee-liable student based on admission results.
• Application: Applicants subject to tuition fees can apply for this scholarship during the university application process by completing the relevant section on the application form.

2. Tuition Waiver:

• Coverage: Up to 50% of the tuition fee.
• Eligibility: Granted to a limited number of applicants based on academic merit.
• Application: Applicants can apply for this waiver during the university application process by completing the relevant section on the application form.

3. Finnish Language Scholarship:

• Coverage: Specific details are provided during the studies.
• Eligibility: Available to students who demonstrate progress in learning the Finnish language during their studies at UEF.
• Application: Information on applying for this scholarship is provided after enrollment.

Additional Considerations:

• Early Bird Discount: A one-time deduction of €500 for the autumn semester is available to students who accept their study place and pay the tuition fee within three weeks of the result publication.
• Living Expenses: Scholarships and tuition waivers do not cover living expenses or travel costs to Finland. Applicants should ensure they have adequate funds to cover these expenses.
• Financial Planning: Prospective students are advised to finalize their financial plans well in advance, as scholarships and waivers are limited and competitive.

For detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to UEF's official Tuition Fees, Waivers, and Scholarships page.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sustainable Forest Bioeconomy at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Background:

• Secondary Education: Completion of an upper secondary education qualification that provides eligibility for university-level bachelor's studies in the awarding country.

2. Language Proficiency:

• English Language Skills: Proficiency in English is mandatory. Applicants can demonstrate this by:
  • Language Tests: Achieving the minimum required scores in recognized English language tests, such as:
    • TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 92, with a minimum of 22 in writing.
    • IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in writing.
    • PTE Academic: Overall score of 62, with a minimum of 54 in writing.
  • Previous Education: Completing a secondary education or higher degree in English in EU/EEA countries, or in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States. The degree must be taught and assessed entirely in English.

3. Application Documents:

• Educational Certificates: Officially certified copies of the upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records, along with English translations if the originals are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish.
• Proof of English Proficiency: Valid language test results or documentation of exemption.
• Motivation Letter: A letter outlining the applicant's reasons for applying to the programme and how it aligns with their career goals.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting educational background, work experience, and other relevant information.
• Copy of Passport: A copy of the information page of the applicant's passport.

4. Application Process:

• Application Period: The application window is from January 8 to January 22, 2025.
• Submission: Applications are submitted online through the Studyinfo.fi portal.
• Document Submission Deadline: All required documents must be uploaded by January 29, 2025, at 15:00 (Helsinki time, GMT+3).

For detailed information and specific inquiries, please visit the official UEF website or contact the programme coordinator.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sustainable Forest Bioeconomy at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), please follow these steps:

1. Application Period:

• Start Date: January 8
• End Date: January 22, at 15:00 (UTC+2)

2. Application Portal:

• Submit your application through the national Studyinfo portal: studyinfo.fi

3. Required Documents:

• Educational Certificates: Officially certified copies of your upper secondary education certificate and transcript of records.
• Proof of English Proficiency: Valid language test results or documentation of exemption.
• Motivation Letter: A letter outlining your reasons for applying to the programme and how it aligns with your career goals.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting your educational background, work experience, and other relevant information.
• Copy of Passport: A copy of the information page of your passport.

4. Document Submission Deadline:

• All required documents must be uploaded to the application form by January 29, 2025, at 15:00 (UTC+2).

5. Application Instructions:

• Ensure all documents are in PDF or JPEG format, with a maximum file size of 1.0 GB.
• Upload each document to the appropriate section of the application form.
• Scanned copies of original documents are accepted; paper copies are not required during the application period.
• Late submissions will not be processed.

6. Contact Information:

• For assistance, contact UEF Admissions Office: admissions@uef.fi

For detailed information and specific inquiries, please visit the official UEF website or contact the programme coordinator.