The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) has specific admission requirements for both Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, with some variation depending on the program and the student’s background. Below is an overview of the general admission criteria:
1. Master’s Degree Programs (International Students)
To apply for a Master’s degree program at UEF, international students must meet the following requirements:
General Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution. The degree should be in a related field to the Master's program you are applying for.
English language proficiency: Proof of sufficient English skills is required, usually through one of the following:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 92 (internet-based test).
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum score of 6.5.
Cambridge English Proficiency: A C1 level or higher.
Other equivalent tests or previous education conducted in English may also be considered.
Specific Program Requirements:
Each Master's program may have additional specific admission criteria related to academic background or previous coursework in a specific field of study. Check the individual program page for detailed requirements.
Some programs may also require additional documents, such as portfolios (for design-related programs) or motivation letters.
Application Process:
Online Application: You must apply through the official Studyinfo.fi portal, where you can choose your desired program and submit all required documents.
Application Documents: Typically required documents include:
Bachelor’s degree certificate (or equivalent).
Official transcripts of previous studies.
English language proficiency test results.
CV or Resume.
Motivation letter (for some programs).
Letters of recommendation (in some cases).
Passport copy (for identification purposes).
2. Bachelor’s Degree Programs
UEF primarily offers Master’s programs in English, but if you're interested in Bachelor’s degree programs, the following requirements apply (though most programs are offered in Finnish):
General Requirements:
Upper secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent) and meeting the entry requirements of the specific Bachelor’s program.
Language proficiency: Finnish language proficiency is required for most Bachelor’s programs, as the majority of them are taught in Finnish. Some programs may have English-taught courses or full English programs, so check the specific program’s language requirements.
Entrance exams: Some Bachelor’s programs may require participation in an entrance exam.
Application Process:
Application portal: For Bachelor's programs, applications are usually made through the Studyinfo.fi portal. You will need to provide your academic documents and proof of language skills.
Additional tests: Some programs may also require additional exams or tests for admission, particularly in competitive fields.
3. Ph.D. Programs
Master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
Applicants must contact potential supervisors and have an approved research plan before applying.
Proficiency in English is required, and applicants may need to submit proof of language skills.
Research proposal: Applicants need to submit a detailed research plan for their PhD studies.
4. Scholarship Applications
Non-EU/EEA students applying for Master’s programs may apply for UEF’s scholarships. Scholarships typically cover tuition fees and sometimes a portion of living costs.
Scholarship eligibility is often linked to academic merit, and students do not need to submit a separate application for scholarships if they apply for a Master’s program.
5. Deadlines
Master’s programs: The application period usually runs from December to January for the following academic year, though exact deadlines vary. Always check the specific program website for deadlines.
Bachelor’s programs: Admission deadlines vary, with most programs having application windows in the spring.
6. Additional Considerations
Recognition of prior learning: If you’ve completed studies outside of Finland, your academic credentials will need to be evaluated by UEF to ensure they meet the university’s entry requirements.
Visa and residence permit: Non-EU students will need to apply for a student visa or residence permit, which requires proof of admission and financial means.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official UEF admissions website or the Studyinfo.fi portal.