Eligibility for studies at universities of applied sciences depends on completing the - Finnish Matriculation examination or upper secondary examination - European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate or Reifeprüfung examination - vocational qualification of three years or more in duration - a foreign degree or qualification which gives eligibility for higher education in the awarding country A vocational qualification of less than three years in duration gives eligibility to a corresponding field of study. Eligibility for polytechnic/UAS studies in a corresponding field of study may be broadened into general eligibility for polytechnic/UAS studies. Those applicants who are applying with competence based vocational qualification, competence based further vocational qualification or non-Finnish qualifications must have completed their studies by the end of the application period. If an applicant who is applying with a non-Finnish qualification is a citizen of an EU/EEA-country, he/she can apply if the qualification is completed during the spring of applying. The admission of such EU/EEA –applicant completing his/her education in the spring of applying is conditional until the polytechnic/UAS has checked the applicant’s final certificates. In order to demonstrate eligibility to UAS studies, an applicant applying with a non-Finnish qualification must provide a copy of the original certificate by the set date. This does not apply to those applicants who are citizens of an EU/EEA-country and who are completing their qualification in the spring of applying. The universities of applied sciences (UAS) only accept final certificates awarded by national and regional bodies granting educational certificates. Therefore various other documents such as "Testimonials", "Statements of Results", "Examination Results" or "Result Slips" are not considered as official certificates. Please note, that if you have a scratch card, it is advisable to attach the card to your final certificate.
Applicants are required to have good oral and written skills in English. Applicant who is not a citizen of EU/EEA -country must provide proof of his/her English language skills by 19th February 2010 to the admissions office of his/her first preference university of applied sciences. In order to prove the applicant's English language skills, he/she must provide one of the following minimum requirements:
Both TOEFL and IELTS test results are valid for two years. The Finnish general language examination does not have a set date of validity. TOEFL score results are only accepted directly from the Educational Testing Service. The TOEFL code for Kajaani UAS is 1563. Please use this when ordering the test results to be sent directly to Kajaani UAS. In addition, primary and secondary school education in English completed in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, or a Bachelors or Masters degree completed in English in one of these countries, is also accepted as a demonstration of sufficient English language skills. The language certificate or an officially notarised copy of the certificate together with other relevant certificates must be delivered to the admissions office by 19th February 2010 at 4.15 pm Finnish time.