Pathway studies to a university of applied sciences

Pathway to higher education

Pathway studies offer a great opportunity to transition smoothly into higher education. By completing pathway study packages, you can apply for a degree programme at a university of applied sciences without entrance exams.

“Graduates of vocational qualifications have strengths in university of applied sciences studies, particularly in vocational competence, work experience, and workplace skills.”

Source: Evaluation conducted by the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) in 2022–2023.

Pathway studies in a nutshell

As a pathway student, you study a package of university of applied sciences courses alongside your vocational qualification, giving you the opportunity to apply to a university of applied sciences through a separate admission route without entrance exams.

Some pathway studies require an application, while others allow direct enrolment.

If you are admitted to a university of applied sciences through the pathway, you will already have completed credits waiting for you. It is also possible to include around 5–15 ECVET credits of higher education studies as part of your vocational qualification, giving you double benefit from some studies.

After pathway studies at Haaga-Helia, you can apply to study for a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Bachelor of Business Information Technology. At Laurea, you can apply to Business Information Technology studies in cybersecurity in Finnish or English. At Metropolia, you can apply to study as an IT engineer, Bachelor of Business Administration, or in international business. In addition, VAMK offers online pathway studies in business, and Lapland University of Applied Sciences offers online pathways to business and IT degrees.

A vocational qualification provides general eligibility for higher education. You are not required to complete pathway studies in order to progress to further education. You can apply to universities of applied sciences through certificate-based selection or entrance exams, and to universities through entrance exams either immediately after graduation or later after working life experience.

If you have questions about pathway studies or want to learn more about your options, contact your study counsellor. They will help you find the best route towards further studies.

For more information about pathway studies in general: Liisa Niskakangas, Education Planner, liisa.niskakangas@bc.fi