Novia University of Applied Sciences was established in 2008 through the merger of Sydväst Polytechnic and Svenska yrkeshögskolan.
It is the largest Swedish-speaking university of applied sciences in Finland.
Novia has multiple campuses located in different cities: Vaasa, Turku, Raseborg, and Jakobstad. Each campus offers a unique set of programs and specialized facilities.
Novia offers a variety of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs across several fields, including:
Business Administration
Engineering
Health Care and Nursing
Maritime Studies
Natural Resources
Social Services
Arts and Humanities
Most programs are offered in Swedish, but there are also programs available in English to cater to international students.
The university emphasizes hands-on learning, with strong connections to local industries and practical training components embedded in most programs. This includes internships, project work, and real-world problem solving.
International Business (offered in English)
Business Management
Automation Technology
Industrial Management and Engineering
Information Technology
Maritime Management (Captain and Marine Engineer) (offered in English)
Energy Technology
Construction Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Nursing (offered in English and Swedish)
Social Services
Sustainable Coastal Management
Agriculture and Rural Development
Forestry
Fine Arts
Design
Music Pedagogy
Maritime Management (offered in English)
Marine Technology
Leadership and Service Design (offered in English)
Digital Business and Management (offered in English)
Automation Technology
Industrial Management and Engineering
Information Technology
Advanced Nursing Practice
Health Promotion
Natural Resource Management
Environmental Engineering
Arts Management
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
---|---|---|
Business Administration |
|
|
International Business (English) |
3.5 years |
$9,000 |
Business Management |
3.5 years |
$9,000 |
Technology and Engineering |
|
|
Automation Technology |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Industrial Management and Engineering |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Information Technology |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Maritime Management (English) |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Energy Technology |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Construction Engineering |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Electrical Engineering |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Environmental Engineering |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Health Care and Social Services |
|
|
Nursing (English and Swedish) |
3.5 years |
$9,000 |
Social Services |
3.5 years |
$9,000 |
Natural Resources and Environment |
|
|
Sustainable Coastal Management |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Agriculture and Rural Development |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Forestry |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Arts and Humanities |
|
|
Fine Arts |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Design |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Music Pedagogy |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Maritime Studies |
|
|
Maritime Management (English) |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Marine Technology |
4 years |
$11,000 |
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
---|---|---|
Business and Administration |
|
|
Leadership and Service Design (English) |
2 years |
$10,000 |
Digital Business and Management (English) |
2 years |
$10,000 |
Technology and Engineering |
|
|
Automation Technology |
2 years |
$11,000 |
Industrial Management and Engineering |
2 years |
$11,000 |
Information Technology |
2 years |
$11,000 |
Health Care and Social Services |
|
|
Advanced Nursing Practice |
2 years |
$10,000 |
Health Promotion |
2 years |
$10,000 |
Natural Resources and Environment |
|
|
Natural Resource Management |
2 years |
$11,000 |
Environmental Engineering |
2 years |
$11,000 |
Culture and Arts |
|
|
Arts Management |
2 years |
$11,000 |
International Business (Vaasa)
Duration: 3.5 years
Tuition Fees: $9,000 per year
Nursing (Vaasa)
Duration: 3.5 years
Tuition Fees: $9,000 per year
Maritime Management (Turku)
Duration: 4 years
Tuition Fees: $11,000 per year
Leadership and Service Design
Duration: 2 years
Tuition Fees: $10,000 per year
Digital Business and Management
Duration: 2 years
Tuition Fees: $10,000 per year
Maritime Management
Duration: 2 years
Tuition Fees: $11,000 per year
Bachelor’s Programs: Typically require a secondary school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in English (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), and possibly entrance exams or interviews, depending on the program.
Master’s Programs: Generally require a relevant Bachelor’s degree, work experience in the field, and proficiency in English.
Orientation Programs: Novia offers orientation sessions for new international students to help them acclimate to their new environment, including information on academic expectations, cultural adjustment, and practical matters.
Language Support: Finnish and Swedish language courses are available to help international students integrate into the local community.
Student Services: Comprehensive support services are provided, including academic advising, career counseling, and health services.
International Office: The international office assists with practical matters such as visas, residence permits, and finding accommodation. They also provide ongoing support throughout the students’ stay.
Housing: Assistance in finding student housing is available. Options typically include student dormitories and private apartments.
Student Life: There are numerous clubs, organizations, and events that international students can join, fostering a vibrant campus life. Activities range from cultural events to sports and social gatherings.
Identify Programs: Review the programs offered by Novia University, particularly those available in English.
Check Requirements: Ensure you meet the specific admission requirements for your chosen program.
Educational Documents: Certified copies of your previous educational certificates and transcripts (translated into English, if necessary).
Language Proficiency: Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores. Specific score requirements vary by program.
Passport: A copy of your passport.
Other Documents: Any additional documents required by the specific program, such as a motivation letter, CV, portfolio (for design programs), or proof of work experience.
Studyinfo Portal: Submit your application through the Finnish national application portal, Studyinfo (studyinfo.fi). Create an account, search for Novia University of Applied Sciences, and select your desired program.
Application Fee: Pay any applicable application fees. This fee is typically non-refundable and varies depending on the program.
Entrance Exam: Some programs may require you to take an entrance exam. The details will be provided after you submit your application.
Interview: Certain programs might also require an interview, which can be conducted in person or online.
Admission Results: Admission results are usually announced within a few months of the application deadline. You will receive an email notification and can also check your status on the Studyinfo portal.
Confirm Your Place: If you are accepted, confirm your study place by the deadline provided. This often requires a formal acceptance of the offer and payment of any tuition deposit if required.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships: Pay the tuition fees as per the instructions provided. If you have applied for a scholarship, you will be informed about the outcome along with the admission results.
Residence Permit: Apply for a Finnish residence permit for studies. You will need your acceptance letter, proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, and other documents. The application is submitted to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
Accommodation: Arrange for student housing. Novia's international office can assist you with finding accommodation.
Orientation: Participate in the orientation program to get acclimated to the university and Finnish culture.
Register for Courses: Complete your course registration as instructed by the university.
Bachelor's Programs: The main application period for bachelor's degree programs typically occurs once a year. This usually happens in January, with studies beginning in the following autumn.
Master's Programs: Application periods for master’s programs may also be once a year, often aligned with the bachelor's program application period. Specific dates can vary, so it's important to check the latest information on the university's website.
Educational Background:
Applicants must have completed secondary education, such as the Finnish Matriculation Examination, an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or other equivalent qualifications that provide eligibility for higher education in the applicant's home country.
For international applicants, recognized equivalent qualifications are required.
Language Proficiency:
Programs are offered in both Finnish/Swedish and English. For English-taught programs, non-native speakers must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic.
Finnish/Swedish language requirements apply to programs taught in those languages.
Entrance Exams and Interviews:
Many programs require applicants to pass an entrance examination. The nature of the exam can vary, including written tests, interviews, or portfolio submissions for creative fields.
Educational Background:
Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a related field.
Some programs might require a few years of relevant work experience after completing a bachelor's degree.
Language Proficiency:
As with bachelor's programs, proficiency in the language of instruction is required. For English-taught programs, proof of English proficiency is necessary if the applicant’s prior education was not conducted in English.
Entrance Exams and Interviews:
Similar to bachelor's programs, master’s programs may also require entrance exams or interviews.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Benefits |
---|---|---|
Novia UAS Scholarship |
Non-EU/EEA students enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program |
Tuition fee reduction |
Early Bird Discount |
Non-EU/EEA students who accept the study place and pay the tuition fee within a specified time frame |
50% reduction in the first-year tuition fee |
Progress-Based Scholarship |
Non-EU/EEA students who complete a set number of credits within a specified time frame |
Tuition fee reduction in subsequent years |
Finland Scholarship (Master's only) |
Non-EU/EEA students admitted to a master's program, based on academic merit |
100% tuition fee waiver + 5,000 EUR relocation grant |
Campus Location |
Facilities |
Accommodation Options |
Cost of Accommodation (per month) |
---|---|---|---|
Turku |
Modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, student services |
Student dormitories, private apartments |
€250 - €500 |
Vaasa |
Classrooms, labs, libraries, student support services |
Student housing, shared apartments |
€250 - €450 |
Raseborg (Ekenäs) |
Classrooms, labs, library, support services |
Student housing, private/shared apartments |
€200 - €400 |
Jakobstad |
Classrooms, labs, library, student services |
Student dormitories, shared apartments |
€200 - €400 |
Modern Facilities: Students have access to well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and other resources essential for their studies.
Practical Learning: Programs emphasize hands-on learning, internships, and real-world projects.
Support Services: Academic counseling, career services, and other support mechanisms are in place to help students succeed.
Student Organizations: There are numerous student clubs and associations catering to a wide range of interests, including sports, arts, and academic subjects.
Events and Festivals: Regular events such as welcome parties, cultural festivals, and student union activities help create a vibrant campus life.
International Community: With a diverse student body, there's a strong international presence, making it easy for students to form cross-cultural friendships.
Housing: As detailed previously, accommodation options are available, including student dormitories and private apartments, with reasonable costs.
Cost of Living: Finland is known for its high standard of living. Students should budget for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses, typically amounting to around €700-€1,200 per month.
Healthcare Services: Students have access to healthcare services provided by the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) for a nominal fee.
Fitness and Recreation: Campuses often have sports facilities, including gyms, sports halls, and outdoor activity areas.
Career Services: The university offers career counseling, job placement services, and workshops to help students prepare for their professional lives.
Networking Opportunities: Regular job fairs, industry seminars, and networking events provide students with opportunities to connect with potential employers.
City Life: Campuses are located in vibrant cities like Turku, Vaasa, Raseborg, and Jakobstad, each offering a unique blend of urban and natural environments.
Transport: Efficient public transportation systems make it easy to commute and explore the surrounding areas.
Orientation Programs: Comprehensive orientation programs help new students acclimate to university life and Finnish culture.
Counseling Services: Mental health support and counseling services are available to assist students with personal challenges.
Service |
Description |
---|---|
Career Counseling |
Individual career counseling sessions to help students identify career goals, improve job search strategies, and prepare for the job market. |
Internships and Practical Training |
Mandatory internships and practical training components integrated into the curriculum to provide real-world work experience. |
Job Fairs and Career Events |
Regularly organized job fairs, company presentations, and networking events where students can meet potential employers and learn about job opportunities. |
Workshops and Seminars |
Workshops on resume writing, interview skills, job search techniques, and other career-related topics to enhance employability skills. |
Alumni Network |
Active alumni network providing mentoring opportunities, career guidance, and professional networking. |
Partnerships with Industry |
Strong collaboration with local and international companies, creating opportunities for internships, projects, and employment after graduation. |
Online Job Portal |
Access to an online job portal where students can find job listings, internships, and project opportunities relevant to their fields of study. |
Entrepreneurship Support |
Resources and support for students interested in starting their own businesses, including access to incubators and innovation hubs. |
Field of Study |
Common Career Paths |
Employment Rate |
---|---|---|
Engineering and Technology |
Engineers, Project Managers, Technical Specialists |
High (over 80% within six months) |
Business and Management |
Business Analysts, Marketing Managers, Accountants |
High (over 75% within six months) |
Health and Welfare |
Nurses, Social Workers, Health Administrators |
Very High (over 85% within six months) |
Arts and Humanities |
Designers, Media Professionals, Cultural Coordinators |
Moderate (around 70% within six months) |
Natural Resources and Environment |
Environmental Scientists, Agricultural Managers, Sustainability Consultants |
High (over 75% within six months) |
Located in the vibrant city of Turku, known for its rich history and cultural scene.
Provides modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and comprehensive student services.
Students in Turku benefit from a lively urban environment with numerous events, activities, and access to a bustling city life.
Situated in Vaasa, a city renowned for its energy technology and strong international business connections.
Equipped with state-of-the-art learning facilities, including classrooms, labs, and libraries.
Vaasa offers a mix of city life and beautiful coastal surroundings, making it a dynamic place for students to live and study.
Located in the picturesque town of Ekenäs within the Raseborg municipality, known for its natural beauty and serene environment.
The campus features well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and student support services.
Ekenäs offers a tranquil setting with close proximity to nature, ideal for students seeking a peaceful study environment.
Positioned in the coastal town of Jakobstad (Pietarsaari), which is known for its strong Swedish-speaking community and cultural heritage.
Provides modern educational facilities, including classrooms, labs, and libraries.
The town offers a small-community feel with rich cultural activities and a close-knit student environment.