VAMK attracted strong interest from around the world in the national joint application

International Business and Nursing were the most sought-after programmes at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences in January’s national joint application, that ended today. Results from the UAS Exam, which determines admission, will be announced in May.

According to preliminary data, approximately 1 700 applications were submitted to Vaasa University of Applied Sciences in the national joint application round that ended today. In total 150 enrolment slots were available for VAMK’s study programmes, fully in English, that start in Autumn 2026. On average there were 11,4 applicants for each available enrolment slots. Nationwide, there were approximately 23 984 applicants in total which is a little less than previous year.

The most attractive programmes at VAMK were Bachelor level International Business and Nursing. Out of Master’s degree studies, applicants found the Business studies most appealing.

“We received aa good number of applicants in the national joint application, even though our main focus for international degree programmes is on our own rolling admissions, where selections are made based on interviews. We currently have a rolling application process open for several English-taught programmes,” tells Juha Vierola, Head of Student Services.

Diversified student recruitment strategy

VAMK received applications from over 70 countries in this joint application round. Around 75 % of the applicants come from outside the EU and are required to pay tuition fees for their studies.

”Our goal is to increase the diversity of applicants, and in this we have been very successful. Our student recruitment is based on strong in-house content production, multi-channel marketing, and a presence in our key target markets, for example through fairs and visits to upper secondary schools. We communicate directly with our applicants via webinars, live streams, callback calls, and newsletters, thereby ensuring the accuracy and transparency of applicant communications,” says Sirpa Rutanen, Head of Communications and Marketing.

“Agent activities that have recently sparked public discussion are fairly limited at VAMK, and approximately 5% of applicants in the joint application process come through our contracted agents. All marketing materials used by our agents are produced by us, and agents are not permitted to use their own materials. We have been pioneers in this operating model. At the same time, we support our agent network through training and closely monitor their activities to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and to uphold responsible and effective practices in line with our values,” Rutanen and Vierola specify.

The admission results will be announced by May

UAS Exam will take place on March 24, 2026. Master students will be selected after an interview. The results of the first joint application round will be announced by May 27, 2026 and the study place must be accepted by July 9, 2026 at 3 PM at the lates. Studies begin in autumn 2026.

To offer applicants flexibility, VAMK’s rolling application for International Business and Information Technology as well as many Master level programmes is open until May 30, 2026 or until all available study places are filled. More information can be found on VAMK’s website.