VAMK's Year of Internationalisation 2024

Encounters and Growth on a Global Scale

The year 2024 was themed around internationalisation at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK), during which numerous initiatives, events, and projects promoting international engagement were implemented. The theme year included co-developing VAMK’s international programme, producing an international publication, and organising a range of events from staff development days to VAMK’s International Days.

The Number of International Degree Students Doubled

In 2024, the number of international degree students at VAMK nearly doubled, reaching almost 700 students. The vast majority—over 90%—of them are subject to tuition fees.

As part of its international activities, VAMK strengthened its visibility by participating in student fairs and school visits in India, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with other higher education institutions. In the Autumn 2024 Joint Application, VAMK’s Bachelor’s degree in Energy Technology attracted strong interest, highlighting its continued appeal and alignment with the future workforce needs of the Vaasa region’s energy technology sector.

At the national level, VAMK has been actively involved in drafting the Finnish International Education Agent Code of Conduct (ACoC). The aim of this guideline is to establish common standards for the operations of education agents and other partners involved in international student recruitment, and to help ensure responsible recruitment practices.

International Events and Educational Cooperation

In early October, VAMK hosted International Days, which brought together European partner universities. During the event, staff and students participated in lectures, workshops, and guest speaker sessions on sustainable development. At the alumni event held in October, Harriet Okumu-Nisula, a graduate of the International Business programme, was named Alumna of the Year.

Throughout the year, VAMK organised two Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP), combining in-person and virtual learning in the fields of health care and mechanical engineering. Additionally, students and staff from the fields of business and energy technology participated in similar BIP courses organised by partner institutions in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain.

New Higher Education Partnerships and an International Hydrogen Project

In 2024, new partnerships were established with Mondragon University (Spain) and the University of Stavanger (Norway). The collaboration agreement with Temasek Polytechnic (Singapore) was also renewed.

In the field of international project work, VAMK serves as the main coordinator of the H2Excellence project, which promotes expertise in fuel cells and the clean hydrogen industry. The project supports the goals of the European Green Deal by developing education and lifelong learning opportunities in this sector.

The Internationalisation Programme Supports Global Cooperation

To commemorate the year of internationalisation, a collection of articles was published exploring key themes of international education and cooperation, such as ethics, global citizenship, and the development of student recruitment and global partnerships.

These same themes are central to VAMK’s Internationalisation Programme, which was published on the website at the end of 2024. The programme is designed to strengthen the skills of students, staff, and partners by promoting cross-border cooperation, cultural exchange, and the development of international competencies.

Sirpa Rutanen
Head of Communications & Marketing