Joint Application
The joint application is a national process where students apply to multiple institutions with a single application. It is conducted through the Opintopolku.fi service and occurs three times a year.
The joint application process includes higher education institutions in Finland (universities and universities of applied sciences) and secondary education institutions (high schools and vocational schools). Universities of applied sciences offer programs in Finnish and Swedish for bachelor’s degrees, foreign-language bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees (AMK).
The joint application for higher education is held twice a year, in the spring and autumn. Most programs are available in the spring, with fewer offered in the autumn. You can find more details on how to fill out the higher education application form at Opintopolku.fi. Some programs, such as specific master’s programs and foreign-language courses, are applied for through separate selection processes.
In 2024, the application periods for joint applications are:
– Spring 1st Joint Application: January 3, 2024, at 8:00 – January 17, 2024, at 15:00
– Spring 2nd Joint Application: March 13, 2024, at 8:00 – March 27, 2024, at 15:00
– Autumn Joint Application: August 28, 2024, at 8:00 – September 11, 2024, at 15:00
The secondary education joint application is held annually in February-March, and in 2024, it will take place from February 20 at 8:00 to March 19, 2024, at 15:00. Applications are submitted electronically through the opintopolku.fi service.
The results of the joint application will be announced no later than November 21, 2024, and the study place must be accepted by November 28, 2024, at 15:00. Admission from the waiting list ends on December 18, 2024, at 15:00. Higher education institutions may organize additional application rounds for any remaining open spots.
Higher education institutions may also organize their own admissions through separate applications, which have varying deadlines throughout the year. Read more about separate applications.
After submitting the application, the applicant receives a confirmation message with a modification link. This link allows applicants to edit their choices while the application period is open. Changes can also be made in the Oma Opintopolku service if the applicant has access to online banking credentials, a mobile certificate, or an electronic ID card. Once the application period ends, no changes to the order or content of the application can be made.
In the autumn joint application, there are fewer study programs available compared to the spring, and applicants can apply to a maximum of six programs. The programs must be listed in order of preference, as applicants will primarily be offered only one study place for programs starting in the same semester.
Accepting a study place and registering at the higher education institution are done through the Oma Opintopolku service. If you have any questions about the application process, check the frequently asked questions or contact the admissions services of the institutions.
Source: Opintopolku.fi
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the application form?
You can access the application form directly from the program description or from the Opintopolku homepage. The application form is available only during the application period.
Do I need to log in/register to apply?
No, you don’t need to. However, you can track your application by logging into the Oma Opintopolku service or by using the modification link you received.
Can I change my application preferences?
Yes, but only during the application period. You will receive a confirmation message after submitting your application, which contains a modification link.
What are the entrance exams for higher education institutions like?
Entrance exams can be either single-stage or multi-stage. More detailed information can be found in the selection criteria and entrance exams tab of the program descriptions.
Are the entrance exams held in person or online?
Most entrance exams are held in person, but different arrangements may be in place.
How do I accept a study place?
Accept the place through Oma Opintopolku by the deadline; otherwise, you will lose it.
What does being a first-time applicant mean?
First-time applicant status means that you do not have a prior higher education degree in Finland and have not accepted a study place since autumn 2014. Some positions are reserved for first-time applicants.
How do I register for a university?
Once you have accepted your place, you must also register at the university by the deadline. After accepting the place, a link to the OILI registration service will become available in the Oma Opintopolku service.
If you cannot register electronically, contact the university where you accepted the place. Registration must be completed by the deadline.