Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Last Updated on: May 26, 2025 by
Sridhar Kongara

Metropolia was founded in 2008 and has grown to become Finland’s leading and largest university of applied sciences. It is an Accredited university with more than 90 degree programmes in health care, business, technology, and culture. Metropolia has a diverse student body with almost 18,000 degree students and 13,000 open university students. International students find it attractive for its practical approach to learning and handy innovation hubs as well as strong industry partnerships throughout Europe.

Established Year: 2007

Institution Type: Private

Address: Myllypurontie 1, 00920 Helsinki, Finland

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Courses Offered

Offers 0 Courses

** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise

Why choose this Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Practical Education Focus

Learn through industry collaboration with real-world projects.
Employability is further emphasised through collaboration with Finnish and international companies.
Much of their learning is through real-life applications via innovation projects.

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Benefits for International Students.

The school offers English-taught degrees in business, health care, engineering and IT.
The university has active exchange program with more than 400 partner institutions worldwide.
Support services provide assistance with international visas and housing and integration.
Multicultural environment at Metropolia, over 100 nationalities
From Day One to Graduate: Global Alumni Network Opens Career Connections

High Employability Rates

There is a high demand for the graduates in Finnish and European job markets.
The proportion of employed graduates is one of the highest in Finland.
Internships Often lead to job offers due to collaborations with major employers.
CV clinics, interview prep and job fairs are all on offer through the career services.

Strong Industry Partnerships

Students work with businesses and government entities on research projects.
Students engage in co-creation and problem-solving on real projects with real clients.
Industry exposure is increased through dual-degree and work-based learning options.
Guest lectures and company visits are integrated into the academic calendar.

Sustainability and Innovation

Innovation studios tackle problems in health care, technology, and design.
The Clean and Sustainable Solutions hub tackles world problems.
Metropolia sets the standard in education on green tech and sustainable urban solutions.
During their studies, students contribute to climate-smart projects.

Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey

Campus Facilities at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Contemporary Campuses in the Helsinki Region

Metropolia has four campuses: Arabia, Karamalmi, Myllypuro, and Myyrmäki.
Each of the campuses has a distinct theme — culture, smart technology, health, sustainability.
All campuses are in strategic urban positioning and well connected to public transport.
Total Facility Area: Approximately 85,000 Square Metres, serving over 19,000 students and 1,200 staff.
All campuses feature contemporary, eco-conscious buildings with modern infrastructure.

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Study and Learning Environments

HDMI, adapters and Wi-Fi are available for multimedia use in the classrooms.
It also features state-of-the-art labs and workshops for the engineering and healthcare industries.
Campus libraries provide access to academic resources, group study spaces and digital catalogues.
Creative spaces for research and projects in the real world are its innovation hubs at the campuses.

Recreational and Social Facilities

Students have access to sports facilities through METKA in partnership with local universities.
Both the Myllypuro and the Myyrmäki campuses also include gyms and outdoor sports fields.
Many schools also have student lounges and cafes where students can unwind and network.
Some universities have campus event venues for student clubs, performances, exhibitions, etc.
Tuudo app offers updated meal menus, events and available facilities for students.

IT and Digital Services

Students use performance computers with industry-standard software.
Helpdesk: Online and on-campus tech support for devices and networks.

Student Services Offered by Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Services for the Special Needs and Accessibility

National disability groups help conduct regular accessibility audits of the campuses.
Students with reading, writing or physical challenges receive special education support.
Each learner is able to request specific accommodations to help them be successful in their learning.
Where applicable, customized support for visual or hearing issues is also provided.

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Academic Guidance and Special Needs Support

Advisors in the study area help create individual study plans and manage the course load.
Special education services are for students with reading, writing or concentration problems.
Campus inclusivity progress has been audited for accessibility on a regular basis.
Students with physical disabilities get customized mobility and learning solutions.

Digital Tools and Student Portals

Academic calendars, announcements, and forms are all available through the OMA intranet.
In order to keep track of the courses, registrations, and study achievements, Peppi planning tool is very helpful.
The Tuudo app features access to student schedules, campus news and cafeteria menus.
There are also online forms that allow you to apply for things such as reapplying study rights or certification.
Such platforms for learning are cloud-based and thus, can be studied flexibly as well as remotely.

Study Rights and Appeals

If students do not register or pay tuition on time, they may lose their study rights.
A former student may reapply without entering the admission selection process again.
If rejected, the students can appeal the decision to the Legal Protection committee within 14 days.
Final appeals can then be filed with the Helsinki Administrative Court within 30 days.

Student Life and Mental Health Service

Guidance counselors provide assistance with stress, time management and career planning.
Health services (which also include mental health support through providers on campus).
student union METKA has wellbeing activities and peer mentoring.
College chaplains might be available for personal or spiritual counseling if you need one.
Provide workshops and group sessions for academic and emotional wellbeing.

Student Life at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Multicultural Environment

Metropolia attracts approximately 3,000 international students every year.
Students hear English often not only in the classroom but in social situations as well.

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Student Housing

Students can apply for shared apartments, studios, or family apartments near campus.
Housing is inexpensive and well-connected to public transport routes.
Most have shared kitchens, laundry rooms and study areas.
Applications shall be filled in after receiving a notification of admissions to Metropolia.

Clubs and Activities

The METKA student union is responsible for organizing trips, cultural events, and student parties.
Active clubs include arts and music groups, entrepreneurship and sustainability groups.
Sports events are organized together with neighbouring universities like Laurea and Haaga-Helia.
The campuses throw seasonal fairs, film screenings and international student weeks.
They should be student-initiated, and will be empowered with campus resources.

Helsinki Region: Everyday Living

Students have access to parks, libraries, cafés and museums all over the city.
Public transport (HSL) is reliable and affordable.
Morey, a computer science major, started the project with the help of others to create the Tuudo app, which enables students to manage their schedules and track campus news in real-time.
But, to give you a complete answer with all the entry requirements listed.

Scholarships Offered by Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Scholarship: Finnish Language Proficiency

Amount : 3000 euros

Eligibility: Young People’s Institute offers complimentary access for students who can successfully complete the Finnish language test (YKI) while enrolled in study programs. Open for Bachelor’s as well as Master’s students. No more than 3 scholarships per student

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Servicescape Scholarship

Amount: 1000 euros
Eligibility: Registered bachelor’s or master’s degree students of Metropolia. Applicants are required to write an original essay and have shown academic excellence.

Dash Tickets Foundation Scholarship

Amount: 2000 euros
By: Awarded to students in technology-related fields. Preference is given to students who are strong academically and demonstrate financial need.

Kela: Study Grant (for qualifying international students)

Amount: Amount varies month to month, but a maximum of 350 euros.
Eligibility: Awarded by Finnish authorities to people from other countries who have lived in Finland for at least two years, and who meet certain residency and income thresholds.

Women in Computer Science Scholarship by Bending Spoons

Amount: 5000 euros
Eligibility: Female students pursuing IT or computer science studies. Tenacious applicants will display good grades and a desire to succeed in technology.

Internships and Placements at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Mandatory Work Placements

All degree programmes offered by Metropolia have a compulsory internship period.
Internships are directly correlated to the student’s area of study so the student is getting relevant experience.
Internships are usually undertaken in the final study year of a Bachelor’s degree.
Most placements typically last from 3 to 6 months, depending on the programme.
An approved Work Placement Agreement must be in place between the students and the host company.

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Metropolia Trainee Program

Internship for International Students in Finland fully paid full-time
A two-year online program advancing Finnish work culture knowledge and professional skills.
It also assists students in entering the Finnish labor market upon graduation.
Feedback is provided by the university and the employer to the trainees.

Best-in-Class Industry Collaboration and Placement Assistance

Metropolia has partnerships with over 1000 companies, public organizations and NGOs.
These partnerships provide students with direct access to internships.
The intranet OMA of the university also posts career and placement opportunities.
Career fairs and workplace gatherings on campus familiarize students with the job providers.

Job Readiness: Career Services

These advisors provide students with individual career coaching.
These include CV writing assistance, job search strategy meetings and interview coaching.
Job Preparation and Skills Building Workshops (Year-Round)
Advice for international students working in Finland and Finnish labor laws
Many students who intern receive a permanent job through a referral from their employers.

Internships (International and Erasmus+)

Placements can be undertaken by students in EU eligible fields in other EU countries.
Assistance in applying for grants, legal affairs, international relations.
The internships vary in length from 2 to 12 months depending on funding availability and host availability.
This gives students an opportunity to experience the world and develop a career overseas.
Deciding to study at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

Entry Requirements for Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Requirements for undergraduate program

They require a secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent qualification.
A qualification that is completed needs to be obtained that grants the completion of a qualification that provides eligibility for higher education in the home country.
Application requires submission of certified copies of academic transcripts.
To apply for the degree programme, students need to appear in an entrance exam.
The courses are taught in English and applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Requirements for a Postgraduate Program

Applicants must have a relevant Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Candidates for Master program are typically asked to have a minimum of 2 years work experience.
All academic records must be officially translated into English or Finnish.
Some programmes also require a motivation letter or CV.
Entry to the course is determined by a mixture of professional experience, entrance assessments and academic qualifications.

Requirements for Language Proficiency

Minimum English proficiency test scores required for applicants:
IELTS (Academic for UKVI): Overall band minimum of 5.5
TOEFL iBT or iBT Home Edition: 60
PTE Academic: Minimum 55 score
Required to prove English skills regardless of degree being taught in English.
Higher scores may be required for some programmes on the basis of academic demand.

Process and Deadlines of Application

Applicants can apply through Joint Application or Separate Application systems.
With Joint Application, students can apply for up to six programmes through a single form.
Application periods will be in January and then again in the spring, usually closing in April.
Applicants must pay all applicable processing/display or tuition fees by the due date.
You are notified by email if selected and required to res confirm a place if offered by the date provided.

Special Case and Open Pathway Admissions

- The 20 ECTS Metropolia’s Open UAS students with GPA 3.0+ can apply through the separate entry track.
- Applicants with a disability or learning difficulty may apply to take the exam using reasonable adjustments.
- Mature applicants may gain admission on the basis of other qualifications or experience.
- Entrance examinations can be in the form of interviews, written examinations, and skill tests.
- Equally, Pathway programmes enable people to enter degree courses without full entrance exams, offering a more supported route into education.

Rankings at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Global and Regional Rankings

Ranked #3037 out of 14,336 universities globally (EduRank, 2025)
#906 of almost 2,800 European institutions by research and impact
Nationally competitive; ranked #15 out of 36 universities in Finland.
In the region of Helsinki, Metropolia ranks #4 out of eight higher education institutions.
Internationally acclaimed for expertise in applied research and professional education.

Academic Excellence

Universities of Applied Sciences: Business program (Finland, 2017)
Recognized as a high-quality provider of healthcare and technology training in the UAS sector in Finland.
U-Multirank (2020): Top in innovation and industry collaboration
Known for its interdisciplinary approach and practice-based pedagogy.
Consistent academic praise for high placement rates and industry partnerships.

Certification Processes and Quality Labels

Metropolia eLearning received a national quality label granted by Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC).
It complies with the Finnish Act on Degree Studies in Higher Education (2005/932) and Bologna Process.
Assessments focus on student intermediary learning, job market relevance, and RDI activities.
Quality is ensured through accreditation of all program, and monitoring by internal and external bodies.

Awards and Recognitions

EU networks point out the Clean and Sustainable Solutions innovation hub.
High school students formed innovation teams that went on to win national tech competitions.

Achievements in Research and Development

Ranked internationally in the top 50 by research topic.
Famous for applied research on health tech, smart mobility, and sustainable construction.
Partnering with local government and industry to pilot new urban solutions in authentic environments.
RDI shapes research with implications for teaching and student learning, making it visible and usable.

Acceptance Rate

General Admission Statistics

Acceptance rates at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences vary from 18% up to 33%, depending upon programme and level of study.
The undergraduate acceptance rate is around 18% based on the latest figures, while that for postgraduate program is marginally better at around 33%.
few English-taught program can be very competitive, such as nursing or business, and acceptance rates fall drastically.
It is one of Finland’s more selective applied science schools — in 2023, some 41,000 applicants vied for about 5,000 available spots.
The number of applicants per place of study was 4.09 on average, and the increasing popularity of Metropolia with both domestic and international students was evident.

The specific program selectivity.

Health and Social Services program are highly competitive with few clinical placements available.
There is fierce competition even in engineering and technology program, particularly in Information Technology.
Arts and Culture program may require additional selection steps, such as a portfolio or interview.
Every year, thousands of applicants from non-EU countries apply to the English-medium program.

Comparison of Other Finnish Universities

Metropolia is a popular institution for international applicants because of its focus on practical training and excellent career outcomes.
Its general acceptance rate is more strict than average for Finnish UAS institutions, especially in terms of high demand fields of study.
Year after year the number of applications has risen as the university’s global visibility has grown.

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