Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
- Last Updated on: May 30, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), established in 1997, is a multinational Finnish university of applied sciences with a local, versatile and wide regional impact, which is internationally connected and known for its innovation capacity and the development of its region’s business life. There are over 6 000 students from worldwide studying at SAMK – about 450 of them are international students representing over 50 nationalities.
Established Year: 1997
Institution Type: Public
Address: Satakunnankatu 23, 28101 Pori, Finland
Courses Offered
Offers 0 Courses
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** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise
Why Choose this Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
Great Quality of Education
- Student satisfaction SAMK has consistently performed among the best universities of applied sciences in Finland in student satisfaction.
- The Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland officially accredits all degree programmes.
- Students routinely give high marks for teaching quality, practical learning and preparing for careers.
- As a result, SAMK’s academic quality standards are verified by the Finnish Education Centre (Karvi) in its audit.
- Graduates also have a high employment rate immediately post-graduation, particularly in areas like technology and healthcare.
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Positive Global Working Environment
- Each year over 1,000 international students from more than 100 different countries study at SAMK.
- Exchange programmes with over 200 universities outside finland are open to all students.
- English bachelor’s and master’s programmes in various disciplines are offered for international students.
- SAMK was honored as the “International Employer of the Year” in 2023 for its successful global talent recruitment efforts.
- International staff mobility and regular intercultural events on campus increase the degree of multicultural exposure.
Modern and Specialized Degree Programmes
- SAMK provides 9 degree programmes completely in English: 8 at bachelor level and 1 at master level.
- Programmes are available in faculties such as Health and Welfare, Maritime and Logistics, Technology.
- All the programmes include mandatory internship and projects, providing a hands-on experience along with theory.
- There are also shorter courses, in the form of specialized winter or summer schools, open university courses, structured study methods, etc.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Focus
- All students must study entrepreneurship, preparing them with practical skills of business.
- Students who start their business idea while studying can benefit from the SAMK Enterprise Accelerator.
- The students work with local and global businesses to build innovative solutions.
- They incorporate business-related group projects into their coursework to foster creativity and teamwork.
- The startup and innovation ecosystem of SAMK supports entrepreneurs in their early stages with mentoring and resources.
Close Connections to Industry and Jobs
- SAMK works on more than 300 company projects every year, providing real-world experience to students.
- Such partnerships with industry help to ensure that the curriculum remains responsive to the needs of the contemporary workforce.
- The university’s applied research centers are frequently entry points for students to join the workforce.
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
Campus facilities at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
Modern Learning Environments
- SAMK Campus Pori is a future-oriented learning environment in the center of Pori city.
- Classrooms can be configured flexibly, having them converted as smaller rooms for group discussions or other guidance sessions.
- Dedicated simulation rooms and laboratories facilitate hands-on training for health, technology and engineering.
- Student engagement and participation is enhanced with interactive features like touchscreens and digital tools.
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R&D Centers
- SAMK has four main research centers in the Pori campus, which address practical problems and applied research.
- Robot AI Research and deventures Center: Fuels innovation in robotics research, autonomous driving and artificial intelligence
- A source center for sustainable tourism and business development models.
- By way of practical projects, the Center addresses well-being and healthcare innovations at the regional and health system level.
Study and Leisure Services
- SAMK’s campus hosts the Art Corridor, a gallery that exhibits artwork by students, faculty, and local artists.
- A public library, with study areas and research resources, is open to students at all times.
- Café Agora and Restaurant Silvia serve meals and snacks for students and staff on a daily basis.
- Within the same building as the main campus, there is a K-Supermarket and a pharmacy.
- Agora Hall, Atrium, and Live Studio are also utilized for events, lectures, and community activities.
State of the Art Labs and Training Facilities
- Students of health and social services training at the Simulation Center for Health and Welfare based on real-world scenarios.
- The Construction and HVAC laboratory facilitates studies concerning environmental engineering and building systems.
- RoboAI has a shared-use lab that allows students and researchers to develop smart systems, devices, and automation setups.
- Every student participates in a lab class that links directly to their degree program and future employment.
Connected, Integrated & Accessible in the City
- The SAMK urban campus is situated in Pori and is easily accessible by public transport and close to shops and cultural landmarks.
- Students who drive to university can use the paid parking in the campus courtyard.
- It is designed with accessibility in mind for people with physical disabilities.
- Indoor and outdoor study spaces conducive to group work and self-study including adaptive learning and quiet areas.
- Its urban location encourages student participation in the local life, cultural events and part-time work opportunities.
- International Credit Transfer Coordinator at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK)
Advisory on Studies and Learning Techniques
- Each student is supported by a teacher tutor who assists them in shaping their individual study paths and tracking academic progress.
- Writing and thesis workshops are available to all students in all program before they begin thesis work.
- Special guidelines are available for written tasks: thesis supervision, info session and Q&A meetings.
Student Services Offered by Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
- Individual learning support arrangements are available for students with diagnosed learning difficulties or disabilities.
- Students who struggle with reading, writing, and mathematics, who need to learn digital skills, find the support they need.
- A special needs teacher supports students in overcoming barriers to learning and suggests measures to help them.
- All support needs are determined by the head of teaching, depending on the assessments and interviews of specialists.
- Sensory-friendly spaces, calm campus designs, and adaptive classrooms, all contributing to accessible study environments.
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Multi-Level Guidance System
- At SAMK we follow a three-tiered model in our student support for academic/administrative/personnel guidance.
- On the inner level, teachers help students while peer tutors fill in the gaps for day-to-day academic needs.
- The intermediate level of support is provided by student counsellors, language tutors, and practical training supervisors.
- a student union, has peer tutors that guide new students.
Individual Wellness and Mental Health Services
- On the Pori campus, the Relaamo retreat space provides a sensory-friendly area for students to take breaks and recharge.
- The Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) offers professional mental health care for students.
- Private meetings with public health nurses include discussions about lifestyle, emotional well being and academic tension.
- Additional psychological and emotional support is offered by external partners and local parish services.
Administrative Services and Technical Support: It is responsible for student academic records, student certifications and enrolment-related matters for all students.
Student Life at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
A Deep Sense of Community and Belongingness
- A warm atmosphere and co-student support on campus are important to SAMK students.
- A positive and inclusive academic environment — the kind that tutors teach — is created by a team of student mentors and teachers who have all undergone training.
- SAMK’s Student Union (SAMMAKKO) promotes social integration. You can participate in various events, clubs, and orientation activities.
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Mental and Physical Wellness Programs
- student oriented startup that provides group fitness classes, open sports sessions, gym access as well as wellness events.
- Students noted they struggled to find good balance between their jobs, studies and self-care routine.
- Various program are held in the university to promote regular exercise, sufficient sleep and wholesome food.
- Health Services: General health services, mental health services, and health screenings are available for all students at FSHS.
The Academic Tone and Culture of Student Feedback
- One of SAMK strategies to enhance courses, teaching, and academic activities is to actively encourage student feedback.
- Eighty-eight percent of students report confidence in their study skills, and 89 percent said they believe they can succeed in their field.
- Students who had great learning experiences mentioned things like clear communication, good-prepared schedules and responsiveness from the teacher.
- It helps the students with providing them information about how the learning techniques can be enhanced along with how the study materials can be improved with easiness by using the tools of AI.
Student Organizations, Events and Campus Culture
- SAMK students participate in the regular social, cultural and academic activities organized on and off campus.
- Club activity and student-led initiatives encourage creativity and leadership and teamwork.
- Students also take part in activities at national and international level, such as events and exchanges at CERN and other projects.
Scholarships Qffered by Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
Early Bird Scholarship
- amount: 1,500 euros off the tuition fee for the first year.
- Eligibility: The scholarship is offered to non-EU/EEA students who accept the study place and pay the tuition fee in full before the deadline.
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Annual Fund Military & Veterans Scholarship
- Grant: Up to 3,000 euros.
- Eligibility: Given to all continuing non-EU/EEA students who achieve excellent results in their first year of study.
Full Tuition-Fee Scholarship
- Value: Covers 100% of annual tuition fee
- Eligibility: For high-achieving non-EU/EEA students, based on academic merit and motivation.
Scholarship for SAMK Completion of Degree
- Grant: One-off award of €3,000.
- Eligibility: Awarded to non-EU/EEA students whose degree is completed within target time.
Performance-Based Scholarship
- Max: Varied up to 50% of tuition fee
- End-of-semester departmental announcement for eligible non-EU/EEA students based on GPA and credit completion post first academic year.
Internships and Placements at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
The Structured Practical Training for all programmes
- At SAMK, all students in bachelor’s degrees must complete mandatory practical training.
- Programmes have different durations of training, from 30 to 85 ECTS credits, depending on the degree requirements.
- Supervised and evaluated training must positively assist the career development of the student.
- Students can also substitute the required internship with substantive work experience or previous appropriate practical training.
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International Summer Internship Programs
- SAMK promotes work placement abroad among students to enable the development of language skills and intercultural competences.
- You can apply for worldwide placement in your field of work, this boosts career prospects.
- Internship abroad provide students with a good resume, helping them be more competitive in the global labor market.
- SAMK also offers financial aid to students who carry out their training placements abroad.
Connecting to Industry and Career Networks
- SAMK has cooperation with more than 800 companies and organizations in Finland and abroad.
- Such partner networks support enablement for structured internships, research projects, and thesis collaborations.
- Through SAMK’s internal portals and faculty advisors, students have access to job and internship listings.
- Many interns end up on the job (especially in health, engineering, and logistics) in the long term.
- If they choose to do practical training, many of the faculty members are practical training supervisors who will help you navigate that part of the internship process.
Using Practical Learning as a Career Preparation
- Practical training supervisors are assigned to each student to assist with planning, communication in the workplace, and evaluation.
- The practical side of training is about reflecting on the daily tasks at work and thinking for yourself about where and how to improve, and receives feedback to develop, so it is more in line with what the industry wants.
More Confidence, Better Industry Prepared Students
- For clinical and professional placements, such as in health fields, particular instructions at the faculty level are listed.
- Internships are seen as instrumental in career planning and the development of professional identity.
Guidance for Career Development and Continuing Support
- Through its faculty staff and appointed guidance counsellors, SAMK is there to help with career planning.
- The placement process also involves tips on how to build a strong CV, effective job search strategies and what to expect in interviews.
- Workshops, info sessions, job fairs, etc. help students discover labour market trends as well as employer expectations.
- SAMK’s work supports the transition from studies to work life for graduates.
Entry Requirements at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
SAMK offers English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s program for international students. Specific entry requirements differ by degree level and study program, however entrants must satisfy academic and English language requirements in every case.
Requirements for Entry to Bachelors Degree
Academic Qualifications
- Applicants to Bachelor’s program should have completed one of the following:
- For example: Finnish Matriculation Examination
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or IB Certificate with six subjects
- European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma
- General information on job-specific education: Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification (min. 120 credits or 180 credits according to ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
- Post-secondary or higher vocational diploma from Finland
- A foreign qualification recognized in your home country as eligible for Higher Education
- Completed degree of higher education (Bachelor’s or above)
- NB: All international documents need to be officially translated into Finnish, Swedish or English.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants are required to show a sufficient level of English proficiency in one of the following:
- IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic online / IELTS UKVI: overall 6.0
- TOEFL iBT / Home Edition; minimum total score of 60
- PTE Academic / Online / UKVI: a minimum of 55
- Cambridge English Scale Score: total score of at least 169
- TELC English B2–C1 University: B2 (only if taken after 1 Oct 2021)
- YKI (Finnish National Certificate): at least grade 4 in all sections
- Degree completely taught in English: in the EU/EEA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, UK or USA
- All secondary education in these countries is taught in English
Entry Requirements for a Master’s Degree
Academic and Work Experience Requirements: Requirements to earn a Master’s degree:
- Possess a Bachelor’s degree or other higher education degree relevant major
- Be in possession of a minimum of two years of relevant work experience, post-degree and completed by the 31 July 2025
English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in one of the ways listed for undergraduate applicants. We only accept the listed certificates without exceptions.
Rankings and Awards of Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) is one of the best in Finland when it comes to providing students with high-quality education and great employability results. It isn’t a familiar name in global university rankings like the QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education, but SAMK has a strong status nationally, and is gaining recognition internationally.
National Recognition and Awards for Quality
Education Quality (AVOP Surveys): According to the student feedback survey for the national AVOP reports, SAMK has been ranked first four times in 2010–2021 as the highest quality education granted by a university of applied sciences in Finland. It last finished in first place in 2021.
94% Employment Rate: Five years after graduation, 94% of SAMK graduates were employed or working entrepreneurs (latest career monitoring survey 2024). This places SAMK among the highest in Finland regarding graduate employability.
Student Satisfaction:
- In the AVOP 2024 survey, students identified SAMK’s strengths in:
- Academic guidance and support
- Opportunities for Internationalization
Study planning
- Learning environment and campus services
- Institutional Highlights (2023 Data)
- Total Students: 7,407
- The 2022-23 Enrollment by the Numbers: 1,024 International Students from 101 countries
- Academic Staff: 487
- No of Degree Program: 38 (9 in English)
- Degrees Conferred: 1,232 (226 Master’s degrees)
- Partners Around the World: More than 200
Overall and by Subject Rankings
- Although not included in the global QS or Times Higher Education rankings, SAMK does stand out in subject-specific categories found in national rankings in Finland, such as programs in:
- Business and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Health and Welfare Sciences
- SAMK is also featured in the AD Scientific Index category of Social Sciences & Humanities, which ranks research output of individual scholars affiliated with the institution.
ACCEPTANCE RATE: Satakunta University of Applied Sciences is quite selective when accepting students, especially for English-taught program.
Estimated Acceptance Rate
- Admission Rate (Scholars for English-taught undergraduate studies): 20% (Approx)
- Certain very competitive program (e.g., Nursing or Physiotherapy): As low as 17%
- Academic qualifications
- English language proficiency
- Entrance exam or interview (as per the program).
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