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University of Applied Sciences Arcada

Arcada University of Applied Sciences offers students the chance to study at a uniquely modern, multi-professional university in Helsinki, Finland that has been serving the region since 1996. With about 2,700 students and 170 faculty, Arcada provides education based on practical and Nordic values. The campus is an urban space in the Arabianranta district, offering high level research, innovation and sustainability-oriented education. Although Arcada is primarily known as a Swedish-language institution, it offers several English-taught degree programs aiming to attract an increasing number of international students. It encourages lifelong learning through strong industrial partnerships and a focus on addressing real-world problems.

Established Year: 1996
Institution Type: Public
Address: Jan-Magnus Janssonin aukio 1, 00560 Helsinki, Finland

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Courses Offered

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

Why Choose this University of Applied Sciences Arcada

  1. Arcada provides many bachelor, master and vocational programmes around business, technology, health, culture and media.
  2. The university encourages collaboration across its programs, allowing students to engage with other students from different academic backgrounds.
  3. Students learn by doing hands-on training in simulation labs and on-site environments are an integral part of the curriculum.
  4. Arcada Lecturers bring practical industry knowledge to education, which translates to relevant examples in class.
  5. By the time students graduate, they will have worked on a number of projects closely tied to the business and public sector’s needs.

Focused on the Career with Industry Connections

  1. From the first year of the program, students are introduced to real companies.
  2. The curriculum includes project-based assignments and internships to help students learn to generalize their learning to a work context.
  3. Arcada has strong connections to Finnish and international businesses, providing students access to real-life career possibilities.

World Order and Global Potential

  1. Opportunities for exchange program with over 120 partner institutions across the globe are also available to students.
  2. But exchange students, international research collaborations, multicultural events prepare students for the globalized workforce.

Emphasis on Social Impact and Sustainability

  1. Sustainability is firmly embedded within all its operations from education and research through to campus culture at Arcada.
  2. Students engage in research and development projects that tackle real-world social and environmental issues.
  3. Campus initiatives promote green energy habits, digital sustainability policies, and community outreach programs.

Dynamic Campus Culture and Student Experience

  1. Arcada’s campus in the Arabian ranta district of Helsinki is modern, creative and student friendly.
  2. So students have a collaborative environment, with shared areas for study, innovation and relaxation.
  3. Participation in student unions and clubs provide a chance to partake in social, cultural and recreational activities during the academic year.
  4. The capital city location of the university offers students easy access to internships, part-time jobs, and a lively urban lifestyle.

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Campus Facilities at University of Applied Sciences Arcada

Arcada building and learning spaces

  1. The open indoor spaces are designed to facilitate student interaction, collaborative study and interdisciplinary engagement.
  2. Modern learning spaces that foster knowledge sharing and innovation among academia, researchers, and students.
  3. Administrative and academic staff share open office landscapes that promote accessibility and transparency.
  4. Central portions of the building incorporate study lounges, cafeterias and adaptive spaces for project-based work and events.

House and Student Life Hub

  1. Its visitors include Arcada’s student union (ASK) and several student associations, including Commedia, HanSe and HoSK.
  2. Students can unwind, have get-togethers, or they can attend events like poker nights, movie screenings, and cultural evenings.
  3. The facility has saunas, meeting rooms and indoor and outdoor hangout spaces for students’ use.
  4. Just down the road from the main Arcada building is the Cor-house, which provides a boost to student community life at the Institute.

Student Accommodations and Accessibility

  1. Arcada is a genuine residential university thanks to over 600 modern student apartments situated directly on campus.
  2. Offering everyday convenience, student apartments are near public transport, shopping centers, and recreational areas.
  3. The complete campus is built for accessibility and inclusion, including housing and educational buildings.
  4. It’s an initiative where students with diverse needs feel comfortable accessing learning as well as housing and community services.

Libraries, Cafeterias, and Services

  1. The library premises of Arcada (block C2) offers literature, digital resources and consultation services to students to support effective learning.
  2. Used by both students and staff, the library offers a quiet space for reading, research, and collaborative work.
  3. Compass Group operates the campus restaurant, which serves a variety of reasonably priced meals, including vegetarian dishes.
  4. Arcada Info Desk helps with daily questions, mail services, lost property and campus access help.
  5. All of the necessary services are located within walking distance of each other in the Arcada building and creates a comfortable student environment.

Sports Facilities & Recreation

  1. the indoor sports hall that sits on top of five floors of student apartments, optimally utilizing space.
  2. The hall features a gym, a testing lab and courts for team sports and fitness classes for use by all students.
  3. The university offers very affordable access to a gym to keep our Arcada students’ physical health in tip-top shape.
  4. The campus is located in Arabian ranta, close to parks and waterfronts suitable for walking, running and cycling.
  5. The student union regularly runs sports events, trips and leisure events which create a strong sense of campus community.

Student Services Offered by University of Applied Sciences Arcada

Guide to Academic Advising and Study Planning

  1. At Arcada, all students are given a study counsellor who assist in course planning and study management.
  2. Counsellors provide constant support along the entire duration of their studies and assist students with wise academic decision-making.
  3. Assistance is provided in course registration, diploma applications, registration for each academic year and transcript requests.
  4. Study coordinators at Arcada also help with changes in study rights, as well as validating credits from other universities.
  5. Students may schedule with advisors for free and confidential sessions by email or visiting during posted office hours.

International Student Services

  1. International Student Advisors assist newly arrived students by guiding them through settling into life and studies in Finland.
  2. Support includes assistance with the visa process, housing and orientation, and health care.
  3. Through these organizations, students are connected with Finnish culture and day-to-day living, helping them transition into a new academic environment.
  4. Arcada assigns you a multilingual liaison, so you don’t have to struggle with the language barrier when dealing with administration.
  5. Students are encouraged to participate in exchange opportunities; they are also supported in planning studies abroad.

Career Services and the Employability Service

  1. Career services at Arcada assist students through workshops, personal coaching, and resources with this transition into the workplace.
  2. Students are supported with writing CV, job application preparation and interview skills.
  3. It has an industry network that helps students access internships, placements for practical training and jobs after graduation.
  4. Career advisors also help students to build professional portfolios and to attend career fairs on and off campus.
  5. Alumni connections and guest lectures from professionals in the field enhance opportunities for the career development experience.

Support for Mental Health and Well-being

  1. Arcada also is offering access to a campus psychologist and study social worker to help with mental and emotional well-being.
  2. Students can reach out in confidence to talk about stress, academic pressure or challenges in their personal lives.
  3. Counselling is free, not session-limited, and covers the student journey.
  4. Arcada organizes workshops on stress management, mindfulness and an overall healthy routine because they strive for a balanced lifestyle.
  5. During the academic year, well-being resources are available both online and in-person by appointment.

Additional Support Services

  1. Arcada’s library provides assistance throughout the research and information retrieval process, access to research data and books, course materials, and textbooks”
  2. IT support provides assistance with all technical issues, including network access, account setup, and device troubleshooting.
  3. Writing workshops and language support services that assist students in developing academic writing and communication skills.
  4. Administrative inquiries (student discounts, certification requests, name changes, etc.) are handled by Student Affairs.
  5. All services have the ambition to be inclusive, accessible and student friendly, including clear information in English and Swedish.

Student Life at University of Applied Sciences Arcada

  1. You are taught in an international and inclusive environment
  2. Arcada is one of the most international universities of applied sciences in Finland.
  3. With around 60 nationalities on campus, the environment is friendly and global.
  4. International students are helped with cultural orientation, peer mentoring, and social activities.

Activities and Events Outside of the Classroom

  1. Arcada runs events and traditions throughout the year like Vappu, Finland’s most vivacious student festival.
  2. Winter sports, cottage trips, and cultural events organized by student associations are among seasonal activities.
  3. Workshops, film nights and themed parties are regularly hosted at the house, the centre of student life.
  4. The university facilitates academic and social integration through team-building, excursions, and competitions.
  5. It’s highly focused on balance — students are encouraged to spend time on hobbies and in social circles outside of academics.

Sports, Fitness, and Wellness

  1. Arcada Student Union (ASK) organizes sport activities, yoga lessons, and wellness events for your physical well-being.
  2. There are outdoor options nearby running tracks and parks outside, and the nearby sea for kayaking or walking.
  3. Student ID program provide students with discounts and access to health-promoting facilities and services.

ASK (Arcada Student Union)

  1. ASK arranges parties, charity drives, sitzes (traditional Finnish student dinners) and support services.
  2. The union also assists new students during orientation and with settling in Helsinki.
  3. For variety, student associations such as Commedia, HanSe and HoSK provide smaller communities surrounding different fields of study.
  4. Students are encouraged to run for representative positions and have a voice in university decisions and policies.

Helsinki as a Student City

  1. Arcada is situated at Arabianranta; in a serene, creative district of Helsinki with nature and culture.
  2. The city has modern public transport, also very good safety, student discounts and many free things to do.
  3. Mixing Nordic charm with urban life and nature, Helsinki has an ideal study-life balance.
  4. Within 20 minutes of campus, students can peruse museums, attend concerts, visit festivals and go to cafes.
  5. Arcada combines an exciting capital city with a tight-knit campus environment to create a unique study experience.

Scholarships Offered by University of Applied Sciences Arcada

Early Bird Discount

  1. Granted to all newly admitted students accepting their offer to study and pay the tuition fee within 14 days.
  2. Offers a scholarship of 2,000 euros on the tuition fee of the first academic year.
  3. Credit transfer fee: It is only applicable for the normal bachelor degree programmes and not for the Fast-track BBA or Nursing TopUp.
  4. No grade point average here; eligibility is just based on prompt acceptance and payment.
  5. The reduced fee is payable in one instalment for the academic year.

Scholarship for Academic Performance

  1. Dispositional to students that have completed a minimum of 1 academic year at Arcada.
  2. Qualification requirements: Students must score a minimum of 55 ECTS (or equivalent) during the academic year.
  3. The grade point average for eligibility is 4.5 and above on Arcada’s 5-point scale.
  4. It is applied against 30 percent of next academic year’s tuition fee.
  5. Students must apply via an online form and meet all deadlines to be considered.

Asylum Seeker and Refugee Scholarship

  1. Available for international students who are asylum seekers, refugees, or temporary protection holders in Finland.
  2. Fully waives tuition fee, covering 100 percent for the first academic year at Arcada.
  3. Students are required to submit evidence of their status at the time of application.
  4. To renew the scholarship, students have to verify that their legal status hasn’t changed.

ORMT Rate Reduction on First Year Tuition Fees

  1. Awarded to students who are admitted through OMPT test and interview process expiring on October 2023
  2. Offers a discount of 230 euros on the annual tuition fee.
  3. This is deducted automatically and does not require a separate application.
  4. The reduction applies only to students who pay tuition fees.
  5. You can stack it on top of the Early Bird Discount for even more savings.

Extended Academic Performance Scholarship

  1. Exceptions may be made in special cases, including student exchanges or Sisu system delays, in which case scholarships deadlines may be extended.
  2. Could also pay one semester initially when credits are pending.
  3. If 55 ECTS and/or GPA of 4.5 or above is confirmed in the final credits, one can receive 50% reduction in the tuition fees for the entire academic year.
  4. This scholarship means that students who are impacted by system-related delays or delays due to studying internationally will not be disadvantaged.

Internships and Placements at University of Applied Sciences Arcada

Industry-driven Methodology across Departments

  1. The practical training is a compulsory part of all bachelor’s degree program at Arcada.
  2. The objective is to combine theory and practice, integrating real-world experience so that students graduate with practical experience.
  3. Training is usually done in the later years of study but may start as early as second year.
  4. One of the main aspects that practical training provides to students is the development of professional skills of different schools have given all students this experience of working with experts.
  5. The experience usually results in commissioned thesis projects or actual employment right out of school.

Help in Finding Training Opportunities

  1. Degree program directors and teacher tutors assist students in finding a training placement.
  2. Arcada’s Job Portal enables students to upload their CVs, search for jobs and sign up for career fairs online.
  3. The portal is provided by Job Teaser, an international service with listings available in Finland and abroad.
  4. Arcada also advises students to pursue summer jobs and part-time positions that are in line with their career interests.

Practical Training Abroad

  1. Many degree program provide an opportunity to complete a portion of training abroad.
  2. Arcada offers information and counseling for students who are planning on going to international trainings.
  3. Scholarships are available to cover living and travel expenses throughout study abroad.
  4. International training enhances students’ experience and increases cultural competency in the workplace.
  5. These opportunities that exist around the world for Arcada students make international networks and job readiness a reality.

Annual career events and opportunities to connect with employers

  1. My Future Work on Arcada’s annual recruitment and networking event connecting students with employers.
  2. The event welcomes companies and organizations for practical training, thesis and jobs for students.
  3. Students can meet industry professionals, explore career paths, and pitch their skills in person.
  4. Conducted during this event include workshops, presentations and networking sessions are also a part of the training and activities to improve employability.
  5. It is a vital bridge between classroom instruction and career realities.

Job Support

  1. During their practical training, many students make contacts that lead to full-time jobs.
  2. Career services include individualized coaching on job search tactics, application and interview techniques.
  3. Graduates can use Arcada’s Job Portal to search for entry-level jobs.
  4. Continuing the legacy of professional development, alumni events and networks help recent graduates in establishing sustainable career trajectories.
  5. This blend of academic study, practical experience and career guidance opens the doors to employment.

Entry Requirements at University of Applied Sciences Arcada

Educational Background for undergraduate courses

  1. International Baccalaureate (IB), European Baccalaureate (EB) and Reifeprüfung (RP) diplomas are also accepted.
  2. Foreign upper secondary school certificates (such as A-levels or Higher Secondary Certificates) are accepted if they grant access to university studies in the issuing country.
  3. Those who have a completed higher education degree (bachelor’s or master’s) can also apply.

Undergraduate Requirements Undergraduate English Language Requirements

  1. Candidates are usually required to provide proof of English language proficiency for those program offered in English language.
  2. Depending on the program, acceptable tests are International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic, Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), or equivalent.
  3. Minimum score requirements are generally given as IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79, but applicants need to check per program.
  4. Applicants with prior education in English may not be required to submit a test score.
  5. Acceptable certificates and exemption rules for each specific program can be found in the individual program criteria.

Application process and documents

  1. You may also be required to submit passport copies, certificates of residence permit, etc.
  2. Failure to meet deadlines can lead to disqualification for late or incomplete applications.
  3. Track your application status and get updates via Study info fi or by email from Arcada.

Discretionary Admission Pathway

  1. Arcada offers discretionary admission to applicants who may not formally meet the entry criteria but can demonstrate potential.
  2. This is relevant for candidates whose qualifications were non-standard or incomplete but provided sufficient evidence of academic skill.
  3. Assessment of applicants will be done against their educational qualification, supporting documents, and criteria specific to the respective program.
  4. Discretionary admission does not have to be called upon separately – Arcada explores each of these case-by-case during the evaluation phase.
  5. Note that admission under this pathway remains provisional until the verification of all final certificates and records.

Application Periods and Program Offering

  1. Applications for our main English-taught Bachelor’s degree program are open.
  2. Early application is encouraged, as places may fill before the application deadline.

Rankings and Awards of University of Applied Sciences Arcada

National and Global Rankings

  1. And in 2025, Arcada ranked 24th among universities in Finland, demonstrating solid performance over time nationally.
  2. The 2025 international ranking of higher education institutions ranked Arcada 4721st out of more than 31,000 institutions across the world.
  3. Scores were given across 43 research topics, showing that it does well in applied research and impact on society.
  4. Arcada ranks competitively among Finland’s universities of applied sciences with respect to both EUROSTUDENT and mathematics student experience.
  5. The college is particularly known for its contribution to the fields of healthcare, engineering, and digital innovation.

 QS and Times Higher Education

  1. Now, Arcada is on the map on the world rankings Top Universities (QS) and Times Higher Education (THE).
  2. It ranks especially well for measures of student satisfaction and international outlook, both rankings said.
  3. Arcada’s membership also highlights its increasing international presence and collaboration in academia.

An acclaim for Research and Innovation

  1. 10+ unique business field projects will be produced as part of this project which helps develop a commercial strategy for our start-up initiatives 25,000 US dollars have been raised to fund this initiative.
  2. It is engaged in a number of cross-border innovation projects, especially in health technology and sustainability engineering.
  3. Arcada’s research has concrete applications in Finnish society and industry in the form of pilots.
  4. It is well-known for integrating applied science with practical relevance in the fields of healthcare, welfare, and tech industries.
  5. This research-led approach is also reflected in students’ learning to improve employability.

Awards and Distinctions

  1. In 2018 Arcada was the recipient of Tio University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands’ “Excellence Partner” award.
  2. The award recognizes Arcada’s excellence in international collaboration and exchange of students.
  3. It was one of the first Finnish institutions to book the Green Office certification by WWF in the year 2011.

Internationalization and Global Impact

  1. Per size, it is considered to be the most international UAS in Finland, with students from more than 60 nationalities.
  2. The university’s exchange agreements with more than 120 foreign institutions encourage cross-cultural learning and academic mobility.
  3. Its global outlook is woven into curricula, collaborative research and multicultural campus life.
  4. This award recognizes Arcada as a globally located local partner in education, in strategic alignment with Arcada’s commitment to provide solutions on a global scale with local knowledge.

Acceptance Rate

General Admission Selectivity

  1. Arcada University of Applied Sciences is estimated to have a 39% acceptance rate for international students.
  2. This means that admission is selective (moderate) and competitive, but possible if you have a reasonable educational background.
  3. Admission is dependent on academic qualifications, risk and determination with language, which determines whether a student will manage the rigors of a program.
  4. Arcada has a good academic reputation and receives numerous applications from international candidates every year.

Program Capacity and Application Limits

  1. Programs have a certain number of seats, such as, Mechanical and Sustainable Engineering has 30 seats per year.
  2. Arcada reserves the right to close the application rounds earlier than indicated if all available study places are filled before the final deadline.
  3. The university has multiple intakes and application routes (regular, fast-track, certificate-based) that help ease the selection process as well.
  4. Places are allocated by a first-qualified, best-qualified basis — i.e. good candidates are automatically put to the top of the queue.
  5. Each applicant can be admitted only once to each program in each academic year; reapplication is allowed in the following cycle.

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