Hakuaikoja

Hakuaikoja, or application periods, are the periods during which individuals may submit applications for educational programs, scholarships, or other opportunities in Finland. These periods are set by institutions such as universities, universities of applied sciences (AMK), or government bodies and can differ widely between programs and sectors. Missing a hakuaika typically means waiting for the next intake unless late submissions are explicitly allowed.

In higher education, hakuaikoja govern admissions to bachelor's and master’s degree programs. The national study information service, studyinfo.fi, lists the upcoming rounds and deadlines. Most universities offer autumn intake (haku syksy) with deadlines in late winter or early spring, and some programs also run spring intake (haku kevät). Certain programs use continuous or rolling admissions, allowing applications at multiple points throughout the year.

Applicants prepare materials such as transcripts, degree certificates, language tests, letters of motivation, and CVs, and submit them through the official service before the stated deadline. After evaluation, institutions publish decisions within a defined timeline. Requirements and scoring criteria vary by program and degree level, and some programs may require entrance examinations, portfolios, or interviews.

Beyond degree admissions, hakuaikoja apply to scholarships and grants, exchange programs, and some professional or vocational admissions. Deadlines are published individually and may change, so applicants should monitor official channels and register for alerts if available.

Practical guidance: start early, verify eligibility, gather documents in advance, and confirm receipt of submissions. Keeping track of multiple hakuaikoja helps avoid missed opportunities and supports timely preparation.