Valintakoe

Valintakoe, meaning selection test, is a term used in Finland to describe entrance examinations that are part of the admissions process to Finnish higher education institutions. It is employed by both universities and universities of applied sciences (AMK) for programmes where selection is not based solely on the matriculation examination grades. Some degree programmes require a valintakoe, while others rely primarily on high school grades or other criteria; in some cases applicants may be assessed through multiple components including the valintakoe and previous study records.

The formats of valintakoe vary by programme and institution. Common formats include written tests that may contain multiple-choice items and open-ended problems, as well as oral interviews, group tasks, or portfolio presentations. The content often focuses on general cognitive abilities, analytical thinking, and knowledge relevant to the field of study; some programmes test discipline-specific knowledge. Tests can be computer-based and may be arranged online or on campus, and schedules are typically announced by the admissions unit of the institution.

Administration and scoring procedures differ between programmes. The test results are used to rank applicants and are combined with other admission criteria such as matriculation exam results, prior degrees, or work experience, depending on the programme. The weight given to the valintakoe varies, and the same test may be valid only for the current admission round. Information on dates, formats, and scoring is provided by each programme and through the national admissions portal Studyinfo.