Valintamenettelyt

Valintamenettelyt, or selection procedures, are the methods and criteria used by Finnish higher education institutions to admit students to degree programs. They define how applicants are evaluated and ranked, with the specific requirements for each program published in advance as valintaperusteet. The overarching goal is fair, transparent, and merit-based decisions.

Common elements of valintamenettelyt include a combination of components. Academic performance, such as the applicant’s previous degree grades or GPA, often contributes a portion of the admission score. Entrance examinations (valintakoe) test knowledge and skills relevant to the field. Portfolios, assignments, or other qualifying tasks may be used, especially in arts, design, architecture, and teacher education. Interviews or auditions can assess motivation, communication, and suitability for the program. Language tests or other eligibility checks may be required for international applicants or programs with specific language prerequisites. Some programs also consider professional experience or other merit-based criteria.

Evaluation typically results in valintapisteet (admission points), which are used to rank applicants. In many cases, admissions are carried out through the national joint application system, Yhteishaku, via the Studyinfo service, though some programs may have non-centralized admissions. Decisions are announced after evaluation, with opportunities to appeal within a specified period.

The regulatory framework for valintamenettelyt rests on Finnish higher education laws and national guidelines, with the Finnish National Agency for Education coordinating aspects of the centralized admissions process. Programs publish their criteria to ensure transparency and to allow applicants to prepare accordingly.