Valintatavat

Valintatavat, or selection methods, are the procedures used by Finnish higher education institutions to admit applicants to degree programmes. They form part of the programme-specific valintaperusteet, which describe what is required, how each component is evaluated, and the relative weight of each part in the final decision. Valintatavat can vary by field, degree level, language of instruction, and applicant group (Finnish, international, or exchange). All programmes publish their valintatavat for each intake on Studyinfo.

Common valintatavat include arvosanapohjainen valinta (based on previous academic performance and grade point average), kokeen tai tehtävien perusteella tehtävä valinta (entrance examinations, aptitude tests, or assignments), and haastatteluperusteinen valinta (interview-based evaluation). Many programmes also use portfolio- or työnäyteperusteinen valinta (portfolios or work samples), especially in arts, design, and certain applied disciplines. Monivaiheinen valinta, where several components are combined with different weights, is also common.

For international or English-language programmes, valintatavat may include language proficiency requirements and the recognition of prior degrees. National guidelines ensure fair treatment across educational backgrounds, while programme-specific rules tailor the exact components and their weights.

The admissions process uses these methods to produce a ranked applicant list, with cut-off scores and weights published in advance. Appeals and adjustments follow national regulations and the program’s own rules. Studyinfo serves as a primary information source for applicants to compare and understand the valintatavat of different programmes.