YAMK

YAMK stands for ylempi ammattikorkeakoulututkinto, the Master’s level degree awarded by Finnish universities of applied sciences (UAS). It is the higher-level degree in Finland's professional higher education system and is designed to deepen expertise in a specific field and to prepare graduates for senior professional or leadership roles. The program emphasizes applied research and practice-based learning, often involving collaboration with industry, public sector partners, and development projects.

Admission typically requires a completed bachelor's degree (either a university of applied sciences degree or a university degree) and relevant work experience. Many programs are offered in English in addition to Finnish and Swedish. The usual duration is about 1.5–2 years of full-time study and the degree comprises 60–90 credits (ECTS), including a master’s thesis or final project that demonstrates research-based problem solving and professional implementation.

Upon completion, YAMK graduates gain formal recognition of a master's-level qualification and are eligible for doctoral studies at Finnish universities if they meet admission criteria, though doctoral entry in practice may vary by unit. The degree is widely recognized in Finland and across the EU as a professional master's credential and tends to qualify graduates for senior roles in industry, management, or specialized professional work, sometimes leading to new career paths or entrepreneurship.

Tuition varies by program and student status; Finnish and EU/EEA students often study free of charge, while some programs charge tuition for non-EU/EEA students. YAMK has been part of Finland’s higher education reform since the early 2000s and remains a common pathway for applied leadership and innovation.