Yhteishaun

Yhteishaku, or joint application, is Finland’s annual centralized admissions process for many bachelor’s degree programs at universities and universities of applied sciences. It is coordinated by the Finnish National Agency for Education (Opetushallitus) and conducted through the Studyinfo portal. Through this system, applicants submit a single online application listing several programs and institutions and rank their choices.

Eligibility usually requires a completed matriculation examination or an internationally recognized qualification that meets the program’s entry requirements. Language proficiency is often needed in Finnish or Swedish for Finnish-language programs, and English for programs taught in English. Selection criteria combine prior academic performance with program-specific requirements; most programs use merit from previous studies, but some include entrance tests, portfolios, auditions, or other assessments.

Participation includes most universities and universities of applied sciences, though some professional programs or programs taught entirely in English may have additional requirements or separate rounds. Applications occur during a yearly joint application period, with admissions decisions published for autumn intake. Offers must be accepted by a deadline, and applicants may be placed on a waiting list (varasija) or appeal decisions in eligible cases.

Difference from separate admissions: yhteishaku standardizes the initial application across institutions and programs, while some programs still maintain program-specific admissions or later rounds. The system aims to simplify applying to higher education and to increase transparency and accessibility.