Admissions FAQ
When can I apply?
You can apply to Novia UAS during the joint application period in Finland. The next joint application will be 9 January - 14 February 2012 online at www.admissions.fi .
What is the difference between the joint application and an additional application?
In the joint application you can apply to up to four different degree programmes in Finland with the same online application. An additional application it means that a University of Applied Science (UAS) is arranging an application independently of other UASs in Finland and you cannot apply to several UASs with one application.
How do I apply?
In order to apply to Novia you need to fill out the application form online at www.admissions.fi in the joint application before the end of the application period. If you are applying with a paper form your application form must arrive at your first preference admissions office before the end of the application period. Please contact our Admissions Office for more information.
Which documents do I need to submit to the Admissions Office?
A verified copy of your senior secondary school certificate (studies usually completed between the ages of 15-18) and a language test. All your application documents must be submitted to the admissions office of your first application preference. The address to Novia is: Novia University of Applied Sciences, Admissions Office, PB 6, 65201 Vaasa, Finland. No scanned or faxed copies are accepted.
How are international students admitted?
International applicants that have applied in the joint application are admitted on the basis of their success in the entrance examinations. To be invited to the entrance examiantions you must be considered eligible.
Is it advisable to use a fee-charging agency to help with my application process?
Making an application to a Finnish University of Applied Sciences is always free of charge. It is not recommended to use a fee-charging agency to submit your application for you. As an applicant you should submit your own online application. You should always use your own postal and e-mail address to ensure that you receive all the necessary information directly from the admissions office. If you need help with your application please contact our Admissions Office.
Do I need a language test to be eligible?
EU/EEA-citizens: No. Applicants that are EU/EEA-citizens or have completed that their senior secondary education in Finland can be exempted from the language test in the entrance exam if they provide proof of their language skills.
Non-EU/EEA citizens: Yes. According to the general admission criteria that the Ministry of Education in Finland has provided all non-EU/EEA citizens must provide proof of their English language skills.
Which countries belong to the EU/EEA?
The European Union (EU) inlcudes: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Malta and Cyprus. The European Economic Area (EEA) includes the following countries: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Switzerland is linked to the EU by the EU-bilateral agreements.
What are the language test requirements?
IELTS score academic level 6,0 or TOEFL score 550 paper-based test/79-80 internet -based test, or grade C in the Finnish matriculation examination in advanced level English (IB-examination grade 4 completed in Finland, Reifeprüfung -examination grade 7 completed in Finland or EB-examination grade 6.00-6.95), or skills level 4 in English in the Finnish general language examination (www.oph.fi/english => Mobility => Testing Language Skills). Please keep in mind that the general language examination in Finland offers the questions for the English language test in Finnish or Swedish.
Can I send a copy of the language test?
TOEFL test scores are only accepted directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Novia's TOEFL code is 3875. Paper copies of IELTS test results are accepted. No scanned or faxed copies are accepted.
If I have a vocational degree completed in Finland do I need a language test?
No. Your language skills will be tested during the entrance examination.
If I have completed a combination of the Finnish Matriculation examination and vocational degree certificate, which certificate should I apply with?
The Admissions office recommends that you apply with your vocational degree certificate, because you will be admitted solely based the points in the entrance examination enabling you to obtain maximum admission points 100. If you apply with your Matriculation Examination certificate you will be able to obtain max 15/30 points for previous school experience (grades on your Matriculation examination certificate). Normally an applicant with both certificates does not have a school leaving certificate from upper secondary school (lukion päättötodistus/gymnasiets avgångsbetyg), which gives you the other half of the previous school experience points. If you only apply with your Matriculation Examination grades your admission points would be calculated as follows (entrance exam, max 70 points + previous school experience max 15/30 points = total 85/100 points), which is a disadvantage for you as an applicant.
If I have completed a BSc or MSc in Finland (or an EU/EEA country) in English do I need a language test?
No. Primary and secondary school education in English completed in Great Britain, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand or Bachelors or Master's degree completed in English in one of these countries, is accepted as a demonstration of sufficient English language skills. Bachelor's or Master's degree conducted in English in an EU/EEA -country is also accepted as a demonstration of sufficient English language skills.
Are the entrance examinations arranged abroad?
The Degree Programmes in Environmental Engineering and Maritime Management will arrange entrance examinations abroad in cooperation with the Finnish Network for International Programmes (FINNIPS). Please visit the page about entrance examinations for further information about locations and dates. The Degree Programme in Nursing does not arrange entrance examinations abroad in any applications. Please also note that no entrance examinations will be arranged abroad in an additional application.
