Certificate-based selection

This website provides information about certificate-based selection for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in universities of applied sciences.

Certificate-based selection in universities of applied sciences

Bachelor’s degrees

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Master’s degrees

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Bachelor’s degrees

Those applying with a matriculation examination (Finnish or EB, IB and RP/DIA diploma) or vocational upper secondary qualification (completed in Finland after 1 August 2015) have a specific study place quota which varies between study programmes available for application. You don’t have to choose or inform which selection method you apply with. The selection is made based on the information you give on the application form and data in KOSKI service.

All universities of applied sciences comply with the scoring models and principles of certificate-based selection. In certificate-based selection, the university of applied sciences may independently determine the lowest score limit or the threshold criteria. If you have completed two different vocational qualifications or both the matriculation examination and a vocational qualification, each degree is considered separately in the certificate-based selection.

The certificate-based selection for degree programmes conducted in English (January application) is conducted in May (after the entrance exams) and in October (September application).

The common university of applied sciences scoring models of certificate-based selection can be found at UASinfo website. Certificate-based selection is used in some degree programmes in English but not all of them. You can find a list of degree programmes in English that use certificate-based selection at the UASinfo website. The list is updated before the application opens.

Data on completed subjects and grades for Finnish matriculation examination is retrieved from the relevant register (YTL/Matriculation Examination Board). If the examination was completed prior to 1990, the Certificate of Matriculation must be uploaded to the application form. Those finishing their examination in autumn are not considered in the certificate-based selection for the relevant year’s autumn application round.

International matriculation examinations only refer to the following qualifications:

These qualifications are scored similarly to the Finnish matriculation examination in certificate-based selection.

The certificate-based selection does not concern:

  • Reifeprüfung (RP) or Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA) degree completed outside Finland
  • other types of Baccalaureate diplomas than listed above. The diplomas can meet the eligibility requirement for the studies but are not considered in the certificate-based selection.

See UASinfo website for information on the scoring of

The lowest score limit and threshold criteria at Xamk

  • Lowest score limit for all fields of study: 60/198 points
  • Threshold criteria for the business field: The lowest score limit 60/198 and English language test in Matriculation Examination, basic syllabus grade C or higher, or advanced syllabus grade A or higher
  • Threshold criteria for all engineering fields: The lowest score limit 60/198 and Mathematics test in Matriculation Examination, basic syllabus grade C or higher, or advanced syllabus grade A or higher

Certificate-based selection of vocational upper secondary qualifications of the year 2017 and later is conducted on the basis of data in KOSKI service.

If you have graduated between 1.8.2015 – 31.12.2016, you shall report on the application form, the grades of the common units of the vocational upper secondary qualification, and the qualification’s weighted average. Guidelines for calculating the weighed average grade can be found at UASinfo website. You shall also attach a copy of the qualification to the application (a good quality scan or photo of the certificate).

Competence-based qualifications are not taken into account in certificate-based selection.

If you are graduating after the application period, make sure that your study records and the confirmation date of your qualification are stored in KOSKI service by 13.5.2024. You can check your details in KOSKI service (My studies) and if needed, contact your vocational institution.

Scoring of vocational upper secondary qualification

In certificate-based selection, grades of the three common units are considered and the weighted average of the qualification (total max 150 points). Vocational upper secondary qualification scoring model can be found on the UASinfo website.

Lowest score limits and threshold criteria at Xamk

  • Lowest score limit for the ICT field (Information Technology): 110/150 points
  • Lowest score limit for other fields of study: 80/150 points
  • Threshold criteria for the business field:  Common unit of Communication and interaction competence grade 2 or higher (grading scale 1-3), or grade 4 or higher (grading scale 1-5)
  • Threshold criteria for the ICT field (Information Technology): Common unit of Mathematics and science competence grade 3 or higher (grading scale 1-3), or grade 4 or higher (grading scale 1-5)
  • Threshold criteria for the other engineering fields (Environmental Engineering): Common unit of Mathematics and science competence grade 2 or higher (grading scale 1-3), or grade 4 or higher (grading scale 1-5)

Master’s degrees

Certificate-based selection in Master’s degree programmes is based on weighted average for the Bachelor’s degree completed in the suitable field in a university of applied sciences in Finland. 

You are considered in the certificate-based selection for the International Business Management programme (MBA) if you have completed a Bachelor’s degree in business/economics in a university of applied sciences in Finland, and you have added a link to view the completed studies in that degree at My Studyinfo service to your application form. When creating the link on My Studyinfo, please make sure to use the option “Share full details of the studies you selected.” 

  • If you have more than one degree that meet the eligibility requirement, the degree providing the highest average is considered in the certificate-based selection. 
  • If you haven’t added the link to your application form, or if the link you have added is incorrect or has expired, your degree will not be considered in the certificate-based selection. 
  • If the grades for your degree cannot be viewed at My Studyinfo service, you should in any case add the link to your application form. In addition, upload the transcript of records attached to your degree certificate (including the completed studies and grades) to your application form or deliver it to Xamk Admission Services by email. 
  • If you apply with some other eligible degree (e.g. a Master’s degree or a degree completed outside Finland), you can only be considered for admission based on the GMAT or GRE test. 
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Contact Admission Services

Xamk’s Admissions Services primarily assists with matters related to applying for degree studies. You can contact us by phone or through our online form.

Phone service in July:

  • Mon-Fri 10.00-13.00

Degree education in Finnish:

  • 044 702 8891 
  • 040 585 6610

Degree education in English:

  • 040 585 6610

Contact request via online form:

Admission Services
Open University of Applied Sciences