Nursing (aimed at immigrants)
Professional nursing in two languages
This bilingual Degree Programme in Nursing is aimed at immigrants. By the time of graduation, the goal is that you will be able to work in health care services in Finland using the Finnish language.
In the beginning, the studies will mostly be conducted in English, with Finnish language teaching gradually taking over. You must have the minimum of B2 level in the English language. There is no requirement for Finnish language skills.
The studies will provide you with the skills needed in varied health care settings. During the programme, the latest research and evidence-based nursing practices will be integrated with hands-on professional skills. The curriculum is based on EU directives and the qualification complies with the European standards. As a Bachelor of Health Care, you will have many further educational opportunities in Finland and abroad.
News from the field
Type
Degree earned
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Extent of studies
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Campus
Form of learning
Tuition fee for non-EU/EEA citizens
Link to scholarship programme
The purpose of the bilingual Nursing degree programme is to train nursing professionals, who are capable of working in health care services in Finland using the Finnish language. The programme is bilingual (English and Finnish) and it is conducted partially in cooperation with Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Tampere University of Applied Sciences.
Applicants must have the minimum of B2 level in the English language (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) to be accepted to the programme. There is no requirement for Finnish language skills. In the beginning, the studies will mostly be conducted in English, with Finnish language teaching gradually taking over. During the studies the Finnish language skills are practiced and improved, and by the time of graduation students will have reached the sufficient language proficiency in order to work in Finland as a nurse.
The nursing studies combine practical skills with strong theoretical knowledge. To be able to help others, a nurse should be in good health and have the ability to function. As a nurse, you will plan, conduct and evaluate the care of patients together with the patient themselves and their next of kin. You will guide and advise patients. The job requires independent decision-making, as well as taking initiative and responsibility.
The studies consist of theoretical nursing studies, multidisciplinary studies, clinical training and the final project. The studies highlight intercultural communication and operating in the environments of Finnish health care services. Finnish language studies (20-23 ects) are included in the programme. You should be motivated and commit to developing your Finnish language skills to the required level.
The study programme uses a variety of teaching techniques. The studies are mostly provided as contact teaching on campus, as simulation learning, and by training practical skills both independently and with other students. Some theoretical studies take place online.
Graduates will be able to work in a wide range of positions in the health care field, working both independently and in multi-professional teams. You may find employment in primary health care, specialised nursing units or the private health care sector. In addition to these, the nurse’s degree will enable you to work as an expert or consultant, for a non-profit organization or in international duties.
The programme is conducted bilingually with English and Finnish. From the beginning, studies in Finnish are organized alongside studies in English, with the studies in Finnish gradually taking over. During the studies the Finnish language skills are improved, so that by the time of graduation the student will have reached the language proficiency required of a nurse working in Finland.
There is no Finnish language requirement when applying, but please note that a considerable part of the teaching will be conducted in Finnish, and by the time of graduation you should have reached the required skill level to be able to work in Finland as a nurse. Applicants must have the minimum of B2 level in the English language.
You must commit to learning Finnish, so that you will reach the oral and written language proficiency required of a health care professional. Students’ language skills are tested in the course of the studies, and if necessary, students will be guided to take additional Finnish studies outside the degree. At the end of the studies, the students must demonstrate having reached the required language skills. You will be required to pass the intermediate level (levels 3 and 4) in the national certificate of language proficiency (YKI) test, with each test component passed with minimum grade of 3 (https://www.valvira.fi/web/en/healthcare/professional_practice_rights/language_proficiency)
The programme is organized partially in cooperation with Metropolia University of Applies Sciences and Tampere University of Applied Sciences. The programme is bilingual (English and Finnish). Completing the degree requires full-time study. Lectures are mainly held during the day, but can be held in the evenings as well. Language studies and practical trainings can be conducted during the summer term, when agreed upon.
Your studies will include theoretical studies, practical training, virtual learning, studying both independently and in teams, simulation learning, workshops and seminars. You will also be completing written tasks independently and in teams for each study unit. There is no tuition fee for EU/EEA degree students, but the student will pay for other study related costs, such as travel and living costs related to practical training periods.
The studies require commitment and self-organization skills. The studies are flexible, partly enabling studying irrespective of time and place. Good time management and organizational skills are required. The student must be motivated and committed to study Finnish in order to reach the required proficiency. Finnish language studies continue throughout the studies.
Beginning of the studies consist modules Theoretical Basics of Nursing, The Basics of Competence in Professional Nursing, and Basics of Pharmacotherapy and Fluid Therapy. Professional studies include modules Outpatient Health Care and Gerontological Nursing, Medical Nursing, Surgical and Perioperative Nursing, Women, Families and Children as Nursing Clients, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Nursing.
About one third (75 credits) of the programme consists of supervised practical trainings in various social and health care environments, with customer contact. The training periods are spread along the studies. Please note that supervised training follows the work hours of the unit in question, which may be in three shifts and can take place on the weekends.
The degree includes a final project (15 credits), which is usually carried out in workplace-oriented projects.
If you have questions, you can contact Eija Piikkilä, eija.piikkila(at)tuni.fi or Anne Mäenpää, anne.maenpaa(at)tuni.fi.
Nursing degree does not have fields of specialization.
The degree carries a tuition fee of EUR 9 800 / academic year for non-EU/EEA students. Applicants must submit relevant documentation together with their application. If you are unsure about whether you'd be subject to tuition fees, check the 'Am I required to pay tuition fees?' section on the Studyinfo.fi application site.
Scholarships
- 50% Early Bird -scholarship waiver for the first year, if acceptance of offered study place and 50% payment of first year tuition fee is done within 7 days of receiving a Conditional Offer Letter.
- Academic Award -scholarship waivers of 25% and 50% in the following years based on credits gained and Finnish language skills test results.
At the time of graduation, students may be eligible for significant Academic Excellence scholarships. These scholarships are governed by the TAMK's R&D Fund. They can be based on final thesis quality, excellence in project work, exceptional practical training success or other grounds set by the Fund.
The degree consists of 210 ECTS credits and takes on average 3,5 years to complete.
Studies take place during the day, and include various teaching methods.
The studies consist of core, professional and Finnish language studies (120 cr.), final project (15 cr.) and supervised practical training (75 cr.).
The aim of the Bachelor's thesis (15 credits) is to develop your competence in the area of your choice, in cooperation with working life. With the final project you will demonstrate putting your skills and knowledge in practice in tasks related to your professional studies. You will also have to follow ethical research principles at every stage of the project.
As a rule, the final project is completed in the language of study.
The employment situation in health care field is good and there are various possibilities. Nurses work in different sectors in the health care field with people of various ages. The job could be in either public or private health care or in a non-profit organization. You can also work in various projects, as an expert or a consultant, or as an entrepreneur. Graduates may be employed in Finland or abroad. You will also have many possibilities for further study and develop your competences.
The job may be in a hospital ward, at a clinic or in an operating room. You may also find a job in home nursing, various rehabilitation and care homes or a medical centre.
In the programme you will be studying in a multicultural group, with English and Finnish as teaching languages. During the studies you will have the opportunity to participate in international activities such as projects and joint teaching by international partners. International student exchange is also a possibility.
Graduates are equipped to work in multicultural environments. The Finnish Nursing degree allows for the comparability of the degree and employability as a nurse in other EU countries. In case you wish to work outside the EU/EEA area, you need to check the country-specific qualification requirements upon graduation.
The degree programme has several partners, including other social and health care degree programmes in Metropolia and TAMK, medical study programmes, and practical training partners in social and health care fields (public, private and organizations). Orientations to clinical training take place in the Tampere Centre for Skills Training and Simulation, which is a joint effort of Tampere Universities and Pirkanmaa Hospital District (PSHP) to train students and staff together.
Partners in Finnish language studies include parties offering language studies on different levels.
As a degree student of TAMK, you have the possibility, when enrolled as present, to select studies also from the curriculum of Tampere University to include in your degree within the framework of your study plan. With these cross-institutional studies and shared projects you can create a personalized study portfolio with extended knowledge and skills. You can also take courses in other universities of applied sciences.
The programme is organized by TOKASA project, which is funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The project is run by Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Tampere University of Applied Sciences. The action period is from January 2021 to December 2024.
The Bachelor of Health Care degree gives you eligibility for Master's programmes in Finland and abroad. In Finland further education can be for example in the fields of Health Care Management, Public Health or Nursing Science.
There are also options for continuing education.
Below you can find the applications this degree programme is in. Carefully read through the admission criteria in the application that suits you best.
For additional questions on applying, application documents and application process, please contact our Admissions office. For questions regarding the content of the programme, please contact Ms. Eija Piikkilä, eija.piikkila(at)tuni.fi or Anne Mäenpää, anne.maenpaa(at)tuni.fi.
Apply in joint application to higher education
Students are admitted based on entrance examination. Click to see the admission criteria.
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Eligibility for the degree programme is given by the general eligibility for bachelor’s degrees in universities of applied sciences in Finland.
For further information see the website University of Applied Sciences (UAS) Bachelor’s degree > Who can apply?
Applying to study in the field of Health Care and Social Services
In the social welfare and health care sector, the studies include working with customer groups requiring spe-
cial protection, in which case ethical requirements and requirements for patient or customer safety are crucial.
The health and functional capacity of students shall be such that they are capable of performing assignments
and practical training related to their studies. Studying and working in these professions requires sufficient
physical, mental and social capacity.
Obstacles to student admission may include, for instance, the following:
- Severe rash and/or allergy to e.g. medicinal products and detergents
- Sensory disability affecting functional ability
- Mental health disorder
- Substance abuse/drug abuse or misuse during the last two years
- Limited social capacity which makes it difficult to work with people
- Long-term illness or physical injury limiting participation in studies and practical training
An issue related to health or functional ability is not an obstacle to student admission if the obstacle can be removed by reasonable means. The severity and the management of the obstacle will be taken into account when assessing the applicant’s suitability to be admitted as a student in the degree programme concerned.
Based on the applicant’s notification submitted at the application stage, the university of applied sciences may require more detailed health information to assess whether the student will be able to manage the studies and which support measures will reasonably be required.
Students involved in traineeships in social welfare and health care operating units shall be vaccinated against measles and chicken pox or have acquired immunity to them from natural infection, and those treating infants shall be vaccinated against whooping cough. In addition, annual influenza vaccination is required. (Section 48 of the Communicable Diseases Act 1227/2016). The required vaccinations are free of charge for students in the social welfare and health care sector.
The social welfare and health care sector is not suitable for individuals convicted of one of the following: offences against children, sexual offences, violent offences, crimes against freedom, or drug offences.
An extract from the judicial record shall be submitted for completing assignments or practical training included in the studies which require working with minors.
Blood-borne illnesses may restrict practical training and, after graduation, the students’ placement in work assignments.
TAMK may cancel admission for the following reasons:
- applicant fails to submit certificates by the deadline specified by the university of applied sciences
- applicant has provided false information about his or her grades/educational background
- it is obvious that the student, in terms of his or her health status and functional capacity, does not meet the admissions criteria (Universities of Applied Sciences Act 932/2014)
- applicant has concealed the cancellation of his or her prior study entitlement (Universities of Applied Sciences Act 932/2014)
Language skill requirements
The applicant must hold a minimun level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference in English language. The English language proficiency will be tested as part of the entrance examination. Applicant does not need to provide TAMK with a language certificate before the examination.
The total intake for the Degree programme Sairaanhoitaja (AMK), Nursing, full-time studies (aimed at immigrants) is 14.
Intake
| Sairaanhoitaja (AMK), Nursing, full-time studies (aimed at immigrants | Autumn 2021 |
| Selection method | Study places |
|
14 |
Applicants are admitted based on the points of the entrance examination. The examination is arranged only in Finland. It is not possible to change the examination venue or time. There’s no pre-reading material for the exam. For details on the examination, see the section Entrance examination.
Selection between applicants with equal points
If two or more applicants earn the same points, the application system will automatically draw the order.
See the section Entrance examination / Valintakoe.
Applicants are admitted based on the points of the entrance examination. The examination is arranged only in Finland. It is not possible to change the examination venue or time. There’s no pre-reading material for the exam.
The entrance examination is done 25-26 October 2021 on TAMK Main campus (Kuntokatu 3) with TAMK computers. Applicants cannot use their own personal computers. The exam is done in one (1) session. The exam is written.
Entrance examination invitations
All eligible applicants will be invited to the examination. The invitations will be sent via email approximately 2 weeks before the examination. Specific instructions on arrival, time and location will be given in the entrance examination invitation.
Entrance examination structure
The examination consists of following sections (min. 26 points to pass, max. 65 points):
- Part 1: English language test (pass/fail). To pass the English language test, the applicant must hold a minimum level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference.
- Part 2: Math test (min. 8 points to pass, max. 20 points)
- Part 3: Academic reading skills test (min. 8 points to pass, max 20 points)
- Part 4: Study skills test (min. 10 points to pass, max. 25 points)
Entrance examination evaluation
To pass the exam, the applicant must get at least the minimum score of each part of the examination and pass the English language test (part 1). The scoring of each part is described above under the section Examination structure.
Entrance exam cooperation
The entrance examination is arranged in cooperation with Metropolia UAS (Bachelor of Health care in Nursing (aimed at immigrants)). Results of the entrance examination will be considered in student selection of both Metropolia’s and TAMK’s degree programmes in Nursing (aimed at immigrants).
Applicants will be invited to one entrance examination only, either to TAMK or to Metropolia depending on which one is marked the applicant’s highest priority on the application form.
If you have special needs which should be considered when arranging your entrance examination, please fill in the application form below and deliver it with the other required enclosures to TAMK Admissions Office by 22 September 2021 (3 pm Finnish time).
Read more and fill up the form for special arrangemet here.
You need to describe your special needs and the grounds for special arrangements in the application. Please enclose any relevant copies (e.g. medical certificate).
If you do not deliver the application in time, TAMK has no obligation to make any special arrangements. If the need for special arrangements arises or is discovered between the end of the application period (15 September 2021) and the entrance examination, you must deliver the special arrangement application without a delay to TAMK Admissions Office.
The special arrangement decision only applies to one application round.
Application step-by-step
- Check your eligibility for the degree programme of your choice.
- Apply via Studyinfo.fi portal during 1 - 15 September 2021 (3 pm Finnish time).
- Upload the requested attachments to your application form
- Take part in the entrance exam.
- Accept the offered study place.
- Join the TAMK community!
Online application
The electronic application form is available during the application period 1 - 15 September 2021 (3 pm Finnish time) in the Finnish national application portal Studyinfo.fi.
Note that your e-mail address is only valid for filling out one application. You cannot fill out additional applications with one e-mail address.
Scholarships
Non-EU/EEA citizens: If you wish to qualify for the Early Bird scholarship waiver at TAMK, you must accept the offered study place within 7 days from the date of your Conditional Offer. Please see more about tuition fees and scholarships.
One study place
Please notice, that you can only accept one study place among Bachelor's/Master's degrees in Finland starting during the same academic semester (1 Aug-31 Dec/1 Jan-31 Jul). Even if you register as absent or quit your studies, you cannot accept another study place during the same academic semester.
The confirmation of study place is binding and it cannot be changed afterwards.
Application documents
A degree completed outside of Finland
You have to upload the required certificate copies on your application form by 22 September 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest. If your original degree certificate is in a language other than Finnish, Swedish or English, you also have to upload a copy of its authorised translation, includinc certificate attachments. The authorised translation has to be in Finnish, Swedish or English and it has to include the translator’s signature and stamp.
International matriculation examination (IB, EB, RP/DIA)
You have to upload the diploma and the official translation (RP/DIA) copies on your application form by 22 September 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest.
Finnish matriculation examination prior to 1990
You have to upload the matriculation examination certificate on your application form by 22 September 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest.
The certificate copies are checked from those who are accepted as students and the final certificate copies (Transcript of Grades for those completing IB diploma) have to be sent by 3 December 2021 (3 pm Finnish time).
Document proving exemption of tuition fee
Applicants must upload a copy of one of the following documents to establish their citizenship and/or residence status on their application form (excl. Finnish citizens). This pertains to the legislation on tuition fees for those accepted students who are not citizens of countries of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland or holders of certain residence status in Finland. In case you hold a residence permit, upload that copy instead of passport copy, as it will also exempt you from payment of tuition fees.
You must upload the copy on your application form by 22 September 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest.
All submitted documents must be ones carrying a photograph, so they can also be used to establish identity. The copy must be fully legible and the photo must be identifiable.
Indicate which document you are referring to:
- Passport ID page or ID card of EU/EEA/Switzerland which states citizenship
- Passport ID page (all other citizenships)
- EU Blue Card
- EU Family Member's Residence Card in Finland
- Type A permit (continuous residence permit in Finland)
- Type P permit (permanent residence permit in Finland)
- Type P-EU permit (EU residence permit for third-country citizens with long-term residence in Finland)
The Finnish citizenship can be checked from the register.
TAMK's Bachelor degree: school certificate copies of admitted applicants
All admitted applicants (regardless of the country of the educational background) have to upload the school certificate copies on the application form by 3 December 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest.
Student selection is conditional until TAMK has checked the admitted students’ original final school certificates. TAMK may withdraw the admission if you do not deliver the certificates by the deadline or if you have given false information.
If your original degree certificate is in a language other than Finnish, Swedish or English, you also have to send a copy of its certified translation, including its attachments. The translation has to be in Finnish, Swedish or English and it has to include the translator’s signature and stamp.
Results
Results for the January 2022 intake will be published 26 November 2021 at the latest.
All applicants
- See their results by logging into Studyinfo.fi portal
- Receive an email/a letter stating their result and points
- Admitted applicants receive also a notice of admittance by e-mail
Confirm the offered study place in time
Admitted applicants must confirm their study place by 3 December 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time at the latest by logging into Studyinfo.fi portal. If the confirmation has not been done by the set date and time, the applicant will lose the offered study place.
Non-EU/EEA students: To qualify for the Early Bird -scholarship you must accept the offered study place within 7 days!
Confirmation of the study place is binding and cannot be altered or cancelled.
If you are admitted later from the waiting list, you have 10 days to confirm your study place. Please read your e-mail regularly in order to receive the possible admittance e-mail in time. The final day of admittance of new students is 14 December 2021.
Original certificates
The original certificates will be checked at the beginning of the studies. Student admission is conditional until TAMK has checked the admitted students' original school certificates at the beginning of the studies.
Original certificate delivery instructions are given in the admission letter. TAMK may withdraw the admission if you do not deliver the original certificates by the set date or if you have given false information.
One study place
You can only accept one study place among Bachelor's/Master's degrees in Finland starting during the same academic semester (1 Aug-31 Dec/1 Jan-31 Jul). Even if you register as absent or quit your studies, you cannot accept another study place during the same academic semester.
Enroll for studies
When accepting the study place, you also have to register as present or absent for your studies at TAMK on the Studyinfo.fi portal.
According to Finnish legislation, first-year student may register as absent for the first academic year for the following reasons only:
- Finnish military service under the Conscription Act (1438/2007), Non-Military Service Act (1446/2007), or Act on Women's Voluntary Military Service (194/1995);
- maternity, paternity or parental leave;
- the student cannot begin studies due to being incapacitated by personal illness or injury.
If you register as absent, you must prove the legal grounds for your absence. TAMK requires you to present these documents by 3 December 2021 at 3 pm Finnish time. Documents must be delivered to TAMK Admissions Office.
If you register as absent in your first academic year, but fail to deliver sufficient clarification regarding the grounds for your absence within the deadline, you will lose your right to study.
Appeals
If you believe that there has been a mistake in the student selection or the set admission criteria have not been applied correctly, you can submit a written request for rectification of the student selection decision addressed to TAMK Board of Examiners within 14 days after the student selection results have been published.
Always check the admission criteria of the programme first and contact TAMK Admissions Office before writing the request. If the issue cannot be solved by the admissions officials, you are advised to submit a written request for rectification.
Form and content of request for an administrative review:
The document requesting an administrative review shall indicate the particular decision for which the review is requested, the amendment that is being sought in the review requested and the grounds for requesting the review. (Administrative Procedure Act, Section 49d)
