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Degree programme

Bilingual Degree Programme in Nursing

Tampere University of Applied Sciences

A Bilingual Path to Professional Nursing Practice

This Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Nursing is designed for students whose native language is other than Finnish and who want a clear, structured, and work‑oriented pathway into the regulated nursing profession in Finland. The programme combines strong theoretical foundations with hands‑on clinical practice, preparing students for employment in Finnish health care services and for nurse registration in Finland and across the EU.

Application period

Joint application (spring) 7–21 January 2027 at 15.00 (UTC+2)

Type

Bachelor's degree (UAS)

Degree earned

Bachelor of Health Care

Planned duration

3.5 years

Extent of studies

210 ECTS credits

City

Tampere

Form of learning

Full-time studies

Tuition fee for non-EU/EEA citizens

12000 € per academic year

Link to scholarship programme

The programme is functionally bilingual, with English and Finnish used as languages of instruction. Applicants are required to have at least B2‑level proficiency in English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. No prior knowledge of Finnish is required at the time of admission. At the beginning of the studies, teaching is mainly conducted in English, while Finnish is gradually and systematically integrated into professional nursing studies. As the programme progresses, the use of Finnish increases and becomes central to learning and professional practice.


The studies progress systematically from basic nursing skills to demanding clinical care and independent professional practice. Early studies focus on patient safety, ethical and client‑centred care, and everyday nursing work, while later stages strengthen clinical reasoning, evidence‑based decision‑making, and the ability to work confidently in multidisciplinary teams. Extensive supervised clinical placements in authentic health care environments allow students to integrate theory and practice in a safe and purposeful way, ensuring strong workplace relevance throughout the programme.


Finnish language development is closely connected to nursing work. Students learn to use Finnish in patient guidance, documentation, team communication, and everyday professional interaction. In addition to integrated language learning, the programme includes 19–22 ECTS credits of Finnish as a second language studies. Students are expected to be motivated and committed to developing their Finnish language skills throughout the programme. By graduation, students should have achieved sufficient proficiency in Finnish to work safely and professionally in Finnish health care settings.


The nursing education is grounded in respect for human dignity, confidentiality, responsibility, and high professional and ethical standards. Nurses support individuals in promoting and maintaining health and well‑being, prevent illness, and provide care in different stages of health and disease. Nursing requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, combining interpersonal skills, manual and digital competence, and strong theoretical knowledge. The programme also emphasises communication skills, self‑leadership, resilience, and intercultural competence, preparing graduates for diverse workplaces and lifelong professional development.


Graduates of the programme are qualified to work in primary health care, specialised health care, and the private sector. Typical working environments include hospitals, health centres, private companies, non‑profit organisations, and international health care settings. 

NEXT APPLICATION PERIOD:

7 - 21 January 2027 for August 2027 start

Students are admitted through the International UAS Exam. Read more about the UAS exam here: https://www.uasinfo.fi/international-uas-exam/ 

Important dates:

  • 21 January - submit your application with passport copy and language proficiency documents
  • mid-March - complete the pre-identification for the UAS Exam
  • 23 March - participate in the UAS Exam at 12 noon (Finnish time UTC/GMT+2)
  • 14 April - results of student selection published, first offers go out!

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Curriculum

Detailed information on the content and structure of the studies is included in the curriculum.

Become a student

Learn more about the studies, admissions, and eligibility criteria on Studyinfo. In addition, applications are submitted via the Studyinfo.fi service.

Need more information?

You can find all the information on course content, structure of studies and the actual application form in Studyinfo (link below). Please read through carefully before sending in questions. If - however - you have questions regarding the application process, please contact TAMK Admissions: admissions.tamk(at)tuni.fi For questions regarding the content or structure of the programme, please contact Ms Sanna Laiho: sanna.laiho@tuni.fi