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FACTS AND FIGURES OF THE UNIVERSITY
Courage and curiosity. The will to discover, understand and learn, and to go all in for a better future. We at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences – Xamk – share an attitude and a mindset. We work to support you when you define a new era of professionals. Because the best way to know tomorrow is to create it yourself.
ALL FOR THE FUTURE
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences – Xamk – is an institute of higher education which focuses on wellbeing, technology and creative industries.
Xamk – builds, researches and develops the working life of tomorrow with the strength of four campuses in the South Savo and Kymenlaakso regions in Finland, and with the help of a global network of friends and partners.
The Forest, the Environment and Energy, Logistics and Seafaring, Digital Economy and Sustainable Wellbeing. These are the cornerstones of Xamk’s research, development and innovation activities. With 250 annually ongoing projects, we make an impact regionally, ationally and internationally.
Life is a constant learning experience. We offer individual learning tracks and develop digital environments and technical pedagogical solutions to enhance learning irrespective of time and place. Xamk Open University of Applied Sciences is the largest and most popular Open University of Applied Sciences in Finland.
We at Xamk believe in equality, equal opportunities and fairness. We care for each other and we care for the environment. We make our mark where it’s needed the most. Do you?
Facts about Xamk
• 9480 students
• 850 employees
• 1700 graduates per year
• 74 Degree Programmes
• There are campuses in four towns: Kotka, Kouvola, Mikkeli and Savonlinna
• 350 partner institutions around the world
• Second largest UAS in Finland in terms of budget; annual turnover EUR 70 million
• 63 million euros total volume of research funding
• 15 million euros external RDI funding
• Versatile services
• president and CEO Heikki Saastamoinen
Languages
Degree Programmes
Partner Companies
Degree Students
Faculty description
Faculty Description
At the heart of Kouvola, the Xamk campus is a vibrant hub for education, research, and development, producing skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of the workforce. Annually, the campus sees the graduation of experts in design, business, technology, well-being, and creative industries, ensuring a seamless alignment with industry needs.The research and development initiatives are diverse and impactful, with the Kouvola Campus focusing on key areas such as railway logistics, gamification, and user-centered
design. These multidisciplinary projects not only contribute to innovation but also prepare students for real-world challenges.
The campus is home to approximately 2,600 students and offers a range of programs in fields like design, business, social and health care, humanities, education, and technology. Alongside their academic pursuits, students can immerse themselves in Kouvola's rich cultural life, active sports scene, and stunning natural surroundings.
Located just a kilometer from the city center, the campus combines modern facilities with a historic setting. This strategic location offers excellent services, fostering a productive and enjoyable environment for both learning and personal growth.
Whether it’s through academic programs or groundbreaking research, the Kouvola Campus provides a dynamic platform for students to thrive and become future leaders in their fields.
The Kotka Campus is home to approximately 3,500 students, offering programs in technology, social and health care, maritime, logistics, and business administration. Starting in autumn 2024, the new state-of-the-art campus, located by the sea in Kantasatama, will provide a dynamic and inspiring environment for learning, teaching, and research.
The new campus spans 15,000 square meters over six floors and is designed with flexibility in mind to adapt to the evolving needs of education and professional training. It features 23 modern theory rooms with a total seating capacity of 1,095, three computer classrooms, 71 specialized spaces for laboratories and simulations, and even a gymnasium. Restaurant facilities will be available at the nearby Event Centre Satama, creating a seamless and vibrant ecosystem for students and staff.
At Kotka Campus, students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and simulation environments. These innovative spaces prepare students for careers as engineers, nurses, paramedics, naprapaths, maritime captains, social workers, and other professionals. Additional learning opportunities are available through Xamk Pulse, the Open University of Applied Sciences, which caters to lifelong learners.
Kotka’s research and development activities focus on multidisciplinary innovation, particularly in manageable, secure, and user-friendly cybersecurity, as well as advancements in oil spill response. These projects provide students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge initiatives and contribute to real-world solutions.
Kotka itself is a vibrant seaport city on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, with a population of 55,000. Renowned for its beautiful parks, lively cultural scene, and signature Maritime Days festival, the city offers a unique blend of urban life and maritime heritage.
Located adjacent to the Maritime Centre Vellamo and Event Centre Satama, the campus is conveniently situated near the city center. This prime location provides easy access to educational, cultural, and recreational facilities, creating an exceptional environment for personal and professional growth.
The Kotka Campus is where future professionals are trained, innovative ideas are nurtured, and impactful research takes shape, making it a cornerstone of Xamk’s educational excellence.
The Mikkeli Campus, the largest of Xamk's campuses in terms of student numbers, is home to approximately 4,600 students pursuing studies across nearly 30 Bachelor's and Master’s degree programs. With a broad academic offering, students can specialize in fields such as engineering, forestry engineering, nursing, hospitality management, social services, public health nursing, business, and community education. The campus also offers two English-language Bachelor’s programs and around ten Master’s programs, catering to a diverse student body.
Located just a 10-minute walk from the city center, the Mikkeli Campus boasts outstanding facilities and services designed to enhance both academic and personal experiences. The campus features a comprehensive Student Affairs Office, well-being services, internationalization support, a campus library, and various recreational facilities, including a gym, sports hall, outdoor sports fields, and a disc golf course. Convenient on-campus student housing is available, with over 1,100 apartments provided by the Mikkeli Region Student Housing Ltd, offering an affordable and comfortable living environment.
Research and Development Excellence
Mikkeli Campus stands out for its impactful research and development activities. Key focus areas include the creation of evidence-based well-being services, youth research promoting equality, environmental safety, and circular economy solutions. Additionally, Xamk’s Active Life Lab, located at the Saimaa Stadium, is a multidisciplinary research unit dedicated to well-being innovations. This facility not only contributes to cutting-edge research but also serves as a practical learning environment for students.
Experience the Best of Mikkeli
Mikkeli, located on the shores of the picturesque Lake Saimaa, is a student-friendly city with a population of about 50,000 and over 6,000 students. It combines a relaxed atmosphere with abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. Surrounded by pristine nature, clean lakes, and lush forests, Mikkeli offers a perfect balance of study and relaxation. The vibrant city center, with its charming pedestrian street, shopping centers, and Finland’s most beautiful market square, is easily accessible from the campus.
Convenient Travel and Accommodation
Traveling to Mikkeli is seamless, with regular bus and train connections making it just a 2.5-hour journey from Helsinki. For more information, visit Matkahuolto, Onnibus, or VR.
Short distances within the city make daily life easy, with student apartments located right on campus or nearby. Temporary accommodations are also available, including options like Marja Apartment Hotel and discounted offers at local hotels.
A Comprehensive Learning Environment
The Mikkeli Campus provides an enriching learning environment where students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The campus is supported by a variety of services, including a student union, well-equipped study areas, subsidized student meals at multiple restaurants, and recreational options like bowling and outdoor sports.
Mikkeli’s combination of high-quality education, supportive infrastructure, and vibrant community makes it an ideal place for students to thrive and prepare for successful careers.
The Savonlinna Campus is home to approximately 1,500 students pursuing careers in social and health care, engineering, and safety fields. The smaller campus size fosters a strong sense of community and enables personalized study guidance, making it an ideal environment for focused learning and collaboration.
Students in Savonlinna have the opportunity to study programs such as physiotherapy, bioproduct technology, industrial wood construction engineering, podiatry, sports instruction, nursing, school well-being and counseling, and safety management. In addition to degree programs, students can enhance their knowledge and skills through Xamk Pulse, the Open University of Applied Sciences. The campus also offers higher education degrees and tailored opportunities for professional development.
Cutting-Edge Research and Development
Savonlinna Campus is a hub for innovative research and development, with a focus on processing wood biomass and pulp fiber into new products. The Fiber Laboratory, located at the Savonlinna Technology Center, develops technologies for the forest and process industries, as well as chemical and measurement system manufacturers. Other research facilities include the Industrial Wood Construction Laboratory, where real-scale structural testing and development occur, and the Electronics 3K Factory, which provides education
and development services in electronics.
An Idyllic Setting
Nestled along the shores of Lake Saimaa, the city of Savonlinna offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. The city center, built across three islands, features picturesque pedestrian and cycling paths surrounded by water. Two nearby national parks, Kolovesi and Linnansaari, provide tranquil escapes for hiking, canoeing, and enjoying unspoiled nature.
Savonlinna’s vibrant cultural scene includes numerous events and festivals, offering students unique opportunities to participate in practical training and projects related to tourism and wellness services. Additionally, the city boasts over 100 recreational activities, ranging from swimming and canoeing to ice skating, dancing, and gym workouts.
Convenient Facilities and Student Services
The Savonlinna Campus provides excellent facilities and services, including a student affairs office, international services, a library, the Restaurant Kaari, and a fully equipped gym. The city’s short distances make it easy to get around, with most amenities within walking distance. Public transportation is also readily available via the “Reitit ja Liput” app, simplifying travel throughout the city.
For accommodation, Savonlinna offers various student housing options, ensuring affordable and comfortable living arrangements close to campus.
A Unique Learning Environment
Savonlinna’s combination of high-quality education, advanced research opportunities, and a supportive community makes it a standout location for students. Whether exploring the Fiber Laboratory’s innovations, enjoying cultural events, or taking in the serene lakeside scenery, Savonlinna provides a vibrant and enriching experience for students.
Xamk offers a wide array of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs across fields such as technology, business, healthcare, and the creative industries. Its programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of the job market, providing students with practical and theoretical knowledge. With several programs taught in English, Xamk is especially appealing to international students, ensuring they are well-prepared for global career opportunities.
As the largest University of Applied Sciences in Finland in terms of R&D activities, Xamk is a hub for applied research that directly benefits industries. Its research focuses on areas like the digital economy, forest and environmental sustainability, logistics, marine technology, and sustainable well-being. Students gain invaluable experience by participating in research projects that bridge academic knowledge with real-world applications.
Xamk Pulse, the university’s Open University of Applied Sciences, is the largest and most popular open university in Finland. It offers a wide variety of flexible learning opportunities for students and professionals. These include individual courses, modules, and certifications aimed at enhancing skills and deepening expertise. The open university is an excellent platform for lifelong learning, enabling individuals to study at their own pace while balancing work and personal commitments. Xamk Pulse also caters to those seeking to transition into new fields or advance in their current careers, making education accessible and relevant for all.
With partnerships with over 350 universities worldwide, Xamk provides extensive exchange programs that allow students to study abroad for a semester or an academic year. These programs, supported by initiatives like Erasmus+, offer cultural exposure and international learning experiences, broadening students' horizons and career prospects.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Xamk’s philosophy. The university integrates the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its operations, curricula, and research activities. This commitment prepares students to address global environmental, social, and economic challenges in their professional lives.
Xamk’s Double Degree opportunities allow students to study at partner universities abroad and earn degrees from both institutions. This unique offering enhances students’ qualifications, providing them with a competitive edge in the job market and a broader perspective on their fields of study.
Xamk’s campuses in Mikkeli, Kotka, Kouvola, and Savonlinna offer most modern facilities and innovative learning environments. These campuses are thoughtfully located in regions celebrated for their natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. Students benefit from modern classrooms, well-equipped labs, and collaborative spaces that foster creativity and innovation. The inspiring surroundings provide a perfect balance of academic focus and opportunities for leisure, outdoor activities, and personal growth.
Xamk emphasizes hands-on learning and maintains strong connections with industries. Through internships, collaborative projects, and industry events, students gain practical experience and build professional networks, ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce.
The university fosters entrepreneurial thinking by offering support and resources for students to develop business ideas. Innovation hubs and incubation programs provide students with the guidance and tools needed to turn their ideas into successful businesses, encouraging creativity and self-reliance.
With students from over 90 countries, Xamk offers a truly multicultural and inclusive learning environment. This diversity allows for cross-cultural interactions and teamwork, preparing students to navigate global work environments and challenges effectively.
Xamk provides comprehensive support services to ensure students have a smooth and fulfilling academic journey. From assistance with residence permits and housing to academic and career counseling, the university helps students succeed both during their studies and after graduation.
The university’s active student unions and numerous clubs create a lively campus atmosphere. Students can participate in various events, festivals, and outdoor activities, making their time at Xamk both educational and enjoyable.
Xamk offers affordable tuition fees compared to many European institutions, making high-quality education accessible. Additionally, scholarships based on academic performance are available for non-EU/EEA students, easing the financial burden.
Xamk’s strong industry connections ensure that graduates are highly employable. The university equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to excel in competitive job markets globally.
You can find the timetables of studies in TimeEdit with the course implementation code. You will find the course implementation […]
350 participants from SAMK engaged with thought-provoking keynotes on leadership, strategy, and customer experience during the two-day event.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to open your mind to new perspectives and ways of living, make lifelong friendships, establish a global network, and potentially earn another language.
Although costs will vary based on the location, length of program, and enrollment type, a semester abroad through a third-party provider will generally run between $10,000-$15,000 USD.
The requirements for all study abroad programs are different from each other. Enrolling in our courses may require a minimum score of 50% in your class 12 or graduation. English proficiency tests like IELTS are a must at some universities. upGrad Abroad has in-built TOEFL/IELTS training modules to meet the requirements of universities and countries.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
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