Our Story

In order to meet the growing demand for applied talents, applied research, local services and societal impact, Finland established Applied Universities (UAS) in the 1990s.

The establishment of the UAS system 25 years ago was accompanied by a significant transformation period inFinland’s labor and economic structure, which the education system of the 1970s and 1980s did not match. The Finnish working life and its associated skill requirements were changing in a way that the education system could no longer handle.

Since their establishment, UAS have been characterized by strong connections to the working-life, such as internships, development projects carried out in the workplace, and thesis work. One of the main goals of establishing the UAS system was to enable higher education degrees for as many people as possible.

In the Finnish dual system, UAS’s focus is on education and applied research that meets the needs of the working life and contributes to its development. Since 2005, it has been possible to complete master’s degrees in UAS.

The research activities of UAS were defined as one of their three tasks alongside teaching and regional development in the UAS Act of 2003. A specific statutory task of UAS is to conduct RDI activities that promote the working-life, regional development, and the renewal of the local economic structure.

UAS degrees are of interest to students and the working life both nationally and internationally. UAS are cost- effective. Students graduate in due time and have good employment prospects. Collaboration and partnership with the business sector are emphasized in RDI work, as well as in regional impact work. This refers to the efforts and activities undertaken by UAS to make a positive and meaningful contribution to the local community or region in which the institution is located. Students and the working life increasingly interact in projects and work placements during their studies.