Bachelor of Health Care, Nursing
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak) · Helsinki, Finland
Taught in EnglishNo CAO points neededNo tuition for EU studentsSAT or entrance examRegistered nurse (EU)
⚠ Language warning: Teaching is in English, but Finnish language studies are compulsory and are there to support practical training in Finnish health-care settings. In the January joint application, 35 of the 45 places are for applicants who already have B1 Finnish; only 10 are for beginners. Expect to need working Finnish for placements and for nursing work in Finland.
Duration3.5 years (210 ECTS)
StartsAug 2027
EntryEntrance exam or SAT + interview
Deadline (EU)21 Jan 2027 (joint application)
EU fee€0
About the course
A 3.5-year degree in Helsinki that qualifies you as a registered nurse with EU-recognised competence, so you can work in Finland, the Nordic countries or elsewhere. Study is on campus (contact teaching) and combines nursing theory and skills with clinical training at placement sites around Finland. Finnish language study runs through the course to prepare you for placements. You can add optional extra studies in areas such as child, adolescent and family nursing or polyclinical care. Graduates work as nurses in hospitals, health centres, elderly care and community services.
Entry requirements for Irish students
- You need a qualification that gives access to higher education in the country where you got it. Diak does not name the Leaving Certificate, does not use discretionary admission, and makes your offer conditional until your qualification is verified – email admissions@diak.fi if unsure.
- No set school subjects, but maths is tested in the entrance exam (and the SAT route needs a maths score).
- Joint application: no English or Finnish certificate is needed – English is tested in the entrance exam. Finnish is optional but needed (B1) for 35 of the 45 places.
- Two routes: (1) Rolling admission – SAT of at least 800 (400 Maths + 400 Reading/Writing, one sitting, taken after March 2016) plus a pass/fail Zoom interview; 10 places, no Finnish needed. (2) Joint application – Diak entrance exam on 9 March 2027 in Helsinki (maths, English and optional Finnish); 45 places.
How to apply
- Choose your routeRolling admission (SAT + interview) opens on 30 October 2026 and fills in order of complete applications. The joint application runs 7–21 January 2027. Both are on Studyinfo.fi.
- Rolling route: SAT and interviewHave the SAT board send scores to Diak (code 40056) and attach the report. Eligible applicants are invited to a Zoom interview.
- Joint route: entrance examUpload attachments by 28 January 2027 (3pm Finnish time) and sit the written exam in Helsinki on 9 March 2027. It cannot be taken online.
- Accept your placeAccept the offer by 13 July 2027. If you finish school in summer 2027, send your final certificate by 10 August 2027.
The 10 SAT places go first come, first served from 30 October 2026, and the entrance exam means a trip to Helsinki in March.
Costs
- Tuition: none for EU/EEA students (non-EU: €10,500 a year).
- No application fee is stated for EU applicants. Budget for the SAT (rolling route) or travel to Helsinki for the 9 March 2027 exam.
- Living costs in Helsinki are your main expense; Finnish student grants are generally for residents, so check eligibility with Kela.
Limited places: 10 through rolling admission and 45 through the joint application, ranked by exam score.
Checked against the official Diak website on 23 October 2026. Results dates for the entrance exam are not yet published. Always confirm details with the university before applying.
