Bachelor of Health Care, Nursing (full-time)
Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) · Hämeenlinna, Finland
Taught in EnglishNo CAO points neededNo tuition for EU studentsApply until 14 MayRegistered nurse (EU)
⚠ Language warning: No Finnish is needed to get in, but the course starts in English and Finnish is used more and more as you go. You take 25 ECTS of Finnish and use Finnish on placements, which make up about a third of the degree. The aim is that you can work as a nurse in Finland in Finnish by graduation.
Duration3.5 years (210 ECTS)
StartsAug 2027
EntrySchool results or SAT (direct application)
Deadline (EU)14 May 2027 (direct)
EU fee€0
About the course
A full-time, on-campus degree in Hämeenlinna (classes usually 8am–4pm) aimed mainly at international students. Core studies cover medical, acute and perioperative nursing, mental health, care of older people, family health and nursing management. About a third of the course (60 ECTS) is work placements with HAMK’s partner organisations, starting at the beginning of year 2. You must pass all medication-calculation exams, so maths matters. You finish with a thesis in English or Finnish. The degree meets the EU directive for a general nurse, so graduates can work as registered nurses in Finland and may work abroad.
Entry requirements for Irish students
- You need an upper secondary school certificate (and transcript, translated into English if needed). The Leaving Certificate is not named; HAMK’s full criteria are on Studyinfo.fi – contact admissions@hamk.fi if unsure.
- No prior nursing knowledge is needed. Maths is important because medication-calculation exams must be passed.
- Proof of English is required. HAMK’s application guide says EU applicants who meet its English grade requirements do not need a separate certificate – check the exact grade on Studyinfo.
- Direct application: HAMK mainly selects on upper secondary school results or SAT scores. Joint application (10 places) uses an exam – check the 2027 criteria on Studyinfo.
How to apply
- Apply on Studyinfo.fiThe direct application is open from 1 October 2026 to 14 May 2027 (3pm Finnish time). Upload your school certificate, transcript, English proof and ID.
- Or use the joint applicationThe January joint application (10 places) runs 7–21 January 2027.
- Get your resultResults come during the application period and by 18 June 2027 at the latest. A programme can close early once it is full, so apply early.
- Accept and prepareConfirm your place by 13 July 2027. Before placements you need a TB self-assessment and vaccination records.
14 May is the last day, but the direct application can close early if the 30 places fill, and accepting a Finnish place rules out other Finnish places that term.
Costs
- Tuition: none for EU/EEA students (non-EU: €9,700 a year).
- No application fee is mentioned for EU applicants.
- Living costs in Hämeenlinna are your main expense; Finnish student grants are generally for residents, so check eligibility with Kela.
Limited places: 30 through direct application and 10 through the joint application; meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place.
Checked against the official HAMK website on 23 October 2026. The detailed 2027 selection criteria and English grade requirement are on Studyinfo.fi and could not be confirmed. Always confirm details with the university before applying.
