University Pathway Finland

The programme includes mathematics, programming, English, Finnish language and culture studies, as well as academic skills that will prepare you for university studies in Finland.

Mathematics (15 ECTS)

•    Vectors and Matrices (Tampere University)
•    Analysis A. Limit and Continuity (Tampere University)
•    Differential and Integral Calculus (Aalto University)

Programming 5 ECTS

•    Programming I (University of Oulu)

Languages and study skills 10 ECTS

•    Preparatory English (Aalto University)
•    Finland Studies (Aalto University)
•    Survival Finnish (Aalto University)

You can find more extensive details about the University Finland Studies on the "Study Information" page.

Participation in the Pathway programme is on a part-time basis, with courses spread evenly over a ten-month period, divided into five teaching periods lasting 7-8 weeks each. During each period, Pathway students typically undertake an average of 6 ECTS credits

An ECTS credit corresponds to approximately 27 hours of student effort. The actual workload might differ depending on the skill level of each individual student. The estimated ECTS workload encompasses all tasks necessary for course completion, including self-directed study, online classes, exercises, assignments, and other forms of instruction, as well as examinations.

The application period for Pathway programme in 2024 is yet to be announced. To apply, you are required to complete an online application form and upload a copy of your passport or another official photo ID, along with a degree certificate from your upper secondary education. If your degree certificate is not in English, an official translation must also be provided. If you are currently pursuing your degree, please attach a letter of attendance or another document that verifies your enrollment and indicates your expected graduation date.

You can discover more comprehensive information regarding the application process on the "How to Apply" page.

As part of the application process for the Pathway programme, students are required to complete a brief pre-assignment. This assignment is a concise online mathematics exam designed to serve as both a self-assessment tool and an evaluation of the student's readiness for success in the programme.

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for the programme and successfully complete the pre-assignment will receive an invitation to participate in the Pathway entrance exam, which focuses on mathematics. This exam consists of a written component as well as an oral examination and interview.

Please note that the description provided below pertains to the entrance exam for the year 2023. 

Topics

• Functions
  • Definition and notations
  • Domain and range
  • Graphs of functions
  • Composite functions
  • Absolute value functions
  • Inverse functions
• Elementary functions
  • Linear functions, polynomials and rational functions
  • Exponential and logarithmic functions
  • Trigonometric functions
• Systems of equations and inequalities
• Analytic geometry
• Sequences, probability and counting theory
• Limits and continuity

• Derivatives

Study Materials

The recommended open access study material covering the entrance exam topics is PreCalculus2e in Openstax. The entrance exam covers the above topics and the approach is similar to that of PreCalculus2e. You can use alternative materials when studying. If you do so, choose the materials that correspond roughly college-level mathematics. There are several alternative precalculus books freely available.

The relevant chapters are:

• Chapter 1: Functions
• Chapter 3: Polynomials and rational functions
• Chapter 4: Exponential and logarithmic functions
• Chapter 5: Trigonometric functions
• Chapter 6: Periodic functions
• Chapter 7: Trigonometric identities and equations
• Chapter 8: Further applications of trigonometry
• Chapter 9: Systems of equations and inequalities
• Chapter 12: Introduction to calculus

Please note that the progression conditions are tentative and subject to change until each university has finalised its academic decisions regarding admissions criteria for 2025. These decisions will be made between May and June 2023 depending on each university's schedule. Simultaneously, each university will also determine the quota allocated for students applying with their pathway results. These determinations will outline the number of students accepted into the Pathway programme.

The Science & Technology Route Progression Programmes:

1. Tampere University:

   Science and Engineering (Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, 3+2 years)

   • Natural Sciences and Mathematics
   • Computing and Electrical Engineering

2. University of Oulu:

   Digitalisation, Computing and Electronics (Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, 3+2 years)

   • Electronics and Communications Engineering
   • Computer Science and Engineering
   • Information Processing Science

The Economics Route Progression Programme:

         Aalto University:

         Economics (Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, 3+2 years)

Information Regarding Scholarships and Progression

Please note that scholarships are not available for the Pathway programme fee. The universities make scholarship decisions according to their own decision-making schedules, and preliminary guidelines will be available by August at the latest. Each program has its own scholarship criteria.

Furthermore, it's essential to highlight that upon acceptance into the Bachelor's degree programme, students will automatically have the opportunity to continue their studies in selected Master’s programmes.

The programme fee is 5500 € (incl. VAT). It must be paid in one installment before the studies begin.

This fee covers a range of services, including teaching, teaching materials, essential user accounts for accessing learning platforms, comprehensive support services, participation in online social events and tutoring sessions, as well as a certificate upon completion of courses.

It is important to note that the fee does not encompass the necessary resources for online study, such as accessing self-study materials, participating in online classes and exams. These requirements include a computer equipped with a microphone and camera, an internet connection, and a mobile number for multi-factor authentication. Additionally, the fee does not account for expenses related to other certificates that may be necessary for admission to degree studies, including any associated translation costs outlined in the admissions criteria of each respective university.

There is no application fee for the University Finland Pathway programme.