Vaasa University of Applied Sciences Tuition Fee Scholarship

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences describes this scholarship system as part of its tuition fee arrangements for students subject to tuition fees. The page sets separate rules for scholarships based on Finnish language proficiency and merit-based scholarships, and also describes an early bird discount on tuition fees.

The scholarship rules apply to non-EU/EEA students who are liable to pay tuition fees and who have paid the fee, enrolled as attending students during the application period, and progressed within the regular target schedule for the degree. For the language-based scholarship, the relevant study route covers bachelor and master degree students at VAMK; for the merit-based scholarship, the rules differ for bachelor and master degree students.

VAMK says scholarship proposals are prepared by the scholarship committee and sent to the rector for approval. For Finnish language scholarships, applications are reviewed monthly and a language certificate must be attached within one month of receipt from the test organiser. For merit-based scholarships, bachelor awards are proposed by educational units, while master awards are based on GPA and graduation within the target duration.

The language-based scholarship can be granted once per academic year. VAMK states that the same test result cannot be reused in another academic year. For the merit-based scholarship, bachelor awards are linked to graduation and master awards are limited to the best 10 percent of graduating students per programme. The early bird discount reduces the first academic year tuition fee when the student confirms the study place within seven days of admission results.

• The student is from outside the EU/EEA and is subject to tuition fees.
• The student has paid the tuition fee.
• The student has enrolled as an attending student at VAMK during the scholarship application period.
• The student’s studies have progressed within the regular target schedule for the degree, taking into account the possibility to participate in studies due to the residence permit process.
• The student complies with the normative duration of the study.
• The student has never been subject to disciplinary measures at VAMK under the VAMK Degree Regulations.
• A student exempt from tuition fees cannot apply for the scholarship.
• For Joint Degree students, the same scholarship rules apply with respect to the regular completion schedule of the degree.
• For transfer applicants and students who have changed degree programmes, tuition fees and scholarships are determined based on the start date of the original right to study.
• For the Finnish language scholarship, the student must be a non-EU/EEA student liable to pay tuition fees.
• For the Finnish language scholarship, the student must have a Finnish language proficiency certificate accepted by VAMK, including YKI or another test equivalent to CEFR level A2.
• For the Finnish language scholarship for bachelor degree students in the first year, the student must obtain at least three of the four YKI sub-tests at skill level 2 or higher, for study rights starting 1.8.2026 or later.
• For the Finnish language scholarship for bachelor degree students in the second year, the student must obtain at least three of the four YKI sub-tests at skill level 3 or higher, for study rights starting 1.8.2026 or later.
• For the Finnish language scholarship for bachelor degree students in the third year, the student must obtain at least three of the four YKI sub-tests at skill level 4 or higher, for study rights starting 1.8.2026 or later.
• For the Finnish language scholarship for master degree students, the student may apply on the basis of any of the listed YKI levels during the normative study right.
• For the merit-based scholarship for bachelor degree students, the award is linked to graduation, active activity as a member of the higher education community and/or in working life, or other work, attitude or commitment that reflects VAMK’s values.
• For the merit-based scholarship for bachelor degree students, graduation within normative study time and excellent academic performance are taken into consideration.
• For the merit-based scholarship for master degree students, the student’s study right must commence 1.8.2025 or later.
• For the merit-based scholarship for master degree students, the student must be among the best 10 percent of graduating students per programme based on GPA and must graduate within the target duration of studies.
• A master’s degree student cannot receive scholarships based on both Finnish language skills and merit during the study right.
• For the early bird discount, the student must be subject to tuition fees, apply to VAMK and confirm the place of study within seven days of the publication of admission results.
• The early bird discount does not apply to transfer students or students applying through Open UAS.

• A Finnish language scholarship of 4000 EUR when the student has paid the tuition fee in full for the academic year.
• The Finnish language scholarship can be granted once per academic year.
• A merit-based scholarship of 4000 EUR for bachelor degree students.
• A merit-based scholarship of 2000 EUR for master degree students.
• An early bird discount of 1500 EUR deducted from the first academic year tuition fee.

1. For the Finnish language scholarship, submit the scholarship application form.
2. Attach a copy of the language certificate to the electronic application within one month after receiving the accepted certificate from the test organiser.
3. For the merit-based scholarship for bachelor degree students, the scholarship is proposed by educational units.
4. For the merit-based scholarship for master degree students, the scholarship is based on the stated GPA and graduation conditions.
5. For the early bird discount, apply to VAMK and confirm the place of study within seven days of the publication of admission results.

• A copy of the language certificate attached to the electronic application.
• The scholarship application form.
• For a claim for rectification, the student’s name, contact information and grounds for the rectification.