South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK)
Kouvola, Kotka, Mikkeli, Savonlinna
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
Xamk – a big, modern university in the Finnish lakeland
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Finland – a community of more than 12,000 students and staff spread over four campuses in Kotka, Kouvola, Mikkeli and Savonlinna. Xamk is known for practical, project-based learning: you study by solving real problems together with local industries and international partners, and you can even join real research and development projects as a student.
Another big advantage is money: according to the university itself, the housing situation in south-east Finland is far better than in the Helsinki region – rents are low and affordable apartments are easy to find.
Why students choose Xamk
Wide choice of English programs. Choose game design, business analytics, engineering, IT, nursing or tourism.
Learning by doing. Build practical skills in modern laboratories and simulation centres. You can also join real research and company projects.
Global opportunities. Xamk works with more than 200 partner universities worldwide. This opens doors to exchanges and international projects.
Entrepreneurship support. Develop your ideas and meet founders and investors at the ∗ship Startup Festival.
Low living costs. Study in some of Finland’s most affordable student cities.
Personal support. Every campus has student tutors and a Student Affairs Office. Each program also has a dedicated advisor.
Nature next door. Kotka sits by the sea. Mikkeli and Savonlinna sit beside Lake Saimaa. Campuses also offer restaurants and sports facilities.
Xamk - All for the future
What can you study in English?
Xamk’s English-taught Bachelor’s programs include Game Art and Design and Digital International Business in Kouvola, Game Technologies and Efficient Supply Chain Management in Kotka, Information Technology and Tourism and Hospitality Business in Mikkeli, and Nursing and Bioproduct Technology in Savonlinna, among others. Each program is based on one campus, so check the location in the program description.
Four cities – four different student vibes
Kotka is a seaside city with a brand-new campus right in the renovated old harbour area. Kouvola has a modern campus near the city centre and a lively international student community. Mikkeli lies in the heart of the Lake Saimaa region, with a beautiful campus a ten-minute walk from the centre. Savonlinna is one of Finland’s most picturesque towns, built around the medieval Olavinlinna castle and famous for its opera festival.
Quick facts about Xamk
| Students | Community of more than 12,000 students and staff |
|---|---|
| Cities | Kotka, Kouvola, Mikkeli and Savonlinna (south-east Finland) |
| Specialty | Project-based learning with real companies; strong in games, business and engineering |
| Living costs | Among the lowest in Finland – easy to find affordable housing |
| Support | Student tutors and a dedicated advisor for every degree program |
FAQ
How do I know which campus my program is on?
Every Xamk program is based on one of the four campuses, and the city is always shown in the program description. For example, game programs are in Kouvola and Kotka and IT in Mikkeli.
Is Xamk a good choice for future entrepreneurs?
Yes – entrepreneurship is one of Xamk’s focus areas. Students can develop their own business ideas during their studies, and the university’s ∗ship Startup Festival brings together students, start-ups and investors every year.
Bachelor
Entry qualification
- Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.
Note:
- Motivation Letter – A motivation letter is not a required document when applying to the programmes at this university.
- Recommended grade average: At least 7.
English language requirements
You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Master
Entry qualification
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
English language requirements
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Student housing for Xamk students
Good news first: the housing situation in south-east Finland is much easier than in the Helsinki region. Rents are low and affordable student apartments are easy to find in all four Xamk cities. Xamk does not offer its own accommodation, but every campus city has a dedicated housing provider that serves students – several of them fully in English.
Still, apply right after you accept your study place: August, September and January are the busiest months.
Where to apply for housing
These are the providers Xamk recommends for each campus city:
- Kotka:KOTOPAS – Kotka Student Housing – student houses around the city, service available fully in English.
- Kouvola:Kouvolan Asunnot – student apartments in four locations; water, heating, electricity, internet, laundry and sauna are all included in the rent, and some units come furnished for international students.
- Mikkeli:Mikalo – more than 1,100 apartments, including units right on campus; shared rooms are the cheapest and fastest to get.
- Savonlinna:Savonlinnan Asuntopalvelu – helps you find a home from the local student housing selections; even pets are welcome.
How much does student housing cost?
| Campus city and housing | Approximate monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Kotka: smaller room, about 15 m² | About €330 |
| Kotka: larger room, about 30 m² | About €441 |
| Kouvola: student apartment | From about €230 |
| Mikkeli: room in a shared apartment | From about €300 |
| Mikkeli: single apartment | From about €405 |
| Savonlinna: room | From about €250 |
| Savonlinna: studio apartment | Up to about €750 |
| Required funds for residence permit | At least €800 per month |
Kotka: Rent includes electricity, heating, water, internet, laundry and sauna. Rooms are usually unfurnished, apart from a wardrobe, ceiling lights and blinds.
Kouvola: Rent includes water, heating, electricity, internet, laundry and sauna. Some apartments are furnished for international students.
Mikkeli: Prices include electricity and water.
FAQ
When should I apply for a student apartment?
Right after you accept your study place. Applications are usually valid for three months and processed in order of arrival. The busiest periods are August–September and January, so do not wait until the last weeks before the semester.
Can I get a furnished apartment?
In Kouvola, Kouvolan Asunnot offers some furnished units specifically for international students. Elsewhere apartments are usually unfurnished, but affordable second-hand furniture is easy to find in Finland.
Which is the cheapest way to live?
A private room in a shared apartment – in Mikkeli from about €300 per month with electricity and water included. Shared apartments are also the fastest to get and a great way to make friends at the start of your studies.
