The pathway to a nursing degree can start with preparatory programme for immigrants. The preparatory programme at Turku UAS offers an opportunity to develop the skills required for higher education. The programme is conducted in Finnish. The training helps to adapt to a new learning environment and lowers the threshold to apply for a nursing degree. Students encourage others to seize the opportunity and stress the importance of developing language skills.
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The Turku University of Applied Sciences’ Immigrants’ preparatory programme for degree programme in Nursing offers immigrants the opportunity to develop their Finnish language skills and familiarize themselves with Finnish higher education practices before studying nursing.
The training is especially aimed at those who already have some knowledge or interest in the field, but who need support in developing their language and study skills.
One student who has progressed through education to study nursing is Daria Topchii, who moved to Finland from Ukraine and wanted to combine language studies with professional development.
I applied for the preparatory programme because I wanted to learn more about nursing, but at the same time improve my Finnish language skills.
Daria Topchii, 2. year nursing student
For Daria Topchii, preparatory programme was an important route towards a degree. During the preparatory training, she got to know the learning environments of Turku UAS, such as itsLearning, Peppi and Tuudo, as well as the school’s facilities and teachers.
-The whole way of studying and the systems in Finland are completely different from those in my country. For me, preparatory programme was like a “trial period”. It helped me to adapt and understand what higher education in Finland requires,” Topchii explains.
Currently, Daria Topchii is studying for her second year as a nurse and finds her studies very meaningful.
-I am really happy with my studies. I especially like the fact that my studies include a lot of practical exercises: classroom exercises, simulations, VR simulations and work placements.
The preparatory programme does not only focus on language skills. It is a holistic learning package that supports students on their learning path towards becoming a nurse.
Daria Topchii strongly encourages you to apply for a coaching course if you are interested in a nursing degree and profession.
-Don’t be nervous and don’t miss out! You can only learn Finnish by speaking it, and in a coaching course you get to develop just that.
Read more and apply
Please note that the programme is conducted in Finnish.
As the programme is conducted in Finnish, we offer further information and application instructions only in Finnish.
The application period runs from 13.10. to 3.11.2025.
Read more
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