Path Studies
Path studies consist of the first-year studies of a degree program, which you complete alongside degree students. Based on the credits you attain and your success in path studies, you can apply for a degree study right via Open UAS separate application and continue your studies seamlessly until graduation.
Path studies are an alternative route to a degree
Path studies are right for you if
- your goal is a study right in a degree programme.
- you are ready for full-time studies in Turku, Finland. Completing studies through path studies is not more flexible than degree studies.
- you want to try to study at a University of Applied Sciences or in a certain field without losing your first-time quota position in Finnish joint applications.
- you want to switch fields without an entrance exam.
- you have a Bachelor’s degree and you want to continue to Master’s studies before fulfilling the work experience requirement.
Path studies in brief
Path studies consist of 1st year studies of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, which are completed as an Open UAS student. Path studies must be completed within one academic year.
Path studies do not affect the quota for first-time applicants in the joint application process.
Path students study in the same study group as degree students. The studies themselves or the content of the studies are no different from degree studies.
Applications to path studies takes place twice a year: 1) in the summer when studies for selected students begin in the autumn semester and 2) at the end of the year when studies for selected students begin in January.
Price: path studies are subject to an Open UAS study fee: Bachelor’s level path studies (60 ECTS credits) cost 400 €. Master’s level path studies (30 ECTS credits) cost 300 €.
Path students are generally not eligible for student financial aid or other student benefits granted by Kela.
Apply to path studies
The next application period is 22 July–5 August 2025.
The application period ends at 15.00 on 5.8.2025.
Studies for selected students will begin in August-September 2025.
What do I do after completing path studies?
When you have completed the required amount of studies as a path student, you can apply for a degree study right through Open UAS separate application.
Please note that degree program tuition fees may apply once you apply for a degree study right. You may also be subject to an application fee when applying for a degree study right.
Have a look at our separate applications page for more information on eligibility criteria and the amount of ECTS credits required.
Key information on path studies
Study fee
Path studies are subject to a study fee. Read more about Open UAS study fees.
Benefits and services for path students
Path studies are Open UAS studies and do not lead to a degree. Path students are therefore not entitled to most benefits available for degree students. Before applying, think carefully about how you will finance your path studies.
Path students cannot…
- receive student financial aid or a student loan from KELA (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland).
- get student discounts from VR or Matkahuolto.
- utilize student health care services (YTHS).
- have their prior studies accredited: credit transfer for possible earlier studies can be obtained only in degree studies.
As a path student, you can…
- apply for a student apartment from Turku Student Village Foundation
- get a student discount for a Föli travel card (Turku regional Traffic)
- get a small discount from student cafeterias in Turku and with an electronic Open UAS student card
- become a member of Student Union TUO and order a green student card
- use CampusSport sport services at student prices
- utilise Study Counselling Psychologists’ services
- complete CampusOnline courses free of charge
- complete practical training as a part of your studies
- use the same software and complete the same certificates as degree students
- have your work experience or other accomplisments (not formal studies) accredited as part of your studies
Path studies for employment services clients
If you are an employment services client, please be sure to discuss your situation with the office in charge of your case before applying to path studies. Read more.
The scope of Bachelor’s level path studies is 60 ECTS credits. If you are unemployed and wish to complete path studies while registered as a job seeker, you may need to complete less than 5 ECTS credits per month. If this is the case, the scope of your path studies can be set as 35 ECTS credits. You can request the change if you are accepted as a path student when you ask for a form detailing the scope and duration of your from Open UAS (avoinamk@turkuamk.fi). Please note that you yourself are responsible for ensuring that your studies do not exceed the credit limit set by employment services.
Duration of path studies
A path study right is granted for one year, either from 1 January to 31 December, or from 1 August to 31 July the following year.
A path study right cannot be extended or postponed.
If your situation changes and you have to quit your path studies during the academic year, read more detailed instructions for discontinuing Open UAS studies.