Social Services separate application

In the spring of 2026, Laurea's Tikkurila campus will hold a separate, targeted application process for individuals who have completed Early Childhood Education and Care Working Life Oriented Competence Module (60 credits) at Laurea University of Applied Sciences. Selected applicants will complete a Degree Programme in Social Services. The program includes 25 starting places and will be conducted as a blended learning (emphasizing online studies). 

Mandatory studies are conducted as online courses, while complementary studies can be selected by the student based on their individual situation. During the studies the student is required to reach B1-level (CEFR) of Finnish skills. Student selection will be carried out through a separate application process. The criteria for this separate application process are described below.  

Application period and selection criteria for the separate application spring 2026

Applications are submitted during the application period April 1 2026 at 8.00 - April 15 2026 at 15.00 at Studyinfo.fi. The required attachments must be attached to the application by April 22 2026.

Eligibility

Eligibility for application is granted by completing Early Childhood Education and Care Working Life Oriented Competence Module (60 credits) at Laurea University of Applied Sciences (completed in English). The eligibility giving course must be completed by July 31st, 2026. In addition, the applicant must have general eligibility for universities of applied sciences. 

Selection method

Applicants will complete a separate online entrance exam, which includes two parts: Ethical guidelines for the social welfare sector and an English language test. The applicant must successfully complete all stages of the selection process to be admitted. Students will be selected based on their scores in the entrance exam. The scoring for the entrance exam ranges from 0 to 40 points, with 15 points being the minimum passing score. The student selection is conditional until the applicant's eligibility has been verified. Applicants who submit all required attachments on time will be invited to the entrance exam Canvas. 

If, due to disability, disease, dyslexia or some other specific reason, applicant needs individual arrangements during the entrance exam (e.g. additional time, tasks without pictures for applicants using a screen reader), applicant must fill in a written request for individual arrangements. The applicants’ situations are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Entrance exam

The entrance exams will be held online on Friday, May 21th, year 2026. The exam consists of two multiple-choice tests that assess your study skills and English proficiency.  

The exams include pre-reading material, which will be available once you log in to the Canvas entrance exam platform starting Monday, May 18th, at 8 AM. You have time to review the pre-reading material between May 18th and May 21th.  

The tests will be available on the Canvas entrance exam platform on Thursday, May 21th. The tests will be completed independently as an automated implementation. You can use the pre-reading material as support during the test. You can complete the tests between 9 AM and 4 PM. Each test has a maximum duration of 30 minutes. Once you start a test, you must complete it in one go within 30 minutes. The test cannot be retaken. Please note that you must start the tests in good time, as the test environment will close at 4 PM. 

The maximum total score for the entrance exam is 40 points, and the top 25 performers will be selected. The minimum score required for selection is 15. In the case of a tie, the system will randomly select the admitted student.

Scoring and Progression of Student Selection

The entrance exam is scored from 0 to 40 points. To be selected, the applicant must receive a minimum of 15 points. Applicants are chosen based on their total score from the entrance exam. 

The education leading to a degree in social and health care applies the so-called SORA legislation. 

Degree Programme in Social Services 

The Degree Programme in Social Services provides students with the expertise to work in a variety of professional social services environments and the wider society, promoting social inclusion, holistic well-being, functional ability, and the safety of individuals, families, and communities. Students develop their professional competencies and networking skills. Graduates from the programme have the opportunity to work in different organizations or as entrepreneurs, promoting social welfare in the public, private, and third sectors. 

Studies focus on multicultural and multidisciplinary competencies, creating proactive future professionals who can positively influence society in cooperation with clients and other actors. The Degree Programme balances the requirements of educating qualified social services experts for the Finnish labor market while also providing students with qualifications to work abroad. In the programme, different innovative, multisensory, and creative learning methods are used to meet the study needs of diverse learners. 

Read more about the degree programme