Master’s degree path studies

Master’s degree path studies are Master’s degree-oriented studies completed in the open University of Applied Sciences. The scope of the path studies is 30 credits. The entry requirement for path studies is a previous Bachelor’s or Master’s degree completed at a university or a university of applied sciences.

The requirement of two years of post-degree work experience does not apply to path studies, but you can only be selected as a degree student once you have accumulated the required 24 months of subsequent work experience in the field being applied to or the field of the previous higher education degree.

Studies completed as a path student entitle you to apply for a degree student place at Laurea in the separate application once you have completed at least 30 credits. If you are selected as a degree student at the end of your path study year, you can continue your studies with the same study group.

Because open UAS studies do not lead directly to a degree, path studies are not eligible for Kela student financial aid or other student social benefits such as student housing, Kela meal allowances or travel discounts. Path students are also not entitled to the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS).

The tuition fee for Master’s degree path studies is 400 euros and is paid in one installment when accepting the study place. The fee grants the right to study for one academic year, during which the path studies must be completed.

The tuition fee for path studies is not refunded after the study place has been confirmed.

The tuition fee may only be refunded if the path student obtains a degree-leading study place at Laurea for the same semester in which the path studies begin. A degree or path study place at another University of Applied Sciences (UAS) is not a reason for refund, because you can be an open UAS student at Laurea at the same time.

Study rights for Master’s degree path studies are granted for one academic year, i.e. two semesters, during which the path studies must be completed.

The start of path studies cannot be postponed. You cannot register as absent in path studies. 

The study timetables are the same for open UAS path students and for degree students selected in the joint application. In path studies you must follow the group’s timetable and participate in the contact sessions shown in the timetable either on campus or online.

Schedules for Autumn 2026 studies will be published on 4.5.2026, after which they can be viewed via Lukkarikone.

1. Open Lukkarikone.
2. Select ‘Search groups’ as the search criterion and type the group code into the search field.
   • Find the group code from the list of programmes in the search below, e.g. SYV726SJ
3. Click the “Add” button for the search result and switch the calendar view to August. You can browse schedules by month, week or day.
4. Clicking entries in the calendar will give you more information about the implementation of that study.

One credit corresponds to 27 hours of student workload. Path studies require self-direction, group and networking skills, sufficient time for studying and the ability to schedule studies to fit your life.

Path students are assigned a personal teacher tutor and receive the same guidance and support as degree students during their studies. 

Path students are subject to the same rules as degree students and generally have the same rights and obligations. Path students have access to almost all the same services as degree students. 

Path students may dine at Laurea campus restaurants at staff prices by showing a student certificate at the restaurant checkout. You can request a student certificate from Study Services.

You will receive more information about services and benefits at the start of your path studies.