SAMK students studying outside during summer.

Application process for incoming exchange students

On this page you have information on how to apply to SAMK as an exchange student

This is a website for nominated exchange students wishing to come to SAMK for an exchange period. This page explains how to apply, and once you have been admitted to study with us, please see the website Practical information for incoming exchange students for more information.

Applying

Deadlines, forms and enclosures

If you are applying for the autumn semester and the whole academic year:

  • deadline for nominations for the autumn semester and for the whole academic year: 30 April
  • deadline for applications for the autumn semester and for the whole academic year: 15 May

If you are applying for the spring semester:

  • deadline for nominations for the spring semester: 31 October
  • deadline for applications for the spring semester: 15 November

After SAMK has received the nomination from your home university, you will receive a link to online mobility system SoleMOVE and you can start to fill in your application. You will need to upload the following application documents (in English):

  • Motivation Letter (background, expectations for exchange)
  • Transcript of records (showing your grades from home university, in English)
  • Copy of your passport (only required from students outside EU/EEA-countries). Please note that your passport should be valid 6 months after your exchange period ends.

A minimum B2 level of English is required to ensure students can fully participate and succeed.

Courses

Information regarding your course selection

The link to our StudyGuide is at the end of this chapter. Please read the chapter first carefully.

The normal workload for students is approximately 30 ECTS credits / semester.

Course selection

  • You should mainly choose courses from the faculty you are applying to.
  • Within that faculty, you may select courses from different degree programmes, as long as:
    • the courses do not significantly overlap, and
    • your schedule is realistic.

Campus rules

  • Satakunta University of Applied Sciences has campuses in four cities, but you must choose courses from only one campus.
  • Business studies are offered on two campuses. You will be placed on the campus that best matches your home degree programme.

Course availability and enrollment

  • Courses are organized only if enough students enroll.
  • Places are limited, and students are accepted in enrollment order (at the beginning of the semester).
  • You will receive detailed enrollment instructions during orientation week.

Prerequisites and course format

    • Always check prerequisites (you may need prior studies in the subject).
    • If a course is fully online, this is stated in the Study Guide.
    • It is recommended to prioritize on-campus courses.

Recommended course

  • SAMK recommends taking Introduction to Finland and the Finnish Language, which is designed specifically for exchange students.

Field-specific limitations

    • Energy and Environmental Engineering: Courses in English are offered only in the Autumn semester.
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Courses for exchange students are offered only in the Autumn semester.
    • Nursing: No clinical placements available.
    • Physiotherapy: Limited traineeship placements.
    • Fine Arts: Most courses are available; for more information contact paivi.tuuliniemi@samk.fi.
    • Maritime Technology and Management: Work placements, thesis work, and professional qualification courses are not available for exchange students.

Finding courses

  • Courses and descriptions are available in the Study Guide.
  • Academic year 2026–2027 courses are published in March–April 2026.
  • Some Spring 2027 courses may be added in Autumn 2026.
  • In the Study Guide:
    1. Select “Courses suitable for exchange students”
    2. Choose the correct academic year, semester, and location
    3. Click Search

Enrollment and learning agreement

  • Course enrollment is completed after arrival during orientation days.
  • The Learning Agreement is signed after enrollment.
  • SAMK uses a digital Learning Agreement system.

Dates

Academic calendar and orientation days

The academic year at SAMK is divided into two semesters. There is normally very little tuition during the summer. You are expected to arrive at the beginning of the semester. If you arrive late (over 5 days), you may not be able to attend the courses anymore. Please also note that our orientation week for incoming exchange students is mandatory.

Academic calendar:

  • Autumn semester: end of August (orientation) – end of December (exams take place already before the Christmas holidays). In autumn 2026 the dates are 25.8. – 18.12.2026.
  • Spring semester: beginning of January (orientation) – end of May

Below you can find the dates of the orientation days for international students. The days are full of important information, so it is good to arrive to Satakunta well in advance!

SAMK Campus Pori orientation days:

  • for autumn semester arrivals: 25. – 28.8.2026
  • for spring semester arrivals: TBC

SAMK Campus Rauma orientation days:

  • for autumn semester arrivals: 25. – 28.8.2026
  • for spring semester arrivals: TBC

During the orientation days we will tell you more about studying at SAMK, about our electronic services and student life in general.

Grading

Grading scale

ECTS grade / Result / Finnish / English:

A / 5 / Kiitettävä / Excellent
B / 4 / Hyvä / Very Good
C / 3 / Hyvä / Good
D / 2 / Tyydyttävä / Satisfactory
E / 1 / Tyydyttävä / Sufficient
F / 0 / Hylätty / Failed

In addition, students’ performances may be evaluated with pass/fail basis.

Learning Agreement

Erasmus+ Learning Agreement

After you have decided what to study with us and discussed your plans with your home university, you will fill in the Learning Agreement. You will receive the instructions from your own International Relations Office in your home university. SAMK uses the digital Learning Agreement. You can find the responsible persons on each faculty below:

Health and Welfare

  • Social Services: Hanna Raitakari
  • Nursing: Anna-Sofia Salminen
  • Physiotherapy: Johanna Vähä-Jaakkola
  • Fine Arts: Päivi Tuuliniemi (academic matters Tomas Regan)

Logistics, Maritime Technology and International business (Rauma campus)

  • Business: Jamie Haanpää
  • Logistics and Maritime Programmes: Daniela Tanhua

Service Business (Pori Campus)

  • Tourism: Jaana Ruoho
  • Business and Administration: Yki Myntti

Technology

  • AI, Mechatronics, Energy and Environmental Engineering: Marcel van Geffen
Contact information search of responsible persons

Clinical practice

Contact us

International Relations Office

int.office@samk.fi
Address
Satakunnankatu 23, 28130 Pori
Satamakatu 26 / Suojantie 2, 26100 Rauma
Postal address
P.O. Box 1001, FI-28101 Pori, Finland
P.O. Box 211, FI-26101 Rauma, Finland
Opening hours

The International Office on SAMK Campus Pori is open from Monday to Friday at 8.00-15.00.

The International Office on SAMK Campus Rauma is open from Monday to Friday at 9.00-15.00.

You can also contact us via email or by phone.