What is a double degree?
An international double degree is a form of collaboration between SAMK and an international higher education institution, where the higher education institutions have their own degree programmes and curricula, and where the students perform an agreed part of their studies included in their degree abroad at the partner university and are given a degree certificate from both institutions. A double degree can be taken during the time the student has the right to study, and it will not lengthen the time to complete the studies.

Why is double degree worth taking?
With the double degree you can develop your competence and skills deeper than during an ordinary student exchange period, because in the double degree you have a pre-agreed programme of the studies to take, their extent and correspondence at both institutions (e.g. studies, practical training, thesis). This is to ensure that the studies in the programme give both of your degrees qualitative added value and enable taking two degrees simultaneously. A double degree will improve your chances for postgraduate studies and gives you an advantage in the international labour market.
Applying to double degree
You can take a double degree at a partner university, with which we have signed a double degree agreement. You apply to double degree when applying to student exchange.
You will get more information on double degree possibilities at the beginning of your studies and at student exchange information sessions.
Double degree partners of SAMK
SAMK has double degree agreements with the following universities:
- EPHEC University College from Belgium, Business (bachelor)
- Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society from Germany, Business (master)
- Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences from Latvia, Tourism (master)
SAMK also has double degree agreements with the following universities:
- Chinese Changzhou University on Nursing education
- Chinese Tianjin University of Science & Technology on Artificial Intelligence (AI) education
- Namibian NUST, Namibia University of Science and Technology on Maritime Engineering education.
These agreements are unilateral, i.e. students arrive at SAMK from these institutions.
New double degree possibilities are being developed all the time also for other degree programmes at SAMK.
International students taking a double degree at SAMK
Students from partner universities can mutually come to SAMK as double degree students.
Top-up degrees
In the top-up degree students study the first year at their home university and then three years at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. On graduation, the students will receive a diploma certificate from SAMK.
SAMK has a top-up degree agreements with the Vietnamese Dong A University for nursing students and with the Hong Kongese Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Metropolitan University for tourism students.