2024 was another record-breaking year for SAMK. A total of 1,084 bachelor’s degrees and 237 master’s degrees were completed at SAMK, setting new records in both degree types. SAMK plays an important role in the Satakunta region, as more than half of SAMK graduates stay and work in the region.
SAMK’s new strategy for 2025–2028 was approved last year. SAMK’s vision is that every student graduates and finds employment. SAMK’s profile in the new strategy includes people and a renewing industry, as the new strategy emphasizes the importance of people in all activities. We also believe that Finland succeeds when Satakunta succeeds. Satakunta succeeds when SAMK succeeds.
The new OKM (Ministry of Education and Culture) agreement period 2025–2028 increased the target number of bachelor’s degrees at SAMK by 315, from 1,060 to 1,375. This increase of nearly 30 % challenges SAMK’s operating models. Since 2021, the target number of bachelor’s degrees has already increased by nearly 50% (930 to 1,375). No additional funding has been allocated for the additional degrees targeted.
SAMK performs excellently in student feedback (including teaching quality), graduate employment, and continuing education. The number of degrees has also developed well, as has the number of degrees completed on time in 2024. The quality of teaching and the increase in the number of graduates completing their degrees on time stem from the commendable work of skilled staff at SAMK.
The number of international students paying tuition fees has grown significantly faster than in the rest of the country, but the growth has levelled off. The goal is to continue increasing the number of international students in line with the objectives of the region. Internationality is also visible on our campuses through European higher education cooperation. We are part of the European DIVERSE university alliance. This cooperation takes place in the form of student and staff exchanges as well as research. The European network gives us a stronger position when applying for EU funding. In addition, through cooperation, we can utilize our partners’ best practices in our own activities.
SAMK’s most important domestic cooperation network is the strategic partnership formed with Centria and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences. We are developing diverse cooperation as a group of three higher education institutions.
In 2024, a new bachelor’s degree programme in process and material engineering was launched at the Pori campus. The programme responds to the current and future competence needs of companies in the region, e.g., in the energy sector and the circular economy. In addition, a degree programme in automation and robotics leading to the degree of a Master of Science in Technology from the University of Vaasa started at SAMK Campus Pori in autumn 2024.
SAMK is an independent university of applied sciences that cooperates extensively with other higher education institutions in the region. It has a strong financial position and well-developed operational results. The valuable mission of the university of applied sciences and its good strategy for implementing it provide an excellent foundation for future success.
– President, Managing Director Jari Multisilta –
The European Commission has awarded the Seal of Excellence to the DIVERSE University Alliance comprising Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) and 11 other European higher education institutions. This positions SAMK as part of the flagship collaboration of the Commission’s European Strategy for Universities.
The University of Vaasa’s Master’s programme in Robotics will start in Pori in autumn 2024. Applications for the Master’s programme in cooperation with SAMK can be submitted between 2 and 15 May 2024.
SAMK Entrepreneur of the Year Joonas Rakkolainen developed in his business an assistive device, which he initially used to treat his own migraine.