Record number of applicants to international degree programmes at SAMK

SAMK had nine Bachelor's degree programmes and one Master's degree programme open for applications. There were 2520 applicants for SAMK international degree programmes in the separate application this spring, submitting altogether 4519 applications for different degree programmes. In comparison, in spring 2021 there were 1369 applicants and 1943 applications in the two separate applications. This represents an increase of 133% in the number of applications. The Degree Programme in International Business attracted the largest number of applications, with just over 1,000 applicants. The second-largest number of applications was for the Degree Programme in International Tourism Management and Nursing, with over 800 applicants each.

– The increase in the number of applicants for international degree programmes was expected based on the figures of the first joint application in January. Nevertheless, such a one-off leap in the popularity of SAMK's degree programmes is tremendous. In almost all degree programmes, the number of applicants has at least doubled compared to last spring, and the Degree Programmes in International Business and International Tourism Management received three times more applicants than a year ago, says Janne Santala, Head of Student Services.

Applicants from 80 different countries

Apart from the previously mentioned programmes, it was also possible to apply for the full-time studies in the Degree Programmes in Physiotherapy, Sea Captain, Artificial Intelligence and Mechatronics in the application period that just ended. In addition, the application involved the Degree Programmes in Industrial Management and Logistics, which can be completed almost entirely online. The Degree Programme in Master of Maritime Management degree programme leading to the degree of a Master of Maritime Management was also included in the application.

SAMK received applicants from around 80 countries. 92% of the applicants were from abroad, the majority of whom were non-EU applicants with tuition fees. Just under 200 applicants from Finland submitted applications.

The degree programmes which were now applied for will start next autumn. The spring joint application period in spring for the degree programmes in Finnish will take place from 16 March to 30 March 2022.