LAB University of Applied Sciences Master's degree programmes

To demonstrate proficiency in English, an applicant must provide one of the following language test results that meets the minimum score requirement.

• IELTS Academic, IELTS Online or IELTS Indicator
  • Minimum overall score 6.5, writing and speaking scores at least 6.0 (taken no more than 2 years before submitting the application) 
• TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition or TOEFL Enhancements
  • Minimum overall score 90, writing and speaking scores at least 22 (taken no more than 2 years before submitting the application) 
• New TOEFL iBT
  • Minimum overall score 4.5, writing and speaking scores at least 4 (taken no more than 2 years before submitting the application) 
• PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online
  • Minimum overall score 62, writing and speaking scores at least 54 (taken no more than 2 years before submitting the application)
• Cambridge B2 First 
  • Minimum score 180 (taken in 2005 or later)
• Cambridge English C1 Advanced 
  • Pass on levels A, B or C (taken in 2005 or later)
• Cambridge English C2 Proficiency 
  • Pass on levels A, B or C or Level C1 Certificate (taken in 2005 or later)
• Oxford ELLT 
  • Minimum score 7 (taken no more than 2 years before submitting the application) 
• YKI test in English
  • Level 5
• Cambridge Linguaskill 
  • Minimum score 169 (taken no more than 2 years before submitting the application) 
• SAT 
  • Minimum score of 550 in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section (taken no more than 2 years before submitting the application)

Other ways to prove English language proficiency

An English language proficiency test score is not required of an applicant who has completed

• an upper secondary degree or a higher education degree, i.e. at least a bachelor’s level degree in English at an institution located in the following countries: an EU or EEA country, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, South Africa or the United States. An applicant must have studied in the country in question for the complete duration of the studies.
• a higher education degree, i.e. at least a bachelor’s level degree at a university or university of applied sciences in one of the Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland).
• one of the following grades in the Finnish Matriculation Examination, International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate:
  • Finnish Matriculation Examination: English advanced syllabus with a minimum grade M
  • International Baccalaureate completed in English
  • International Baccalaureate when the examination has not been completed in English: English as A1 language with an approved grade (minimum grade 2) OR English as A2 language with a minimum grade 5 OR English as A language (literature/language and literature/language and performance) with an accepted grade (minimum grade 2) OR English as B language with a minimum grade 5
  • European Baccalaureate: English as L1 language with an accepted grade OR English as L2 or L3 language with a minimum grade of 7
• a diploma formally equivalent to the Finnish matriculation exam in one of these countries, meeting the following minimum English grades:
  • Bulgaria: Gimnazii - Diploma za Zavurcheno Sredno Obrazovanie, English grade at least 5.5/6
  • Estonia: Gümnaasiumi Lõputunnistus, B2 or C1 English grade at least 3.5/5
  • Hungary: Gimnáziumi Érettségi Bizonyítvány & Technikum/Szakgimnázium, Advanced English grade at least 4/5
  • Latvia: Atestāts par Vispārējo Vidējo Izglītību, English grade at least 8/10
  • Lithuania: Brandos Atestatas, English grade at least 8/10
  • Poland: Świadectwo Dojrzalości in progress English grade at least 4.5/5.5, or completed English (Matura) 70%
  • Romania: Diploma de Bacalaureat, English grade at least 8/10
  • Slovakia: Vysvedčenie o Maturitnej skúške, English grade at least 2/5
• ACT: a combined score of at least 49 points in the English and Reading sections (the test must have been taken on or after 1 January 2025)
• Cambridge/Pearson International A Levels qualification in English, or a grade of at least B in English A in a Cambridge/Pearson International A Levels qualification completed in another language.
• Cambridge International IGCSE
  • English as a First Language, Syllabuses 0500 and 0990: Minimum grade C
  • English as a Second Language Syllabus 0510: Minimum grade B
• GCSE 
  • English as a First Language: Minimum grade C
  • English as a Second Language: Minimum grade B

Educational background and two years of work experience 

In order to be eligible to apply for a UAS Master’s level degree programme you must have completed an appropriate university of applied sciences (UAS) Bachelor’s degree or another appropriate higher education degree and have at least two years (24 months) of subsequent work experience in a relevant field.   

LAB UAS also uses discretionary admission. Applicants with a Finnish post-secondary level degree or a Finnish higher vocational level degree (opistoasteen tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto) may also be admitted, if the UAS considers their skills, knowledge, and language proficiency to be sufficient. 

Work experience is only counted after the bachelor's degree has been awarded and must be proven by a work certificate. CVs are not accepted as proof of work experience on their own. Work experience gained before or during your bachelor studies cannot be counted towards the work experience minimum requirement. An exception is only made for applicants who have completed a Finnish post-secondary level degree or a Finnish higher vocational level degree (opistoasteen tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto), as they may also take into account work experience gained after a Finnish post-secondary level degree or a Finnish higher vocational level degree. Work experience can be counted up to 31st July 2027.  

Part-time work is converted to full-time work so that 150 hours or 20 full-time working days (a minimum of seven hours per day) equals a month. The work experience does not have to be continuous or from the same employer. Practical training or on-the-job learning is not counted as work experience if it forms a part of the degree used for applying. 

Entrance exam course 

Entrance exam course: Futures and strategies – business renewal to enhance competitive advantage 5 ects   

Entrance exam course consists of four parts, max points 100: 

Part 1: Problem definition, mind map and video. Max. 20 points 

Part 2: Strategic analysis, case analysis and process quiz. Max. 20 points 

Part 3: Strategic findings, presented as strategic questions. Max. 20 points 

Part 4: Executive summary, one-page A4 and board pitching video. Max. 20 points 

In addition to Parts 1–4, overall analytical coherence across the parts is assessed: Max. 20 points 

Parts 1–4 are built on the same pre-assigned case company. Assessment focuses on the quality of strategic thinking. 

The link to the MOOC online learning platform will be sent to applicants to the email address provided on the application form after the application period has ended. 

The course timetable is as follows: 

Self-registration and MOOC opens, all parts available 28.1.2027 

Part 1 recommended deadline by 7.2.2027 

Part 2 recommended deadline by 21.2.2027 

Part 3 recommended deadline by 7.3.2027 

All parts due (final binding deadline) 14.3.2027 

A successfully completed course will be accredited toward the degree for applicants who are admitted. Other applicants who successfully complete the course will receive a completion record. 

Student selection 

The student selection is based on the points of the entrance exam course. The maximum number of points is 100. To be eligible to the program the applicant has to achieve at least 40 points, min. 10 points from each part (Part 1 – Part 4). In case several applicants score the same points, all such applicants will be admitted. 

Educational background 

To be eligible to apply to Emergency Care Systems Development and Leadership, the applicant must have a suitable bachelor's degree in emergency care, nursing, public health nursing, physiotherapy, or social care. 

Two years of work experience

All applicants must, in addition to the required educational background, have a minimum of two years (24 months) of relevant work experience gained after the completion of the bachelor's degree in order to meet the eligibility criteria. Only post-graduation work experience in the social and healthcare sector, gained in Finland or abroad, will be considered.

Work experience is only counted after the bachelor's degree has been awarded and needs to be proven by a work certificate. CVs are not accepted as proof of work experience on their own. Work experience gained before or during your bachelor studies cannot be counted towards the work experience minimum requirement. An exception is only made for applicants who have completed a Finnish post-secondary level degree or a Finnish higher vocational level degree (opistoasteen tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto) before the completion of their higher education degree, as they may also take into account work experience gained before the higher education degree. Work experience can be counted up to 31st of July 2027.

Part-time work is converted to full-time work so that 150 hours or 20 full-time working days (a minimum of seven hours per day) equals a month. The work experience does not have to be continuous or from the same employer. Practical training or on-the-job learning is not counted as work experience if it forms a part of the degree used for applying.

Selection assignment: 

Video assignment (maximum 40p)  

• Shortly present who you are and where you are currently working. (max 10 p) 
• Through your own reflections, describe what quality is, or could be, in an emergency care context. (max 10 p) 
• Read the article and suggest how you would use its findings to develop effectiveness in emergency care. (max 20 p) Make your suggestion according to the PICOS (population, index system, comparator system, outcome, and study design) model described in the article.  
  Article (open access): Antti Malmivaara (2016) System impact research – increasing public health and health care system performance, Annals of Medicine, 48:4, 211-215. Link to this article: https://doi.org/10.3109/07853890.2016.1155228.  
• It is mainly necessary that you need to be visible to the camera. The submitted video may, but does not have to, include a slideshow (ex. created with PowerPoint or Canva). The video may, however, not be produced using AI-tools (such as Google NotebookLM).

To receive maximum points for your video, make sure you respond to all of the requested items. Complete and submit the video assignment to your application before February 15th, 2027 at 16.00 (Finnish time).

Ensure you review the corresponding instructions. Make sure you have a working web camera. The maximum file size is 1.0 GB. The return can technically also be a link. If you return the video assignment as a link, please make sure that the link works and that the link redirects to the open video file. Maximum length of the video is 6 minutes.

Student selection

Students to this master programme are selected through selection assignment. The student selection is based on the points of the selection assignment (video). The maximum number of points is 40. To be eligible for the program, the applicant must achieve at least 20 points. In case several applicants score the same points, all such applicants will be admitted.  

Eligibility is checked only for an applicant who is admitted to the programme. The selection for the Emergency Care Systems Development and Leadership: Master’s degree online studies is made based on the total marks obtained in the selection assignment (video). 

Educational background and two years of work experience

To meet the eligibility criteria, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree in design, media, technology, business, humanities, social or natural sciences, or other suitable sustainable development or communication work supporting field. They must also have at least two years (24 months) of relevant work experience gained after completing the bachelor's degree.

Work experience is only counted after the bachelor's degree has been awarded and must be proven by a work certificate. CVs are not accepted as proof of work experience on their own. Work experience gained before or during your bachelor studies cannot be counted towards the work experience minimum requirement. An exception is only made for applicants who have completed a Finnish post-secondary level degree or a Finnish higher vocational level degree (opistoasteen tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto) before the completion of their higher education degree, as they may also take into account work experience gained before the higher education degree. Work experience can be counted up to 31st July 2027. 

Part-time work is converted to full-time work so that 150 hours or 20 full-time working days (a minimum of seven hours per day) equals a month. The work experience does not have to be continuous or from the same employer. Practical training or on-the-job learning is not counted as work experience if it forms a part of the degree used for applying.

Entrance exam course

Entrance examination course: Design Thinking in Sustainability 5 ects 

Max points 100 consists of:

• Research literature and other content material examination 40 points.
• Applied development task 60 points.

The self-registration for the MOOC is open 28.1. and the course needs to be completed in 14.3. 2027.

The link to the MOOC online learning platform will be sent to applicants to the email address provided on the application form approximately one week before the start of the entrance exam course.

A successfully completed course will be accredited toward the degree for applicants who are admitted. Other applicants who successfully complete the course will receive a completion record.

Student selection

Student selection is based on the points of the entrance exam course. The maximum number of points is 100. The applicant must achieve at least 20 points from the first part of the course and 40 points from the second applied part of the course, together accounting for 60 points, to be eligible for the program. In case several applicants score the same points, all such applicants will be admitted.

The course is evaluated based on the evaluation frame of the Universities of Applied Sciences, presented in the MOOC platform. Students admitted into the degree program: The course grade in the certificate is based on the grading of the entrance exam course. 

Educational background and two years of work experience

In order to be eligible to apply for a UAS Master’s level degree programme you must have completed an appropriate University of Applied Sciences (UAS) Bachelor’s degree or Bachelor of Science in Technology degree and have at least two years (24 months) of subsequent work experience in a relevant field.   

Applicants are selected from two different groups: Engineer (Master’s degree), 60 cr has 20 study places, and Social and health care (Master’s Degree), 90 cr has 20 study places. The applicant can apply in one selection group.

Group 1 the following degrees can apply: engineer (Bachelor’s degree) or Bachelor of Science in Technology. Applicant must have at least two years (24 months) of subsequent work experience in a relevant field.

Group 2 the following degrees at the Bachelor’s degree level can apply: nurse, public health nurse, paramedic, physiotherapist, social services. Applicant must have at least two years (24 months) of subsequent work experience in a relevant field.

LAB UAS also uses discretionary admission, meaning that applicants with a Finnish post-secondary level degree or a Finnish higher vocational level degree (opistoasteen tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto), equivalent to the aforementioned university of applied sciences degrees, may also be admitted if the UAS considers their skills, knowledge, and language proficiency to be sufficient.

Work experience is only counted after the bachelor's degree has been awarded and must be proven by a work certificate. CVs are not accepted as proof of work experience on their own. Work experience gained before or during your bachelor studies cannot be counted towards the work experience minimum requirement. An exception is only made for applicants who have completed a Finnish post-secondary level degree or a Finnish higher vocational level degree (opistoasteen tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto), as they may also take into account work experience gained after a Finnish post-secondary level degree or a Finnish higher vocational level degree. Work experience can be counted up to 31st July 2027. 

Part-time work is converted to full-time work so that 150 hours or 20 full-time working days (a minimum of seven hours per day) equals a month. The work experience does not have to be continuous or from the same employer. Practical training or on-the-job learning is not counted as work experience if it forms a part of the degree used for applying.

Entrance exam

The Entrance exam consists of two parts, max points 100: 

• Part A: a written research plan of your master thesis max 60 points 
• Part B: and a video presenting your personal motivation for taking part in the master's degree program max 40 points.

Assessment of the written assignment

The evaluation will focus on the following:

• Justification, topicality, and relevance of the topic
• The logic and clarity of the research plan and the reflection of the research methods chosen with regards to the literature used.
• Correctness of the written text, case language, clarity, and referencing of used materials.

Assessment of the motivational video

The evaluation of the video centers around the importance of this education in the student's professional development and career plans, ability to organise study time, and English language competence.

Student selection 

Student selection is based on the points of the entrance exam. The maximum score is 100 points. In order to be selected, the applicant must complete both parts successfully and receive a total of at least 50 points. The maximum score for the written assignment is 60 points, the lowest accepted score being 30 points. The maximum number of points in the motivational video is 40 points, the lowest accepted score being 20 points. In case several applicants score the same points, all such applicants will be admitted.

Educational background and two years of work experience

In order to be eligible to apply for a UAS Master’s level degree programme you must have completed an appropriate university of applied sciences (UAS) Bachelor’s degree or another appropriate higher education degree and have at least two years (24 months) of subsequent work experience in a relevant field.

Applicants are selected from three different groups. The Master of Engineering (60 ECTS) program has 20 available places, the Master of Design (60 ECTS) program has 15 available places, and the Master of Business Administration (90 ECTS) program has 15 available places. The applicant can apply in one selection group.

Group 1, applicants with the following educational background can be selected: a Bachelor of Engineering (UAS), or a Bachelor of Science in Technology degree. The applicant must also have at least two years (24 months) of subsequent work experience in a relevant field. 

Group 2, applicants with the following educational background can be selected: a Bachelor of Design (UAS) or another appropriate higher education degree (at least a Bachelor's level).  The applicant must also have at least two years (24 months) of subsequent work experience in a relevant field.

Group 3, applicants with the following educational background can be selected: a Bachelor of Business Administration (UAS), Bachelor of Hospitality Management (UAS), or another appropriate higher education degree (at least a Bachelor's level). The applicant must also have at least two years (24 months) of subsequent work experience in a relevant field.

LAB UAS also uses discretionary admission, meaning that applicants with a Finnish post-secondary level degree or a Finnish higher vocational level degree (opistoasteen tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto), equivalent to the aforementioned university of applied sciences degrees, may also be admitted if the UAS considers their skills, knowledge, and language proficiency to be sufficient.

Work experience is only counted after the bachelor's degree has been awarded and must be proven by a work certificate. CVs are not accepted as proof of work experience on their own. Work experience gained before or during your bachelor studies cannot be counted towards the work experience minimum requirement. An exception is only made for applicants who have completed a Finnish post-secondary level degree or a Finnish higher vocational level degree (opistoasteen tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto), as they may also take into account work experience gained after a Finnish post-secondary level degree or a Finnish higher vocational level degree. Work experience can be counted up to 31st July 2027. 

Part-time work is converted to full-time work so that 150 hours or 20 full-time working days (a minimum of seven hours per day) equals a month. The work experience does not have to be continuous or from the same employer. Practical training or on-the-job learning is not counted as work experience if it forms a part of the degree used for applying.

Entrance exam course: Circular Economy for Sustainability Transformation, 5 ects 

The student selection is based on the points of the entrance exam course. Learning takes place on LAB University of Applied Sciences' MOOC online learning platform, which is open from 28 January to 14 March, 2027. Assignments must be submitted on the learning platform by the given deadlines. All instructions and materials related to the completion of the course can be found on the online learning platform.

Entrance exam course consists of two parts, max points 50: 

• Part 1: An online exam that is based on literature and article materials. Max 20 p., min 10 p.
• Part 2: An essay based on source literature and personal experience, 5-6 pages long. Max 30 p., min 10 p.  

Student selection  

The maximum number of points is 50. To be eligible to the program the applicant has to achieve at least 20 points, 10 from each part. 

• Part 1: Online exam, max 20 points
• Part 2: Essay, max 30 points

The parts of the entrance exam course are assessed according to the evaluation criteria for each part. A minimum of 10 points must be obtained from both parts of the selection course in order to be admitted to the program. If the applicant fails part 1, part 2 will not be evaluated.

Detailed instructions, the schedule, and a link to the online learning platform will be sent to applicants at the email address provided on the application form approximately one week before the start of the entrance exam course.

Student selection is based on the points of the entrance exam course. In case several applicants score the same points, all such applicants will be admitted.

The entrance exam course completed by the applicant is valid as a basis for student selection only for the duration of the current application round.

Applicants who are accepted into the program and have confirmed their study place will be able to include the course in the core competencies of their degree. Other applicants who complete the course successfully will receive a completion record.