University of Applied Sciences or University?

University of Applied Sciences Degree vs. University Degree

A bachelor’s degree from a University of Applied Sciences (UAS) corresponds to a bachelor’s degree completed at a traditional university. A master’s degree from a University of Applied Sciences is equivalent to a traditional university master’s degree. UAS degree scope varies in study field 210-270 credit (ECTS). The degrees take generally 3,5-4,5 years.

University’s bachelor’s degree is approximately 180 ECTS and the expected study duration is 3 years. Practically, most of the university graduates study bachelor’s and master’s degree which includes about five years of study.

Graduates of universities of applied science often move straight to work life after graduating. However, if the graduate wants to continue studying applied sciences, they need to gain work experience to apply to master’s in applied sciences. Master’s degree in applied sciences requires at least 2 years of work experience.

UAS degree graduates can also choose to continue master’s degree in universities. You can also apply for a master’s degree immediately after graduating from a university of applied sciences, as Finnish universities do not require work experience as part of the admission criteria for master’s degree programmes. 

What Are the Differences Between Studying at a University and a University of Applied Sciences?

University of applied sciences study strongly combines theoretical and practical education. Theories taught in lectures get to quickly be applied into practice through projects carried out in collaboration with various companies, internships and group assignments. Applied sciences education emphasizes work-life relevance and practical training more than theoretical research, even though theoretical studies walk strongly hand in hand with practical work tasks.

Strong professional networks and valuable industry contacts are built during studies. As a result, some graduates of universities of applied sciences already have a job waiting for them upon graduation with a bachelor’s or master’s degree or at least have potential employers in mind. Universities of applied sciences have a broader demographic of students of different ages and backgrounds, partly because many degrees can be completed through blended learning or even entirely online. Flexible modes of study make it smoother to combine studies with a day job or even family life for instance.

University studies generally focus more on theory and scientific research. Studies often combine different ways of learning: lectures, learning exercises, and depending on the field of study for instance, lab work or group work. Studying is often full-time, meaning that combining a full-time day job with bachelor’s studies, for example, can be challenging. However, it is not impossible.

At universities, students learn a great deal of theory, which in practice means that there is often more information to read and absorb than at a university of applied sciences. Good study skills and finding the working and learning methods that suit you best are especially helpful in absorbing a large amount of information. And naturally, both universities and universities of applied sciences provide a wide range of support and guidance for completing your studies, so no one has to struggle with their studies alone.

Graduate Satisfaction and Career Prospects

According to the career monitoring survey result 2025, LAB University of Applied Sciences graduates are satisfied with their degree: 83 percent of respondents who completed their degree five years ago reported being at least fairly satisfied with their degree in terms of their career prospects. 85 percent of respondents were satisfied with their career so far.

A study published in 2019 shows that the employment rate of university of applied sciences graduates is slightly higher than that of university graduates. This was estimated to possibly be due to universities emphasizing scientific research skills, whereas universities of applied sciences place more emphasis on the competence required for a specific profession.

A Higher Education Degree Pays Off, Regardless of the Educational Pathway

Regardless of which type of higher education institution a student chooses, statistics show that obtaining a higher education degree is a worthwhile investment: according to Statistics Finland, people with a higher education degree earn higher salaries on average and face a lower risk of unemployment than those without one.

The important thing to remember is that both universities and universities of applied sciences offer advantages in working life and opportunities for further education. The most important thing is to find your own path: a field that motivates you and an education that gives you the energy to get up even on the greyer days of November, when it is cold and rainy and you have to head out to a lecture.

When it comes to studying, one of the most important goals is undoubtedly to graduate and obtain a degree certificate that opens the door to the job market. For many, however, the greatest return on their educational investment comes from career connections, peers, shared experiences and memories.

The best study memories are made together: from experiencing student culture and forming unexpected lifelong friendships to celebrating the first Christmas and New Year surrounded by a winter wonderland or finally passing that seemingly impossible course together with classmates.