
Path studies at open UAS
Path studies are offered in almost all Centria degree programmes. Path studies consist of extensive competence modules that are part of a UAS degree. By completing path studies (45 credits), you can be eligible to apply to a university of applied sciences. As a path student, you will study alongside degree students, following the timetable of each group. Studies may take place during the day, in the evenings, or on weekends, and some courses may also be offered online.
Find your own path to degree studies

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Application
You can apply for studies during the summer. Students are selected for path studies in the order of registration. You will be notified of the admission results by email after the application period ends.
The application period opens at the beginning of June and ends at the beginning of August. Please check the exact dates at https://ella.eduplan.fi/centria.
The application form requires suomi.fi authentication. Depending on the size of the degree group, 1-5 students are selected.
Applicants in the Nursing programme
A motivation letter is required from the applicant. In this letter, the applicant should describe their background, study goals, and suitability for the field of study. The applicant must attach the letter to the application. Applications without the letter will be rejected.
Please note that the applicant must meet certain requirements of Finnish legislation to be eligible to study in the Nursing programme. The so-called SORA legislation applies to education leading to a UAS degree in the field of social services and health care. This field has requirements concerning patient and client safety, which restricts student admission. It is required that health and functional capacity of approved applicants are such that they can participate in the practical assignments or training related to the studies.
Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements on health and functional capacity before submitting your application: https://www.uasinfo.fi/to-the-applicant/#health
Starting your studies
Path students are required to participate in the orientation days. During these days, students will get to know Centria, other students, and the teachers. They will also become familiar with the practical aspects of studying, such as the information systems used in Centria.
A personal study plan (PSP) is created for each path student. After this, you can register for courses through the Peppi system. If necessary, the student counsellor will assist with course registrations. Your background, any previous studies, wishes, and objectives are considered when planning the PSP. Generally, the path studies (45 credits) consist of first-year courses. Note! Recognition of prior learning (RPL) does not apply to students in Open University studies (study paths, individual courses). If a student has completed studies that could qualify for credit transfer, they can choose other courses instead during the Open UAS studies. The RPL process only applies to students who have a study right in a degree program.
Centria UAS guarantees path students the same services provided by student counsellors and study advisors as degree students. The tutor teacher of the group and the student counsellor are responsible for guiding the student.
Applying to the degree programme
If you complete at least 45 credits in accordance with the objectives of the degree programme, you will be eligible to apply for the degree programme. In this case, you can apply through a separate application process on Studyinfo.fi. Applications can be submitted between 1 April – 30 April, and 1 October – 31 October. Admissions may be based on an interview or aptitude assessment, for example. The Head of the Degree Programme decides on the practical matters of each study field.
Path studies are priced as follows:
- Bachelor level studies, 45 ECTS credits, 200,00 €
- Master level studies (Business Management, Health Care and Social Services) 15 ECTS credits, 150,00 €
- Master level studies (Technology) 10 ECTS credits, 100,00 €
Path studies are invoiced in one installment.
The study fees of the Open UAS are based on registration. Dropping out or not completing studies does not justify cancelling payments or reimbursing invoices. Study fees that have already been charged will not be refunded even if you decide to cancel your studies.
Invoicing the study fee and cancellation terms
Note: If you wish to cancel your application during the application period, please send a notification to avoinamk(at)centria.fi.
After the application period, applicants will be informed about the results of the student selection by email. The email will include instructions on how to confirm the study place. If the applicant does not confirm the study place, it will be cancelled. If the study place is confirmed, the student will be registered as an open university student at Centria UAS., and the study fee will be charged. Open university payments are based on registration: cancellation of the studies or dropping out does not affect invoicing.
The terms of cancellation are mentioned in the same email as the student admission results. If you join in the middle of the academic year, you are considered to have started your studies from the date your data is registered in the Peppi system. If you wish to cancel your studies, the cancellation must be made within the application period. Please send cancellations to avoinamk@centria.fi.
An open university student is not entitled to any kind of financial benefits (for example student allowance, discounts on trains and buses) based on their studies. If you are a customer of Public Employment and Business Services, ensure your studies are approved before enrolling in path studies.
Centria UAS has agreed with the student restaurants on its campuses that path students will receive a small discount for meals. To get the discount, inform the cashier that you are a path student.
In Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences, citizens from outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. Please note that if you are required to pay the tuition fee, you cannot be accepted into path studies. Additionally, a student visa will not be granted based on Open University studies.
The recommended study entitlement period for path studies in Bachelor’s programmes (45 credits) is one (1) year. After this, the study entitlement period may be extended for a valid reason upon your request. You can send the request by email to Student Services studentservices(at)centria.fi. To be eligible for an extended study right, you need to have at least 25 credits recorded in the study register. The study entitlement period can be extended by six months at a time. The maximum study entitlement period is two years.
Studying at open UAS, enrollment, study fees: avoinamk@centria.fi
Study counselling: opo@centria.fi