The two predecessors to Laurea University of Applied Sciences were Vantaa University of Applied Sciences (1991 – 1997) and Espoo-Vantaa University of Applied Sciences (1997 – 2001), both of which were characterised by an international perspective, entrepreneurship and working life success in a time of constant change.
Learning is based on real-life work projects and development assignments. We build learning around a research- and development-oriented approach, which we call Learning by Developing (LbD).
At Laurea:
Gather knowledge base
Practice your skills
Develop creative problem-solving methods
Acquire the competence required in your profession by participating in various development projects
Active interaction with business and employers will help you establish valuable connections early on during your studies
Laurea's fields of expertise in RDI activities focus on expertise in nursing work and coping at home, service business activities, security and social responsibility, as well as entrepreneurship and innovations.
The areas of strength come from entities formed by projects and networks, producing important results from the point of view of our strategy and supporting long-term goals. Features uniting all of the areas of strength include
Career guidance and planning experts support students in recognizing their personal strengths and weaknesses, their career options and the consequences of these options. Students are guided in identifying their competences and goals in relation to the qualification requirements from working life at global and local levels. These goals are supported by the Network to Get Work events and in the Career planning study unit.
Study counselling and academic advising is available for all student groups: Bachelor's degree and Master's degree students, exchange students and Open University students. The purpose is to support students in different phases of their studies. It comprises of providing guidance for the students in the beginning of their studies, building up their study and learning skills, supporting their competence development and career guidance
Laurea does not have its own student dormitories or other housing for students. Student accommodation is available with student housing associations and companies close to most Laurea local campuses. Please notice that the apartment situation in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area is extremely difficult and thus it is important to start looking for accommodation as soon as possible and preferably from several different sources! When you receive a housing offer, we strongly advise you to take it.
Laurea offers international high quality collection of electronic and printed books for your use. The collection has been acquired according to Laurea collection policy.
Starting in 2021, students who study for a bachelor's or a master's level degree from a university of applied sciences will be entitled to use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS). If FSHS do not provide the service you need, you can turn to public health care in your municipality. Laurea provides counselling psychologists, student priests and special needs teacher.
Gym on Hyvinkää campus. Also, Zone Sport Services by 3AMK co-operation on Otaniemi and Tikkurila campuses.
The Student Union of Laurea University of Applied Sciences is also known by the name Laureamko. Every university of applied sciences has a student union which protects the interests of all students. From Laureamko you can order your official nationwide student card with discounts e.g. all around Finland.
Laureamko’s duty is also to make sure the quality of education and student wellbeing is secured and to offer services for the students. Laureamko organizes events and often works as a stepping stone for active students interested in advocacy. Laureamko has an office and actives in every Laurea campusThe Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) conducted an audit of Laurea in 2016 and awarded it a quality label that is valid for six years. The quality system of Laurea fulfils the criteria for the quality management of higher education institutions and corresponds to the European principles and recommendations.
Laurea obtained the Certificate for Quality in Internationalisation from the European Consortium for Accreditation in 2015. The certificate was awarded to Laurea for having successfully incorporated an international and intercultural dimension into the purpose, function and delivery of its education.