Admission through OMPT test + interview
On this page you will find more information on admission through OMPT exam and interview.
You can only choose one application method in your application as the basis for admission:
A) SAT test score and proof of English language proficiency
or
B) OMPT test + interview and proof of English language proficiency.
You can select the OMPT and interview as your application method. This selection method, consisting of the OMPT test and interview, is separate for each programme. This means that an applicant applying to both International Business and Mechanical and Sustainable Engineering must take two separate OMPT tests, and also participate in two separate interviews.
Note that you may not submit your application without including a copy of your OMPT score. You must therefore have taken the OMPT test, and already received your score before you can apply.
OMPT test versions and requirements
The OMPT test is an online admissions test, which has been used for higher education institutions' international admission. The OMPT can be taken from anywhere, at any time. Please read more on the OMPT test here. External link
When registering for the OMPT test, you will be directed to the right version of the test when selecting which of Arcada's bachelor's programme you are applying to. International Business requires the OMPT-A test while Mechanical and Sustainable Engineering requires applicants to take the OMPT-G test.
Both tests will assess the applicant's skills in mathematics, but the test for Mechanical and Sustainable Engineering also includes questions in physics and chemistry.
Take the OMPT test before you apply!
An application cannot be submitted without an OMPT score report. Thus all applicants applying through this selection method must first register for and take the OMPT test as well as receive their digital score report before they can submit an application to Arcada.
Register for the test OMPT test here External link.
Arcada allows for three attempts of the OMPT test in order to achieve our pass requirement of 55 % for either test.
All OMPT results will be verified through the OMPT database. If a result that is equal to or above our requirements is verified in the database, the application moves on to the next step of the selection process, which is the interview. Invitations to the interviews will be sent out via e-mail.
When registering for the test, you should also order your score to be sent directly to Arcada.
Applicants whose OMPT score cannot be verified by 19 March 2024 cannot be considered for admission (n.b. the deadline has been extended from what was originally 28 February 2024).
Arcada provides a 220 euro deduction on the first year's tuition fee for students who are admitted based on the OMPT test + interview and accept their study place offer. This is to cover the costs associated with one test attempt. This deduction is applied automatically without any action needed from the student and is only applicable to tuition fee paying students. The amount cannot be increased, regardless of how many attempts or tests the applicant has taken.
Interview/Group discussion through Zoom
All applicants whose OMPT scores meet the criteria and have been verified will be invited to the group interview/group discussion held online. Detailed information and requirements (setting, equipment etc) will be given in the invitation that is sent to the applicant. There is no material to read in preparation for the interview/group discussion.
Timetable for the group session
The group session will be arranged via the Zoom application. Applicants will receive a link to the Zoom meeting in the invitation e-mail. Applicants should therefore make sure that they have access to the e-mail address they have submitted in their application throughout the application process, and that they also check all folders including the spam folder.
An applicant may not choose which interview batch they attend, but they will be invited to the closest following interview after the OMPT test score has been verified, and an Identity document is found in the application.
Invitations to the interviews will be sent and interviews held according to the following timetable:
Invitation sent at the latest by 5 January; Interviews held 8-12 Jan 2024
Invitation sent at the latest by 2 February; Interviews held 5-9 Feb 2024
Invitation sent at the latest by 29 February; Interviews held March 2024
The allocated time can not be changed.
Arcada reserves the right to make changes in the timetable depending on the number of applicants.
Technical requirements
As an applicant who has received an invitation, it is your responsibility to make sure that the equipment you use meets the following criteria. To attend the group session, you need to have
- a computer (desktop computer or laptop, not a mobile device or tablet)
- Recommended browsers: Firefox or Chrome. If the link does not open, please try through another browser.
- stable internet access (and stable supply of electricity)
- a web camera
- a headset (recommended), or speakers and microphone
- (mouse, power cable)
- Download External link the Zoom app on your computer. It is recommended that you test Zoom beforehand. You can also join a test meeting External link provided by Zoom. You can familiarize yourself with Zoom before the group session by visiting Zoom's website for tutorials External link.
Arcada UAS is not responsible for, or in any legal liability if your equipment and/or connections do not meet the above-described criteria, if the group interview is interrupted, or if you cannot finish it because of technical issues.
Identification documents
Please note that your identity will be checked during the group interview. Make sure that you have your
- passport
- National Id card issued in EU /EEA-country
- a Finnish driving license, or Finnish ID card
You should present the same identification document that you submitted to Studyinfo in your application.
An expired passport or identity card is accepted if its validity has expired no later than one year prior to your interview date. For example: if your interview is on 25 January 2024, we will accept ID:s that expired on 25 January 2023 or later. Also, the applicant has to be identifiable on the document’s picture.
How to attend the interview/group discussion?
You should attend the group session by clicking the Zoom link 5 minutes before the start of the group session. The given time is local Finnish time (EET). After you click the link, please make sure that you
- join the meeting through a browser as a guest
- fill in your name in the following format: given name last name (e.g. Sarah Johnson, or Sarah J.)
You should also make sure that:
- your camera, headset or microphone, and speakers are working
- you have already read both the instructions above and the ones in the e-mail sent to you
- you have the needed identification documents next to you
- you have a quiet environment and optimal lighting for clear sound and good-quality video picture; make sure that you attend the group session by yourself in a private and calm environment that allows you to concentrate
Arcada will check the eligibility only of applicants who have passed the OMPT test and the interview/group discussion. You can only be admitted if you have proven your eligibility and your skills in English by the deadline.