Apply to Nursing TopUp

Arcada's separate application to the Nursing TopUp bachelor's degree programme was open 23 - 30 September 2024, closing at 3 pm (Finnish time) on the last day. Application has now ended, and it is not possible to submit further applications. 

The Nursing TopUp programme is aimed at those who already have a Nursing degree completed outside of Finland, work experience and language skills in Finnish and English.

Application is made through Studyinfo External link. You can access the programme site on Studyinfo and also move on to the application form by clicking on the link. 

Eligibility

This application is for you who have:

• a degree in Nursing completed outside of Finland ; Bachelor of Nursing; Diploma of Nursing; GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery); PCL (Proficiency Certificate Level); or Technical level Nursing studies of a minimum 3 years
• a minimum of two years of relevant work experience gained after completion of Nursing education;
• Finnish language skills
• English language skills

Work experience

You must 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. 

Work experience is only counted after the date when the Nursing certificate/diploma was awarded, and needs to be proven by a work certificate. Work experience gained before or during your bachelor studies cannot be counted towards the work experience minimum requirement. Work experience can be counted up to 31.12.2024.

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) are equal to 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.

Language requirements

All applicants must have both skills in Finnish as well as English

Finnish language requirement
All applicants must have Finnish language skills at a minimum level of A2 on the European framework before the start of studies.

You can prove your Finnish language skills with one of the following: 

• National Certificate of Language Proficiency
• Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate
• Certificates or verification from established educational institutions that offer language instruction and can be verified by Arcada

Finnish language proficiency can not be proven with language courses such as Duolingo.

Applicants must attach proof of skills in Finnish or proof of participation in accepted Finnish course to their application by 7.10.2024. If the applicant is pursuing a Finnish language course aiming at level A2 result, they must submit a copy of a final certificate by 31 Dec 2024.

An applicant who is completing Finnish studies at the time of application can be conditionally admitted but must provide a Finnish language certificate at minimum level A.2 by 31 Dec 2024.

Admission of an applicant who, before the start of studies does not meet the level A.2 in Arcadas own test, can be cancelled.

The applicant's Finnish language skills will be assessed in the entrance exam/interview.

English language requirement

Applicant can prove their skills in English with one of the following:

• Bachelor or Master studies in English, which includes a thesis written in English
• IELTS Academic, minimum overall score 6,0
• TOEFL® iBT, minimum score 79
• Pearson, minimum score 51
• Cambridge, B2 First, minimum score 170
• OET, (Occupational English Test) minimum C
• Certificates or diplomas from verified educational providers that can be verified by Arcada

English language proficiency can not be proven with language courses such as Duolingo.  

The IELTS, TOEFL and Pearson certificates are valid for two years. Applicant must attach proof of skills in English by 7.10.2024.

Please ensure that you have allowed your language test result to be verified by Arcada.

The applicant's English language skills will be assessed in the entrance exam/interview.

Admission through a Pre-admission Course + interview

If you live outside Finland or the EU/EEA area, you should do the pre-admission course to be considered for the TopUp programme. Also, an interview is required.   There are a minimum of 60 available study place through this selection method.

The pre-admission course consists of the following two courses:

• Working as a Nurse in Finland
• Nursing in Finland: Clinical Competence, Legislation and Patient Safety

The pre-admission course costs 225 €. Enrollment is binding and the course fee is non-refundable. 
You must enrol in the pre-admission course by 9 June 2024 and pay the fee at the same time.

The pre-admission course will open 10 June and you will have until 15 September 2024 to complete both courses.

Please note the following:
Registration for the course is binding and the course fee is non-refundable.  
You will be required to pay the fee before you are allowed to enrol for the course. 
The pre-admission course must be completed by 15 September 2024.
After completing the course, you must also submit an application in order to be considered for admission.

When you have completed the course you will be issued a certificate of completion that is to be attached to your application.

Online Interview 
Of those who have completed the pre-admission course and who meet eligibility criteria, Arcada will invite the 120  first applicants. The 120 first applicants are selected based on the time of submission of the application.

The interviews will be held on Zoom between 23-25 October 2024.

The interview will focus on the pre-admission course content. It will test applicants' communicative skills based on the material from the pre-admission course. It does not require any other preparation than completing the pre-admission course.  The invitation will contain all the necessary information.

Applicants who are admitted through the pre-admission course + interview will be accredited the courses as part of their studies.  

Applicants are ranked and admitted in order of points for the pre-admission course, points for work experience, interview and language skills.  

Admission through entrance exam on campus

If you reside in Finland you can select to be considered through an entrance exam held on campus.

The entrance exam to Nursing TopUp is held on campus Arcada, Helsinki on 21-22 October 2024. 
The entrance exam will test applicants' suitability for higher education studies. It will consist of a written test as well as interviews and language tests.

The exam does not require any preparation. Detailed information on the entrance exam will be given in the invitation letter sent to applicants who have proven their eligibility.

Please note that if you live outside of Finland or the EU/EEA area, it will unfortunately be difficult if not impossible to get a visa for the sole purpose of taking part in an entrance exam. Arcada can unfortunately not assist further in the process other than to send out a formal invitation letter and therefore such applicants are recommended to apply through the pre-admission course.

Applicants are ranked and admitted based on total points for the entrance exam, points for work experience and language skills.