Nursing TopUp
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Degree title
Bachelor of Health Care -
Delivery method
Hybrid -
Level
Bachelor's programme -
Language
English -
Scope
210 ECTS -
Education duration
1 year -
Entry requirements
A previous Nursing education that is completed outside of Finland and sufficient skills in English (B2) and Finnish (A2). Applicants living outside of Finland have to register for and partly complete an online pre-admission course, including a Finnish language course, before applying. Applicants who live in Finland and already have sufficient English and Finnish language skills can apply through an entrance exam held on campus.
Arcada's Nursing TopUp programme is aimed at you who already have a previous Nursing education completed outside of Finland and English language skills. Applicants living outside of Finland have to register for and partly complete an online pre-admission course, including a Finnish language course, before applying.
Programme
The Nursing TopUp programme offers internationally educated nurses the possibility of obtaining a Finnish Bachelor of Health Care, 210 ECTS, in approximately one year. This is possible through accreditation of former studies, practical training and work experience up to the extent of 150 ECTS, leaving to study the remaining credits that have a specific focus on EU and Finnish competencies.
Courses are built on a multiform principle. Methods used in this format may include lectures (online and in-house), individual reading assignments, workshops, case-based exercises, simulations, web-based courses, real-life projects and work practise.
The Arcada Patient Safety and Learning Centre (APSLC) provides an active simulation-based environment where theory and practice are combined. Through simulation-based training students learn to handle high-risk situations and special equipment, while at the same time improving their Finnish language, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork skills. A broad spectrum of difficult crisis and accident situations can be recreated in this simulation environment, which is safe and secure, easily adjustable and realistic.
The TopUp programme is taught in English, but please note that language skills in Finnish are necessary to complete work practice periods.
Remote video URL
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What you will learn
As a student in the Nursing TopUp programme, you will focus on gaining the following competencies, but from a Finnish perspective:
- Professional engagement competence
- Clinical care competence
- Health promoting competence
- Learning and Tutoring competence
- Nursing ethics competence
- Interprofessional work and safety culture
- Leadership and decision-making compete
How to apply
Please visit the Application pages for all the information on how to apply.
Cost of studies
Applicants from countries outside the EU/EEA are required to pay tuition fees. Scholarships are not offered for the Nursing TopUp programme. Learn more on our Tuition fees page.
Laptop requirement
All students enrolled in the programme are expected to have a laptop they can use in their studies.
Structure of studies
The curriculum presented reflects the current programme, but individual study paths may vary. For the latest details, please contact the Degree Programme Director.Contact us about the programme
Admissions Services
We answer anything related to admission and application.
Upcoming events
12 Jun
2026
Graduation Ceremony
Arcada's graduation ceremony will be held on 12 June 2026, welcoming graduates and invited guests to campus to celebrate those who graduated between 1 January - 3 June 2026.
