Study Civil Engineering in Finland – Launch Your International Career at Metropolia
What if you could study on a modern campus in Helsinki, learn in an international environment, and help build a more sustainable society at the same time?
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences' new Bachelor's Degree Programme in Civil Engineering and Building Services offers international students the opportunity to study in Finland alongside experienced industry professionals. The programme will begin in autumn 2027, with approximately 40 students admitted to the first intake. The degree programme will be available for the first time in the Joint Application in January 2027.
Learn Finnish While Studying Engineering
The programme is delivered using Metropolia's TOKAKO bilingual learning model, an innovative approach that integrates Finnish language learning into degree studies from the very beginning. The model has already been successfully applied in nursing education, where international students have learned Finnish as part of their studies and successfully entered the Finnish labour market after graduation.
Now the same approach is being introduced in engineering education. Alongside developing strong technical expertise in civil engineering and building services, students will also improve their Finnish language skills throughout their studies. The goal is to graduate engineers who possess both the professional competence required by the industry and the language skills needed to work effectively in Finnish workplaces. This significantly improves graduates' employment opportunities in Finland while helping address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the construction sector.
Finland's Leading Educator in Civil Engineering and Building Services
Metropolia is one of Finland's largest universities of applied sciences and a leading provider of education in civil engineering and building services.
Metropolia has approximately 20,000 students, including around 8,000 engineering students. Nearly 2,500 students study in programmes related to construction, real estate and building services engineering, making Metropolia one of Finland's largest educators in the field.
Our engineering programmes are developed in close collaboration with leading companies in the industry, ensuring that the curriculum reflects the latest developments and the changing needs of working life.
As a student, you can also broaden your expertise by taking courses from other disciplines and benefit from the wide range of study opportunities offered by our multidisciplinary university.
Learn from Experienced Industry Professionals
Our lecturers are experienced experts in civil engineering and building services. According to Programme Directors Aki Valkeapää and Mika Lindholm, many members of the teaching team have extensive careers in leading Finnish companies and maintain strong connections with industry.
"In addition to their academic qualifications, our lecturers have hands-on experience in construction projects, design, engineering, research and development. Many also contribute to national expert organisations that help shape the future of the industry."
Valkeapää and Lindholm emphasise that students benefit from this practical expertise every day. Teaching is based not only on academic theory but also on real-life industry examples and current professional practices.
Myllypuro Campus – A Learning Environment in Itself
Students study at Metropolia's modern Myllypuro Campus, equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, workshops and learning facilities.
The campus building itself serves as a learning resource, allowing students to observe real-life construction and building services solutions integrated into their everyday study environment.
Practical learning is at the heart of the programme. Laboratory work, design projects and hands-on assignments are an essential part of the curriculum. Students typically have three to four days of on-campus teaching each week, complemented by independent study.
Throughout their studies, students apply their knowledge in authentic design and development projects carried out in collaboration with companies and other industry partners. These projects help students build valuable professional networks even before graduation.
Modern learning environments, practice-oriented teaching and close cooperation with working life ensure that graduates are well prepared to transition smoothly into professional engineering roles.
An International Community with Comprehensive Student Support
Metropolia is home to thousands of students from around the world, representing 150 nationalities.
From the very beginning of their studies, international students receive support from the Welcome Hub, which helps with practical matters and settling into life in Finland. Students also have access to academic guidance, student services and a vibrant international student community.
"Many international students are pleasantly surprised by Finland's safety, well-functioning society and welcoming study environment. You can manage very well in English, but we also encourage our students to learn Finnish to expand their career opportunities," say Valkeapää and Lindholm.
Build a Better Future Through Engineering
Civil engineering and building services offer a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on people's everyday lives and on the built environment.
Tomorrow's engineers will develop more energy-efficient buildings, reduce the environmental impact of construction, apply new technologies and help create more sustainable cities.
According to Lindholm and Valkeapää, students at Metropolia do much more than earn an engineering degree—they become part of an international community of experts working to shape the future.
"If you're looking for an international, practice-oriented engineering degree with strong links to working life, Metropolia provides an excellent environment to help you succeed."