Studies
Our Bachelor of Physiotherapy program is designed especially for international students, offering comprehensive education in physiotherapy. The curriculum includes professional studies with clinical practice and Finnish language courses to enhance your career prospects in Finland.
The job description of a physiotherapist
A physiotherapist is a multi-skilled professional who promotes people's functional capacity, health, and wellbeing and movement. Their expertise is especially needed when aging, injury, pain, illness, or everyday challenges limit an individual's functional capacity. The physiotherapist's role in promoting health is significant.
The work of a physiotherapist is inspiring, independent, and responsible. They plan physiotherapy based on the individual's needs and goals, working with clients, people close to them and other experts.
Key competencies include functional capacity assessment, functioning promotion, rehabilitation, accessibility, technological, ethical, and social skills. Physiotherapists act as experts in multidisciplinary teams and networks at regional, national, and international levels. They work as experts in rehabilitation, for example planning and guiding therapeutic exercises and other physiotherapy methods for promoting health and wellbeing.
Overview of the Degree Programme
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy program spans 3.5 years and comprises 210 ECTS credits. The curriculum includes comprehensive coursework in physiotherapy. Additionally, the program integrates Finnish language studies to support your career development in Finland.
Familiarize yourself with the curriculum of degree programme.
Main contents of the Program
As a physiotherapist you will study:
- Cooperation and interaction with the client
- Instructing the client
- Functional ability and its assessment
- Structure and functioning of the human body
- Biomechanics
- Motor learning
- Therapeutic exercise
Physiotherapy degree programme includes also training in applied exercise and aquatic therapy as well as rescue from water. Basic swimming skills including basic diving skills are required for the studies.
Physiotherapy degree programme includes also clinical practice, where vaccinations are required, please read about the requirements: FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service) Instructions for social and health care students concerning infectious diseases and vaccinations.
Please also notice: Health requirements for the applicant in Studyinfo
The studies include blended learning, group work, lectures, independent and virtual learning, practical training and various assignments and exams. Supervised clinical practice is included in the studies. Finnish language skills are used in clinical practice.
Multiform studies require the student to be self-reliant and responsible for their learning, because there is less contact teaching than in the day-to-day implementation.
Language of Instruction and Finnish Language Studies
The program is primarily taught in English, making it accessible to international students. Studies will begin in English without the Finnish language proficiency requirement, and will form a foundation for self-study and on-the-job learning in terms of Finnish language skills. The programme is conducted bilingually with English and Finnish as the studies progress.
Bilingual Finnish language studies are an integral part of the curriculum. These studies are designed to help integration into Finnish society and employment prospects in Finland.
Applicants must have the minimum of B2 level in the English language (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) to be accepted to the programme.
Structure and content of the studies
Professional studies and practical training
The Physiotherapy programme offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes professional studies, including practical training, clinical practice, and a bachelor's thesis project. The programme is designed to provide with integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Clinical practice
The program includes clinical practice, providing practical training throughout your studies. Clinical practice courses are from 5 to 10 credits and cover different aspects of physiotherapy. Some clinical practice periods can be conducted in the school's own facilities, you can gain hands-on experience in a controlled environment in HyMy Village.
At Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, social and health care students follow field-specific guidelines applicable to an authentic working environment. When practicing clinical skills at campus or in clinical practices, the hygiene requirements of the work and the customer and patient safety are taken into account.
In most universities of applied sciences, social and health care students follow field-specific guidelines that are applicable to an authentic working environment. When practicing clinical skills at campus or in clinical practices and work placements, the hygiene requirements of the work and the customer and patient safety need to be considered.
Students need to wear protective clothing in accordance with the guidelines of the universities of applied sciences when practicing. During the clinical practices and work placements, students need to follow the guidelines for workwear, protective clothing, use of personal protective equipment, etc. as defined by the clinical practice units.
For example, when caring for patients or clients, wearing long sleeves on their work clothes or wearing their own clothes may not be allowed in all clinical practice units. In addition, in most clinical practices the student must wear a photo ID card that identifies the student.
Thesis
The scope of the bachelor's thesis is 15 ECTS credits and it can be carried out either alone or in a group of 2-3 people. The bachelor's thesis can be done in cooperation with working life or as part of a larger project.
Qualification
The education produces the qualification of a physiotherapist (professional qualification). A physiotherapist is a licensed health care professional.
Only a licensed professional with a degree can work in the profession of physiotherapist. After completing the degree programme, you can apply for professional rights from the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health Valvira.
The education offers diverse career opportunities in rehabilitation, sports and social and health care tasks.
Physiotherapists can work in client work and other expert tasks in hospitals, health centers, private sector of wellbeing and rehabilitation, as entrepreneurs or in the third sector (such as organisations or sports clubs).
Scholarships and tuition fees
Annual tuition fee 11 000 €. This fee applies only to non-EU/EEA degree students.
More information
For more information on the application process please contact
Metropolia's Student and Admission Services:
+358 9 7424 5902
admissions [at] metropolia.fi (admissions[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Ask Head of Degree Programme about studies
Senior lecturer Titta Komssi
titta.komssi [at] metropolia.fi (titta[dot]komssi[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
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Applying
- Application period-Start of studiesautumn 2026Apply now!
- Blended studies
The Separate Application for International Degree Programmes is aimed at those applying on the basis of GMAT/GRE test, SAT/ACT test, the Edunation Pathway Diploma or a credit transfer -based student selection for an education leading to a higher education degree in English. Application period for studies starting in autumn 2026 starts on 1 December 2025 08:00 am (local time in Finland).
Application instructions have been published on Studyinfo.fi Check the individual selection methods for each degree programme in Studyinfo.fi .
- Application period-Start of studiesautumn 2026
- Blended studies
Instructions for applying
In the spring 2026 Joint Application 1 to higher education, you can apply to degree programmes that start in the autumn of 2026. The application period starts on the 7 January 2026 at 8 am and ends on the 21 January 2026 at 3 pm (local time in Finland).
All the information needed to apply can be found on the national Studyinfo.fi portal. At Studyinfo.fi you can find descriptions of degree programmes, application criteria, application instructions, application forms and much more.
Application fee
Applicants who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland are required to pay an application fee in order to apply to higher education studies. The application fee of 100 euros is collected for applicants from countries outside EU/EEA seeking education leading to a degree in higher education. The Finnish National Agency of Education will collect the application fee in connection with filling in the Studyinfo application form. There is no application fee for Finnish or EU citizens.
The application fee does not guarantee that you will be offered admission to studies. The application fee is not refunded if you cancel your application or are not offered admission.
More about application fee in Studyinfo.fi.
Questions about application fees? Contact applicationfee [at] oph.fi (applicationfee[at]oph[dot]fi)The International UAS Exam is a joint digital entrance exam of the Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), used for selecting students to study programmes leading to a bachelor’s degree and conducted in English. The entrance exam is completed by the applicant’s own computer remotely online.
Read more about the International UAS Exam and language requirements on the website uasinfo.fi
Useful links
More information on the application process
Tel. +358 9 7424 5902, Mon-Wed 10 am – 12 pm
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Starting studies
Welcome to study for a degree at Metropolia!
Congratulations! You have been admitted to Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and we are delighted to have you as a new member of our vibrant community of more than 16 000 students!
You have made an excellent choice - Metropolia offers you unique multidisciplinary opportunities throughout your studies with its strong connections to working life and active role in innovations built around socially significant phenomena.
We are happy to have you with us and help you with any questions you might have. Welcome to Metropolia!
The below information applies to students who have been accepted to study for a full degree at Metropolia. Make sure to complete all the steps in order to secure your study place.
Confirming a place of study requires certain formalities to be completed by the deadline. More detailed instructions below:
Non-EU/EEA students need a student residence permit. You can begin the student residence permit application online at Enterfinland.fi. Remember that you must personally visit a Finnish embassy or consulate as part of this process. Start your residence permit process as soon as possible, carefully following the immigration authorities' instructions and regulations, so that you can receive your permit in good time before your studies begin! You can find detailed information and advice on the residence permit requirements and procedures on the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) website.
Note that participating online programmes does not entitle you receiving residence permit. See more about the topic in Finnish Immigration Service websites.
All Metropolia's students who do not have a Finnish personal identity code, have to apply for it before their arrival or register at the local registry office after their arrival to Finland to apply for one.
Students who have to apply for residence permit (i.e. non-EU/non-EEA citizens) before their arrival to Finland should ask to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System when they apply for their first residence permit. This way they will receive a Finnish personal identity code at the same time as they are issued with the permit. More information on this for residence permit applicants in Migri site
Other students have to apply for the personal identity code from the local registry office of the city where you are living in.
More information on Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV).
More information on registration to the Finnish Population Information System in DVV site
After you have received the personal identification code, remember to inform it to the Student Services with the official document. Acceptable documents are for example DVV:s document (Notification of registration), Finnish passport, Finnish identity card with a photo, issued by police, Finnish driver's license, residence permit or KELA card with a photo.
User account activation is possible from the start date of your study right. Activate your user account before the orientation days by following the instructions available on the IT Services website. To activate your account, you will need personal online banking credentials or a mobile certificate. Also check the instructions provided by your degree programme.
If you do not have Finnish online banking credentials or a mobile certificate, authenticate using the Candour ID application. After authentication, you will receive instructions on how to activate your user account. Read the instructions for authentication and receiving user accounts on the Information Management Services website.
Once you have activated your user account, enable multi-factor authentication for Microsoft 365 services. First enable SMS authentication, and then Microsoft Authenticator. If possible, also enable alternative authentication methods on your other mobile devices. This will help you avoid login issues if your primary phone is replaced or lost. Follow the instructions available on the IT Services website.
If you have any questions about user account activation or multi-factor authentication, please contact the Helpdesk. You will find the contact information on the IT Services website.
All foreign students (who are not EU citizens or citizens of Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland) who come to Finland for the purposes of studying are required to have a health insurance, if the studies endure longer than three months.
More information on insurances in Student's Guide
Student financial aid is for Finnish citizens. Foreign citizens are entitled to student financial aid if they live in Finland on a permanent basis for the purpose other than studying and they have registered as permanent residents in the Finnish population register system.
More information on student financial aid in Student's Guide
- Find out where your campus is located
- If you have a smart phone you can download the free HSL mobile app to get access to the public transportation Journey Planner and tickets (e.g. for travelling from the Helsinki-Vantaa airport to your apartment or from your apartment to the campus).
- If you have a smart phone you can download the Tuudo mobile app for free to get your digital student ID and student discounts (ID and discounts are available from the first day of the studies onwards)
- Information on student life and well-being, costs and finance, study environment etc. in Student's Guide
New students need a laptop for their studies.
Minimum laptop requirements for new students:
- Windows 11 or Mac computer
- Intel i5/i7 processor (at least 8 gen), AMD Ryzen 5/7 or equivalent processor
- RAM 8 GB memory
- SSD hard disk min. 256 GB
The life cycle of the laptop should be at least 4 years. The estimated cost of a laptop meeting the recommended specifications is between €600 and €800 and upwards. If the student's studies are geared towards gaming or graphic design, for example, the laptop should have a more powerful graphics card and more SSD hard disk space.
The recommended operating system will depend on the degree programme and the area of specialisation. As a general rule, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X are safe choices for a laptop operating system. Students of XR Design, 3D Animation and Visualisation and Visual Communication Design will be informed in the first weeks of their studies about the purchase of their own computer and the features they need.
Tuudo is a mobile app with which you can use various Metropolia web services easily on your smart phone. With Tuudo you can get VR, HSL, Matkahuolto and Kela student discounts immediately. The benefits are free for all Metropolia students.
In Tuudo you can check Metropolia, Admission Services, and student union METKA announcements, your schedule, study attainments, and cafeteria menus.
Get Tuudo on your phone from the app store for free and start using it!
During your studies, your support of well-being and health is Finnish Student Health Services (FSHS). The specialist in student health care offers you general, mental and oral health services and supports the well-being of study communities.
Our services can be used by students completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a university or a university of applied sciences who have registered as attending for the semester.
Master the facts! Familiarize yourself with our services and user instructions in Kela's site fshs.fi, and Kela's Health information resource on the address.
Start using Self! Self is the student’s own online service for health care issues at FSHS. In Self, you can manage appointment bookings, communicate via SelfChat and start a remote consultation. Log in to Self as a user immediately from the beginning of the semester and keep your contact details up to date for as long as you are a student. Read more about Self in Kela's site.
The health care fee for students in higher education will be paid to Kela on your initiative. Read more about health care fee in Kela's site.
If you have social security coverage in another EU/EEA country or in Switzerland or the United Kingdom, you do not have to pay the healthcare fee. However, you can to use the FSHS’s services.
Metropolia does not have housing services to offer. Thus, it is the student's responsibility to find an accommodation for the period of their studies. There is a lot of competition in affordable housing, so it is important to start searching for a room many months prior to arrival.
Already excited about starting your studies in Metropolia and meeting new people?
On Student Union Metka's site you will find welcome letters for each degree program.
Welcome letters are information packages prepared by your future tutors. They include, for example, important dates as well as information about studying, student benefits, or student life.
Create your own profile and sign up to JobTeaser portal now and stay up to date on job vacancies, training and upcoming recruitment events promoted especially to Metropolia students. There are hundreds of job opportunities available and a lot of information to support your career planning.
JobTeaser is a career portal where you can find lot of career information in one platform.
- Open jobs and traineeships
- Working life events
- Advice & guidance
- Employer profiles
Sign up and start exploring
Sign up to JobTeaser using your @metropolia.fi email address.
You can also download a Jobteaser application.
How to start Physiotherapy studies
Instruction will be published later.