Studies
Why choose Information Technology at Metropolia?
Information Technology is everywhere in today's society as it is needed in electronic and media appliances, computers, household devices, and almost in every part of our everyday lives.
We offer you
- Excellent combination of basic and professional courses in Information Technology
- High-quality education
- A solid basis to work as an engineer both in Finland and abroad
- Major options in Smart IoT Systems and Software Engineering.
- International and supportive learning environment
- Multidisciplinary educational institution with a vast partner network
Could I be a student in Information Technology?
Yes you can! You don't need to be a computer wizard to start with as we will equip you with the skills and knowledge required in the field. You just need to be committed and hard-working student with a devoted attitude towards the world of information technology and engineering.
We offer you an international study environment in which you have a possibility to make friends and future colleagues with students from all around the world.
How full-time studies are implemented?
The studies are very intensive from day one and require an average of 40 hours of hard work per week. About half of the studies are guided by a teacher, the rest of it should be filled by the student. The courses include theoretical teaching, various practical assignments, independent and group studies as well as written assignments.
Courses require attendance at classes, as well as completing assignments independently weekly. The studies are measured in credit points. The number of credit points for each course is based on the amount of work it requires. An average academic year consists of 1,600 hours of work, which is equivalent to 60 credit points (1 credit point = 27 hours).
Please note that it may be very hard to study full-time if you are working simultaneously.
Bring your own laptop
We expect you to have own laptop in the beginning of your studies. Laptop configuration guidelines are Windows 10 (64-bit version) laptop with minimum of 8 GB memory (RAM) and at least 256 GB SSD storage / Hard drive. However, more memory is better as you need to install several software packages on your hard drive and run some resource-heavy programs (usually available on Windows).
You can also select Linux OS if you are more familiar with Linux. A MacBook is also acceptable but be careful with memory as it differs from Windows requirements. Unfortunately, we cannot provide support for computers other than Microsoft systems. Chrome OS is not recommended.
What will you study?
Your studies will begin with both a programming-oriented and a hardware-oriented theme, providing you with a solid foundation in information technology. These themes combine professional subjects and project work with engineering mathematics, physics, and English studies. Other language studies are offered as separate modules.
You will choose your major after completing the Orientation to Information Technology studies. Each major option offers an in-depth understanding of current and relevant subject areas within the field.
Throughout your studies, you will stay connected to working life through industry-related projects, work placements, and your Final Year Project. This gives you the opportunity to build valuable networks and plan your future career while studying.
Learn more about the curriculum for degree studies that start in August 2026.
Major options in Information Technology
The application process for selecting a major is organized twice a year, in December and May. Students admitted through this process begin their major studies either in January or August. Major studies commence biannually, and the range of available majors differs between the January and August intakes.
Major studies - general guidelines
- Detailed information about majors and the selection process will be provided at the start of studies (subject to change).
- Major options and course offerings in major options are subject to change.
- The timing of major selection depends on when the studies were started and on any previously completed higher education studies that can be accredited.
- A student cannot choose whether to participate in the December or May major application selection.
- To begin major studies, a student must first successfully complete the Orientation to Information Technology studies included in the curriculum.
- Please note that students are not automatically granted a place in their preferred major.
- Students are selected for the majors based on their academic performance.
- Study paths within a major will only be offered if a sufficient number of students choose that path.
- If the number of applicants for a major exceeds the number of available study places, the selection criteria will be based on study success and other criteria defined by the degree program.
Starting your studies in August 2026 - major option study paths
To begin major studies, a student must first successfully complete the Orientation to Information Technology studies included in the curriculum.
- Students are selected for the majors based on their academic performance.
- Study paths within a major will only be offered if a sufficient number of students choose that path.
- Detailed information about majors and the selection process will be provided at the start of studies (subject to change).
Orientation to Information Technology (90 cr)
Major studies
- Fundamental Professional studies (30 cr)
- Advanced Professional studies (30 cr)
Common Professional studies (30 cr)
Complementary Competence (5 cr)
Profile Studies in Working Life Skills (5 cr)
Elective studies (5 cr)
Work placement (30 cr)
Bachelor`s Thesis (15 cr)
In the Software Engineering major, you will build versatile skills for a career in modern software development. The program is structured around study paths, such as Software Development, Game Development, Mobile Development, and Web Development.
Teaching is strongly built around on-campus, in-person instruction. You will benefit from frequent classroom interaction and guided sessions, ensuring substantial contact teaching as an integral part of your studies.
Each study path enables students to gain both broad fundamental knowledge and deep expertise in their chosen field. Throughout your studies, you will develop strong programming abilities, an understanding of software production processes, and practical experience through hands-on projects.
Core studies provide a foundation in programming, hardware, algorithms, databases, machine learning, cloud services, and cybersecurity. Each study path includes advanced studies and multiple project courses, giving you the opportunity to create a portfolio of applications and solutions relevant to your career interests.
Software Development
Software Development study path focuses on automation of production processes, advanced object-oriented programming, software design and modeling, information security, and extensive application development. You’ll gain expertise in data-driven development, neural networks, and database solutions through both theory and project work.
Game Development
Game Development covers game design, game engines, C++ programming, graphics programming, and physics for games, culminating in portfolio projects that demonstrate your skills in real-world game development environments.
Mobile Development
Mobile Development offers in-depth studies in Android (Kotlin), iOS, and cross-platform development, combined with agile project practices and modern design methodologies. You will master designing and developing mobile applications while working in teams and using industry-standard tools and processes.
Web Development
Web Development dives into server-side and front-end programming, web application frameworks, UI & UX design, and artificial intelligence applications. Project courses challenge you to develop comprehensive web solutions from concept to deployment.
Please note
Not all study paths may be available every academic year; the selection of study paths offered is determined by student demand and capacity.
All students gain valuable experience through work placements and a Bachelor’s thesis. By graduation, you will be well-prepared for roles such as software engineer, game developer, mobile app developer, or web developer, with a strong portfolio and a practical understanding of today’s digital landscape.
The Smart IoT major explores the interconnected world of smart devices, where everyday objects communicate, collect data, and drive intelligent solutions.
IoT engineers play a crucial role in developing these systems, creating secure, efficient, and scalable devices that power smart cities, optimize industrial processes, and enhance our daily lives.
Through this major, students gain expertise in designing, building, and securing IoT devices and networks, preparing them to shape the future of connected technology.
Embedded IoT Devices
Embedded IoT Devices are smart devices equipped with open-source operating systems, designed to control industrial processes, collect IoT data, and securely interface with cloud services.
An understanding of cloud architecture and data security is essential, and students gain hands-on experience in professional embedded development practices through real-world projects.
Graduates are well-prepared for roles in product research and development, technical support, or as software developers within diverse ICT and IoT-focused companies.
IoT and Networks
IoT and Networks studies provide students with comprehensive knowledge in computer network technologies, server systems, cloud services, and secure network and cloud infrastructure. Hands-on experience in our data communication lab, based on IP-networking, server systems, and mobile networks, equips students to design, implement, and maintain secure systems.
Courses developed with leading networking equipment manufacturers ensure graduates gain robust skills for roles such as project manager, network specialist, cloud system administrator, ICT security specialist, or technical specialist.
Starting your studies in January 2027 – Major options
Students who applied in joint application and are starting their studies in January 2027 will apply for a major option in spring 2028 and begin their major studies in August 2028.
Same structure and majors apply for students who applied in rolling admission or other flexible admission.
Orientation to Information Technology (60 cr)
Major studies
- Fundamental Professional studies (30 cr)
- Advanced Professional studies (60 cr)
Common Professional studies (35 cr)
Profile Studies in Working Life Skills (5 cr)
Elective studies (5 cr)
Work placement (30 cr)
Bachelor`s Thesis (15 cr)
In this program, you will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to embark on a career as a software engineer. Beyond covering the essential technical aspects of software engineering, you will also develop teamwork, communication, and user experience design skills.
We employ modern tools and frameworks for teaching programming and software design. Our emphasis lies in a hands-on approach to software engineering, with all courses featuring a significant coding component.
Each semester, you will engage in a substantial project course, allowing you to create an application that can be added to your portfolio, enhancing your job prospects even before graduation.
Upon completion of the Software Engineering program, graduates typically pursue careers as software engineers, mobile web developers, full stack developers, or iOS and Android developers.
Machine Learning
In Software Engineering: Machine Learning major, you will gain expertise in developing AI-powered software solutions.
This major option equips you with essential data manipulation and analysis skills while teaching you how to seamlessly integrate a wide range of machine learning libraries, tools, and methods into your software development projects.
Mobile Development
In Software Engineering: Mobile Development major, you boost your development skills with a capability to build applications for the most popular mobile environments.
In addition to learning solid general software design and construction skills, you learn Android development using Kotlin, iOS development with Swift, and hybrid app development using React Native.
The Smart IoT major explores the interconnected world of smart devices, where everyday objects communicate, collect data, and drive intelligent solutions.
IoT engineers play a crucial role in developing these systems, creating secure, efficient, and scalable devices that power smart cities, optimize industrial processes, and enhance our daily lives.
Through this major, students gain expertise in designing, building, and securing IoT devices and networks, preparing them to shape the future of connected technology.
Embedded IoT Devices
Embedded IoT Devices are smart devices equipped with open-source operating systems, designed to control industrial processes, collect IoT data, and securely interface with cloud services.
An understanding of cloud architecture and data security is essential, and students gain hands-on experience in professional embedded development practices through real-world projects.
Graduates are well-prepared for roles in product research and development, technical support, or as software developers within diverse ICT and IoT-focused companies.
Scholarships and tuition fees
Annual tuition fee
- 11 000 € for students, whose right of study starts after 31 July 2024
- 11 500 € for students, whose right of study starts after 31 July 2027.
This fee applies only to non-EU/EEA degree students.
What lies ahead after graduation?
You can have many different career and further study paths after your graduation. Your future job may range from systems, software and hardware design to consulting, product support and management positions.
Many of our graduates also pursue for further studies in various Master-level studies in prestigious universities both in Finland and abroad.
Students' experiences
Janani
Janani tells about her experiences in IT studies.
Oheneba
Oheneba tells what is the best thing in IT studies.
A global path to IT: why I chose Metropolia
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Applying
- Application period-Start of studiesspring 2027
- Day-time studies
Instructions for applying
In the autumn 2026 Joint Application to higher education, you can apply to degree programmes that start in the spring 2027. The application period starts on the 31 August 2026 at 8 am and ends on the 10 September 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 One Study Right Rule
The One Study Right Rule refers to legislative amendments entering into force on 1 August 2026. Under these amendments, a student’s study rights at the same or lower level will be terminated if they accept a new study right leading to a degree. The rule applies only to study rights at Finnish higher education institutions.
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
- Application period-Start of studiesautumn 2026Apply now!
- Day-time studies
The Application on the Basis of Metropolia’s Open UAS Studies is aimed at those who have completed studies not leading to a degree at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. Those applying for a master’s degree are, however, required also to have a separate required basic education and work experience that gives them eligibility to apply.
Application period: 4 May 2026 8:00 am - 31 October 2026 3:00 pm, all times refer to local time in Finland.
In flexible admission (i.e. rolling admission) the study places are filled in the order in which applications are received, so that all applicants who meet all the student selection requirements are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the application ends or the study places are filled.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.
Note: Many degree programmes accept applications on a continuous basis. However, applicants who are required to pay tuition fees should carefully consider the timing of their application. In most cases, it is not advisable to begin studies in the middle of a term (either autumn or spring), as tuition fees cannot be paid for only part of the term. For this reason, it is generally best to apply well in advance of the start of the term, so that studies can commence from the very beginning.
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) - Application period-Start of studiesspring 2027
- Day-time studies
The Separate Application for International Degree Programmes is aimed at those applying on the basis of GMAT/GRE test, SAT/ACT test, commissioned education or a credit transfer -based student selection for an education leading to a higher education degree in English. The supplementary application period for studies starting in spring 2027 is 17 August 2026 08:00 am - 30 September 2026 03.00 pm (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 2027
- Day-time 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, commissioned education 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 2027 starts on 1 December 2026 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 2027
- Day-time studies
Instructions for applying
In the spring 2027 Joint Application 1 to higher education, you can apply to degree programmes that start in the autumn of 2027. The application period starts on the 7 January 2027 at 8 am and ends on the 21 January 2027 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 One Study Right Rule
The One Study Right Rule refers to legislative amendments entered into force on 1 August 2026. Under these amendments, a student’s study rights at the same or lower level will be terminated if they accept a new study right leading to a degree. The rule applies only to study rights at Finnish higher education institutions.
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
Starting studies
First, read guidelines common to all Metropolia degree students and then degree specific instruction below.
Your studies in Information Technology
You will have an interesting and new phase starting in your life and we are very happy to have you with us.
Studies are very intensive from day one. Studies will require commitment, hard work and ability to work as a part of a team. You are not to worry, as we will equip you with the skills and knowledge required in the field of Information Technology. Your task is to give your devotion and willingness to learn new things to ensure the best outcome from your studies.
All our teaching (incl. Orientation days) will be conducted in Helsinki time (Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), UTC +3) which means that some of you might need to study during the evening/early morning (local time in Finland).
Orientation Days – onsite and online 10-14 August 2026
Orientation Days will be held both on campus and online. Students who are already in Finland should attend the sessions at Karamalmi campus. An online orientation will be available for students currently abroad whose residence permit is still being processed.
Orientation Days programme will be sent to you via email in the beginning of August.
Karamalmi campus
- Address: Karaportti 2, 02610 Espoo, Karamalmi campus
- Navigation: Karaportti 2, Espoo
- From Helsinki City Center, take train A Leppävaara, then continue by bus to the campus (e.g., buses 544, 200, 227, 224, 236). Train E or U, leave the train at Kera station.
- Find up-date train and bus connections and timetables in the the journey planner
- Note: you must buy your ticket in advanced.
- To avoid a €100 fee, purchase your ticket from R-kioski, HSL Sales & service point or via the HSL app before boarding.
Own laptop is required
For starting your studies, you are required to possess
- own laptop
- webcam
- working internet connection
Orientation days program with instructions and links will be sent to you as a separate email in the beginning of August.
Orientation Days timetable 10 to 14 August 2026 (subject to change)
Please note! You need to attend to either Karamalmi or online day Wednesday or Thursday respectively. Everyone will attend on Friday as we have the session on hybrid mode on Friday.
Monday 10 August 2026 online help - voluntary if you need support in technical matters
- 13.00-15-00: Metropolia user account: installing VPN and other technical support.
MANDATORY PROGRAMME
Pick Wednesday or Thursday depending on your location:
Wednesday 12 August 2026 - at Karamalmi campus
Time: 09.00-15.00
Thursday 13 August 2026 - online
Time 09.00-15.00
Friday 14 August 2026 - at Karamalmi campus & online
Time: 09.00-14.00
Do note that starting your studies later than 12 to 14 August 2026 will seriously affect the start and progress of your studies!
INFORMATION ON PRIOR STUDIES IN FINNISH LANGUAGE
Please fill-in a form to inform about your possible previous studies in Finnish language and educational background.
Fill-in the form by Monday 10 August 2026.
Teaching for first-year students will begin on Monday 17 August 2026
Studies will take place both onsite at Metropolia UAS’s Karamalmi campus and online during the autumn semester (August–December 2026). Students already in Finland will begin their studies at the Karamalmi campus with contact teaching. Students whose residence permit is still being processed, may study online. There will be more information available in the beginning of August.
Teaching for the spring semester (January–May 2027) will be conducted entirely onsite at the Karamalmi campus.
Please note that studies require full-time attendance in most of the courses. Make yourself familiar with Degree Program in Information Technology curricula
Do you have previous studies in the field?
We aim to identify those students who may be eligible for the Recognition of Prior Learning process so that we can create an individual study path for them.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) refers to the transfer of credits based on prior learning – in other words, prior studies, training, professional experience or other competence –to form a part of compulsory or optional studies being completed for a degree, study module or course. The prior learning must fulfill the competence requirements of the Degree Programme in Information Technology curricula.
Credit transfer is possible when previous studies and work experience include sufficient knowledge and elements that correspond to the course for which the credit transfer is requested.
Please inform us if you:
- Have completed Information Technology or a closely related field of Engineering studies with a minimum of 60 ECTS credits or more, including courses such as Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Physics, and Programming, especially at a University of Applied Sciences in Finland.
- Have completed a degree in Information Technology or a closely related engineering field (Bachelor’s or master’s level).
- In addition to your prior studies, you may have worked in the IT field and hold work certificates. The student must demonstrate this equivalence reviewing the course learning objectives and explaining how these have been achieved through work and/or prior studies. The student should be prepared to explain competence both in written and verbally to the professor during ISP discussion session. A presentation may also be created to support the discussion.
- Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the curriculum and each course description in advance curricula
- Wish to apply for credit transfer for first-year studies.
- Credit transfers will be processed according to the schedule (instructions below).
Sending information on your previous studies
Please send documentation on your previous studies (e.g., transcript of records and degree certificate, if available). We require that you submit the following information for each course separately:
- Credits
- Grade and evaluation date
- Course content (a description of the course objectives)
If you have also worked in the IT field:
- Provide written documentation demonstrating your competence and equivalence by reviewing the course learning objectives and explaining how these have been achieved through work and/or prior studies.
- Include work certificate(s) (with job title, main tasks, and responsibilities).
Send information of your previous studies (and any IT-related work documentation including work certificates) as attachments, and book your individual study plan (ISP) discussion time by sending an email to antti.piironen [at] metropolia.fi (marianne[dot]autero[at]metropolia[dot]fi ) by Friday 31 July 2026. Subject your email: ISP discussion TXL26S1 + your name. Individual study plan discussion takes place 3 to 7 August 2026 online. We will contact you about this and suggest a meeting time.
Please note: Do not book an ISP discussion session if
- you have completed fewer than 60 ECTS credits
- have completed Edunation pathway studies
- or if your prior studies are in Business, Tourism and Hospitality, Nursing, or any field other than IT engineering.
We warmly welcome you to Metropolia University of Applied Sciences to begin your studies in the Degree Programme in Information Technology in August 2026.
Any questions, contact
Marianne Autero
Study Counsellor
Degree Programme in Information Technology
Email: sari.rannisto [at] metropolia.fi (marianne[dot]autero[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
On vacation 29 June to 26 July 2026.