Studies
The aim of the degree programme is to educate professionals who can identify the needs of an ageing population and develop appropriate solutions. The broad expertise of a Bachelor of Social Services and Health Care is applicable not only in social and health care but also in various other fields, as ageing is a phenomenon that affects us all.
The foundation of the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology is a holistic view of humanity and an understanding of old age as a unique and valuable phase of life. Older individuals are seen as resourceful and active participants in their own lives and communities.
Do you want to study Applied Gerontology and Finnish language in bilingual degree programme?
You will study Applied Gerontology in a bilingual programme, where studies are conducted mainly in English while you also learn Finnish language skills throughout your studies. No Finnish language skills are required when starting the bilingual Applied Gerontology programme.
The student must have motivation and a genuine willingness to learn the Finnish language, as the practical training periods are carried out in Finnish-speaking work environments. In addition, the goal is that graduates will be able to work in Finland using the Finnish language.
The studies are aimed at immigrants starting their Finnish studies from the basics, but they are also suitable for Finnish speakers who wish to study in English and in an international and multicultural degree programme.
Programme Content
Bachelor's Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology is a University of Applied Sciences Degree in the field of Social and Health care. The scope of the degree is 210 credits and the calculated period of study is 3.5 years. The degree is based on the international and national level description of education, national strategies and quality recommendations for work with the older people, the competences of the Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology and ARENE, and multidisciplinary gerontological research.
Learning in the degree is based on the common competences of the universities of applied sciences, which are learning to learn, working life, ethics, sustainable development, internationality and multiculturalism, and proactive development (Arene 2022).
The degree program's activities and study content are guided by ethical perspectives and principles in work with older people. The curriculum of the degree addresses the future competence needs of the field.
Competences of the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology
- Encounter and dialogic interaction: meeting a person with respect and engaging in constructive communication.
- Gerontological expertise: a comprehensive understanding of ageing and memory work expertise.
- Client-centered and holistic wellbeing: focusing on individual needs, cultural diversity and supporting functional capacity.
- Client guidance and supporting living at home: emphasis on supporting older people to live at home and client guidance for older people, using the potential of digitalization and technology.
- Development expertise and leadership: multidisciplinary collaboration, innovative service solutions with a focus on user-friendliness, as well as leadership and entrepreneurship skills.
Competence is built progressively throughout the studies according to the following semester themes
- Starting Points for Gerontological Competence
- The Right to Individual Ageing
- Supporting a Good Life for Older People
- Older People in the Home Environment
- Promoting Participation and Well-Being
- Person-Centered Guidance
- Bachelor of Social Services and Health Care as a Developer
Read more about the contents of the degree from Study guide!
How will you study?
The studies are mostly provided as contact teaching on campus, independent online studies, and work-based learning through internships in collaboration with professional partners.
Remote studies include independent learning via online platforms, reading academic literature, and completing various learning assignments both individually and in groups. Collaborative work is also carried out using digital communication tools.
Students are expected to take an active and responsible role in their own learning process and to commit fully to their studies. The programme is full-time and requires an average weekly workload of approximately 40 hours.
The number of on-campus contact days varies depending on the content of each semester.
From the first semester onward, students receive academic guidance in accordance with their Personal Study Plan (PSP), ensuring structured and goal-oriented progress throughout the degree programme.
You will begin the studies in English without the Finnish language proficiency requirement. The role of Finnish as a language of instruction strengthens as the studies proceed. During the studies, you can either start learning Finnish from the basics or continue the studies from your own starting level. Finnish language is integrated in the courses from the beginning of the studies. As a student you must be motivated and committed to study Finnish to reach the required proficiency.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the programme are qualified as licensed social welfare professionals upon authorisation granted by Valvira, the Finnish National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health.
Graduates may find employment in a wide range of roles within the public and private sectors, as well as in NGOs and foundations. Typical job titles include coordinator, planner, instructor, entrepreneur, developer, or service provider in elderly care services.
They work in both individual and group-based client work, in multidisciplinary teams, in development and planning roles, and in supervisory positions.
Job titles may include, for example:
Geronomi, Social Counsellor, Memory Coordinator, Memory Counsellor, Memory Advisor, Senior Instructor, Client Counsellor, Family Care Advisor, Volunteer Coordinator, Service Advisor, Home Care Coordinator, Supervisor, Project Coordinator, Project Worker, Senior Advisor, Planner.
Scholarships and tuition fees
Annual tuition fee 11 000 € for non-EU/EEA degree students.
Ask about the studies from the Head of the Degree Programme
Ask from the Guidance Counsellor about applying for Bachelor's Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology
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You will receive information 1–3 times a year about Metropolia's degree programmes, application schedules, and studying with us.
Applying
- 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
- 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 .
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 studies in Applied Gerontology
Information will be published later.