Studies
Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science for International Students
Our Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science program is designed for international students, offering comprehensive training in laboratory science. The curriculum includes professional studies, internships, and Finnish language courses to enhance your career prospects in Finland. Join us to gain the skills needed for a successful career in biomedical laboratory science.
What does a biomedical laboratory scientist do?
A biomedical laboratory scientist takes various samples, guides patients and healthcare workers, conducts patient examinations and analyses various laboratory samples.
Client service, in-depth understanding of the laboratory research process and quality management are core competencies of a biomedical laboratory scientist. A biomedical laboratory scientist takes care of the operational condition of research equipment and devices. A biomedical laboratory scientist is responsible for the well-being and safety of the patient during the examination and works in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
Biomedical laboratory science is a field of the future that is constantly evolving. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence and genomics, opens up new possibilities for diagnosing and treating diseases.
Overview of the Degree Programme
The Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science program spans 3.5 years and comprises 210 ECTS credits. It combines professional studies, hands-on laboratory training, and Finnish language courses. The program is mostly taught in English, making it accessible to international students. The role of Finnish language strengthens in studies as language skills increase. You will gain expertise in laboratory techniques, human cell biology, and sample analysis, preparing you for a successful career in biomedical laboratory science.
Duration and Scope of the Program
The Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science program is a 3.5-year degree, totaling 210 ECTS credits. The curriculum includes comprehensive coursework in laboratory techniques, human cell biology, and sample analysis. Additionally, the program integrates Finnish language studies to support your career development in Finland. Familiarize yourself with the curriculum of the degree programme.
As a biomedical laboratory scientist you will study:
- Taking samples
- Point of Care Testing
- Clinical histology and cytology
- Clinical chemistry and hematology
- Clinical microbiology
- Clinical genetics
- Clinical physiology, neurophysiology and nuclear medicine studies
The studies include group work, lectures, independent and virtual learning, laboratory work, various examinations, and work-based projects. Supervised internship is included in the studies. Finnish language skills are needed in the internships.
Language of Instruction and Finnish Language Studies
The program is primarily taught in English, making it accessible to international students. However, bilingual Finnish language studies are an integral part of the curriculum, with approximately 20 ECTS credits dedicated to language courses. These studies are designed to help you integrate into Finnish society and improve your 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.
Health and Skill Requirements
To succeed in the Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science program, students must meet specific health and skill requirements. Good vision acuity, normal reading capacity, normal inward movement of both eyes (near point of convergence), as well as normal stereo vision and normal colour vision are essential.
Your way of working should be careful and precise. Continuous self-development is important in the work of a biomedical laboratory scientist. >Additionally, students should have strong fine motor skills and the ability to interact effectively with patients. These requirements ensure that you can perform laboratory tasks accurately and safely.
Check the health requirements.
How Biomedical Laboratory Science Differs from Nursing?
Biomedical Laboratory Science focuses on laboratory testing and analysis, essential for diagnosing and monitoring diseases. Unlike nursing, which involves diverse tasks of patient care, this field emphasizes laboratory techniques, sample analysis, and research. This distinction makes it ideal for those interested in the scientific and technical aspects of healthcare.
Structure and Content of the Studies
The Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science program offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes professional studies, laboratory work, internships, and a thesis project. The coursework covers essential topics such as laboratory techniques, human cell biology, and sample analysis. The program is designed to provide you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring you are well-prepared for a career in biomedical laboratory science.
Professional Studies and Laboratory Work
The professional studies component of the program covers a wide range of topics essential for a career in biomedical laboratory science. You will gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, human cell biology, and sample analysis. The curriculum is designed to provide practical skills through extensive laboratory work, ensuring you are well-prepared to perform various diagnostic tests and analyses in real-world settings.
Internships
The program includes 75 ECTS credits of internships, providing extensive practical training throughout your studies. Internships are distributed evenly across the program. Internships range from 1 to 15 credits and cover various aspects of laboratory work. Some internships are conducted in the school's own laboratory, ensuring you gain hands-on experience in a controlled environment.
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 thesis is 15 ECTS credits and it can be carried out either alone or in a group of 2-3 people. The thesis is done in cooperation with working life or as part of a larger project. During the course, the students deepen their competence in a selected area of clinical laboratory work.
Career Opportunities and Employment
Graduates of the Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science program have career prospects in Finland and internationally. However, to work in Finland, it is essential to have a sufficient command of the Finnish language. In Finland, there is a high demand for biomedical laboratory scientists, ensuring strong employment opportunities for those who meet the language requirements. Graduates can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, research laboratories, and diagnostic centers
Qualification
Only a licensed professional with a degree, can work as a biomedical laboratory scientist. After completing the degree, the student applies for the right to practice a profession from the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health Valvira.
Biomedical Laboratory Scientist is licensed as a health care professional. The degree corresponds to the criteria set by the Finnish National Degree System for a university of applied sciences degree and the European Framework of Reference for Degrees and Other Competences.
A degree in biomedical laboratory sciences is a professionally oriented bachelor-level university degree. The training meets the requirements of the European Union Directive (2013/55/EU) on the recognition of professional qualifications.
Scholarships and tuition fees
Annual tuition fee for non-EU/EEA applicants 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 40 712 5100
admissions [at] metropolia.fi (admissions[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Ask Head of Degree Programme about the content of the studies
Subscribe to the Applicant’s Newsletter
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 2025
- Blended studies
Instructions for applying
In the spring 2025 Joint Application to higher education, you can apply to degree programmes that start in the autumn of 2025. The application period starts on the 8 January 2025 at 8 am and ends on the 22 January 2025 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
From January 2025 onwards there is going to be an application fee of 100 euros. The application fee 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. The application fees are introduced for applications starting 1 January 2025 and onwards, when applying for degree programmes beginning on or after 1 August 2025. There is no application fee for Finnish or EU citizens.
More about application fee in Studyinfo.fi.
Questions about application fees? Contact applicationfee [at] oph.fi (applicationfee[at]oph[dot]fi)The application fee does not guarantee that you will be offered admission to studies.
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
For more information on the application process please contact
Metropolia's Student and Admission Services:
+358 40 712 5100
admissions [at] metropolia.fi (admissions[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
You may also be interested
Studies
Physiotherapy, Bachelor's Degree For International Students
Individual implementation of physiotherapy studies enable the building of expertise to look like one's own and deepening according to one's own interests.
Starting studies
How to start your studies in Metropolia
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
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
After you have received the personal identification code, remember to inform it to the Student and Admission 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. More information on accommodation
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
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.
- 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.
When you start as a new student you need to activate your user account. Activation is possible when the right to study begins. For joint application, activation is possible from 1 August.
The purpose of the activation is that you personally accept the rules of the account usage policy and start using your account. Activate your user account primarily using Mobile Certificate and Netbank User ID. Please read first the instructions in IT Services wiki.
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 on the address fshs.fi, and the Health information resource on the address yths.fi/en/health-information-resource. You can also find information about appointments as well as current information about your service unit on the address yths.fi/en/service-units.
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: yths.fi/en/self-info.
The health care fee for students in higher education will be paid to Kela on your initiative (kela.fi/web/en/healthcare-fee-for-students-in-higher-education).
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.
Already excited about starting your studies in Metropolia and meeting new people? On this page 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: https://metropolia.jobteaser.com/
You can also download a Jobteaser application.
How to start Biomedical Laboratory Science studies
Bachelor’s degree, Biomedical Laboratory Science, blended studies
Congratulations on your study place. Welcome to start your studies in Bachelor’s degree, Biomedical Laboratory Science and in Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
Start date and time 20.8.2025
If you are in Finland: 9am-12pm, Metropolia Myllypuro campus reception, https://www.metropolia.fi/en/about-us/campuses/myllypuro-campus
Take a card with a chip with you (not a debit/credit card), which you can register as a campus key card.
If you are not in Finland: 13pm-16pm, Zoom
Next meetings:
- 21.8.2025 9am-11am Zoom Digital systems training
- 21.8.2025 12pm-16pm Zoom Meeting with a guidance counsellor and tutor teacher
Group identifier: SXR25S2
Tutor teacher: Jenny West, jenny.west [at] metropolia.fi (jenny[dot]west[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Head of degree programme: Riitta Lumme riitta.lumme [at] metropolia.fi (riitta[dot]lumme[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Vaccinations
Studying in biomedical laboratory science requires that you have been vaccinated. Please check your own vaccinations. You need to have these vaccinations: hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, whooping cough and seasonal influenza. Vaccinations must be taken before going to the first internship. Many internships also require taking two coronavirus vaccines. In the case of tuberculosis, an inquiry is carried out before the start of the internship. If you are in Finland, you have the opportunity to get vaccinated from student health care.
Health and Vision
According to the admission criteria for the social and health care sector, the student must have a state of health that does not prevent them from studying in the field, https://www.uasinfo.fi/to-the-applicant/#health. Students admitted to the Degree Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Science are required to have sufficient vision and normal colour vision.
Specific information about vision:
Vision requirements: Students of biomedical laboratory scientist and those completing a biomedical laboratory scientist degree are required to have good sharpness of vision (vision acuity), normal reading capacity and normal inward movement of both eyes (near point of convergence), as well as normal stereo vision and normal colour vision.
- Sense of colour: Ishihara plates, Panel D-15 or H.R.R. test
- Stereo vision: TNO, Randot or Titmus test, at least 60 seconds of arc
- Visual acuity without and/or with glasses at far distance, minimum 1.0
- Near visual acuity, 40 cm text model, capacity to read the line 0.8
- Near point of convergence test, three repetitions, normal: less than 10 cm, with a maximum 12 cm for repetitions.
Tester’s assessment of the suitability of the applicant’s vision for laboratory work. The student must submit a certificate of sufficient vision at the beginning of the studies by 29 August 2025 the UAS will initiate an assessment of the student's suitability. Link to the opinion on eyesight.
Eye examinations will be carried out on 27.5.2025 at 10-11.30, 28.5.2025 at 14-15.30, 19.8.2025 at 8.15-16.00.
The examinations will take place at the Myllypuro campus, Myllypurontie 1. The building is right next to the metro station. You can register at the reception of the HyMy-village in building B, which is located on the first floor. Please arrive at the reception 15 minutes before the eye examination time. You will be taken to the eye examination rooms on the 2nd floor. The cost of the examination for a student is €5.
Book your appointment at https://hymykyla.mbooking.fi/ajanvaraus
by 20 May 2025 for the May eye examinations and by 15 August 2025 for the August eye examinations.
For more information, please email: mira.jarvinen2 [at] metropolia.fi (mira[dot]jarvinen2[at]metropolia[dot]fi)