Studies
Become an Expert in Advanced Practice Nursing
Are you a nurse, midwife, public health nurse, or paramedic? Do you want to learn more and move forward in your career? The Master’s Degree in Advanced Practice Nursing can help you reach your goals.
In this program, you will learn advanced skills in nursing. You will become an expert and a leader in health care. The study program will help you to grow in your job and make changes in health care. You will learn about advanced clinical nursing, leadership, teaching, research, and development. After graduation, you can work in demanding expert roles in Finland and abroad.
This degree programme does not qualify you to work as a nurse in Finland. However, if you wish, you can take separate studies to become a qualified nurse.
Join us and help shape the future of nursing!
Who is This Programme For?
This master’s program is for nurses, midwives, public health nurses, and paramedics who want more responsibility. You need to have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of work experience in health care. If you want to learn more and take the next step in your career, this program is for you.
International and Multi-disciplinary Studies
This program is taught in English. Students come from many different countries and fields of nursing. You can learn together with students from other study programs and from international partner universities. You can also take some optional courses in Finnish. You will get a wide view of health care.
Content of studies
You will study 90 ECTS credits in total:
- Advanced professional studies: 50 credits
- Elective courses: 10 credits
- Master’s thesis: 30 credits
In your thesis, you can focus on a topic that fits your career plan. We recommend choosing a topic linked to Metropolia or its partners’ projects. You can also complete part of your studies in our Future Proof Health and Wellbeing innovation hub. Read more about the Research and Development Programs and Collaboration Platforms in innovation hub.
Study Method: Flexible, Blended Learning
You can finish your degree in 1.5 years. You can study full-time or part-time. Good self-management skills will help you balance work and studies.
The program uses blended learning. This means you study both online and on campus. There are lectures, seminars, and workshops. You will have 2 to 4 short study periods in Helsinki, with 2 to 5 teaching days each month, during the day or in the evening.
Much of the study is in small groups and done independently. Teamwork and self-motivation are important.
Apply and take your career to the next level!
Scholarships and tuition fees
Annual tuition fee 12 500 € for new non-EU/EEA degree students.
Questions about applying or application process?
Tel. +358 9 7424 5902, Mon-Wed 10 am – 12 pm
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Applying
- Application period-Start of studiesautumn 2026Apply now!
- Health Care and Social Services
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 studiesautumn 2026Apply now!
- Health Care and Social Services
The Application on the Basis of Finnish Higher Education Studies is aimed at those who have completed higher education studies in Finland. The completed studies must be accreditable to the degree programme to which you are applying in accordance with the curriculum of the degree programme. When applying for a master's degree, your studies must in principle be from the corresponding level (master’s degree / EQF7 level). Read the selection criteria; the required credit points (ECTS) and other possible threshold conditions are mentioned in the student selection criteria on Studyinfo. Studies are taken into account regardless of whether they have been completed as open studies or in education leading to a degree, or whether the right to study is valid or has expired.
Application period: 4 May 2026 8:00 am - 31 October 2026, 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
There is 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. 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 application fee is not refunded if you cancel your application or are not offered admission.
- Application period-Start of studiesspring 2027
- Health Care and Social Services
The transfer application is aimed at all students enrolled in studies leading to a Finnish higher education degree and:
- who wish to transfer their study rights from one Finnish higher education institution to Metropolia so that the degree title remains the same or changes
OR - who wish to transfer their study rights within Metropolia from one degree programme to another, so that the degree title changes.
Students transferring within Metropolia in such a way that the degree title remains the same, are not considered as "transfer students" and have their own separate application procedure available on Metropolia's Students' Guide. Please note that it is not possible to transfer from abroad.
Students applying for a transfer should note that their maximum study period or the period for which they are entitled to receive student financial aid will not be extended due to the transfer. The maximum study period is calculated from the date on which the student accepted the study place in the previous higher education institution.
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)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. Transfer applications fall under the One Study Right Rule.
- Application period-Start of studiesspring 2027
- Health Care and Social Services
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: 2 November 2026 8:00 am - 30 April 2027 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)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.
- Application period-Start of studiesspring 2027
- Health Care and Social Services
The Application on the Basis of Finnish Higher Education Studies is aimed at those who have completed higher education studies in Finland. The completed studies must be accreditable to the degree programme to which you are applying in accordance with the curriculum of the degree programme. When applying for a master's degree, your studies must in principle be from the corresponding level (master’s degree / EQF7 level). Read the selection criteria; the required credit points (ECTS) and other possible threshold conditions are mentioned in the student selection criteria on Studyinfo. Studies are taken into account regardless of whether they have been completed as open studies or in education leading to a degree, or whether the right to study is valid or has expired.
Application period: 2 November 2026 8:00 am - 30 April 2027, 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
There is 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. 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 application fee is not refunded if you cancel your application or are not offered admission.
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.
- Application period-Start of studiesautumn 2027
- Health Care and Social Services
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
- Health Care and Social Services
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.
Master’s Degree Programme in Advanced Practice Nursing
Pre-assignment
1. Purpose of the pre-assignment
The written pre-assignment is part of the student selection process for the Master’s Degree Programme in Advanced Practice Nursing (APN). It is used to assess your motivation, ability to reflect on your professional competence, readiness for Master’s-level studies and suitability for advanced practice roles.
Only applicants who submit the pre-assignment according to these instructions within the application period will be considered.
2. General instructions
- Language: English
- Maximum length: 1500 words
- Texts exceeding 1500 words may be evaluated only up to the 1500-word limit.
Layout and formatting
- File format: PDF or Word (.doc / .docx)
- Font: Times New Roman, Arial or similar standard font
- Font size: 12 pt
- Line spacing: 1.5
- Margins: approximately 2–2.5 cm on all sides
- Text alignment: left-aligned
On the first page, include:
- Your full name
- Name of the programme: Master’s Degree Programme in Advanced Practice Nursing
- Date
- Word count (e.g. “Word count: 1,420 words”)
Do not include your personal identity number or other sensitive personal data.
Originality and use of tools
The pre-assignment must be your own independent work.
- You are responsible for all content, structure and reflections.
- AI tools, translation software and grammar checkers may be used for language support only.
- Any indication of plagiarism, copied text or content that does not reflect your own experience and thinking may lead to rejection of your application.
- You may be asked to briefly discuss or clarify parts of your pre-assignment during the selection process.
If you refer to literature or other sources, list them briefly at the end in a consistent reference style. References are optional and will not be included in the word count.
3. Content of the pre-assignment
- Content: Use the exact headings:
- Background and motivation
- Bachelor’s thesis / final project
- Development needs, study plan and future vision
1. Background and motivation
Describe:
- Your background as a registered nurse and your current role (e.g. field of practice, main responsibilities).
- Your reasons for applying to the Master’s Degree Programme in Advanced Practice Nursing.
- Your main goals and expectations regarding the studies.
- One concrete situation from your work experience that was significant for your decision to pursue Advanced Practice Nursing:
- What happened?
- What was your role?
- What did you learn or realise about your development needs or potential?
Focus on your own experience and personal motivation.
2. Bachelor’s thesis / equivalent final project
Describe and reflect on your Bachelor’s thesis or equivalent final project:
- Topic, background and aims
- Methods (e.g. design, data collection, analysis)
- Main results or core output
Explain:
- How the thesis/project has prepared you for Master’s-level studies and for research, development or evidence-based practice in clinical work.
- The main strengths of your work and areas where you felt less confident.
- What you would do differently if you completed the project now, and why.
- How you intend to use the knowledge and skills gained in your future studies and professional practice.
3. Development needs, study plan and future vision
Provide a structured description of your current situation and plans, addressing:
a) Development needs and current competences
- Identify your key development needs in at least two of the following areas:
- Clinical practice
- Research and development
- Education and supervision
- Leadership
- Justify why these areas are important for your development, referring briefly to your work experience.
- Describe your current competence profile: your main strengths and the competences you must further develop to work in an advanced practice role.
b) Study plan and combining studies with work and personal life
- Present a realistic plan for completing the APN studies:
- Estimated time available for studies per week/month
- Current or planned work arrangements (e.g. full-time, part-time, shift work)
- Do your other responsibilities in your life may affect your study load?
- Briefly explain your study habits and learning strategies (e.g. how you usually organise your studying, how you learn best).
- Identify possible risks or obstacles to your study progress and how you plan to manage them.
c) Future vision and use of master’s studies
- Describe your career goals in Advanced Practice Nursing for the next 3–7 years.
- Indicate the types of roles or positions you aim for after graduation (e.g. clinical expert, developer, educator, leader, researcher).
- Explain how you intend to use the master’s studies to reach these goals (e.g. specific knowledge, skills, networks).
- Present a brief development vision for your current or intended work environment:
- A concrete improvement or change you would like to see within the next 5 years.
- The role you envisage for yourself in achieving this change as an Advanced Practice Nurse.
4. Assessment and scoring
The written pre-assignment is assessed on a scale of 0–100 points.
A minimum of 30/100 points is required for the application to be considered in the selection.The following areas are assessed:
- Motivation and study goals (0–20 points)
- Relevant experience and competences (0–15 points)
- Reflection on bachelor’s thesis / final project (0–20 points)
- Development needs, study plan and future vision (0–35 points)
- Written communication skills in English (0–10 points)
Total: 0–100 points.
More detailed internal criteria are used by the selection committee when scoring each area.
5. Submission of the pre-assignment
- The written pre-assignment must be uploaded to the Studyinfo (Opintopolku) application portal during the official application period as instructed in the electronic application form.
- Follow the instructions in Studyinfo regarding:
- How to attach/upload the file
- Any required file name format (if specified)
Ensure that:
- Your file opens correctly and is not corrupted.
- The assignment complies with the word limit and formatting requirements.
- You submit the pre-assignment by the application deadline 21 January 2027 3:00 pm (local time in Finland) indicated in Studyinfo.
Late or missing pre-assignments will not be evaluated, and the application will not proceed in the selection.
In order to be considered for the student selection, you must fill in the joint application form at Studyinfo.fi during the application period 7 January - 21 January 2027. The pre-assignment must be submitted as an attachment to the electronic joint application form during the application period, by 21 January 2027 3:00 p.m. the latest (local time in Finland).
Pre-assignments for spring 2027 Joint Application 1 will be published by the beginning of the application period.In order to be considered for student selection, you must pass the degree programme's own entrance examination as described in Studyinfo.fi. Entrance exam invitations are sent approximately one week before the entrance exam by email to the email address provided by the applicant on the application form.
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.
Welcome to Advanced Practice Nursing Studies 2026
Welcome to the Master’s Degree Programme in Advanced Practice Nursing at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences!
Congratulations on your study place. We are happy to have you as part of our international learning community.
How the studies are organised
Most of the teaching takes place online.
Each term also includes a few contact teaching days on Myllypuro Campus.
In the autumn semester 2026, the only on-campus days are:
- Orientation days: 24–25 August 2026
Orientation for new students (2026–2027)
When and where
- Start of studies: Monday 24 August 2026 at 10:00
- Place: Myllypuro campus, Myllypurontie 1, Helsinki
We hope and recommend that you attend the orientation on Myllypuro campus. Orientation is a good way to meet and connect with peers and teachers alike. Also, familiarization with our campus facilities at the beginning of the studies and taking care of the practicalities related to the studies will make your forthcoming studies smoother.
If you cannot come to campus
If you cannot attend in person, it is also possible to attend online.
- You can join the orientation online via Zoom
- Please let us know by 16 August 2026
Register your participation (on campus or online) via the registration link
Orientation programme
Monday 24 August 2026
Morning
- Myllypuro campus MPC5012 and
- Zoom, link
10.00 Welcome to Metropolia
10.15 Metropolia’s IT and Digital Tools
11.00 Break
11.15 Metropolia Learning platforms and Web conferencing systems
12.00 Lunch
Afternoon
- Myllypuro campus MPC5011 and
- Zoom, link
13.00 Getting to know each other
Study guidance & RPL
Study skills in master's degree
16.00 End of the day
Tuesday 25 September
Morning
- Myllypuro campus MPC5012
- Zoom, link
09.00 Metropolia´s Wellbeing services
09.30 Introduction to the library services, Metropolia´s library services
10.00 Principles of academic writing and the use of AI
12.00 Lunch
Afternoon
- Myllypuro campus MPC5014
- Zoom, link
13.00 Research methods and skills & master’s thesis
16.00 End of the day
Timetable
You can find the timetable for autumn 2026 in the Schedule Machine (Lukkarikone)
- Use the group ID S3926S6 to see your timetable.
The autumn timetable will be published by week 26.
Core curriculum and courses
The full core curriculum of the Master’s Degree Programme in Advanced Practice Nursing is available online.
The curriculum includes:
- the courses
- course contents
- study schedule by semester
You can find this information on Metropolia’s Study Guide for students:
The Study Guide helps you understand the structure of your studies and plan your learning.
Studies during autumn semester 2026
- Orientation (Master's Studies) 1 ECTS
- Introduction to Advanced Practice Nursing 4 ECTS
- Research Methods and Skills 5 ECTS
- Change and Project Management in Health Care 5 ECTS
- Digitalisation and Service Design in Health Care 5 ECTS
- Master’s Thesis 10/30ECTS (continues to the next semesters)
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
As a student at Metropolia, you can apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL). You will hear more about the RPL possibilities and the process during the orientation days.
On behalf of the Advanced Practice Nursing team, I extend a warm welcome to you!
With kind regards,
Jukka Kesänen, RN, PhD
Principal Lecturer
Head of MDP in Advanced Practice Nursing
Email: Jukka.Kesanen [at] metropolia.fi (Jukka[dot]Kesanen[at]metropolia[dot]fi)