Today marks the beginning of the second joint application period for higher education institutions in Finland, including both universities and universities of applied sciences. According to the Finnish National Agency for Education, the application is open for programs taught in Finnish and Swedish, with a total of over 56,000 available places. Notably, more than half of these spots are reserved for first-time applicants, indicating a continued effort to support new entrants into higher education.

In comparison to last year, this year's availability has increased by 1,000 places, reflecting a growing capacity to accommodate more students. The distribution of places shows that 54% are allocated to universities of applied sciences while 46% are designated for universities, highlighting the balanced approach to higher education in Finland. The joint application period is part of a broader system aimed at streamlining admissions and providing equal opportunities for prospective students.

The application period will close on Tuesday, March 24, and precedes the earlier joint application process for secondary education that began in February. This timeline suggests a strategic coordination within the Finnish education system, aiming to encourage higher educational pursuits among graduates of secondary institutions, fostering higher levels of educational attainment in the country.