Starting Your Studies at Karelia UAS

Practical Tips

Students coming from countries outside of the European Union (and staying for more than 3 months) need a residence permit. Start the residence permit application process after receiving the decision on the student admission. Step-by-step information on the residence permit application process can be found on the Finnish Immigration Service website. Get familiar with the Guide for students for further information.

In addition to the residence permit, a student from a non-EU country needs to have valid health insurance issued by a reliable company or institution. Non-EU students who are studying in Finland in a full-time degree programme for a minimum of two years need health insurance that covers medical costs. Read more about the insurance requirements here.

Students accepted to degree-leading studies: If you do not get your residence permit by the beginning of the academic year you should send to [email protected] the Migri’s confirmation that your application has been sent and is under processing.

Citizens of the EU/EEA are not required to obtain a residence permit. However, they must register their right of residence upon arriving in Finland. The registration application for EU citizens should be filed within three months from the date of arrival. For detailed instructions on how to register your right of residence, please refer to the information provided by Migri on EU citizen registration.

At Karelia UAS you will use your own computer for your studies. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) means that you can utilise study materials, programmes and Karelia IC system at home regardless of date or time.This will make your studies more flexible, increase your information security and make your own study process more personal.

You can start your studies with your existing device, e.g. computer or tablet. When proceeding, you should consider purchasing a computer which meets the requirements of your studies. In some study fields you learn to use demanding professional software which is available in defined facilities at your campus.

Note! Chromebook computers are not compatible for Karelia UAS studies!

Recommended computer (social- and health care, business economics and international business, tourism as well as master’s degree studies)

Laptop (Windows or macOS operating system)
Chromebook computers are not compatible!
Minimum 8 GB main memory (RAM)
Minimum processor Intel Core i5, Apple Silicon or similar
5 GHz WLAN (also 2,4 GHz)
Minimum screen size 14” (Full HD or better)
Hard disk minimum 256 GB SSD
Good battery that lasts several hours
Camera, headphones and microphone
Extended warranty period is recommended

Recommended computer (business information technology, civil-/building services engineering, mechanical engineering, forestry studies, energy and environmental engineering, industrial management)

Laptop (a desktop can be used in Business information technology)
Apple Mac computers are not compatible!
Chromebook computers are not compatible!
Recommended 16 GB main memory (RAM)
Windows 10 (or newer) operating system
Minimum processor Intel Core i5, recommended Intel Core i7 or similar
5 GHz WLAN (also 2,4 GHz)
Minimum screen size 15” (Full HD or better)
Hard disk minimum 512 GB SSD
DirectX 11 compatible GPU (min 4 GB memory, 8 GB recommended) (Nvidia GPU is mandatory in mechanical engineering)
Good battery that lasts several hours
Camera, headphones and microphone
Extended warranty period is recommended

Recommended computer (communication)

Laptop
Chromebook computers are not compatible!
Recommended 16 GB memory
Windows 10 (or newer) operating system
Minimum processor Intel Core i5, recommended Intel Core i7 or similar
5 GHz WLAN (also 2,4 GHz)
Minimum screen size 15” (Full HD or better)
Hard disk minimum 256 GB SSD
NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPU
Good battery that lasts several hours
Camera, headphones and microphone
Extended warranty period is recommended

Or MAC

MacBook Pro
Chromebook computers are not compatible!
Recommended 16 GB memory
Minimum processor Intel Core i5, recommended Intel Core i7, Apple Silicon or similar
5 GHz WLAN (also 2,4 GHz)
Minimum screen size 13” (Full HD or better)
Hard disk minimum 256 GB SSD
Good battery that lasts several hours
Camera, headphones and microphone
Extended warranty period is recommended

We verify diploma certificates from Finnish National Agency for Education or from the certificate copies attached to the application form. Be prepared to provide the original certificates upon your arrival. If you need to present the original certificates, we will contact you via email. The student selection is conditional until the certificates have been verified. The university may rescind the admission decision if the applicant has provided incorrect information and would not be entitled to the study place with correct information.

You can travel to Joensuu from Helsinki Airport by train or by domestic flight. There are several trains daily from Helsinki to Joensuu (about 440 km north-east of Helsinki). Travel time is 4,5 – 5 hours. Due to railway track maintenance, some trains to Joensuu may replaced by buses (only between Kouvola and Joensuu). In that case, the travel time is longer.

Travelling from Helsinki Airport to Joensuu: Commuter trains P and I operate between Helsinki Airport and Helsinki city centre.

1) Take commuter train P to Tikkurila. (Please note: commuter train I do NOT go via Tikkurila!)
2) Transfer to Intercity or Pendolino train going to Joensuu at Tikkurila railway station (Joensuu is the last destination).

How to travel from Helsinki City Centre to Joensuu : Take the Intercity or Pendolino train from the main railway station directly to Joensuu.

Where to buy train tickets?

In advance from the VR (Finnish railways) website OR VR Matkalla App OR
- from the ticket vending machine at the airport, Helsinki main railway station or Tikkurila railway station, or
- from any R-kioski, for example at the airport or Tikkurila railway station

Buying online several weeks before the trip is the cheapest option. If you buy just before the trip, the price is much higher. It is NOT possible to buy a ticket from the conductor on the train.

Student discounts: please familiarize yourself with the criteria for student discounts on the VR webpage! The valid student card is always checked by the conductor.

Domestic flights
Finnair flies 1-2 times a day between Helsinki and Joensuu. Travel time is 50-60 minutes.
The Joensuu airport is located about 11 km from the city centre. There is a bus/minibus connection from the airport to the city centre after each flight. Airport information.

Long-distance buses
You can check the timetables and buy tickets from the Matkahuolto website. Buses from Helsinki leave from the Kamppi bus terminal once a day. Travel time is 6 hours and 15 minutes.