LAB University of Applied Sciences
Lappeenranta, Lahti
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
LAB – the university of innovation in Lahti and Lappeenranta
LAB University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Finland, with about 10,900 students in two cities: Lahti and Lappeenranta. As the name suggests, LAB works like a laboratory – students, teachers and companies experiment and build new solutions together. The university specialises in innovation, business and industry.
A big bonus: LAB forms the LUT Universities community together with LUT University, one of the world’s top science universities. Students share the same modern campuses in both cities – so you study in a genuinely international, research-driven environment.
Why students choose LAB
- Innovation is the speciality – real development projects with companies are part of the studies in every field.
- Shared campuses with LUT University – an international community of applied and science university students on one campus.
- Five fields to choose from – business, design and visual communication, health care, technology, and tourism and hospitality.
- Two interesting cities – Lahti is a famous design and environmental city just one hour from Helsinki; Lappeenranta lies on the shore of Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake.
- Quality confirmed – LAB has passed the national FINEEC quality audit, with working-life cooperation named as its key strength.
Join us on the Lahti campus!
What can you study in English?
LAB offers a wide range of English-taught Bachelor’s programs, including International Business, Industrial Information Technology, Sustainable Solutions Engineering, Industrial Design, Paramedic and Nursing and Tourism and Hospitality Management. Studies are practical: you solve real business cases and can join research and development projects already as a student.
Lahti and Lappeenranta – two ways to enjoy Finland
Lahti is an official UNESCO City of Design and was the European Green Capital – a compact, sporty city by a lake, only about one hour from Helsinki by train. Lappeenranta sits on the shore of Lake Saimaa in southeast Finland, offering a true lakeside student lifestyle with a lively international campus. In both cities living costs are clearly lower than in the capital.
Quick facts about LAB
| Students | About 10,900 |
|---|---|
| Cities | Lahti (1 hour from Helsinki) and Lappeenranta (by Lake Saimaa) |
| Specialty | Innovation, business and industry |
| Community | Shares campuses with LUT University (LUT Universities) |
| Fields | Business, design, health care, technology, tourism and hospitality |
FAQ
Bachelor
Entry qualification
- Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.
English language requirements
You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Master
Entry qualification
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
English language requirements
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Student housing for LAB students
Like most Finnish universities, LAB does not have dormitories on campus – instead, each campus city has dedicated student housing providers with affordable, good-quality apartments. Finnish student apartments are well insulated and warm even in winter, and rent usually includes internet and heating. Most buildings have a shared laundry room and a sauna.
Applying for housing is your own responsibility, so send your application as soon as you confirm your study place.
Where to apply for housing
LAB officially directs students to these providers:
- Lahti:Lahden Talot – the city-owned rental company with apartments across Lahti, many close to the campus.
- Lappeenranta:LOAS – Lappeenranta Student Housing Foundation – student apartments mostly located near the campus.
How much does student housing cost?
Approximate monthly rents according to LAB’s own housing guide:
| Room in a shared apartment | Lahti €350–450 / Lappeenranta €280–370 per month |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | Lahti about €500 / Lappeenranta about €410 per month |
| One-bedroom apartment | Lahti about €600 / Lappeenranta about €570 per month |
In a shared apartment you always have your own lockable bedroom and share the kitchen and bathroom with one or two other students – the cheapest and most social way to live.
