HUMAK University of Applied Sciences
Humak – learn to support people and communities
Founded in 1998, Humak University of Applied Sciences in Finland has nearly 3,000 students. It specialises in community education, cultural management and interpreting, including sign language interpreting. If you want to work with young people, bring communities together or help people learn through outdoor activities, you could find a degree that fits your interests here.
Learning at Humak is closely connected to practice. You will apply your knowledge through projects, group work and work placements. Lecturers will guide your learning and help you develop your skills as you take an active role in practical assignments. Both English-taught bachelor’s programmes are based in Helsinki, at the Haaga campus near Central Park.
Why students choose Humak
Learning by doing. Projects and work placements help you understand how organisations work and put your knowledge into practice.
Guidance from lecturers. Humak’s teaching approach helps you set goals, review your progress and develop your skills through practical assignments.
Skills for working with people. Community education studies teach you to lead groups, encourage participation and design inclusive activities.
Nature as a learning environment. In Adventure and Outdoor Education, hiking and other outdoor activities become tools for experiential learning.
International opportunities. An Erasmus+ exchange or a placement abroad can form part of your studies. Opportunities depend on available places and participation requirements.
Study in Finland’s capital. Combine learning at the Haaga campus with Helsinki’s cultural life and time outdoors.
Discover Humak
What can you study in English?
Adventure and Outdoor Education combines community education with experiential learning outdoors. Youth Work and Community Wellbeing focuses on youth work, people’s wellbeing and stronger communities. Humak also uses the name Wellbeing and the Futures of Youth and Community Work for the second programme.
Both are full-time daytime programmes taught in English in Helsinki. Each comprises 210 ECTS credits and usually takes 3.5 years to complete. Graduates receive the Community Educator (Bachelor of Humanities) degree.
Helsinki – city life with nature nearby
Humak’s Helsinki campus is in Haaga, at Ilkantie 4. Nearby Central Park offers space for outdoor activities, and the city centre is around 30 minutes away by public transport. Excursions on the Adventure and Outdoor Education programme also introduce you to other parts of Finland.
Student benefits can help with everyday costs. Discounted meals are available at participating student restaurants, and eligible students can apply for the HSL public transport discount. If you plan to look for a placement or work in Finland, Finnish language skills are useful when working with local organisations and communities.
Quick facts about Humak
| Students | Nearly 3,000 |
|---|---|
| Cities | Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Jyväskylä and Kuopio |
| Specialist fields | Community education, cultural management and interpreting, including sign language interpreting |
| Teaching approach | Practical assignments, projects and work placements |
| Bachelor’s programmes | 2 English-taught programmes in Helsinki |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak Finnish for these bachelor’s programmes?
Both bachelor’s programmes described here are taught in English. Finnish language skills are useful when looking for placements and work in Finland, and Finnish language studies are part of Youth Work and Community Wellbeing.
Are all Humak programmes based in Helsinki?
No. Both bachelor’s programmes described here are taught in English.
Bachelor
Entry qualification
Transcript of records – if you are still at school, prepare a transcript showing your current grades. Use the Kastu template and instructions. Check whether your chosen Humak admission route accepts applicants who have not yet graduated: Humak's current public Rolling Admission requires a completed secondary school qualification.
Upper secondary qualification and supporting certificates – if you have already graduated, prepare the qualification that gives you access to higher education, together with any supporting school documents required for your admission route.
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 requirementsfor your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Student accommodation while studying at Humak
While studying in Helsinki, you can look for student accommodation or a private rental. Humak lists several accommodation providers for international students, but you apply for housing separately from your university application. Start exploring your options early and, once you receive an offer of a place, plan your arrival around the start of your tenancy.
Where to look for housing
Antti Korppi Student House – furnished single rooms in shared flats. Residents have access to communal spaces, a sauna and a gym. The advertised rent is EUR 595 per month.
HOAS – the Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region. According to Humak, its students can apply for unfurnished housing; demand is high.
SATO and Lumo – other rental providers listed by Humak. Compare locations, contract lengths and services included in the rent.
How much does living in Helsinki cost?
The official Study in Finland guide recommends budgeting around EUR 900–1,200 per month for living costs in Finland, including housing, food and transport. This is a general guideline for Finland; your spending in Helsinki will depend on your rent and lifestyle.
| Room rent at Antti Korppi | EUR 595 per month |
|---|---|
| Recommended total living budget in Finland | EUR 900–1,200 per month, including rent |
Rent is included in the total monthly budget, so do not add the two figures in the table together. Before applying, check current prices, availability and any extra costs, such as a deposit. Budget separately for moving and study materials.
Frequently asked questions
Does admission to Humak include housing?
No. You arrange your own accommodation. Contact your chosen provider directly; whether you receive a room or flat depends on availability and the provider’s conditions.
When should I start looking for student accommodation?
Explore housing options and application requirements before you move. Once you receive an offer of a place, contact your chosen provider as early as possible and check when your tenancy can start.
Is student accommodation furnished?
Antti Korppi offers furnished rooms. According to Humak, its students can apply to HOAS for unfurnished housing. Check each provider’s listing to see what furniture is included.