HUMAK University of Applied Sciences
Helsinki
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
Humak – learn to support people and communities
Humak University of Applied Sciences is based in Finland and has nearly 3,000 students.
Want to work with young people, bring communities together or lead outdoor activities? Humak’s two English-taught bachelor’s programs in Helsinki prepare you for exactly that. Tuition is free for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens.
Why choose Humak?
Learn by doing. You’ll work on team projects and complete internships with organizations and companies.
Lecturers who guide you. They’ll help you set goals, track your progress and develop your skills.
Nature as your classroom. In Adventure and Outdoor Education, you’ll hike, kayak, climb and try winter activities in places ranging from Finland’s lakes and Baltic coast to Lapland.
Erasmus+. You can apply for a study exchange or an internship abroad.
Life in the capital. After class, enjoy Helsinki’s cultural life, with nature close by.
See what studying outdoors looks like
Which program is right for you?
- Adventure and Outdoor Education
If you love the outdoors and want to work with people, this program is for you. Here, hiking, kayaking and climbing are teaching tools. You’ll learn to plan and safely lead outdoor activities that help people gain new skills, work as a team and build confidence. Expect winter activities and multi-day field courses in Finnish national parks. During your studies, you’ll complete three internships.
After graduating, you could work in youth services, education, NGOs or nature tourism – or start your own business.
- Youth Work and Community Wellbeing
If you want to work with young people and help them feel part of their community, this program could be a good fit. You’ll learn to organize youth activities, plan and run community projects and get local people involved, including those who find it harder to take part. During your studies, you’ll complete four internship periods and study Finnish, which will help you work with local communities.
After graduating, you could work in youth centers, NGOs or educational and community projects.
On Humak’s website, this program also appears as Wellbeing and the Futures of Youth and Community Work – it’s the same program.
Both are full-time programs taught in English in Helsinki: 210 ECTS credits over 3.5–4 years, including summer terms. Classes on campus usually run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You’ll graduate with a Community Educator (Bachelor of Humanities) degree.
Study in the city, close to nature
Humak’s campus is in the Haaga district, at Ilkantie 4. Central Park is nearby, and the city center is about 30 minutes away by public transportation.
As a student, you’ll pay less for meals at student restaurants and, if you’re eligible, for HSL public transportation.
Quick facts about Humak
| Students | Nearly 3,000 students at a university founded in 1998. |
|---|---|
| City | Helsinki – both English-taught bachelor’s programs are based at the campus in Haaga, close to Central Park. |
| Focus areas | Youth and community work and outdoor education. You’ll learn through projects and teamwork. |
| Living costs | Budget around EUR 900–1,200 per month for living in Finland, including rent, food and transportation. You may need more in Helsinki. |
| Student support | Lecturers will help you set learning goals, track your progress and develop your skills. |
Frequently asked questions
Is it really tuition-free?
Yes, if you’re a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland. For fees and exemptions that apply to other applicants, see Humak’s information for international applicants. You cover your own living costs, travel and study materials.
Do I need to speak Finnish?
No. Both programs are taught in English.
Not sure which program suits you? Ask KastuGPT.
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.
Finding a home in Helsinki
You can rent a room in student housing or an apartment in the city while studying at Humak. You arrange your own accommodation – a study place does not guarantee a room. Start looking early and apply once you meet the housing provider’s conditions.
Where to look
Antti Korppi Student House. A furnished single room in a shared apartment costs EUR 595 per month. Residents can also use the shared spaces, saunas and gym.
HOAS. The Helsinki region’s student housing foundation. Humak students can apply for unfurnished housing. Demand is high, so explore other options while you wait.
SATO and Lumo. These rental companies are also listed by Humak. Compare locations, contract lengths and what the rent includes.
How much should you budget?
Study in Finland recommends around EUR 900–1,200 per month for living in Finland. This already includes rent, food and transportation. You may need more in Helsinki, depending on your rent and everyday spending.
Set aside extra money for your trip to Finland, the housing deposit and study materials. Adventure and Outdoor Education students also need outdoor clothing and footwear, plus their own computer. See the program description for equipment details.
Before you sign a lease
Check the commute. Look up the journey to Humak’s campus at Ilkantie 4 in Haaga.
Check the full cost. Does the rent include water, electricity and internet? How much is the deposit?
Check the furnishings. Find out what is provided and what you’ll need to bring or buy.
Read the rental terms. Check the move-in date, minimum stay and how to end the lease.
Frequently asked questions about accommodation
Will I get a room in student housing if I am accepted to Humak?
No. Admission to Humak does not guarantee a room. You need to find accommodation and apply directly to a housing provider. Start looking early and consider several options.
Is student accommodation furnished?
It depends on the accommodation you choose. Antti Korppi Student House offers furnished rooms, while Humak students can apply for unfurnished housing through HOAS. Before signing a lease, check which furniture and appliances are included.
