PRESS RELEASE: Universities of applied sciences offer Taitaja2026 competitors a direct pathway to studies

Turku UAS offered a separate application for certain fields of study to the finalists of the Taitaja2025 Turku competition in spring 2025. In 2026, the opportunity will expand to 13 universities of applied sciences. Photo: Jarno Virtanen (Ammattiopisto Spesia) / Skills Finland.

Success in the Finnish national skills competition can earn a Taitaja finalist a study place at a university of applied sciences in the second joint application of spring 2026 – without entrance examinations.

Next spring, a significant number of Finnish universities of applied sciences will participate in this so-called Taitaja Pathway. A total of 161 study options and 360 starting places will be available across 13 universities of applied sciences throughout Finland.

Taitaja pathway supports skilled professionals in continuing to higher education

The new Taitaja Pathway strengthens the appreciation of vocational education and the continuity of young people’s learning paths, while also responding to the growing labour demand in many sectors. At the same time, it supports society’s need to increase the number of people with higher education qualifications.

“Taitaja2026 finalists are top experts in their fields. The cooperation between universities of applied sciences and vocational education through the Taitaja Pathway is a strong demonstration that skills are now more clearly recognised and acknowledged in higher education.”
Riikka-Maria Yli-Suomu, Director of Education and Training Consortium Keuda

“Finalists demonstrate in Taitaja the very skills needed in both working life and higher education: technical competence, problem-solving and the ability to perform under pressure. It is important that their skills open doors to higher education without unnecessary obstacles.”
Maria Ekroth, Executive Director, Skills Finland

“The development of the Taitaja Pathway will hopefully encourage more vocational students to apply for higher education. We need many more young people who aim for a university of applied sciences after completing their vocational studies.”
Ida Mielityinen, Executive Director, Arene

Taitaja2026 – a direct route to studies in a university of applied sciences

• Admission to a university of applied sciences is based on the Taitaja2026 final results.

• The application takes place in the second joint application of spring 2026.

• There are 161 study options and 360 starting places in the following universities of applied sciences: Centria, Haaga-Helia, HAMK, Humak, Xamk, Lapland UAS, Laurea, Metropolia, SAMK, Savonia, TAMK, Turku UAS and VAMK.

• The right to apply is valid throughout spring 2026, and the student must graduate in that same spring.

• Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements for higher education. In addition, some universities of applied sciences may require a specific educational background.

• The aims of the Taitaja Pathway are to address skills shortages, enable smooth study paths and strengthen young people’s confidence in the future.

• Further information about Taitaja study places and application procedures: www.ammattikorkeakouluun.fi (in Finnish)

Taitaja2026 in central Uusimaa

• Taitaja is Finland’s largest national skills competition and vocational education event

• Event dates: 18–21 May 2026

• Around 500 competitors, tens of thousands of visitors

• 48 competition skills in total

• Theme 2026: The Skilled Professional of the Future

• Organised by the Education Consortium of Central Uusimaa Keuda and Skills Finland

Contacts

Maria Ekroth
Executive Director, Skills Finland
tel. +358 40 707 9114
maria.ekroth@skillsfinland.fi

Ida Mielityinen
Executive Director, Arene
tel. +358 50 594 0731
ida.mielityinen@arene.fi