Studies for exchange students
We offer studies for exchange students in all our study fields. All available courses for exchange students are taught in English and are usually second- or third-year studies.
The studies are offered by four faculties: Business and Hospitality Management, Health Care and Social Services, Technology and the Institute of Design and Fine Arts. Language studies are provided by the LAB language center.
In this section we have collected general information about studying at LAB
The academic year at LAB University of Applied Sciences is divided into autumn and spring semesters. Within these semesters each faculty has their own study period and course schedule. Exams are included in the study periods and there are no separate exam weeks.
Academic year 2025/2026
The semester dates during the academic year 2025/2026 are listed below and they will be confirmed in the acceptance letter.
Autumn semester: ~ 25.8. - 19.12.2025 (Orientation starts 25.8.2025)
Spring semester: ~ 5.1. - 31.5.2026
Our Academic year dates will be updated to our Student Calender webpage.
Orientation days
The orientation days might be before the official semester dates, students will be notified about the orientation dates also once they receive their acceptance letters. The program of orientation days can be found from the orientation pages.
Autumn orientation: In the end of August / beginning of September
Spring orientation: In the beginning of January
Providing support and guidance to you during your studies is one of our most important tasks. We want you to learn, achieve and develop your skills while you also enjoy studying with us.
The aim of the guidance is to help you achieve your targets with regards to your agreed study plan. Through this guidance process we hope that you will develop skills which will enable you to:
- Adapt to the Finnish education system and teaching culture
- Study independently and in teams
- Develop your learning skills
- Adapt to the Finnish working life during projects and work placements
- And successfully complete studies planned for your student exchange period
Every degree programme has a dedicated Tutor Teacher (Departmental Coordinator). They will check your Learning Agreement upon your arrival and sign it. They are here to help you with questions regarding studies at LAB University of Applied Sciences.
The Finnish welfare society is built on education, culture and knowledge. Education is a key factor in enhancing Finnish competitiveness and therefore the key aims of the Finnish education policy are quality, efficiency, equity and internationalization.
The independent nature of UAS studies in Finland presupposes that students show initiative and take responsibility for the planning of their studies and for keeping to their own schedules. LAB being a university of applied sciences also means that the approach is very practical, including less theory and more projects.
The study methods at LAB University of Applied Sciences support self-guided development, which creates a basis for comprehensive learning: lectures, teamwork, projects, reading assignments and essays. In addition to face-to-face lectures, LAB also offers many online courses.
Please note that there is no specific exam period at the end of the term; exams are held throughout the academic year.
Please choose the courses for your Learning Agreement from the list of your study field. Exchange students are expected to complete 30 ECTS credits during the semester.
Erasmus+ students: Erasmus+ students' Learning Agreements are processed in Erasmus without papers network as data transfer. Erasmus+ students should therefore create Learning Agreement according to the instructions from their home institution in the system the home institution is using.
Non-Erasmus student: Non-Erasmus students should create a Learning Agreement in LAB Mobility-Online according to the instructions available on the platform.
Please note that LAB University of Applied Sciences will sign your Learning Agreement only after you have been accepted as an exchange student to LAB.
Your Tutor Teacher (Departmental Coordinator) instructs you about the course registration. Please be prepared to make changes for your original study plan after the course schedules are published.
Assessment criteria for each course are specified in the Course Descriptions. At the beginning of each course, students will be informed on the assessment principles which must be based on the course objectives. LAB University of Applied Sciences has the following assessment scale:
5 Excellent - 4 Very good - 3 Good - 2 Satisfactory - 1 Sufficient - 0 Fail - HYV Pass -HYL Fail
Students who fail a course may re-sit the exam twice on specified dates. The grade of an approved course cannot be upgraded in a re-sit.
Students will be provided with feedback and assessment within four weeks after the course has finished and in any case well before the next possible retake. Grades for successfully completed courses that have been entered in the study credit register cannot be erased.
Finnish higher education institutions use ECTS credit system. The estimated workload for full time student is 30 ECTS credits per semester. Please note that a credit does not refer to the duration of a course, but to the estimated amount of work required. One credit refers to approximately 27 hours of work by the student. Lectures, projects, assignments, and other forms of studies learning methods are all taken into consideration when the number of credits for each course is calculated.
Students at LAB University of Applied Sciences have access to their study credit register where they can follow their up-to-date course performance. Official transcripts of records are provided by LAB University of Applied Sciences after all the grades have been given - approximately five weeks after the end of semester. Students will receive an email when their final transcript of records has been uploaded in the online system.
Courses for exchange students at LAB
The courses for exchange students are available in the online Study Guide. Please note that the course descriptions, implementations, and timings can be updated in Study Guide later. (You should remember to change the language of the website to English using the button in the top left corner).
The majority of the chosen courses should be on-campus courses from the study field the student is applying for. Incoming exchange students may take some courses cross faculties and study fields if they meet the courses' prerequisites. However, please note that courses from the Institute of Design and Fine arts are available only for design and fine arts students. Note also that there can be changes in course offerings still in the beginning of the semester. Language and culture courses and interdisciplinary courses are open for all exchange students.
Business and Tourism and Hospitality
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in International Business (Lahti).
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
LAB exchange student comments from the field of study in previous years:
"I had a great time here at LAB with many great Exchanges students. What I liked about LAB is that it is all very accessible with the teachers. Teachers always want to help you where possible and think about solutions. Many lessons given are also genuinely interesting and the teaching material also keeps up with the times. Topics were also often discussed about what is currently going on in International Marketing, for example. You can choose from many different subjects, so there is something for everyone. What I also like about LAB is that it is also a kind of place where you can chill with your friends, has many places to do homework and also has nice facilities such as ping pong, pool tables and saunas. You can also exercise very cheaply in the gym, but you can also take group lessons, which is great that this is offered. I look back on my time at LAB with a good feeling, I had a very nice period."
The International Business program offers students a unique experience and opportunities for higher education and career prospects. Fall and Spring semester can be taken separately or combined in any order. Courses are taught in English by qualified lecturers and business professionals. By attending the International Business programme, the students gain knowledge and skills in the field of Business Administration. Come and study with us at LAB University of Applied Sciences in an innovative, international atmosphere!
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in International Business (Lappeenranta).
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lappeenranta campus.
LAB exchange student comments from the field of study in previous years:
"I loved studying Business at LAB university. Especially because you have a lot of project work and I think that this relates pretty well to real life. All the facilities are modern and bright, which I really am going to miss in my home university. As a business student you learn a lot in the context of sustainability. There is also a great spirit of helping and supporting each other."
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Business Information Technology.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
The Tourism and Hospitality Management program offers students a unique experience and opportunities for higher education and career prospects. Courses are taught in English by qualified lecturers and business professionals. We have versatile learning environments in Lappeenranta campus, like Gastro Bar Saimaa, where facilities promote learning by doing. By attending the Tourism and Hospitality Management program, students gain knowledge and skills in the field of Tourism and Hospitality Management business, which open working opportunities in the tourism sector as well as restaurants and gastronomy. Come and study with us at LAB University of Applied Sciences in an innovative and international atmosphere!
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Tourism and Hospitality Management.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lappeenranta campus.
LAB exchange student comments from the field of study in previous years:
"In my field of study in Tourism and Hospitality Management at LAB, there are many international students, so we all naturally speak English. I also found that the teachers at LAB are really empowering and supportive.
Overall, the studies are more focused on the practical and group work. We typically have assignments and presentations instead of traditional exams. Studying and working on a group project with students from all around the world is an enriching experience. During hospitality-related courses we had the opportunity to get to know different cultures, diverse working habits and the most valuable skill we got, is the ability to effectively work in multicultural teams, which is especially important for the Hospitality Industry.
There are a lot of practical exercises such as organizing a Pop-up restaurant at Gastro Bar Saimaa that help to apply the theoretical knowledge into praxis. This helped to improve our skills in planning and organizing a restaurant, but I also to improve our customer service work with the guests.
The campus offerings restaurants and a café as well as the gym and different kinds of sport classes are a great way to finish a day of studying."
Design and Fine Arts
Students of Graphic design should select courses from the catalogue for Visual communication.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
Spring 2025 courses for exchange students in(external site, link opens a new tab)
LAB exchange student comments from the field of study in previous years:
"My semester abroad at LAB University was both intellectually and personally enriching. I studied graphic design. I had exciting client projects and practised a new language. I improved my client management and teamwork skills and made valuable contacts. Beyond academics, Finland provided invaluable, memorable trips, cultural immersion and lasting friendships. Choosing to study at LAB was one of the best decisions I have ever made."
In Fine Arts in Lappeenranta we are offering studies in Painting, Printmaking, Jewellery art, Sculpture, and Art & technology. In our hands-on study program, you will study with other art students in well-equipped workshops assisted with teachers and workshops masters. Fine Arts studies will develop your works of art both technically and in terms of content.
Arts Studies are organized in four-week modules. The same subject is taught from Tuesday to Friday, all week, for four weeks. You choose only one subject from each module. You can either choose between different methods of art or individual art studies.
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Fine Arts.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lappeenranta campus.
LAB exchange student comments from the field of study in previous years:
"Studying in LAB Lappeenranta in Fine Art has been a wonderful experience. The Fine Art section of LAB offers a lot of different workshops, with great accompaniment that let a lot of freedom in the form of your creation. The teachers are so helpful and receptive to the work of student, always finding a way or Idea to help. The pace of production is slow, one module per month, that let a lot of time for student to really think their projects and enjoy Finland. And they’re always the possibility to work on personal project on free time, the school is always open until midnight and on the weekend. The school also provide most of the material like metal, wood, and stone. Studying here has been so enriching."
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Industrial design.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
LAB exchange student comments from the field of study in previous years:
"Studying industrial design in Lahti has provided me with invaluable knowledge. LAB taught me what I was missing in my university. I got to see companies on school trips, learned to work with customers and dove into teamwork. Designing, speaking another language and working in an international team was great. This gives me the opportunity, skill and confidence to work on international projects. I now have very good portfolio Projects, which helps me to apply for future projects. I wouldn´t want to miss this time of my life and I recommend it to everyone. You won´t be disappointed!"
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Interior architecture and furniture design.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
LAB exchange student comments from the field of study in previous years:
"Studying Interior Architecture and Furniture Design at LAB is such an amazing experience. They really try to put the attention on the concept of your idea making the process an experiment in which you create and learn from. They firmly believe that the learning comes from practice (this being the part most relevant on the courses).
Everybody helps you to be fully involved on the culture and the country. Teachers are so emphatic with the student as they completely understand you come from another country and you have different ways to work and learn. The different teachers you might have are experts on the field that they teach, so your education is on good hands for sure. What a better way to learn from someone who works professionally in the interior design environment, architecture or furniture field?
There are also your classmates or other students from other study fields, who come really close to you to make you feel comfortable with your experience as well. Overall, LAB could perfectly be your perfect destination to study on your next months, trust me, you won't regret it!
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Media content design.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
LAB exchange student comments from the field of study in previous years:
"As a digital media student at home, I did not think there would be many differences when studying in media content design in LAB. However, after studying there for a couple of months, I can confidently say that the differences are in the teaching style that LAB provides. Students are given lots of material and assistance by the lecturers with a lot of time for the creative process. This time can be used by students to focus on even the little things and create a final product that is not only a good design but is well thought through with what materials are used, where it will be placed and many other smaller factors that are disregarded by those who are on tighter schedules and I believe this is what puts the students a cut above the rest. With this level of detail their works become a well thought out experience rather than just a piece of designed media. If I had not studied media content design LAB, I feel I would have also looked past these smaller details."
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Sustainable Design Business.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
In order to apply to study Photography, your major at your home university must also be Photography.
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Photography.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Service design
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in UX/UI.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Wearable and fashion design.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Visual Communication.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
Health Care and Social Services
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Nursing.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lappeenranta campus. (external site, link opens a new tab)
LAB exchange student comments from the field of study in previous years:
"Studying Nursing at LAB is both challenging and rewarding. Compared to my experience in the Netherlands, classes are sometimes quite lengthy, which can make it challenging to stay focused. However, the practical lessons are incredibly educational They let you see what you learn in action, with the simulation classes. Furthermore I also appreciate that at LAB, you can choose for yourself when you will take the exam. It is nice to have control over your own exam schedule."
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Paramedic.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lappeenranta campus.
In LAB, you can choose to study and live at Lahti or at Lappeenranta. You can study some courses from physiotherapy curriculum. Beside this you can also choose other courses like languages and culture, which are offered to all LAB students. Clinical placement is available only at Lappeenranta Campus. Usually all courses include online studying, independent studying and most often also contact studying. Often you do studies with pair student or in a small group of students. Physiotherapy subjects are seldom taught only in English. Usually teacher uses mixed Finnish and English.
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Physiotherapy.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
In LAB, you can choose to study and live at Lahti or at Lappeenranta. You can study some courses from physiotherapy curriculum. Beside this you can also choose other courses like languages and culture, which are offered to all LAB students. Clinical placement is available only at Lappeenranta Campus. Usually all courses include online studying, independent studying and most often also contact studying. Often you do studies with pair student or in a small group of students. Physiotherapy subjects are seldom taught only in English. Usually teacher uses mixed Finnish and English.
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Physiotherapy.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lappeenranta campus.
Technology
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
Your studies in the Industrial Mechanical Engineering program are directed by you, the student; the starting point is your personal learning goals and needs. Exchange students work together with degree students in international teams on real-life engineering projects that match their areas of study and fields of interest. The program is a unique opportunity for you to develop practical skills and gain theoretical knowledge based on your own motivations. You will also practice abilities such as tackling challenges, collaboration, and design thinking, which will prove useful in your future career.
Please note that an exchange at Mechanical Engineering at LAB does not involve lectures or separate courses. You will be working on a project chosen based on the skills you want to improve during the exchange and will receive credits (for instance 15-35 ECTS credits) for the project course.
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Industrial Mechanical Engineering.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lappeenranta campus.
(external site, link opens a new tab)
LAB exchange student comments from the field of study in previous years:
"The facilities at university in general are pretty nice. Laboratories as well. In my studies I was working a lot on projects, where I had to design and produce some parts. The JHC (J. Hyneman Center(external site, link opens a new tab)) is a great place to do that. You can find a large variety of different machines and a young and pretty supportive team who is always available if there are any questions or you need help. Moreover, the structure of a classical lecture is also quite different as in my home country (Germany). You call everybody with their first name. Professors and lecturer were always available, at least per mail, and supportive. Studying felt pretty independent too on the other hand. I was allowed to study what I am really interested in, didn’t have an overload of inherent material. There was not a classical exam period at the end if the semester. I had several assignments during the semester and only few exams. You keep doing constantly small tasks, for me it felt way better than studying an insane amount at the end of the semester just for an exam period."
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Wood Technology.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Sustainable Solutions Engineering.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.
Autumn 2025 courses for exchange students in Sustainable Construction Technology.
If the catalogue above doesn't show studies on your study field, see the list of courses for Lahti campus.