Polytechnic or university?
After finishing upper secondary school or vocational school, many young people wonder whether they should continue their studies at a university or a polytechnic. Before submitting an application, it is well worth giving some thought to which of these institutions best suits your particular needs.
The Finnish system of tertiary education consists of universities and polytechnics. The polytechnics were developed as a substitute for vocational colleges in the 1990s, so the polytechnic system is relatively new compared with the universities.
At the universities, teaching is based on the scientific research conducted at these institutions. A university education specifically develops the students' capacity for scientific thinking, giving them a broadly scientific perspective. The ability to assess information and apply it in practice and to generate new information is among the strengths of university graduates.
In contrast, teaching at the polytechnics focuses on practical skills and abilities relevant to working life. There is no scientific research at polytechnics, either at basic or postgraduate level, but instead there is an active striving to apply existing knowledge in practice. While people with a university education are often able to apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of different occupations, people with a polytechnic education usually have a focus on a specific occupation.
However, the distinction between the two is not so clear-cut that it is possible to state that university graduates are suited for research work while polytechnic graduates are suited for practical work; in fact, there are also university degrees that focus on specific occupations. The new university degree system is also designed to better consider working life and its requirements. Polytechnics in turn are involved in what is called applied research or commissioned studies adapted to the needs of companies and the business sector.
University studies have more independence and freedom compared with polytechnics. The responsibility for making progress and for choosing the subjects for a degree is largely up to each student. At polytechnics, studies are clearly defined and there is more group work and guidance. Thanks to the guidance provided, there are fewer dropouts from polytechnics than from universities.
The subjects offered at polytechnics and universities vary from one institution to the next and also partially overlap. Some subjects are available in both systems, while some are only available in one or the other. For example, if you want to be a doctor, the university is your only choice, while you can only train to become a nurse at a polytechnic.
The application procedures for universities and polytechnics are also different. Applications to polytechnics are submitted through the joint application system in spring and autumn, when you can apply for studies anywhere in Finland on one form. In contrast, applications to universities are always submitted on the specific application forms of each university. The application periods and entrance examination procedures vary from one university to the next.
Links:
Opintoluotsi The Finnish National Board of Education
Text: Liisa Lähteenmäki
Photo: Veikko Somerpuro
