Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK)

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK; Finnish: Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu) is a public university of applied sciences located in Vaasa, on Finland's west coast in the Ostrobothnia region. Established on 1 August 1996 through the merger of five local vocational colleges in technology, business, hospitality, and health and social care, VAMK builds on educational traditions in Vaasa dating back to 1849. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees in Finnish, Swedish, and English across three schools: Technology, Business, and Health Care and Social Services. VAMK serves roughly 4,000 students and about 200 staff members, with international enrolment growing rapidly in recent years. The institution is closely linked to Vaasa's Nordic energy technology cluster and emphasizes practical, work-oriented education with strong industry partnerships. English-taught programs—especially Energy Technology—attract large numbers of international applicants, and 2024 was designated VAMK's Year of Internationalisation. The main campus sits on the Palosaari higher education area, shared with the University of Vaasa and Novia University of Applied Sciences, within walking distance of central Vaasa. Key facilities include the Technobothnia education and research laboratory, the Tritonia joint academic library, the Alere learning centre for health and social care, and the Design Centre Muova. VAMK operates as Vaasa University of Applied Sciences Ltd, owned by the University of Vaasa and the City of Vaasa.