Häme University of Applied Sciences

At our institution, accessibility means implementing the physical, psychological and social studying and learning environment so that each person studying at HAMK can operate and focus fully on their studies. Our online learning environments and online services are also easily accessible and easy to use. Applicants and students alike have access to special arrangements in study-related situations such as lessons and exams. When special arrangements are agreed, the student receives a card describing said arrangements. The starting point for any individual special arrangements is a verified need, such as an illness, disability or learning difficulty diagnosed by a doctor or other expert. Special arrangements may include additional time for entrance examinations, exams or assignments, and the possibility of using a personal computer for writing, if necessary.

HAMK students receive all necessary information and forms related to their studies electronically on the school website, so the materials are equally accessible to everyone. The joint studies offered by HAMK and other universities of applied sciences are accessible to all students through their ePSPs. Library and information services also serve students on all campuses and via online services. We also offer good IT services to the students, the principal service channels for which are the Helpdesk and Servicedesk.hamk.fi. Students may submit service requests to the Helpdesk using a web form round the clock.

At HAMK, study guidance is seen as an extensive entity that develops and supports the student as an individual and where the entire learning community plays a part. You will receive both pre-planned guidance and situation-specific personal guidance for your studies. Therefore, it is important that you take an active role in using guidance services.

Each campus has tasty meals to offer at a student-friendly price. All campus restaurants offer wholesome and delicious warm meals as well as bread, side salad and a drink to accompany your lunch. With your Student Union student card or meal subsidy card you can buy affordable food in all HAMK’s student restaurants and cafes.

As a HAMK degree student you are eligible to use the services of Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS). You have to pay the annual healthcare fee in higher education. More info about student health care at HAMK available here.

Student wellbeing

To support students’ wellbeing, HAMK offers the services of a special needs teacher, student counselling psychologist and coordinator of sport services. They work in all HAMK’s campuses in cooperation with tutor teachers, study counsellors, nurses, pastors and everyone connected to student services. You can read more about student wellbeing at HAMK here.

You can spend your free time at HAMK localities in many ways! There are many opportunities to enjoy yourself and make new friends, whether you prefer to party, do sports or just simply lounge with your new friends at the campus common areas. Learn more about living at the HAMK localities and free time activities here.

You can find the students financial aid services from University Center, Hämeenlinna.

Financing your studies

Please contact Kela in all matters related to student financial aid. You can find useful information about student financial aid at Kela’s website.

Meal subsidy

You are entitled to meal subsidy in student restaurants if you are a university degree student. You will get a student discount by

• presenting a valid student ID card issued by SAMOK or SYL (digital student cards also accepted)
• presenting a meal subsidy card issued by Kela
• paying for the meal with the Lyyra payment sticker.

Studies abroad

You can also get financial help with studies abroad as an exchange student or double degree student. Please notify Kela about your studies abroad by filling in Notification of student’s change of circumstances.

Employment fund

The Education fund grants adult education allowance to employees’ an self-employed persons’ voluntary vocational studies. It is also possible to get Kela’s state guarantee for a student loan. Please read further information at www.tyollisyysrahasto.fi – English

Independent study supported by unemployment benefit

You may receive unemployment benefit during your studies if

• you have registered with the TE Office as a jobseeker and your job search is valid
• you are aged 25 or over
• the TE Office’s assessment indicates that you need education or training, and the studies will improve your vocational skills and your chances in the job market
• before you started the studies, you have made an agreement with the TE-office in your employment plan that your studies will be supported by unemployment benefit.

Usually it is quite easy to find a place to live when you are studying at HAMK. All HAMK campuses are located in small to medium sized cities, so wherever your housing is located you are never far away from your classroom. See city-related information here.