Path studies

The information on this page will be updated in the spring. Registration for the first‑semester path studies starting in August takes place in July.

Alternative route to a degree

Diak’s Open UAS offering includes predetermined packages that correspond to studies taken in the first semester of our Bachelor’s degree programmes i.e. semester modules. Semester modules are also called path studies, because they are especially directed for learners who are looking to Open UAS for a different path to study towards a degree.

It is also possible to continue studies in Open UAS beyond the first semester.

If you are considering applying to one of our degree programmes via open UAS, find out more about heading towards a degree through Open UAS.

Path studies don’t give an eligibility to apply for a residence permit in Finland.

Schedule

Modules on offer for fall semester are usually published in May and enrolment begins in July. Modules for spring semester are published in November and enrolment takes place in December. The exact enrolment dates are confirmed when information on studies on offer is published.

Suitability

Open UAS Path Studies studies are suitable for anyone who:

• are interested in the study field
• wish to progress towards a Bachelor’s degree in Diak University of Applied Sciences
• want to study in English

Path Studies in Autumn 2026

• Degree Programme in Social Services, Helsinki (Blended learning)
• Degree Programme in Health Care, Nursing, Helsinki (Contact teaching)

Tuition fees and payment

The tuition fee of path studies can be found in the path information in the enrollment service.

Payment can be made either at the time of registration or by invoice. If a study path or study module includes a separate selection process, the customer is obliged to pay and the fee will be charged once the selection has been confirmed and the customer has accepted the study place. If customer is placed on the waiting list, the customer is obliged to pay after customer has accepted the study place.

Before enrollment, please read the Open UAS terms of payment and cancellation.

Studying in semester modules

Open UAS students study together with the degree programme students and complete the same study assignments. Diak strives to offer OUAS students equal study circumstances, but there are restrictions related to OUAS studies.

Right to Study

OUAS students are granted a limited right to study. The right includes only the study units mentioned in the description of the study module at the time of enrollment. In addition, attending some individual study units included in the module may require that all previous studies have been completed satisfactorily. The right to study extends only to the end of the implementation time mentioned at the time of enrollment. OUAS students do not have the right to turn in uncompleted work after the end of this period, as degree programme students have.

Accreditation of Prior Learning in OUAS

Participating in the semester study module does not require prior skills or knowledge in social services. Even if the student has achieved similar learning outcomes, either through prior studies or work experience, prior learning is for the most part accredited only after the student transfers from OUAS to a degree programme. Students expecting to get accreditation for their prior learning can leave study units included in the study module out of their personal study plan. However, Diak may not be able to offer other studies to replace these.

After OUAS studies

Application to degree studies in English is done through the joint application or separate application based on open UAS studies, find out more about heading towards a degree through Open UAS. If the student is accepted to the Degree Programme of Social Services or Degree Programme of Health Care, Nursing, the studies completed in OUAS are in general accredited to the degree. If the transfer from OUAS to the degree programme occurs without a gap year, studies can often continue with the same, familiar study group.