University of Eastern Finland offers engineering pathway for high school students in Joroinen

Ryo Duong Thanh, a student from Joroinen High School, has a clear plan: he aims to begin engineering studies during high school and continue at university to become a graduate engineer. “It is my dream,” says the young student.

The University of Eastern Finland has introduced a special pathway for high school students, allowing them to earn 15 credits in engineering as part of their secondary education. Admission to university is granted automatically if students achieve a sufficient grade in long mathematics or physics on their final exams. Depending on their desired major, students must receive a grade between cum laude and eximia in one of these subjects.

“The credits gained will count as high school qualifications, so they don’t have to be completed alongside other studies,” notes University lecturer Ville Nivalainen. The courses will also count toward university degrees. They can be completed remotely and through online learning at the open university.

The engineering program at the University of Eastern Finland, located in Kuopio and Joensuu, began last autumn. The university is now competing for students with traditional technical universities in cities such as Lappeenranta, Otaniemi, and Tampere. There is a demand for highly trained engineering professionals throughout Finland, driven by the need for skilled labor in companies in Eastern Finland. “We want the best minds to remain in the region,” says Nivalainen.

The university collaborates closely with Joroinen High School, where instructor Ari Shemeikka encourages student engagement in lab work and supports them during their studies. This initiative is seen as a potential competitive advantage for the small-town high school, allowing students to explore their interests while preparing for university.