EUNICAS, European University Central Application Support Service

Applications are now open for programmes, taught through English, in Finland.  The application window opened on 8th January, and closes on 27th January. Finland in is in the top four providers, by numbers of programmes offered, of English-taught programmes, topped by only by the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. If you are prepared for its dark winters, the quality of its education and its free education (no tuition fees) are worth considering.

Though there are no fees in Finland, bear in mind that the cost of living in Helsinki can be even a little higher than living in Dublin. However, do note that rents outside Helsinki [e.g. Turku] can be more than half of those pertaining in Helsinki. Most of the programmes, taught through English, are offered by the highly employment-focused Universities of Applied Sciences, rather than the more academic research universities. Many [but not all] of the programmes require an entrance test for entry [though this isn’t usually particularly challenging] and many of the Universities of Applied Sciences run their entrance tests in London, usually in April. Often, only one exam is needed for one discipline and your results are recognised by many of the faculties in Finland that offer programmes in this same discipline.

Above: Tampere University of Technology

Currently popular with UK- and Irish-based students are the excellent Engineering [ see here ] and Nursing [see here ], as well as the popular Physiotherapy degree in Satakunta, near Turku, in Eastern Finland. Though entry requirements are low, one word of warning though. Students are usually expected to provide A-Level or Leaving Cert., or equivalent, results by mid-July: this usually rules out current year school leavers for entry this year. If you are leaving school this year, you are likely to be required to take a gap year, though some institutions do offer a second start date in February every year, and some do have a work around for our results being so late. EUNiCAS can help you check with this: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Case Study: Ger Regan: Game Design & Development

"For the longest time I can remember, I’ve always wanted to make games. I looked into studying at home in Ireland, but found the game development courses were very vague and not tailored to the actual games industry. I looked into studying in England and while the quality is most definitely there, the fees alone were out of the question for me"

"That’s when I looked further afield to mainland Europe, and the first programme to pop up was the International Game Architecture and Design course at NHTV Breda in the Netherlands. There were three major reasons I chose the games program at NHTV: not only is tailored to industry needs but it provides an education that trains you as a specialist within certain field. Importantly, the entire programme is run by industry veterans"

"I wanted to specifically study game design, but prospective students have the opportunity to follow programming, visual art, audio and production. In this way, by the time you graduate in four years, you will be a specialist in your chosen field and tailored to the actual industry. Another very attractive concept is the intake procedure, as prospective students need to complete an intake assignment before they even set foot in the door. This way the lecturers can get an idea of the student’s motivations, skill level and willingness to get into the games industry."

"I would say to anyone who has a strong desire to get into the games industry to seriously consider the games program at NHTV, because the skills and experience you gain will significantly raise your chances of getting into an already competitive industry that is globally worth €50 billion. It’s for that reason that I have absolutely no regrets leaving home to study abroad."

If you want more information, contact Guy at EUNiCAS This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

International Game Architecture and Design (IGAD) Open Day

NHTV have an International Orientation programme over 10-12 March 2016 in Breda, the Netherlands. This event will give you a better idea and understanding of what it is like to study abroad and definitely will be an eye opener if you have an interest to study abroad.

Programme

Thursday 10th March
You travel to Breda at your own expenses and should arrive there no later than 16.00hrs, so you will be on time for the welcoming dinner that evening.

Friday 11th March
IGAD will organise a day during which you will get a good impression of what the study offers. You will find out what it is like to study at IGAD and meet some current students. In the evening there will be one big dinner for all the international students in the city. After this dinner you will be able to experience student city Breda yourself. (Please note this event is only for those students from Ireland and UK who already started the application process: EUNICAS will advise you on this).

Intake assessment/interview also takes place on this day.

Saturday 12th March
This is the general Open Day for NHTV. You are welcome to attend, or just explore the area.

NHTV covers the cost of 2 hotel nights (including breakfast) and dinners, you just have to get there! EUNICAS can assist with your travel plans. If you wish to bring along your parent(s), then they are more than welcome. 

If you are interested in going to the IGAD,event, please contact EUNiCAS This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Eight Dutch Universities, in association with EUNiCAS,  are providing students, their  families, and  their counsellors,  the chance to come and learn about life-changing education opportunities in the Netherlands, at an event in Dublin.. The number of Irish students joining undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the Netherlands is growing significantly; some 500 Irish students registered in Dutch Universities this year.

Between them, these universities offer a significant number of English-taught programmes, at undergraduate and postgraduate level. These universities include: University of Groningen, University of Twente, Raboud University, Stenden UAS, Hanze UAS, Hague UAS and HAN UAS. In addition, EUNiCAS will be available on the day, to give advice and information onj studying in the Netherlands.

Importantly, Irish students attending these universities [and they are the real experts!], will be available to share their experiences.

The event is taking place in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Naas Road, on 3rd December. Details and registration for this free event here: www.omgdutch.eventbrite.co.uk

Timeline
3.30 - 5.30 1:1 meetings are being arranged for Guidance Counsellors
6.30 - 7.30 Mini-exhibition, where students and their families can meet universities [and Irish students]
7.30 - 8.30  Presentation on 'Studying in the Netherlands'
8.30 - 9.30 Students/families can meet universities 1:1

Degrees
The universities attending this event offer a wide range of programmes, taught through English, including those in the following areas: Business; Computer Science/IT; Communication/Media; Design/Fine Art; Engineering; Game Design; International Relations/European Studies; Law; Medicine; Sciences; Physiotherapy; Psychology; Tourism/Hotel Management

Details and registration for this free event here: www.omgdutch.eventbrite.co.uk

Of the 27 Universities of Applied Sciences [UAS], in the Netherlands,  Avans UAS, has held onto the top-ranking in the Large University of Applied Sciences category, in the respected Keuzegids survey, This survey, published by the CHO (the Higher Education Information Centre), measures feedback from students and the universities themselves. Note that the survey takes data from the total output of the UAS, including Dutch-taught programmes, and can sometimes miss areas of excellence, in the delivery of English-taught programmes, to international students.

The top seven, in both the large UAS and medium-sized UAS, were as follows:

Large UAS

1. Avans UAS
2. Windesheim UAS
3. Hanze UAS Groningen
4. Fontys UAS 
5. Saxion UAS
6. HAN UAS
7. The Hague UAS
Rotterdam UAS

Medium-sized UAS

1. CHE
2. NHTV Breda UAS
3. HZ UAS
4. Zuyd UAS
5. HKU Utrecht
6. Leiden UAS
7. Stenden UAS

Above: Hanze UAS, Groningen

Vacant places are still available in many Continental European Universities. Note that these places are being quickly snapped up, so you should act now. Contact us for your next move on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Where fees are shown against Dutch programmes, be aware that all EU students can have these fees paid by way of a loan from the Dutch government, with 35 years to pay it back.

There are currently vacancies on the following programmes: