Lapland University of Applied Sciences
Lapland University of Applied Sciences is a Finnish publicly funded higher education institution operating three campuses in northern Finland (Rovaniemi, Kemi, Tornio). It serves approximately 7,500 students through Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes, Open UAS pathways, continuing education, and applied R&D for the Lapland region.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersRovaniemi, Finland
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Lapland University of Applied Sciences does
Lapland University of Applied Sciences (Lapin ammattikorkeakoulu Oy) is a publicly funded Finnish university of applied sciences established in 2014 through the merger of Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences and Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences. The institution operates three campuses across northern Finland — Rovaniemi (headquarters, Jokiväylä 11 C), Kemi, and Tornio — and serves approximately 7,500 students through Bachelor's (AMK) and Master's (YAMK) degree programmes, Open UAS pathways, specialist training, and continuing education. It is the northernmost UAS in Finland and the European Union, holding a FINEEC Quality Label for Excellence awarded in May 2024 and a partner reputation score of 3.91/5.0 across 217 surveyed partners. The primary customer base is degree-seeking students, with secondary segments comprising lifelong learners, working professionals, and regional businesses, municipalities, and third-sector organizations served through applied R&D.
The institution's technology layer is standard higher-ed infrastructure rather than a differentiator: Peppi for student information management, Moodle for learning delivery, Microsoft 365 / Outlook for productivity, Reportronic for R&D project administration, and SoleMOVE for student exchange management, supplemented by LUC Library shared services and GDPR-compliant data protection infrastructure. The applied research arm integrates 89 active R&D projects (91% mapped to UN Sustainable Development Goals as of end-2023) with degree education across six strategic profile areas: digital and green industry, socially sustainable economy, wellbeing solutions, creative tourism, sustainable forestry and food, and sustainable built environment and energy. Strategic ecosystem partnerships include the Robocoast European Digital Innovation Hub, the LUC consortium shared with the University of Lapland, the UN Global Compact, and multiple climate and circular-economy networks.
The revenue model rests on four streams: (1) core operational funding from the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture via four-year performance agreements under the Universities of Applied Sciences Act; (2) tuition fees from non-EU/EEA students in English-language degree programmes, with EU/EEA degree education tuition-free; (3) fees from Open UAS courses, specialist training, and employer-commissioned continuing education through the SANTSI channel; and (4) R&D project funding from national, EU, regional, and industry sources. Financial figures are not publicly disclosed. The institution is led by Rector/CEO Riitta Rissanen, with a dedicated Sustainability Director (Hannu Gyldén, in role since April 2022) institutionalizing responsibility as a board-level function.
Lapland University of Applied Sciences firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lapland University of Applied Sciences
- Legal name
- Lapland University of Applied Sciences Ltd
- Website
- https://lapinamk.fi
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Lapland University of Applied Sciences is a Finnish publicly funded higher education institution operating three campuses in northern Finland (Rovaniemi, Kemi, Tornio). It serves approximately 7,500 students through Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes, Open UAS pathways, continuing education, and applied R&D for the Lapland region.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lapland University of Applied Sciences industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Research Universities with Multi-Campus Systems (EDAHAAAI)
Keywords
Where Lapland University of Applied Sciences is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rovaniemi
- HQ country
- Finland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Lapland University of Applied Sciences business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government Core Funding: As a publicly funded university of applied sciences under Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences Act, Lapland UAS receives core operational funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture (OKM) through four-year performance agreements. This covers degree education, RDI activities, and continuing education.
- Tuition from Non-EU/EEA Students: Non-EU/EEA students studying in English-language degree programmes are charged tuition fees, representing a direct revenue stream from international students.
- Open UAS and Continuing Education Fees: Revenue from Open University of Applied Sciences (Avoin AMK) course fees, path studies, individual course enrollments, specialist training programmes, and employer-commissioned professional education.
- RDI Project Funding: Research, Development and Innovation projects funded by national and EU sources, regional councils, and industry partners contribute to institutional revenue.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | EU/EEA degree students - tuition-free |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Lapland University of Applied Sciences product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Lapland University of Applied Sciences is a publicly funded higher education institution that delivers work-integrated bachelor's (AMK) and master's (YAMK) degree programmes, Open University courses (Avoin AMK), continuing and specialist education (SANTSI), applied research, development and innovation (RDI) projects, and business services including student projects, consulting, and a startup hub. Operations span three campuses in Rovaniemi, Kemi, and Tornio, and serve domestic and international students, working professionals, and regional organisations.
Product overview
Lapland University of Applied Sciences is a higher education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational programmes and services. The core offering consists of AMK (Bachelor's) and YAMK (Master's) degree programmes, supplemented by Avoin AMK (Open University) courses and SANTSI continuing education programmes. The institution provides applied research and development (R&D) services integrated with education, business services through student projects and consulting, and a startup hub for entrepreneurship. Additional services include student health care (via FSHS), sports services, library facilities, and various student support services across its three campuses in Kemi, Rovaniemi, and Tornio. The institution emphasizes digital and green industry, sustainable development, and Arctic expertise as strategic focus areas.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- AMK-tutkinnot (Bachelor's Degree Programmes) Practical, work-life oriented bachelor's degree programmes (AMK) offered across multiple fields of study (business, engineering, healthcare, tourism, arts, social sciences) primarily in Finnish, with selected English-language tracks. Recruited via the Finnish national joint application system (yhteishaku) and tuition-free for EU/EEA students.
- YAMK-tutkinnot (Master's Degree Programmes) Master's-level degree programmes (YAMK) aimed at working professionals seeking advanced expertise and career advancement. Offered as work-integrated studies in fields such as business, technology, health, and social services.
- Avoin AMK (Open University of Applied Sciences) Open-access university studies providing individual courses, modules, path studies (polkuopinnot) leading to AMK or YAMK degrees, diploma programmes, and study path options for exam completion (tutkinnon viimeistely). Available to anyone regardless of prior qualifications on a fee basis.
- SANTSI (Continuing Education and Specialist Training) Continuing education division providing supplementary training, specialist programmes (erikoistumiskoulutukset), workplace training, and targeted competence-development offerings for professionals. Includes the Avoin AMK open learning channel.
- Koulutukset työyhteisöille (Employer-Commissioned Workplace Training) Customised, employer-commissioned training programmes (koulutukset työyhteisöille) delivered for organisations and work communities to upskill or reskill their personnel.
- Tutkimus ja kehitys (Research, Development and Innovation Services) Applied research, development and innovation (RDI) services integrated with education, delivered through 89+ active R&D projects covering digital and green industry, sustainable development, Arctic expertise, and bioeconomy. Open to public and private sector partners.
- Palvelut yrityksille ja yhteisöille (Services for Businesses and Communities) Services for regional businesses and communities including student projects, consulting, and access to development environments (kehittämisympäristöt). Delivered across three campuses through dedicated business-services channels.
- Lapland Startup Hub In-house business incubator supporting students on the entrepreneurial pathway by providing coaching, mentoring, and startup-development resources.
- LUC Kirjasto (LUC Library) Shared library service across the Lapland higher education community (LUC) provided jointly with the University of Lapland, offering collections, e-resources, and research support for students, staff, and partners.
Quantifiable outcome
- Ranked 3rd best among 22 Finnish UAS in graduate feedback (2023)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Lapland University of Applied Sciences
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Lapland University of Applied Sciences technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Lapland University of Applied Sciences partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Robocoast EDIH (European Digital Innovation Hub)coreRobocoast EDIH is a non-profit consortium providing digital transition services to industrial companies. Lapland UAS is a member of this consortium, which won the European Digital Innovation Hubs main prize in Brussels in 2023. The consortium focuses on digital transformation for manufacturing and industrial sectors across the EU.
- Lapland Startup HubcoreLapland Startup Hub is the university's own business incubator supporting students on the path to becoming entrepreneurs. It is promoted through the career planning and entrepreneurship section of the institution's website.
- FIBS (Finnish Business & Society)minorFIBS is the largest corporate responsibility network in the Nordic countries, accelerating sustainability factors toward a more sustainable world. Lapland UAS became a member in November 2021.
- UN Global CompactcoreLapland UAS joined the UN Global Compact network in spring 2024. Membership promotes sustainable development and responsible practices, improves training offerings for staff, and brings new initiatives to regional development.
- SDG Accord NetworkminorInternational network of more than 300 higher education institutions promoting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Lapland UAS participates in the network to leverage project initiatives, consortia, and development work.
- Climate University NetworkminorNetwork of Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences developing study programmes related to climate change and sustainable development. Offers open, multidisciplinary learning materials for students and professionals.
- Ellen MacArthur FoundationminorMembership in the Ellen MacArthur Association aims to increase circular economy expertise. Provides networking opportunities with global circular economy players and strengthens Lapland UAS's cross-cutting circular economy capability.
- Arene (Universities of Applied Sciences Rectors' Network)coreArene is the national association of Finnish universities of applied sciences. Lapland UAS participates in Arene's sustainability and responsibility working groups, and contributes to the joint sustainable development programme for Finnish UAS.
- Commitment2050minorFinnish voluntary sustainability tool for organisations to set goals, measure, and report. Lapland UAS announced its commitment in January 2024 to strengthen its position among sustainability pioneers.
- University of LaplandcorePart of the LUC (Lapin korkeakouluyhteisö) higher education community alongside Lapland UAS. Collaborates on joint initiatives including Korkeakouluopiskelijan digitaidot (Digital Skills for Higher Education Students) project and the Valakiat stakeholder event.
- City of KemiminorMunicipal partner co-organising Kestävän kehityksen aamukahvit (Sustainable Development Morning Coffees) together with Lapin liitto on a monthly basis.
- Lapin liitto (Regional Council of Lapland)minorRegional council co-organising sustainability morning coffees with the City of Kemi and contributing to regional development and sustainability initiatives.
- Romakon TyönantajapooliminorEmployer pool for Roma-background students and graduates. By joining the pool, employers signal open attitudes and that Roma-background applicants are on equal footing with other candidates in recruitment.
- Astetta alemmas (Degree Lower) CampaignminorNational energy-saving campaign that Lapland UAS participates in. In 2022-2023, the institution committed to lowering campus building temperatures by one degree to reduce energy consumption.
- LUC (Lapin korkeakouluyhteisö)coreThe Lapland Higher Education Community (LUC) encompasses both Lapland UAS and the University of Lapland, providing shared services including LUC Library, LUC Intra intranet, legal services, data protection, and ICT services. This consortium enables cross-institutional collaboration and resource sharing.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Lapland University of Applied Sciences competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- XAMK (South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences): XAMK is a multi-campus Finnish UAS formed through a merger of Kymenlaakso and Mikkeli UAS, serving south-eastern Finland. Comparable to Lapland UAS as a merger-formed, multi-campus UAS with similar degree and RDI portfolio.
- Metropolia University of Applied Sciences: Metropolia is the largest Finnish UAS, offering an extensive portfolio of degree, RDI, and continuing-education programs in the Helsinki metro area. Useful benchmark for understanding how Lapland UAS's program scope compares to the upper bound of Finnish UAS scale.
- LAB University of Applied Sciences: LAB is a multi-campus Finnish UAS formed through a 2020 merger of two prior UAS institutions, with a similar RDI-and-education integrated model. Direct structural analog to Lapland UAS as a merger-driven multi-campus UAS.
- HAMK University of Applied Sciences: HAMK is a multi-campus Finnish UAS offering Bachelor's and Master's degrees across several Häme-region campuses. Comparable to Lapland UAS in scale, multi-campus structure, and applied-research mandate.
- Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK): TAMK is one of the larger Finnish UAS institutions with a broad AMK/YAMK portfolio, applied RDI, and continuing education. Useful benchmark peer for evaluating Lapland UAS's relative scale and program breadth within the Finnish UAS system.
- Savonia University of Applied Sciences: Savonia is a multi-campus Finnish UAS operating across the Savo region with comparable degree, RDI, and continuing-education offerings. Closely matches Lapland UAS in scale, multi-campus structure, and regional anchor role.
- University of Lapland: University of Lapland is Lapland UAS's sister institution within the LUC (Lapland Higher Education Community), sharing ICT, library, and legal services. While a research university rather than a UAS, it is the closest higher-education peer by geography and shared student/partner ecosystem.
- Centria University of Applied Sciences: Centria is a multi-campus Finnish UAS in central Ostrobothnia with a similar applied-research and work-integrated learning model. Strong structural similarity to Lapland UAS in regional mandate and multi-site delivery.
- Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK): KAMK is a mid-sized Finnish UAS with a similar regional-development mission and similar student headcount range. It offers a directly comparable mix of AMK/YAMK degrees, applied research, and regional business services for a sparsely populated Finnish region.
- Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK): OAMK is another northern Finnish UAS serving the Oulu region with a comparable portfolio of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, applied RDI, and continuing education. Most comparable Finnish UAS peer in terms of northern geographic positioning and institutional scale.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Lapland University of Applied Sciences social profiles
Digital presenceLapland University of Applied Sciences compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Lapland University of Applied Sciences financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lapland University of Applied Sciences leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Lapland University of Applied Sciences funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Lapland University of Applied Sciences M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Lapland University of Applied Sciences
What does Lapland University of Applied Sciences do?
Lapland University of Applied Sciences is a publicly funded higher education institution that delivers work-integrated bachelor's (AMK) and master's (YAMK) degree programmes, Open University courses (Avoin AMK), continuing and specialist education (SANTSI), applied research, development and innovation (RDI) projects, and business services including student projects, consulting, and a startup hub. Operations span three campuses in Rovaniemi, Kemi, and Tornio, and serve domestic and international students, working professionals, and regional organisations.
Is Lapland University of Applied Sciences a public or private company?
Lapland University of Applied Sciences is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Lapland University of Applied Sciences founded?
Lapland University of Applied Sciences was founded in 2014. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Lapland University of Applied Sciences based?
Lapland University of Applied Sciences is headquartered in Rovaniemi, Finland, in the Europe region.
How does Lapland University of Applied Sciences make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Government Core Funding is the primary driver. The others are tuition from Non-EU/EEA Students, open UAS and Continuing Education Fees and RDI Project Funding.
Who are Lapland University of Applied Sciences's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are XAMK (South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences), Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, LAB University of Applied Sciences, HAMK University of Applied Sciences, Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), Savonia University of Applied Sciences, University of Lapland, Centria University of Applied Sciences, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) and Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK).
Does Lapland University of Applied Sciences have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lapland University of Applied Sciences.
What industry is Lapland University of Applied Sciences in?
Lapland University of Applied Sciences's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAAAI, Public Research Universities with Multi-Campus Systems. Its NAICS code is 61131 and its SIC code is 8200.