Program Overview

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Master's Degree Programme in Forestry

The Master's Degree Programme in Forestry aims to promote the ecologically and socially sustainable use of natural resources. The programme provides high-quality and diversified training in forestry and bioenergy, with an emphasis on social and ecological sustainability.

Key Information

• Level of degree: Master's degree
• Programme duration: 2 years full-time / 120 ECTS credits
• Language of instruction: English
• Application period: Annually in January
• Programme start: Beginning of September
• Tuition fee: EU/EEA nationals have no tuition fee; non-EU/EEA nationals pay 10,000 €/academic year
• Tuition waivers are available
• Study campus: Joensuu

Why Study with Us?

• Gain expertise in renewable natural resources with a strong international focus
• Teaching is based on high-level scientific research

Studies

The Master's Degree Programme in Forestry is a two-year MSc programme. Upon graduation, students are awarded a Master of Science (Agriculture and Forestry) degree. The programme comprises lectures, coursework, projects, and independent study.

Structure of Studies

• Master's degree programme in Forestry consists of studies comprising 120 ECTS
• It takes two years to complete the degree
• Courses are available at the study guide

Thesis

• Information and forms related to the MSc thesis work at UEF can be found at the School of Forest Sciences Study Community
• Theses written at UEF can be found as e-publications

Thesis Seminar

• The objectives of the Joint thesis seminar are to obtain knowledge on scientific research processes and to get practice on written and oral research reporting
• To pass the Joint thesis seminar, students need to participate in online thesis seminars, present their MSc thesis research plan and final MSc thesis, and write a reflective report on their thesis research process

General Information

• General information and instructions, as well as related forms, can be found at the School of Forest Sciences Study Community

Forms

• Traineeship: Relevant forms and instructions are in Kamu and the School of Forest Sciences Study Community
• MSc thesis: Information and forms related to the thesis work at UEF can be found at the School of Forest Sciences Study Community

Graduation

• Instructions for graduation can be found at the School of Forest Sciences Study Community

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the language proficiency requirements?
   • Good command of English language is a basic requirement for admission
2. If I am selected, how and when do I apply for accommodation?
   • The Student Housing Office, Joensuun Elli, offers accommodation for students
3. Do I need to apply for a Finnish residence permit?
   • If you come from non-EU countries, you need to apply for a Finnish residence permit
4. How do I register as a present student at the University of Eastern Finland?
   • Instructions are provided with the admission letter
5. Do I need an insurance?
   • The University of Eastern Finland expects students to have adequate insurance

How to Apply

Admission Requirements

• A previous Bachelor's degree corresponding to at least 3 years of full-time academic studies from an institution for higher education is required
• Eligibility criteria: Degree certificate & transcript of grades (A previous Bachelor's degree in forestry or in a related field)
• Language requirements: Applicants must meet the language proficiency criteria or reach the minimum required language test results

Application Process

• The application process begins on the national Studyinfo portal
• The application form is available at studyinfo.fi only when the call for applications is open
• Applicants must fill in the online application and submit it with the required scanned enclosures

Application Instructions in a Nutshell

• Fill in the online application form and attach the required application enclosures
• Note: The documents must be high-quality scans of original documents

Student Selection

• The admission process aims at fair selection of high-quality applicants
• Student selection is based on the application documents and evaluation of how the applicant's skills and competences correspond to the Master's studies applied for

Selection Criteria

• Suitability and content of the previous studies to the area of forestry: 0–20 points
• Academic excellence: 0–30 points
• Prestige and level of the home university: 0–5 points
• Work experience, international experience, and other projects: 0–15 points
• Applicant's own explanations about the motivation to apply for studies: 0–10 points

Tuition Fees and Waivers

• The annual tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students is 10,000 EUR
• There are no tuition fees for students who are citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland
• Tuition fee waivers are available for non-EU/EEA students

Services Provided by UEF

• UEF offers all students a range of services that take off some of the financial burden on the student
• The cost of living in Finland is relatively high, and students are expected to cover these independently

Application Period 2026

• The next application period will be open from 7 January 2026 to 21 January 2026

Student Life and Stories

• Learn more about student and alumni stories, studying at UEF, the university, and its campuses, and life in Finland

Contacts

• University of Eastern Finland
• Founded in 1982, the School of Forest Sciences is an international research and education centre
• The School of Forest Sciences has over 300 undergraduates and approximately 80 post-graduate students

Research Priorities

• Effects of climate change on forests
• Forest ecology and biodiversity
• Multi-objective and participatory forest planning
• Wood science
• Wood procurement
• Forest resource inventory and GIS
• Economic evaluation of forest benefits
• Forest economy and marketing
• Forest energy and its procurement