Program Overview

Master's Degree Programme in Public Health

The Master's Degree Programme in Public Health (MPH) is offered by the Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, in collaboration with the Department of Nursing Science. The programme educates experts for public health-related fields and sectors in regional and global contexts. Graduates work as epidemiologists, researchers, administrators, managers, field workers, health educators, and entrepreneurs around the world.

Key Information

• Level of degree: M.Sc. (Health Sciences)
• Programme duration: 2 years full-time (120 ECTS credits)
• Language of instruction: English
• The programme admits 30 students annually
• Programme starts annually in September
• Campus: Kuopio

Studies

The Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition offers training in Public Health in English. The internationally recognised Master's Degree Programme in Public Health (MPH) integrates the global dimensions of public health. The educational atmosphere is characterised by interaction between Finnish and international students from different educational and cultural backgrounds.

Structure of Studies

The programme uses student-centred teaching methods, including both classroom teaching and online elements. Students benefit from interactive sessions with fellow students and teachers with a multicultural background. Online assignments help gain a deeper understanding and apply knowledge. Different assignments provide training in scientific writing. Studying includes both group work and independent learning.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes both compulsory and elective studies. Each student creates a personal study plan, which helps with scheduling and adjusting the workload over the two-year studies on campus. Students can choose courses from a wide selection, including those offered by other departments, university networks, and UEF Summer Schools.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible to apply, applicants should hold at least a Bachelor's or equivalent degree in an applicable field. The applicant should hold a university-level Bachelor's degree (or higher) in fields such as Public Health Science, Global Health, Food and Nutrition, Health Promotion, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Sciences, Nursing Science, Health Economics, Health Policy and Management, Health Informatics, Sociology, or Psychology.

Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the language proficiency criteria or reach the minimum required language test results. Applicants who have completed their secondary education in English in EU/EEA countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Switzerland do not need to take an English language test, provided they can prove the language of instruction.

Application Process

The application period is open from 7 January 2026 to 21 January 2026. The application is completed and submitted online through the Studyinfo portal. Applicants must submit official scanned copies of degree and graduation certificates, official translations, proof of English language proficiency, curriculum vitae, and research experience and publications.

Application Checklist

• Official scanned copies of degree and graduation certificates in their original language
• Official translations of degree and graduation certificates
• Official certified transcript of records in their original language
• Official translations of transcript of records
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Curriculum vitae
• Research experience and publications

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. Applicants subject to tuition fees can apply for tuition waivers and scholarships during the university application process.

Scholarships

There are three types of scholarships available:

• UEF Scholarship: A 100% tuition waiver, one per programme.
• Tuition Waiver: 50% of the tuition fee, for a limited number of applicants.
• Finnish Language Scholarship: Applied for during studies at UEF.

Student Selection

The best 30 applicants are accepted to the program, and the rest are rejected. The programme may accept more applicants by discretion to fulfill the available study places. Results for studies starting in September 2026 will be published on 29 May 2026 at the latest. Admitted students must inform whether they accept their study place by 9 July 2026 at 3 pm (EEST) electronically via the Studyinfo portal.