Student selection

In 2026, a maximum of 25 students will be selected into the programme. Students admitted to the programme will gain the right to complete a Master of Science (Agriculture and Forestry) degree.  

Selection criteria 2026

The admission processes in the Master of Science in European Forestry Degree Programme aims at fair selection of high-quality applicants. Student selection is based on the application documents and evaluation how the applicant’s skills and competences gained by the previous academic studies correspond to the Master’s studies applied for. Meeting the minimum application requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the programme.

Applicants will be ranked according to the selection criteria below. The best 25 applicants are accepted to the programme and the rest of the applicants are rejected. The programme may accept more applicants by discretion to fulfill the available study places in the programme. Applicants are not placed on the waiting list.

The applications will be graded using the following criteria:

  1. Studies in forestry: 0–40 points (0=poor, 40=excellent), grading will be based on the degree certificate and transcript of academic records
  2. Academic excellence: 0–80 points (0=poor, 80=excellent), grading will be based on the transcript of academic records
  3. Motivation: 0–30 points (0=poor, 30=excellent), grading will be based on the motivation letter*
  4. Work experience/professional qualifications: 0–40 points (0=poor, 40=excellent), grading will be based on the CV
  5. International experience: 0–40 points (0=poor, 40=excellent), grading will be based on the CV

*In the motivation letter, the applicant is required to reply to a set of questions:

1. Why do you want to study in the MSc EF programme?

2. If you have already completed one Master’s degree, why would you like to complete another MSc degree in the MSc EF programme?

3. Why should you be selected to the MSc EF programme?

4. What kind of research interests would you have related to MSc EF programme’s academic content?

5. What kind of hopes and wishes would you have related to your future career after graduation from the MSc EF programme?

Applicants are allowed to use generative AI when making the motivation letter. The letter should be maximum one A4 page.

The ranking list is made according to the total score. Whenever two or more applicants have the same total points, the one who has higher score in academic excellence will be placed first. Also, the gender balance of the students can be taken into account if two or more applicants have the same total points and academic excellence.

Admission results

Results for studies starting in August 2026 will be published on 27 May 2026 at the latest. When the selection decision has been made, the results will be posted immediately to applicants by e-mail.

Admitted EMJM scholarship holders should accept or reject the offer as soon as possible, within 14 days of receiving the notification of admission, either electronically via Studyinfo portal or by submitting the confirmation form to [email protected]. Students without EMJM scholarship shall inform whether they accept their study place by latest on 9 July 2026 at 3 pm (EEST) either electronically via Studyinfo portal or by submitting the confirmation form to [email protected].

Verification of original documents

We require that all admitted applicants submit their original degree certificates for verification upon arrival in Finland. See the details and instructions HERE.

Selected students who are unable to deliver the electronically certified final diploma and transcript of records during the application period will be selected on a conditional basis. All selected students who accept the study place are required to provide officially certified copies of the degree certificate and final transcript of records, or submit them according to country-specific document requirements, by 29.5.2026 at the latest. If the required documents do not arrive on time or cannot be verified electronically by the deadline, the study place will be cancelled.

NB! There are country-specific document requirements in place for academic qualifications awarded in certain countries. If your degree is completed in a country that has country-specific requirements, you must submit your educational documents following the relevant country-specific instructions.