University of Helsinki vs Aalto University vs South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences - XAMK vs Arcada University of Applied Sciences - UAS vs Centria University of Applied Sciences

Side-by-side comparison from 94 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences - XAMK (4.90)
University of Helsinki: wins 1/7 categories
Aalto University: wins 0/7 categories
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences - XAMK: wins 2/7 categories
Arcada University of Applied Sciences - UAS: wins 1/7 categories
Centria University of Applied Sciences: wins 2/7 categories
University of Eastern Finland: wins 1/7 categories
Novia University of Applied Sciences: wins 0/7 categories
Comparing
Helsinki, Finland
4.30
Read more reviews
19 reviews
×
Best programme: Botany
Espoo, Finland
4.50
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40 reviews
×
Best programme: Computer Engineering
Best programme: BHC in Nursing
Best programme: Finance
Best programme: Business Administration in Management
Best programme: Bsc Information Technology
Category ratings
Facilities
4.85
Win
4.54
4.81
4.67
4.00
4.33
Not rated
Location
4.42
4.33
4.56
Win
4.33
4.00
4.00
Not rated
Professors
4.57
4.16
4.93
5.00
Win
4.00
4.33
Not rated
Internationality
4.36
4.37
4.74
Win
4.33
4.00
4.00
Not rated
Student life
4.79
4.57
4.50
4.33
4.00
5.00
Win
Not rated
Value
4.50
4.39
4.78
4.67
5.00
Win
4.00
Not rated
Accommodation
4.43
4.39
4.46
4.00
5.00
Win
4.33
Not rated
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +High-quality teaching and research
  • +Supportive academic environment and student culture
  • +Balance of independence and guidance in studies
  • +Flexible and multidisciplinary learning
  • +Strong foundational and independent learning
  • +Supportive community and active student life
  • +Dedicated, supportive, and passionate faculty
  • +Well-organized, modern campus and facilities
  • +Strong industry connections and practical, future-focused education
  • +Practical, relevant learning and real-world projects
  • +Supportive and knowledgeable staff
  • +Modern facilities and updated resources
  • +Supportive professors and practical learning
  • +Global opportunities and accessible location
  • +Personal development and useful knowledge acquisition
  • +Practical study experience with supportive faculty and accessible campus facilities.
  • +Welcoming and diverse campus environment fostering social opportunities.
  • +Efficient education and proximity to nature for leisure.

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Cons
  • -Administrative and management issues are a consistent problem.
  • -Outdated facilities and resources are a significant drawback.
  • -Poor communication and lack of support are frequently mentioned.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause frustration and inefficiency.
  • -Outdated facilities and resources hinder learning and comfort.
  • -Lack of engaging teaching and poor curriculum design lead to dissatisfaction.
  • -Excessive administrative burdens and disorganized management plague student experiences.
  • -Outdated and poorly maintained facilities create a frustrating learning environment.
  • -Lack of clear communication and support from staff leads to student dissatisfaction.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and insufficient resources hinder learning.
  • -Poor communication and lack of support are prevalent concerns.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and technology hinder learning and comfort.
  • -Lack of essential resources and support negatively impacts student experience.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and poor resource allocation are consistently criticized.
  • -A lack of effective teaching and curriculum relevance is a major concern.

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Rating summary
What students say

The university garners exceptional ratings in several key areas. Facilities stand out with a near-perfect score, closely followed by a robust Student Life. While professors and accommodation also score highly, Internationality represents the lowest-rated aspect, though still at a respectable level. The overall value proposition remains strong.

This university receives strong commendations, particularly for its **Student Life** and **Facilities**, both scoring above 4.5. **Accomodation** and **Value** are also highly rated, each at 4.39. **Professors** represent the lowest-scoring area, though still rated positively. The university demonstrates a well-rounded profile with notable strengths in its campus environment and student experience.

This institution garners exceptional scores, with Professors receiving the highest marks at 4.92 and Facilities a very close second at 4.8. Student Life and Location also scored highly, both above 4.5. The weakest area, though still strong, is Accomodation with a rating of 4.44. Internationality and Value are tied for the second-highest scores.

This institution demonstrates outstanding strengths in its **Professors**, achieving a perfect score. Facilities and Value also receive exceptionally high marks. Conversely, Accomodation is the lowest-rated category. Other aspects like Location, Student Life, and Internationality are well-regarded, indicating a generally positive student experience.

Overall, this institution garners strong marks, with accommodation and value standing out as exceptional strengths, both receiving perfect scores. Facilities, professors, location, student life, and internationality are all rated highly, demonstrating a consistently positive experience across these key aspects.

This institution garners exceptional scores, notably achieving a perfect 5 for Student Life. Facilities, Professors, and Accommodation are also highly rated at 4.33. Location and Internationality are solid at 4, with Value also receiving a 4. The weakest area, though still positive, is Value at 4.

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Reviews summary
Highlights

With 17 out of 19 reviews being positive (~89%) and an average rating of 4.32, students praise the high-quality research and teaching, supportive environment, and city life. No negative feedback was provided.

Students highly recommend the university, praising its multidisciplinary courses and freedom to study outside their major (~90%). Positive feedback highlights independent learning, excellent facilities, and strong community support, with no reported negative reviews.

With a 4.89/5 average rating from 27 reviews, ~100% of feedback is positive. Students highlight great professors, international focus, and excellent organization. Positive themes include modern facilities and strong industry connections.

All 100% of reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.25/5. Students highlight a sense of belonging, welcoming staff, practical learning, and modern facilities. Some mention concern about course scheduling.

With a 4/5 average rating and no negative feedback (~0%), students praise freedom to develop, practical learning, and supportive professors. The university's global network and accessible location with affordable accommodation are also highlighted.

All feedback is positive, with an average rating of 4.67/5 stars. Students highlight practical study experiences, excellent welfare and social activities, and a welcoming, diverse campus environment.

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Rating distribution
5★
42%
55%
89%
25%
0%
67%
0%
4★
47%
35%
11%
75%
100%
33%
0%
3★
11%
10%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2★
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1★
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Most useful review
Most liked
High quality teaching and research

Helsinki University is a diverse and cozy university with high quality teaching and research. The teachers are intelligent and kind and easy to talk to. The programs and subjects are well planned out and the work load for courses are usually decent, not too much or too little. I also loved the student culture and clubs on the campus. Also. If you ever need help with your studies you can always get help and guidance to plan your studies or solve problems.

Great combinations of business and tech

I graduated from Aalto University's School of Business, majoring in Marketing, and I'd genuinely recommend it. What made the biggest difference for me, though, was the freedom to take courses outside my own major. I ended up mixing in some technology and design courses with my marketing courses, and that has turned out to be one of the most useful parts of my degree.

My experience studying nursing at Xamk.

Studying nursing at Xamk has been a practical and rewarding experience to me regardless of my previous background in-terms of profession. The programme strongly focuses on hands-on skills, simulation training, and clinical placements, which has helped me connect theory directly to real nursing practice. The teachers are supportive and approachable, and the learning environment encourages growth both professionally and personally, being able to also learn a new language (Finnish) within a short period of time with the help of Xamk has been a great milestone to me. Overall, Xamk has prepared me well for working life in healthcare.

ARCADA experience - Mechanical Engineering

In all honesty, my university offers a fantastic level of education, dedicated and extensively knowledgeable lecturers, as well as a spacious, clean, modern campus. These items make it a great place to study. However, one specific trait that bothers me personally is that some of the more important courses are limited to a single period (half a semester), to make space for other courses that I deem unnecessary or that could be optional instead of mandatory. Overall, my experience at Arcada has been outstanding.

Innovative, caring and multicultural environment

Centria UAS is a good university where students feel free to develop themselves and learn useful knowledge. The school has a broad Erasmus network and other partners around the world. Professors at Centria are qualified and enthusiastic in their lectures. They are always willing to help and encourage students in any problems. The theory is practically applied in every lesson via teamwork, presentations, and assignments. Cheap accommodation and easy to access to the school due to a good location. Staff are very friendly, helpful and polite. I have enjoyed a great time at Centria and went on a Double degree exchange program in France which would be obviously a great opportunity for my career prospects. About Kokkola, it is a small town with all warmhearted and helpful people. I always feel safe when staying here. This place is like my second home.

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