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

Side-by-side comparison from 85 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 3/7 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
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences: wins 0/7 categories
Comparing
Helsinki, Finland
4.30
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19 reviews
×
Best programme: Botany
Espoo, Finland
4.70
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36 reviews
×
Best programme: Computer Engineering
Best programme: BHC in Nursing
Best programme: Business Administration in Management
Best programme: Bsc Information Technology
Category ratings
Facilities
4.85
Win
4.39
4.79
4.00
4.33
Not rated
Not rated
Location
4.42
4.06
4.50
Win
4.00
4.00
Not rated
Not rated
Professors
4.57
4.11
4.92
Win
4.00
4.33
Not rated
Not rated
Internationality
4.36
4.33
4.75
Win
4.00
4.00
Not rated
Not rated
Student life
4.79
4.30
4.54
4.00
5.00
Win
Not rated
Not rated
Value
4.50
4.36
4.75
5.00
Win
4.00
Not rated
Not rated
Accommodation
4.43
4.24
4.42
5.00
Win
4.33
Not rated
Not rated
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +High-quality teaching and research
  • +Supportive academic environment and student culture
  • +Balance of independence and guidance in studies
  • +Rigorous, independent learning with practical, hands-on experience
  • +Active student life, community support, and multidisciplinary collaboration
  • +Flexible course options and excellent facilities
  • +Passionate, supportive, and communicative educators
  • +Practical, career-focused programmes and real-world connections
  • +International atmosphere and flexible learning paths
  • +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.
  • -Outdated facilities and technology are a significant drawback.
  • -Lack of support and engagement from staff is concerning.
  • -Inefficient administrative processes cause frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and equipment hinder learning.
  • -Lack of clear communication and transparency from staff creates confusion.
  • -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.

With a generally strong showing across multiple aspects, this university excels in **Facilities**, receiving a high rating of 4.39. **Internationality** and **Value** also scored well, both above 4.3. Conversely, **Location** presents the weakest area, with a rating of 4.06. The university demonstrates robust performance in student-focused categories like **Student Life** and **Accomodation**, while **Professors** also maintain a solid score.

This institution earns exceptionally high marks, particularly in the **professors** category with a near-perfect score. **Facilities** and **internationality** also stand out with strong ratings. Areas receiving slightly lower, though still positive, scores include **student life** and **accommodation**. Overall, the university demonstrates a well-rounded positive profile.

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.

University reviews are overwhelmingly positive (~92% 4-5 stars), highlighting strong academic challenges, independent learning, and active student life with multidisciplinary opportunities. A small amount of feedback (~8%) suggests courses may be too short to fully grasp topics.

All 26 reviews are positive, averaging 4.88/5. Students praise practical, student-centered education, supportive teachers, and innovation. A minor concern was difficulty securing clinical practice due to language skills.

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%
56%
88%
0%
67%
0%
0%
4★
47%
39%
12%
100%
33%
0%
0%
3★
11%
11%
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.

Student

Aalto University is honestly such an amazing place. The campus is right in the middle of nature, with woods and water all around. The student life here is super active, there are tons of student clubs that host different events all over the week, which provide great opportunities to make some new friends! One thing that really surprised me was how multidisciplinary the courses are. Being able to collaborate in diverse teams of designers and engineers is a rare opportunity that simply doesn't exist at many other institutions. It really pushes you to think outside the box and reflect more deeply on your work. P.S. If you’re lucky, you can even catch the Northern Lights right from campus!

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.

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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