The reputation of universities of applied sciences is strong – Oamk and Polamk are the most prestigious

 

T-Media conducted a survey on the reputation of universities of applied sciences in February–March 2025. Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk) and the Police University of Applied Sciences (Polamk) received the highest reputation ratings, although the differences in reputation between the institutions are remarkably small.

The Reputation&Trust " survey of universities of applied sciences examined both the reputation of all Finnish universities of applied sciences and the general reputation of education at these institutions. A total of 4,850 Finns responded to the survey.

 

 

The ratings for the various universities of applied sciences are very close to one another. All universities of applied sciences were rated at least as having a moderate reputation.

“The ten highest-rated schools fall within the study’s margin of error in terms of their score differences, meaning the differences are minimal and the universities of applied sciences are viewed as being of consistently high quality. The ratings

“This consistency reflects the fact that universities of applied sciences are key providers of education in their respective regions,” says Nina Laakso, Senior Advisor at T-Media.

“However, it is important to note in this overall assessment that universities of applied sciences have not, like traditional universities, established distinct profiles—that is, they have not differentiated themselves. Universities of applied sciences would have a good opportunity to clarify their own expertise profiles and position themselves more strongly within their core areas of activity. This would allow the institutions to better distinguish themselves from one another and highlight their strengths.”

Oulu University of Applied Sciences and the Police University College received the highest reputation scores in the survey, both earning a grade of 3.61. Reputation&Trust, a reputation score on a scale of 1 to 5 is calculated for each organization.

“This ranking is a wonderful recognition of the long-term work we’ve done at Oamk to strengthen our brand and impact. Special thanks go to our staff—every daily interaction, teaching session, and collaborative project contributes to the overall image upon which our reputation is built. We will continue our work with enthusiasm and humility. A good reputation is not an endpoint but a promise we want to fulfill anew every day,” says Heidi Fagerholm, Rector of Oulu University of Applied Sciences, with delight.

 

The reputation of polytechnic education remains strong

The study also examined the public’s perception of universities of applied sciences in general. Universities of applied sciences generally enjoy a good reputation among the public (3.62), although their overall rating has declined slightly from the previous year’s score (3.68).

 

 

“The results regarding the reputation of universities of applied sciences show that overall perceptions of these institutions have generally declined. Among other things, there has been a decline in the reputation of the areas of interaction and innovation—which play a very central role in this field of education—compared to the previous year,” says Laakso.

The products and services offered by universities of applied sciences are considered the strongest aspect of their reputation (3.81). Unlike other aspects of reputation, the rating for this area has risen since last year.

 

This is how we conducted the study

The aim of the Reputation&Trust survey of universities of applied sciences was to assess the reputation of all Finnish universities of applied sciences as well as the general reputation of higher vocational education among the public. Data for the survey was collected via an online questionnaire between February 26 and March 26, 2025.

Organizations were evaluated using T-Media’s Reputation&Trust, in which an organization’s reputation score is calculated as the average of eight different sub-areas. The areas are the organization’s governance, finances, leadership, innovation, interaction, products & services, workplace, and responsibility. The study used a five-point rating scale (1–5).

A total of 4,850 Finns participated in the survey. The survey targeted Finns aged 15–65 nationwide (excluding the Åland Islands). The sample was weighted to be representative of the population by gender, age, and region of residence. The margin of error for the survey is 0.04–0.05.

 

More information

 

Susanna Saarenpää, Specialist, T-Media

+358 40 706 6019, susanna.saarenpaa@reptrust-staging.fi-p.seravo.com

Nina Laakso, Senior Advisor, T-Media

+358 400 808 940, nina.laakso@reptrust-staging.fi-p.seravo.com

 

Photo: Oamk Kontinkangas Campus, photographer: Mikko Törmänen