If two higher education degrees have exactly the same level of demand in legislation and qualifications frameworks, why must a graduate of one still defend their place in the hierarchy of working life? As Finland seeks solutions to future challenges and change management, we simply cannot afford to create artificial barriers where real expertise is what matters. Universities of applied sciences degrees, and UAS Master's degrees in particular, represent enormous potential and Finnish excellence. Yet this expertise still does not receive the recognition and respect it deserves, especially when we compare our situation internationally. On paper and in quality, a UAS Master's degree provides the same formal level as a university Master's degree. It is time for us to work boldly to ensure that its social and labour market status also reflects this fact.

Understandably, the discussion centres on promoting the title of UAS Master. Although the Finnish National Agency for Education's official qualifications framework already places UAS Master's degrees and university Master's degrees at the same level, and legislation specifies “Master's degree” as the English title, Finland remains stuck with cumbersome terminology. As Arene, the Rectors' Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, has noted, the current tangle of titles is merely an artificial way of categorising professionals. Fortunately, we have recently seen steps in the right direction: the Ministry of Education and Culture is currently examining a reform of degree titles at universities of applied sciences. This would introduce the much-needed Finnish title AMK-maisteri that SAMOK has advocated.

We have every reason to be proud of our system. Finland's Master's-centred working life and attitudes are exceptional internationally. In the United Kingdom, for example, most higher-educated professionals work successfully with a Bachelor's degree. The purpose of the dual model is to offer two parallel, equally valuable routes to advanced expertise, rather than rank professionals in a hierarchy.

We can influence these attitudes beyond degree titles too. Real appreciation is built in the labour market. We must help employers shift their focus from degrees to skills. The superpower of UAS Master's degrees and UAS education is their unique connection to working life and strong foundation in work experience. The role of the UAS Master should not be merely to provide another Master's degree among many, but to become the first choice for developing working life and leading change. SAMOK's task is to take this message directly and forcefully to employers' associations and recruiting organisations.

At the same time, we must boldly look beyond the UAS Master. To build a truly equal and inspiring educational pathway, we must continue the long-term discussion about a UAS doctorate. This would ensure that no one's professionally oriented educational pathway reaches a dead end, and that expertise is fully recognised regardless of educational background.

The struggle for recognition of UAS degrees is our shared opportunity, and advancing it requires a strong, visionary approach from SAMOK. In 30 years, SAMOK has grown into a force and helped develop tens of thousands of alumni with strong skills and an appreciation of UAS education. By drawing on this extensive alumni network, we can make SAMOK an even stronger advocacy organisation that both defends students' rights and develops future leaders and decision-makers in society. Together, we can ensure that UAS education receives exactly the appreciation and recognition it has already fully earned through its work.

Sources:

https://www.oph.fi/fi/koulutus-ja-tutkinnot/tutkintojen-viitekehykset
https://www.hesa.ac.uk/news/04-06-2026/sb275-higher-education-graduate-outcomes-statist
ics?hl=en-US
https://samok.fi/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAMOKs-Parliamentary-Election-Programme-2027.pdf
https://okm.fi/korkeakoulutus

Author: Eino Salama Mervola, candidate for SAMOK president for 2027.

During the autumn, candidates for the SAMOK Board of Directors for 2027 will be presented on the SAMOK blog and on social media. For more information about the General Assembly, click here..