Path studies gave Rasmus Stenius smooth route to university of applied sciences

Rasmus Stenius, 25, is studying mechanical engineering at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. After completing path studies at Stadin AO, he was able to apply for further studies at the university of applied sciences through a separate application route for path study students.

Upper secondary education students at the partner institutions of a university of applied sciences have an opportunity to undertake path studies, which are modules consisting of studies from the university of applied sciences’ degree programmes.

Completing path studies is useful for those who are applying for further studies in the same field: once they have completed both their vocational qualification and path studies, they can apply to a university of applied sciences as a degree student in the same field via a separate path application process.

Students at upper secondary-level partner institutions of a university of applied sciences can undertake path studies, which consist of modules from the university’s degree programmes. Path studies are particularly useful for students who wish to continue to higher education in the same field. Once they have completed both their vocational qualification and their path studies, they can apply to become degree students at a university of applied sciences through a separate application route.

The aim of path studies is to support and accelerate students’ transition from upper secondary education to higher education. The studies are planned as part of each student’s personal competence development plan (PCDP) and can be included in their vocational qualification.

In practice, Stenius completed 30 credits at Metropolia while studying for an initial vocational qualification in engineering and production technology. The path studies took one year to complete.

“The path studies at Stadin AO gave me a smooth route to a university of applied sciences”, says Stenius.

Towards a suitable career

Rasmus Stenius had previously trained as a carpenter. However, the work was too physically demanding for him, so he had to change fields. He took courses at an open university and applied to university several times but found the entrance examinations difficult.

He eventually began studying engineering and production technology at Stadin AO, as he felt that his knowledge of mathematics and natural sciences, together with his problem-solving skills, would be useful in the field.

“The automation technician training programme was interesting, and I also became interested in path studies. It felt as though the universe was giving me a sign to go for it”, Stenius recalls.

He completed his path studies in person at Metropolia. He took six modules in total: three in the autumn semester of his second year and three in the spring semester.

“I had a heavy study workload. The easiest option was to study on the Metropolia campus, where I had access to the necessary software and IT support”, Stenius says.

Independent study skills and flexibility are essential

Students at Stadin AO can apply for path studies at any stage of their studies, provided they have completed certain compulsory qualification units.

According to Stenius, path studies suit students who can manage their own learning and adapt to changing demands. Studying at a university of applied sciences differs from studying at a vocational school.

“You need resilience, sometimes almost to the extreme. But if you really want to study at a university of applied sciences, you should definitely give path studies a try. It helps if you have a solid grasp of the basics you learnt in vocational education”, Stenius says.

Stenius points out that students interested in path studies and the mechanical engineering degree programme need fairly strong mathematics skills. However, the vocational content is similar to that taught at vocational school. The pace of study is also different from that in vocational education.

“At university of applied sciences, you have to learn a lot in a short time. That can feel challenging at first for someone coming straight from a vocational school”, Stenius comments.

Rasmus Stenius’s studies at Metropolia have gone well. After graduating as an engineer, he would like to work in project planning or a managerial role.

“My dream is to work in robotics and automation, and my ideal employer would be ABB. I would like a role involving tasks such as planning projects using mathematical simulations or designing systems”, Stenius says.

Path study opportunities continue to expand

At Stadin AO, students can currently take path studies in Finnish in a wide range of fields, and the opportunities continue to expand.

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, the Joint Authority of Education in the Espoo Region Omnia, Stadin AO and Vantaa Vocational College Varia signed a cooperation agreement on path studies in spring 2026. The agreement aims to expand and standardise path studies that provide a route from vocational education to higher education in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.

Pathways to universities of applied sciences play a key role in improving the availability of skilled labour. They offer a practical, cost-effective way to raise the level of education and support employment in fields that require both strong vocational skills and university-level knowledge.