University of applied sciences (Finland)

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The university of applied science (UAS) (Finnish: ammattikorkeakoulu (AMK); Swedish: yrkeshögskola), is a Finnish higher vocational institute offering tertiary level education. In English, the institutes were called polytechnics before 2006.

Unlike universities, the UAS focus on R&D by applying previous knowledge, rather than scientific discovery. They have a statutory objective in regional development. As there is mandatory five-month practical training for all students, the UAS are a platform for dispersing applied knowledge throughout higher education. The UAS provide professionals for locally important purposes and are often governed by the municipality, though they receive most of the funding from the state. No tuition fees are required from the students from EU/EEA.