LAB University of Applied Sciences

Key Highlights

• Established in 2019 through the merger of Lahti and Saimaa Universities of Applied Sciences; operations began in 2020.
• Operates in Lahti, Lappeenranta, and through an online campus.
• Officially reports approximately 10,900 students and 650 teachers and RDI experts.
• Forms the LUT Universities higher-education community with LUT University.

Student Life & Environment

Student life is distributed across Lahti, Lappeenranta, and online study rather than centered on one residential campus. KOE, LAB’s statutory student union, represents students and supports activities, benefits, and student advocacy. New students can also engage with tutors and field-specific student associations. LAB’s 2026 guidance identifies tutoring, association activities, community spaces, and student events as practical routes into the community. Sports and well-being activities are available through MOVEO for LAB and LUT students on both physical campuses. The shared LUT Universities environment also gives students access to joint services, including the LUT Academic Library. The precise facilities and social rhythm differ by campus, while online students should expect a less place-based experience. LAB does not operate its own Lahti student residences. Students must apply for accommodation themselves, with Lahden Talot identified as a principal provider in Lahti. Applications are handled in the order received, and LAB warns that applicants may not obtain their preferred apartment. Students should apply early and compare additional private options. In Lappeenranta, students can apply directly to the Lappeenranta Student Housing Foundation. Housing is therefore separate from admission and is not guaranteed by LAB.

Location & Surroundings

Although the database record is associated with Lahti, LAB is a multi-campus institution. Its Lahti campus consists of buildings at Mukkulankatu 19 and Niemenkatu 73. The main campus environment combines renovated former factory premises with contemporary learning spaces. Lahti has about 120,000 residents and is known for winter sports, design, cultural services, and its industrial history. Students should check which of the two Lahti buildings hosts their teaching. LAB also operates in Lappeenranta, where its campus is shared with LUT University in the Skinnarila district, roughly seven kilometres from the city centre. That campus offers a larger combined university community and access to Lake Saimaa and nearby natural areas. An online campus supports programs designed for remote delivery. Campus choice has practical consequences for housing, commuting, facilities, and daily student life. Admission to LAB does not necessarily mean study in Lahti, and some courses or services may involve another campus or online participation. Applicants should confirm the stated study location and attendance expectations on the individual program page before making relocation plans.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For new non-EU/EEA students beginning in autumn 2026, LAB lists tuition of EUR 11,000 per academic year for bachelor’s programs and EUR 18,000 for an entire master’s degree, paid in one instalment. Students who pay within the period stated after admission can receive the autumn 2026 early-bird price: EUR 9,000 for a bachelor’s program or EUR 15,000 for a master’s program. The admission letter supplies the controlling payment deadline. For bachelor’s students in the autumn 2026 intake, LAB states that no scholarship is awarded in the first year. From the second year, a EUR 3,000 tuition reduction may be available after completing 60 eligible ECTS credits in the preceding academic year. LAB states that master’s students beginning in autumn 2026 have no scholarship. Fee liability depends on citizenship and residence status, so students should verify any exemption against LAB’s current documentation. Housing, food, transport, insurance, and residence-permit costs are separate. LAB does not guarantee accommodation. Non-EU/EEA students should budget against the Finnish Immigration Service’s applicable maintenance-funds requirement rather than tuition alone. Career preparation is embedded through internships, employer projects, RDI activities, and theses. LAB advertises opportunities through its career systems and works with organizations on student projects and placements. These connections can help students develop experience and contacts, but LAB publishes no guaranteed employment outcome or salary for graduates; prospective students should assess placement requirements and local-language expectations for their chosen field.