# Academic info, counselling & accessibility - Savonia AMK

> Information regarding the Savonia UAS education system, credit and grading structures, course enrolment, counselling services, and accessibility arrangements.

## Degree Structure and Studies
The completion of a Bachelor degree at Savonia UAS takes 3.5 to 4 years. The Bachelor degree program studies consist of basic studies, professional studies, electives as well as a Bachelor’s thesis. 

The requirement for Master’s studies at a university of applied sciences is a UAS Bachelors’ degree or another suitable degree and at least two years of work experience after the completion of the previous degree.

## Credits and Grading
Savonia utilizes the European Credit Transfer (ECTS) system where students complete 60 ECTS credits per academic year. The extent of the Bachelor degrees is 210-240 credits and the extent of Master’s degrees is 60-90 credits.

### Grading Scales
| ECTS Grade | Savonia UAS Grade |
| :--- | :--- |
| A | 5 (excellent) |
| B | 4 (very good) |
| C | 3 (good) |
| D | 2 (satisfactory) |
| E | 1 (sufficient) |
| FX | 0 (fail) |
| X | fail |

*Note: Some courses are also graded as passed (HYV) or failed.*

## Course Enrolment
*   **Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students:** Students enroll to course implementations in the electronic student administration system, Peppi. Course enrollment is made twice during the academic year. Students also enroll as present or absent and make course choices in Peppi in accordance with the instructions of their school.
*   **Exchange students:** Students enroll to courses according to their Learning Agreements during the orientation days, with the help of Savonia International Services and the study fields’ international coordinators.

## Counselling and Guidance
The purpose of counselling, guidance, and advisory services is to support students in their personal and professional development, learning, and career planning. Services are available at all stages of studies: before starting, during the studies, and after completion. Counselling is provided in group and individual formats, including virtual options.

## Accessibility and Special Arrangements
In Savonia, reasonable adjustments can be made to enable accessible learning. Special arrangements are practical adjustments for teaching, supervision, or examination, which may include:
*   Arranging accessible learning spaces
*   More time to complete an examination
*   A separate examination room
*   The use of technical aids (e.g., computer)
*   Learning support

To be granted special arrangements, you must provide a certificate from a doctor or an equivalent expert. The Study Counsellor evaluates the need for arrangements, and the Manager of the study field decides on the possibility of remedial education.

### Assistive Devices and Mobility
*   **Assistive devices:** Students needing special aids must bring their own devices to Finland.
*   **Scholarships:** Some mobility programs (such as Erasmus+) offer additional scholarships for students with special needs.
*   **Housing:** Kuopas (student housing company in Kuopio) rents apartments suitable for students with disabilities at Samoilijantie 6, Taivaanpankontie 15, Ahkiotie 8, and Minna Canthin katu 27.
*   **Local Transport:** Almost all local buses in Kuopio have low floors. Customers in wheelchairs and their personal assistants can travel free of charge on local buses.

## Contact Information
**Anne Koskela**
Director of Student Services
anne.koskela@savonia.fi
tel. +358 44 785 5050