Karelia University of Applied Sciences requires international undergraduate applicants to have successfully completed a recognized upper secondary (high school) qualification equivalent to Finnish matriculation, making them eligible for higher education in their home country.

Students must apply through the national portal (Studyinfo) during the official application periods and, from 2025 onwards, non-EU/EEA applicants must pay a €100 application fee.

Applicants are also required to demonstrate English language proficiency, which is mandatory for being invited to the entrance process.

Admission is typically based on either certificate-based selection (for qualifications like IB, EB, or equivalent) or by passing the International UAS Exam, which is conducted online.

In some cases, applicants may also submit SAT scores as an alternative.

Academically, students are generally expected to have around 60–70% or higher in high school (especially in mathematics-related subjects for technical programs) depending on the programme and admission route.

Applicants must submit all required educational documents and, if selected, provide final certificates before enrollment. Overall, the process emphasizes academic eligibility, English proficiency, and performance in entrance examinations or prior qualifications.