Fulbright-Turku UAS (Turku University of Applied Sciences) Scholar Award (Business Administration, Engineering, Technology)
Finland
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The Fulbright-Turku UAS Scholar Award enables U.S. scholars to undertake teaching at the bachelor’s and master’s levels at the Turku University of Applied Sciences (Turku UAS). In addition, the scholar will participate in the research, development, and innovation (RDI) projects together with Turku UAS faculty members. More information about the RDI projects can be found on Turku UAS website.
The scholar’s teaching activities focus primarily on the master’s programs, which at Turku UAS are built on multiform studies: problem-based learning processes, lectures and seminars, e-learning and independent work, and are conducted in close cooperation with business life. Master’s students have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience prior to their studies. Their contact sessions are held usually on two full workdays approximately once a month. For the scholar, this leaves room for participating in RDI activities, which are connected to the development needs of the industry and other organizations.
The grant will be awarded for the field of business administration or engineering and technology (see under Areas of Interest). The detailed focus of the grant will be defined together with the scholar based on their expertise.
The Fulbright-Turku UAS Scholar Award is jointly funded by the Turku University of Applied Sciences and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Turku UAS is an inspiring community of 12,000 members and an innovative and multidisciplinary higher education institution, which creates international competitiveness and well-being for Southwest Finland. Turku UAS graduates are practice-oriented professionals with top competencies. Studies at Turku UAS are working life-oriented, combining theoretical studies with professional skills. Turku UAS also provides high quality and flexible training and consulting services for both individuals and organizations in the public and private sector. In the field of applied research, Turku UAS represents the top tier in the country. Turku UAS coordinates or acts as a partner in over 200 RDI projects yearly. For more information on Turku UAS, please visit their webpage.
While universities focus on strongly scientific research, universities of applied sciences focus on working life needs and build their education around those needs, both on bachelor’s and master’s levels as well as in continuing education. The applied RDI activities conducted at universities of applied sciences also focus on the development needs of working life.
Turku – a modern European city with a cozy atmosphere
Located on the southwest coast of Finland, Turku is a cozy city of approximately 200,000 inhabitants and altogether six higher education institutions. This former capital of Finland has an atmosphere of both history and internationality. The Port of Turku is a significant commercial hub with busy ferry traffic to Sweden. Turku offers great possibilities for leisure time, whether you’re enjoying a stroll or a café visit along the River Aura, attending cultural events, doing sports, or visiting the beautiful archipelago that opens to the Baltic Sea. More information on Turku can be found at Visit Turku.
Awards begin in August or September 2025, January 2026, or as separately agreed upon with the host institution and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
Full study semesters are preferred (fall, spring, or both). The academic year runs from August through May (fall semester: September-December, spring semester: January-May). There is generally no teaching from June to August.
While this award is open to any project in the disciplines listed above, there is special interest in scholars who are in these particular specialty areas.
- Business
- Leadership and Management
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Note: Late June, July and early August are traditionally summer vacation months in Finland and responses to inquiries will be delayed. Applicants are advised to contact Turku UAS well ahead of time to solicit an invitation letter for their application.
During the selection process, some applicants may be invited to a virtual call in mid-January 2025.
The scholar must have sufficient experience in teaching in their field. Candidates with academic and relevant professional experience outside of academia are preferred and priority will be given to candidates holding a PhD.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Please read more about Fulbright-Turku UAS Scholar Award on the Fulbright Finland Foundation website.
This is Finland
City of Turku
Visit Turku
The Fulbright-Turku UAS Scholar Award includes free housing for the grantee and their family, arranged and paid for by Turku UAS. Applicants should communicate their housing needs to the host institution during the application process, so that appropriate housing can be arranged for them.
The monthly allowance for a grantee is 2,700 – 4,500 euros (approx. $2,900 - $4,900) per month depending on the expertise of the grantee:
Please note: amounts in USD are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
- For a candidate in the rank of at least an assistant professor and with professional experience outside of academia of at least 5 years in a relevant field 2,700 euros (approx. $2,900)
- For a candidate in the rank of at least an assistant professor and with professional experience outside of academia of at least 10 years in a relevant field 3,500 euros (approx. $3,800)
- For a full professor with professional experience outside of academia with at least 15 years of work experience in a relevant field 4,500 euros (approx. $4,900)
The grant includes a travel allowance of $1,800.
Also, a residence permit allowance is provided - based on the actual permit fees (incl. grantee and accompanying family members).
K-12 education in Finland is generally free or heavily subsidized (some special schools, such as private international schools, may charge tuition). Instruction in English is available in Helsinki and other bigger cities at kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, as well as at the university level, however many of them require an aptitude test and sometimes entry is competitive.
For details about the Finnish education system please visit the Ministry of Education and Culture, which provides greater insight to education at all levels across Finland.
The scholar will receive the full support services provided by the Fulbright Finland Foundation for all Fulbright grantees in Finland.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation in Helsinki arranges a four-day orientation seminar for scholars at the end of August, which scholars arriving for the fall semester are expected to attend. An orientation meeting is also arranged for scholars arriving in January. In addition, the Fulbright Finland Foundation organizes seminars and other events throughout the academic year for the Fulbright scholars to deepen their understanding of the Finnish culture.
The grantee will also be eligible to participate in a Fulbright Finland pre-approved summer school in Finland consisting of courses on Finnish language, culture and society, pending availability of suitable programs.
Turku UAS also provides individual assistance in practicalities concerning the grantee's integration in Turku, the Finnish society and their university. Turku UAS warmly welcomes all new members of international staff.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Finland
To learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards in Finland for 2025-26, please view our archived webinar and slides to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff, and U.S. Scholar alums regarding award details, the scholar experience, and application guidance.
Finland is a Nordic country the size of California located in northern Europe and is part of the European Union. It is rather sparsely populated (5.6 million people) and has extensive nature: forests, coastline, and lakes. The six largest cities host approximately 60% of the population; urban environments are closely linked to nature. It is a country that has a well-organized and efficient society. The general infrastructure, both public and private services, is considered very effective. Well run public services such as transportation, police, education, and healthcare are fundamental and highly regarded parts of the society. The arts and design, cultural life, nature, and sports are highly valued. Finland ranks as one of the world’s most stable nations and has been named one of the safest and least corrupt countries in the world, which makes it an easy place to live and travel.
Finns believe strongly in equality and education, and the country is especially known for its effective and free education system. Finland has two types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). Finnish higher education institutions engage in world-leading research and offer high-quality academic programs. On a national level, research and development is highly emphasized. The Finnish government is committed to the target of raising research and development expenditure to four per cent of GDP by 2030. Together with a welcoming and intriguing environment, Finland offers interesting opportunities for American researchers, teachers, and professionals. English is widely used at the university level.
The academic year in Finland is based on a two-semester system. The official academic year starts on August 1 and ends on July 31. However, in the fall semester, lectures are usually scheduled between September and mid-December, and in the spring semester, between early January and May. Typically, there is no teaching during the summer and on public holidays.
Finland has a strong Fulbright program with a unique history. The program has an important role in supporting the internationalization of education and research in Finland, helping U.S. and Finnish institutions create linkages, and promoting a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States. The program has grown in recent years due to the close cooperation of the Fulbright Finland Foundation with Finnish universities, research institutions, governmental agencies, and private foundations, as well as to U.S. and Finnish alumni contributions. Most of the program’s funding currently comes from Finland.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation offers awards to U.S. scholars to teach or pursue research in Finland. The majority of awards are available to scholars in all disciplines, but some awards are limited to certain fields. In nearly all categories, housing is provided for the grantee. Awards are also available for professionals for career development.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation also provides information for Finnish institutions, which applicants are encouraged to utilize when contacting prospective hosts.
Read more about Finland:
Fulbright Finland Foundation website
Fulbright Finland News Magazine
Visit Finland
This is Finland
Scott E. Buchanan - Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in American Studies 2019-20
David Dorman - Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Distinguished Chair in Health and Environmental Sciences 2021-2022
Visit the Fulbright Finland Foundation website to see grantees from previous years.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Turku University of Applied Sciences encourages applicants to contact the university staff beforehand. Anu Härkönen and Mirva Virtanen are happy to help potential candidates connect with the faculty members for discussion.
Head of International Affairs
Email: anu.harkonen@turkuamk.fi
Head of Education and Research, Master School in Engineering and Business
Email: teppo.neuvonen@turkuamk.fi
Fulbright Finland Foundation
Fulbright Finland Foundation encourages potential applicants to visit its website for further information and contact the office directly with any questions.
Program Manager, Scholar Programs
Email: USscholars@fulbright.fi
Tel: +358 44 5535 275
Coordinator
Email: USscholars@fulbright.fi