Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) is a learning and research community of people driven to make a positive impact on the world.

We are a team of approximately 9 000 people shaping the future of bioeconomy, health, education, business, design, and technology. Our presence spans across seven campuses, online, and internationally.

We provide exceptional tools and environments to our students, staff, and partners to work and collaborate together to accomplish useful actions.

We train experts in Finland and internationally

At HAMK, studying is a team effort – both with other students and with partners. As a student, you’ll get to solve real-life problems right from the start of your studies.

We have launched the Entrepreneurial University concept, registered as a trademark in 2021, as a learning environment where students can build their own study path, experiment and develop their own business ideas and work in teams.

As the world and the working life are constantly changing, so is the need for continuous learning. You will find plenty of opportunities to develop your skills, for example in shorter modules alongside work, at Master level or by obtaining a qualification of International Professional Teacher Education.

HAMK is part of RUN-Europe University, which brings together nine European higher education institutions from eight different countries committed to a common vision.  We also export our expertise to emerging countries around the world.

Our applied research is reforming society

We are building a better tomorrow in each other. That’s why we are determined to invest in research, development and innovation.

HAMK’s applied research produces new and creative solutions to increase the vitality, well-being and sustainability of businesses and our society. In Finland, HAMK’s strategic partners are Aalto University, Luke Natural Resources Institute, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, XAMK University of Applied Sciences of South-East Finland and Jyvyäskylä University of Applied Sciences JAMK. In addition, HAMK is part of the Beyond alliance with Feevale University in Brazil. HAMK also has a large number of development projects in Africa.

On an annual basis, HAMK has around 130 R&D projects, of which about one fifth are international.

HAMK communicates and influences

Since the beginning of 2015, HAMK has operated as a limited company. HAMK owner municipalities are Hämeenlinna, Forssa, Riihimäki, Valkeakoski, Hattula and Tammela. The Häme Vocational Institute, which provides secondary vocational education and training, is a subsidiary of HAMK. Sustainable development aspects play an essential role in our operations.

Hämeen ammattikorkeakoulu communicates on its website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and TikTok under the name HAMK UAS. HAMK publishes a monthly openly subscribable newsletter, articles in its own open publishing portal HAMK Unlimited and a wide range of blog posts. HAMK’s open events and webinars can be found in the HAMK events calendar.

History

HAMK’s roots date back to 1840, when agricultural education began in Mustiala. The Evo campus is home to Finland’s oldest forestry school, which started in 1862 and is still in operation, surrounded by an observation forest of around 1800 hectares. In the late 19th century, the cottage industry school founded by Fredrika Wetterhoff in Hämeenlinna taught weaving and sewing and trained student teachers. Horticultural education began in 1910 in the Lepaa manor house. Technical, nursing and commercial colleges were established in Forssa, Hämeenlinna, Riihimäki and Valkeakoski in the 1950s and onwards in different decades to meet the educational needs of the region. The School of Professional Teacher Education was also established in the 1950s, continuing and expanding the earlier tradition of teacher training.

The polytechnic experiment started in 1992 and HAMK was one of the first in Finland to be accepted. HAMK brought together 17 institutions in the region. A full-fledged university of applied sciences was launched four years later.