Faster, more flexible, and more impactful path to a doctorate
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The University of Vaasa’s industry-integrated CoDoc doctoral education model is expanding in collaboration with Vaasa University of Applied Sciences and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences. This strategic doctoral pathway combines the research strength of the university with the practical, work-oriented approach of universities of applied sciences, offering a resource-smart solution that strengthens Finland’s competitiveness toward the 6% R&D target, accelerates doctoral education, and enhances RDI capabilities. A key new element is the expansion of the flexible PreDoc pathway, now open from UAS studies all the way to a doctorate. PreDoc and CoDoc open doors to cutting-edge research, networks, and career opportunities already at the early stages of studies.
The joint doctoral pathway pilot between the University of Vaasa and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences gives students the opportunity to leverage the strengths of both higher education institutions. The significant expansion of CoDoc and PreDoc collaboration is one of the first concrete initiatives within the higher education consortium established in June 2025. This new partnership also reinforces the effectiveness of Finland’s dual model of higher education: universities focus on scientific research and research-based education, while universities of applied sciences provide work-oriented education for professional expert roles. Through these measures, the partners aim to increase Finland’s R&D investments from 4% toward the 6% target.
University of Vaasa’s CoDoc model expands to Vaasa and Seinäjoki Universities of Applied Sciences
The Collaborative Doctoral Partnership Model (CoDoc), developed by the University of Vaasa, has already enabled close collaboration between doctoral researchers and companies as well as other organisations. The model has been praised for its rapid impact in strengthening research capabilities among company personnel. Now, the model is expanding to include universities of applied sciences, as Vaasa University of Applied Sciences and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences join the partnership.
PreDoc – A gateway to doctoral studies already during undergraduate education
As part of this strategic collaboration, the University of Vaasa’s PreDoc model is being further developed to broaden research competence at an early stage of studies. The model strengthens readiness for doctoral studies at the master’s level in universities as well as during UAS bachelor’s or master’s phases, enabling students to acquire skills needed for further studies already during their degree. This accelerates study progress, supports network building, and facilitates practical collaboration with companies and organisations from the very beginning. The new doctoral pathway is part of the RDI activities of the University of Vaasa, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, and is open to current students as well as graduates and alumni already in working life.
– Our CoDoc model has been very well received by companies and organisations. Research topics are driven by scientific added value and linked to factors that strengthen companies’ international competitiveness and accelerate innovation. At the same time, we are building a shared academic community and RDI capabilities starting from the PreDoc phase. With this structure, we can significantly better support national RDI goals and move Finland toward the 6% RDI investment level, says Minna Martikainen, Rector of the University of Vaasa.
– We enable students to orient toward doctoral studies early and join research groups where they can develop research and innovation skills as well as build readiness and networks for future postgraduate studies, states Hannu Vahtera, President, CEO of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences.
– At Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, we have long invested in developing research competence among staff through our own initiatives. We have supported opportunities for staff to pursue doctoral degrees via our personnel fund and provided additional RDI funding for preparing dissertation articles. SEAMK is already the largest employer of PhDs in South Ostrobothnia. This new, more coordinated strategic partnership strengthens the pathway approach and, in my view, accelerates progress in doctoral studies, says Jaakko Hallila, President, CEO of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.