Established in 1996, Diakonia-ammattikorkeakoulu (Diaconia University of Applied Sciences) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Helsinki (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Uusimaa. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Oulu, Pieksämäki, Pori, Turku. Officially recognized by the Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö, Suomi (Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland), Diakonia-ammattikorkeakoulu (DIAK) is a small coeducational Finnish higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Lutheran religion. Diakonia-ammattikorkeakoulu (DIAK) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. This 26 years old Finnish higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The admission rate range is 30-40% making this Finnish higher education organization a very selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. DIAK also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.