Founded in 1997, Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu (Satakunta University of Applied Sciences) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the small city of Pori (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Satakunta. Officially recognized by the Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö, Suomi (Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland), Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu (SAMK) is a medium-sized coeducational Finnish higher education institution. Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu (SAMK) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. This 25 years old Finnish higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. SAMK also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.