Polytechnic

As with many words, polytechnic has many meanings. In some countries, (e.g. Canada), the term is essentially unknown. The exact meaning of this word is in constant change, both in Finland and many other countries. In Finland, the term University of Applied Sciences (UAS) is now being used by many polytechnics.

• An educational institution focusing on vocational-based education leading to a bachelor degree (this is the meaning in Finland).
• In many countries, polytechnics are synonymous with institutes of technology. These can be engineering or technical colleges.
• In many countries, it can also refer to any secondary educational institution: high schools, gymnasiums, lyceums, middle schools, colleges, vocational schools and preparatory schools, and the exact meaning of any of these varies between the systems.
• There is also the term used, for example in the UK, of polytechnic university, in which one can study for a masters or doctoral degree.

See http://www.minedu.fi/OPM/Koulutus/ammattikorkeakoulutus/?lang=en

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytechnic#Institutes_of_technology_versus_polytechnics