Wide variety of choices at the University of Helsinki

The oldest and largest university in Finland provides teaching in all main fields of study, except business, fine arts, and technology. A vast range of courses is on offer – over 200 subjects in 11 Faculties. At the undergraduate level (Bachelor's studies), the languages used are Finnish and Swedish.

Programmes in English

International Master's Degree Programmes
and Joint Degree Programmes

In addition to Finnish and Swedish, English has a very important role as a major teaching language. Recently, a growing number of International Master's Degree Programmes have been introduced – not to mention the development of several joint degree programmes with partner universities aboard. In addtion, the Faculties offer regular Master's Degree Studies in English. Undergraduate programmes can be pursued in Finnish or Swedish only.

More information on the International Master's Degree Programmes and the Joint Degree Programmes

Courses in English

The courses taught in English at the University have been collected on the Courses in English page. Please note that even if there are may be many courses and a lot of textbooks in English in certain majors, in undergraduate studies you will need proficiency in Finnish or Swedish.

Courses in English

Important note on undergraduate studies

The University of Helsinki does not offer any undergraduatemajors or degree programmes in English. Only the domestic languages, Finnish and Swedish, can be used in undergraduate studies. Also the entrance examinations, which the applicants have to pass to be admitted into undergraduate studies, are arranged in Finnish and Swedish only.

More information for undergraduate applicants is available on the How to apply website.

Bilingual institution

One of the University's special features is bilingualism: teaching in Swedish also gives opportunities for the Finnish-speaking majority of students to practise their Swedish – a language valuable for working life in bilingual Finland.

Independent scheduling of studies

Within the limits of degree regulations, students are encouraged to independent scheduling and planning of their studies. Accordingly, choosing minor subjects at other Faculties is generally encouraged. Several minor study modules and interdisciplinary courses also add up to the variety of study options at the University of Helsinki.

... and in Finland through JOO agreements

Regular degree students can take courses and minor studies even at other Finnish universities through the JOO agreement. Some of the courses can be completed online.

...and abroad

Opportunities to study abroad are offered through student exchange programmes and agreements. The university has over a hundred bilateral agreements with partner universities around the world. The majority of the UH Faculties and Departments take part in European and Nordic exchange programmes and some of them have their own agreements with partner universities abroad. In addition, the university is a member in several world-wide multilateral as well as regional student exchange programmes.

University also supports those students who independently seek their way to complete a part of their programme abroad by awarding incentive grants.