From 18 March 2025, the University of Helsinki will issue digital degree certificates. These are in PDF format and electronically signed by the dean or a vice-dean. The certificates have EU-level approval, comply with the EU’s elDAS Regulation and meet the requirements for qualified electronic signatures (QES level).
The authenticity of electronic signatures can be verified through the document validation service of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. This service reviews the validity of the signature, the date the document was signed and whether the correct person or organisation signed it.
Electronically certified transcripts and certificates of study are official only in electronic form. The files containing them cannot be edited or altered, as doing so will invalidate the electronic signature.
Validating an electronic certificate requires the original electronic document. Altering an electronic document invalidates the electronic certificate. Electronic certificates are invalid as paper copies. Document recipients must not accept paper copies without the corresponding certified electronic documents.
Instructions for ensuring the authenticity and integrity of electronic certificates are available in the Studies Service: Checking the authenticity and integrity of an electronical certificate.
Hard-copy (paper-based) degree certificates can be validated by sending an email to registrar@helsinki.fi.