Congratulations! You have made an excellent decision in choosing the University of Helsinki. I am happy and honoured to welcome you to our academic community.

The past years have shown the significance of research-based knowledge and universities in solving global crises. At the University of Helsinki, one of the world’s top 1% research universities, our aim is that you also gain skills and courage that contribute to finding sustainable solutions for global challenges.

In our multidisciplinary Master’s Programmes, you learn and interact with world-class scholars. You become a specialist in your field with the capability of understanding broad interdisciplinary topics and perceiving causalities. As sustainability expertise is a basic skill for future professionals, we also offer a multidisciplinary sustainability course for all our students.

However, your education should not be limited to book learning. Bildung, one of our most important values, also comprises mental maturity, open-mindedness and empathy. Bildung is about behaving with human decency.

In addition, it is important to take care of your health and wellbeing. Ask for help whenever you feel overwhelmed. Support is available for students. I also strongly encourage getting involved with our numerous student organisations. Extracurricular activities are an integral part of your study experience providing social networks and boosting competences needed in life: curiosity, social skills, grit and resilience.

The University of Helsinki and our community have been building the future and changing the world for more than 382 years – let’s continue to do so together!

Welcome to the University of Helsinki!
 

Kind regards,

Sari Lindblom
Rector of the University of Helsinki

Start your journey at the University of Helsinki and ensure your student place by taking the following steps:

• Read your acceptance letter and the information pages for accepted students carefully.
• Visit the instructions for new students to get guidance on what to do before and upon your arrival to Helsinki.
• Attend an online information session for new international students on 25 April at 14:00–15:00 (UTC+3). A personal invitation link will be sent to all admitted non-Finnish students by email. The recording will be available afterwards.
• Accept your offer of admission by 15 July 2022 or within the deadline mentioned in your acceptance letter.
• Register as an attending or non-attending student as soon as possible, at the latest 31 Aug 2022.
• If your acceptance was conditional, prove your eligibility latest 31 Aug 2022. Read the instructions for conditionally accepted applicants.
• Monitor your inbox. You will receive newsletters with useful information about starting your studies and life in Helsinki. If you miss an issue, you will find them in the newsletter archives.

If you are an international student:

• Get health insurance (non-EU/EEA students) or your European Health Insurance Card (citizens of EU). More information about health insurances.
• Apply for a residence permit (non-EU/EEA students) as soon as possible. The process can take several months.
• Check our tips for house hunting.

If you deferred your admission in 2021 and wish to begin your studies in 2022:

• Check the instructions.

Get prepared for your studies

• Read useful information on what new students should explore and do before the beginning of the academic year
• Finnish courses for international students
  • "Survival Finnish" online meetings 15–23 August 2022
  • Intensive Finnish course on campus 15–25 August 2022

Academic freedom is highly valued and a capability to study independently is required at the University of Helsinki. However, you will not be left alone. Many helping hands and events will guide you through the start of your studies.

• Your student tutor will contact you in August and meets you when the orientation activities begin.
• The orientation activities take place during the week commencing on 29 Aug 2022. They will help you with starting your studies and life in Helsinki. You get support with administrative matters and learn more about the university campuses, facilities and studies in your programme. A detailed programme for orientation and tutoring will be published later in the summer.
• The teaching for the academic year 2022-23 starts officially on 5 Sept 2022. During the first week of your studies, the pink ASK ME! -logo will guide you with any questions you have!
• The Student Union (HYY) organises an event in September to introduce freshers to their activities and student organisations. Other student organisations will have their own events too.
• The student ambassadors organise events and meetups open for everyone. To keep updated, follow the UH International Student Ambassadors Facebook page.
• The Student Service Points give you guidance and support all year round.
• According to our students, professors and teachers are easily approachable when you need help or consultation.

Would you like to know first-hand what our students think about studying at the University of Helsinki? Or how is student life or housing in Helsinki? 

Chat directly with our students to get answers to your questions (but please note that for questions related to the admissions you should contact the Admission Services).

The blog posts on the chat platform are also a great way to get an overview of student life in Helsinki.

Our active community of students, the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), advocates students’ interests both at the university and in society. They organise benefits, services and events so that you as a student can focus on the most important part: studying and student life.

Extracurricular opportunities are an important part of your study experience. Luckily, more than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union (HYY). Whatever your interests are, you are likely to find like-minded people and the right activities for you.

The oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland, the University of Helsinki, has since 1640 played a major role in the development of the Finnish cultural life and welfare state. Today, we seek solutions to problems that affect everyone.

As one of the world's top 1% research universities, we believe that the power of knowledge can change attitudes, people and society – for a better world.

Check out the University of Helsinki in numbers and find out more about university rankings.