Welcome new 2026 Master students

You are about to start a new exciting phase in your life, an International Master's Programme at the University of Helsinki, one of the top 1% research universities in the world. Begin your journey by reading this page with the Rector's greetings and other useful information for starting your studies in autumn 2026.

The admission results (application round from 2 Jan 2026 to 16 Jan 2026) are sent to the applicants no later than 15 Apr 2026 by email. The results can also be found in the .

Greetings from Rector Sari Lindblom

Congratulations! You have made an excellent decision in choosing the University of Helsinki, a place for both personal and scholarly advances — breakthroughs for life. Whether major or minor, they may come as insights, friendships or academic achievements.

For some time, the world has gone through major social and political changes. It creates uncertainty and fear when we don’t fully understand what is happening or what the consequences will be. These global shifts are also reflected at universities, shaping both research and teaching. Our aim is to deepen understanding and bring hope by working toward long‑term solutions.

At the University of Helsinki, one of the world’s top 1% research universities, we have educated experts since 1640. Our research-based Master’s programmes, taught by leading scholars, strengthen your analytical and critical thinking skills, your ability to solve complex problems, and your understanding of interdisciplinary issues. As sustainability is essential for future professionals, it is also an integral part of our course offering.

But education is more than book learning. The University is also a place to explore your interests, challenge yourself, and build lifelong friendships — a place where breakthroughs begin. I strongly encourage you to get involved with our many student organisations. Extracurricular activities are a vital part of your study experience: they bring friends, networks, and important life skills such as curiosity, social skills and grit. 

Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of taking care of your health and wellbeing. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for help. Support is available for our students. We must all support one another.

For 386 years, our university community has helped shape society. I am delighted and honoured to welcome you to be part of this continuing journey!


Kind regards,
Sari Lindblom
Rector of the University of Helsinki
 

Our aim is to deepen understanding and bring hope by working toward long‑term solutions.
Your first steps as a new student

Start your journey at the University of Helsinki by ensuring your study place and making sure that you take all the necessary steps to make the start of your studies as smooth as possible. 

Your first steps as a new stu­dent

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

  • Read your acceptance letter and the carefully.
  • Visit the to get guidance on what to do before the beginning of the academic year and upon your arrival in Helsinki.
  • If your acceptance was conditional,  the deadline for conditionally admitted applicants to is
    • 29 May 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +3) if your bachelor's degree was complete during the application period
    • 31 Aug 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +3) If your bachelor's degree was incomplete during the application period.
  • by 9 July 2026 or within the deadline mentioned in your acceptance letter.
  • as soon as possible, at the latest 1 Sept 2026. Registration for the academic year 2026–2027 begins on 1 April 2026.
  • The will guide you through the steps you need to take on your path to the University of Helsinki.
  • Monitor your inbox. You will receive newsletters with useful information about starting your studies and life in Helsinki. If you miss an issue, you can find them all in the .
  • Register for and get to know your future classmates and other students already before your studies begin. You will receive your personal invitation by email in May.
If you are an international student
  • Get health insurance (non-EU/EEA students), a European Health Insurance Card (citizens of EU/EEA) or a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK Citizens). .
  • Apply for a  (non-EU/EEA students) and book an appointment to prove your identity at a Finnish mission as soon as possible. The process can take several months, even half a year.
  • !
  • Check our to make sure you have adequate funding for the entire period of your studies. Attend the Financing Your Studies -webinar on Wed 29 April 2026 at 16:00–17:00 (UTC+3). A personal invitation will be sent to all admitted international students by email. A recording will be available afterwards.
  • Attend the Webinar for new international students Wed 22 April 2026 at 14:00–15:00 (UTC+3). A personal invitation link will be sent to all admitted international students by email. A recording will be available afterwards.
  • Attend Student life in Helsinki -webinar by the Student Union HYY on Tue 5 May 2026 14:00–15:00 (UTC+3). A personal invitation link will be sent to all admitted international students by email. The recording will be available afterwards.
  • Complete the for a smooth transition to your studies at UH. The course opens in April.
  • Attend Pre-arrival -webinar on 11 August. A personal invitation link will be sent to all admitted non-Finnish students by email closer to the event. The recording will be available afterwards.
  • Join our :
    • Survival Finnish with three online meetings in August (date and details to be confirmed).
  • Moving to Finland with children? Our on the Studies Service can help you with the information you might need.
Sup­port when your stud­ies start

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 will meet you when the orientation activities begin. You can also meet some tutors in the Goin’ Connect app!
  • The orientation activities take place during the week commencing on 24 Aug 2026. 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 will be published later in the summer.
  • The teaching for the academic year 2025–26 starts officially on 31 Aug 2026. 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 events too.
  • The give you guidance and support all year round.
  • According to our students, professors and teachers are easily approachable when you need help or consultation.
Studies service

In the Studies service, you will find practical information for the University of Helsinki students in one place. Remember to always select your programme in the dropdown menu. You will find:

  • Bulletins and current topics regarding your studies. 
  • Instructions for students, e.g. a section  and tools to .
  • where you can explore not only the degree structure but also content and learning outcomes from the level of the degree programme to individual courses. 
  •  where you can filter and look for available courses.
Get to know our stu­dents and stu­dent life

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

. Meet your future friends, peers, teammates and collaborators. Our students and alumni share their experiences and insights about studies and student life, and how they've gotten support with their aspirations and goals.

to get answers to your questions (but please note that for questions related to admissions, you should contact the Admission Services).

The are also a great way to get an overview of student life in Helsinki.

You can easily connect with the teachers. You don’t just have to sit down and listen. Instead, you can have real conversations.
"There’s a lot of freedom at the University of Helsinki, which can be good or bad — you’re able to tailor your studies much more personally, but there’s also more room for self-doubt and procrastination."
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 200 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.

My favourite memories come with some sort of interaction with the Student Union.
University of Helsinki in brief

The University of Helsinki, one of the world's top 1% research universities, is a place for both personal and scholarly advances. Whether major or minor, they may come as personal insights, enduring friendships or academic achievements. 

A place where breakthroughs begin — since 1640.

Our core values

Breakthroughs are born from freedom to learn, explore and find your own path. The ability to ask questions, think critically, and seek new knowledge. From cultivating an understanding of oneself, others, and the world. A community where everyone can feel included.

For international students

How is the city of Helsinki for students? What's special about studying in Finland and what are the quick facts about the country? What do you need to take into consideration when planning a budget for your studies in Finland? Check out the information for international students on our website.

Con­tact and useful links

Do you have questions? You can at the University of Helsinki. We are there to support you.