Welcome to study Agricultural Sciences

Dear students, welcome to Agricultural Sciences!

The world needs food, and food comes from agriculture. Moreover, there is a need in the world for its food to be produced in a sustainable way, and that’s where universities and research institutes are needed.

Much of our research focuses on improving the sustainability of crop and livestock production in various ways. Our teaching is grounded in the latest research, ensuring that you, our students, are informed about the most recent developments in the field. This prepares you for leading roles in the agricultural industry. Although Finland is home to the northernmost agriculture in the world, we have a truly global perspective, supported by our diverse community of academics and researchers.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the University of Helsinki when the semester begins.

On behalf of the AGRI programme,
Pauliina Palonen
Director

What is it like to study in the Mas­ter’s Pro­gramme in Ag­ri­cul­tural Sciences? What kind of career opportunities does the programme provide? How is life in Helsinki?

Find out more by reading these articles:

• Our students Athanasios, Jenni, and Loviisa tell why they chose to study agricultural sciences. .
• Our student Kaiye Qin and professor Timo Hytönen answer questions about the programme and more. .
• Our students Andrei and Nelli talk about their experiences in the programme and how it is to study and live in Helsinki. .

You can also chat directly with our students or or to ask questions or  to get an overview of student life in Helsinki.

This year the teaching officially starts on 31 August 2026, but you should participate in the orientation activities for the new students already before classes begin (Orientation week 24–28 August 2026).

Starting at a new university is challenging and if you are also settling into a new country it is even more so. You will benefit greatly from all the hints and tips that you get during the orientation week! You will join a tutor group led by an experienced student, learn more about studying in our programme, get support with administrative matters, and get introduced to the university campuses and facilities. All this will make it easier for you to start your studies and life in Helsinki.

The detailed information concerning the orientation and tutoring will be published in the Instructions for students in the summer. Make sure the correct programme is selected on the dropdown menu to access the relevant information.

As a student in the Master's Programme in Agricultural Sciences, the  at the  will be your home base.

 is part of the campus and serves as a platform for research and education purposes of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. The Faculty also has locations in Mikkeli and Seinäjoki, and manages the Hyytiälä research station located in North-Häme as well as the Muddusjärvi research station in Northern Lapland.

brings together students, researchers and people interested in entrepreneurship. One of their workspaces is at the Viikki campus offering free co-working spaces, boot camps, idea accelerator programmes, hackathons, mentoring and a community of like-minded individuals.

The international students in the Master's Programme in Agricultural Sciences can apply to the UNITalent Programme. It is designed to support international students in building professional networks in Finland and to gain insight into field specific working life. Students take part by attending monthly group meetings with hosting organisation for a period of three months. During the programme, the University Career Services also provides training in career management skills. The continuation of the programme will be decided in spring 2026.