Admissions

Are you interested in applying to the Master's Programme in Integrative Plant Sciences (IPS)? Find out more about the programme to see if it is right for you, how to apply and other useful information for applicants.
Basic information
  • Degree level: Master of Science
     
  • Scope of studies and length: 120 ECTS credits, 2 years
     
  • Language: All teaching is in English, but exams can be taken and work completed also in Finnish or Swedish.
     
  • Tuition fee per year (only non-EU/EEA citizens): 15 000 EUR
Application date

The application period for studies starting in autumn 2025 is from 2 to 16 January 2025. Please note that our International Master's Programmes only have one intake per academic year. You can only submit your application during the application period.

Who can apply

The Master’s Programme in Integrative Plant Sciences is for students who seek to deepen their knowledge in plant science and learn more about plant development, plant-environment interactions, biodiversity and/or plant biotechnology.

You are eligible to apply if you:

  1. have completed a first-cycle (bachelor's or equivalentdegree, or will do so by the given deadline.
  2. meet the degree language requirements. Find out more about proving your English language proficiency.
  3. have completed a sufficient amount of applicable studies. See the admission criteria at Studyinfo.fi for more details.

Applicable studies include fields such as biology, agricultural or environmental science, biochemistry, or molecular life science. The applicability and sufficient scope of studies are assessed after applying. No preliminary assessments are made.

The full admission criteria can be found at the Finnish national education portal Studyinfo.fi.

Why apply

Life on Earth largely depends on solar energy captured by plants - they are the base of most food webs and underpin the function of all major ecosystems. In the IPS programme, you will learn how plants do these things at molecular, physiological and functional levels and how we can profit from this understanding. 

You benefit from diverse teaching methods consisting of lectures, modern laboratory and computer courses, field courses, seminars and excursions. The curriculum is flexible and closely intertwined with research. You will learn to:

  • understand how research in plant sciences and biotechnology can contribute to plant breeding and production.
  • plan, coordinate and execute high-quality basic and applied scientific research.
  • have a good command of the scientific method and critically evaluate research across scientific disciplines.
  • master lab techniques in molecular and physiological plant sciences.
  • use the basic skills needed to expand your knowledge into other related fields and communicate professionally with experts in those fields
  • act in working life as an expert and innovator in your field, supported by your language, communication, lab skills and other transferable skills.

Upon completing your degree, you can continue towards a PhD or move into a career outside academia. 

How to apply

This video gives a general overview of the application process for the International Master's Programmes at the University of Helsinki.

Note that the video and instructions apply to the application round for the autumn 2024 intake that closed on 3 Jan 2024. However, they give you an idea of what to expect when the instructions are updated in autumn 2024 for the next intake.

Start preparing your application well in advance, make sure that you meet the admission criteria and language requirements, and always read the full instructions on our website.

Contact Admission Services

If you have any questions about admissions at the University of Helsinki, please contact our admission advisers for guidance.

Alumni and student stories

Who knows better than our own students what it is like to study in the Master's Programme in Integrative Plant Sciences?

Meet some of our students and graduates to learn about their experiences with studies, life in Helsinki, career prospects and working life after graduation.

The programme staff support your learning. Everyone is passionate about their research, but also very approachable.
Practicalities of student life in Helsinki

When choosing a university, it is important to get the location right too. What has Helsinki and Finland to offer when it comes to education and a way of life? What's the cost of living? Is it easy to find housing?

Did you know that students in Finland are entitled to lots of benefits, discounts and services? For example, affordable student housing, low-cost sports services, and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.

There is an openness to new ideas and innovation in Helsinki.
About the University of Helsinki

University of Helsinki, the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland, 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.

More about the programme