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.
The Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters is designed for students who wish to acquire expertise in various aspects of intercultural interaction.
You are eligible to apply if you:
have completed a first-cycle (bachelor's or equivalent) degree, or will do so by the given deadline.
meet the degree language requirements. Find out more about proving your English language proficiency.
have completed a sufficient amount of applicable studies. See the admission criteria at Studyinfo.fi for more details.
Suitable background studies include, but are not limited to, basic and intermediate studies in area and cultural studies, anthropology, social sciences, sociology, international relations, media studies and communication, study of religions, or theology.
The full admission criteria can be found at the Finnish national education portal Studyinfo.fi.
The Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters (ICE) enhances your thinking and develops your expertise in cultural understanding.
It provides you with:
Upon completing the ICE programme, you will be able to act and grow in multidisciplinary and multicultural groups. You will also be prepared to navigate issues of intercultural interaction, diversity, internationalization, media and power.
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.
If you have any questions about admissions at the University of Helsinki, please contact our admission advisers for guidance.
Who knows better than our own students what it is like to study in the Master's Programme in Intercultural Encounters?
Meet ICE students and graduates and learn about their experiences with studies, life in Helsinki, career prospects and working life after graduation.
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.
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