Welcome new 2026 Bachelor's students in Liberal Arts & Sciences

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 since 1640 educated experts for an unknown future. In our Bachelor’s programmes, you get a truly interdisciplinary education based on high-quality research. You learn from world-class scholars, develop skills in analytical and critical thinking, problem-solving, and learn to understand broad interdisciplinary topics and perceive causalities. As sustainability is essential for future professionals, it is also an integral part of our course offering.

After completing your Bachelor’s degree, you can continue to Master’s programmes at the University of Helsinki, other universities in Finland or abroad.

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 385 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

We are eagerly looking forward to meeting you, our very first LAS students!

I'm personally very excited to put into practice all that we've developed during the last three years of preparation! The LAS programme is a community of curious and open-minded teachers and students exploring ideas and unexpected connections. In this programme, you will dive into a wide range of disciplines and learn to look at complex questions from multiple angles. Along the way, you will develop powerful skills in analysis, problem‑solving, and critical thinking that will help you thrive in a world where adaptability matters more than ever. We can’t wait to hear your perspectives, the questions you will ask, and the ideas you will develop together with your fellow students.

In early spring, we've added lots of new info to these webpages, so suggest you check them out once more. However, there are three things I particularly want to draw your attention to:

1. A section on research into the benefits of LAS programmes has been added to the page.
2. Details on the contents of all the LAS study modules, down to the course level, are now linked to from the page describing the of the programme.
3. The page listing involved with the programme has been updated. Visit it to discover more about who planned the programme, and who you’ll be interacting with once you get here (particularly the group of six )!

Again, looking forward to meeting you in Helsinki!

On behalf of the programme,

Programme director

If you want a sneak peek into what you’ll be studying, details on the contents of each of the LAS study modules down to the course level are now available from the main curriculum information system, linked to from the page describing the . 

In the , you will find practical information for the University of Helsinki students in one place, for example:

• Bulletins and current topics regarding your studies. Remember to always select Liberal Arts and Sciences in the dropdown menu.
• Instructions for students, e.g. a section  and tools to .
•  where you can filter and look for available courses (the teaching for the academic year 2026–27 will be published by the end of June). The preliminary teaching programme will be published by the end of March on the page

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 studies in Helsinki will start with an orientation week on Monday 24 August 2026.  You will be assigned to a tutor group led by a senior student and get to know your fellow students and teachers. You will learn more about studying in LAS and at the University of Helsinki and get support with administrative matters and registering for courses. This will make it easier for you to start your studies and life in Helsinki. Your student tutor will contact you in August and meet you personally when the orientation activities begin. You can also meet some tutors in the Goin’ Connect app!

• A detailed will be published in the Instructions for students later in the spring and summer. Select “Bachelor’s Programme in Liberal Arts and Sciences” in the dropdown menu to access the programme-specific information. Please note that the orientation is a compulsory part of your degree. If you miss the orientation week, the start of your studies will be more time-consuming and challenging, as you have to take care of everything independently and make up for your absence.

• 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.
• The  gives you guidance and support all year round.
• According to our students, professors and teachers are easily approachable when you need help or consultation.

International Degree student's journey

Students have lots of services at their disposal from the moment they apply to life after graduation. The International Degree Student's Journey has been designed to help international students understand and navigate the services available to them.

What do our students think about studying in at the University of Helsinki? How is student life or housing in Helsinki? 

• on our platform to get answers to your questions (note that questions related to admissions should be directed to the ).
• The  are a great way to get an overview of student life in Helsinki.
• by the University of Helsinki students and alumni to find out about their studies and student life, and how they've gotten support with their aspirations and goals.
• Watch student stories on our .
• Watch Made by Students videos on our .

The Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) advocates students’ interests both at the university and in society. They organise services, benefits 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. Over operating within the Student Union (HYY) open up a field of opportunities for you.

Within the LAS programme, you will get to study on three of the four campuses of the University of Helsinki:

• is the largest campus with many different faculties. LAS courses in social data science, digital humanities, education and cultural studies are held on the Centre Campus.
• is home to the Faculty of Science. LAS courses focusing on data science, mathematics and statistics will be held in Kumpula.
• is where the courses in ecology and adaptation, economics of natural resources and forestry will take place.
• the core LAS courses will have lectures on all three campuses.

During the orientation week, the tutor groups will tour all three campuses. If you want, you can already have a sneak peek through the virtual campus tours .