Welcome new Life Science Informatics students

On behalf of the Board of the Master’s Programme in Life Science Informatics, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our programme. This is an excellent place for curious minds to learn. 
 
Our programme offers an opportunity to study in English with the high standards of Finnish education. Our courses are highly research-oriented with enthusiastic teachers from around the world. 
 
As you may have noticed by now, we call our Master’s programme in Life Science Informatics more simply as the “LSI programme”. Our programme’s board includes two spots for our students to make the students’ voice heard in planning and decision making.  We also regularly inform students about the main topics that are discussed in the board meetings. 

It is important for us that you will develop a feeling of belonging to the strong academic community at the Kumpula Campus of University of Helsinki. Additionally, depending on your specialization, you will get familiar with either the Meilahti Campus or Viikki Campus, that host the faculties of Medicine and Biological and Environmental Sciences, respectively. At the beginning of your studies, an Academic mentor will be assigned to you. Your mentor will assist you throughout your academic journey. University of Helsinki also offers other support for our students, including ,  and . 

I look forward to meeting you in Helsinki in August 2026! 

 
With Best Wishes,  
Matti Pirinen 

Director of the LSI programme

Visit the  to find out more about the structure and content of the programme. On the page, you will find:

• Information about the structure of the programme and the three study tracks: Biostatistics, Mathematical and Statistical Ecology and Systems Medicine.
• Student’s stories about studying in LSI programme.
• Information about doctoral education at the University of Helsinki.

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

•  providing instructions and bulletins regarding your studies. Remember to always select your own programme in the dropdown menu.
• A section  in the Instructions for students.
• Information and tools in order to  in the Instructions for students.
•  where you can filter and look for available courses.

The  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. There are  operating within the Student Union (HYY) opening up a field of opportunities for you.

Student life is quite colorful in Finland. If you want to participate in some student organisation activities, you could also check out .

The teaching officially starts on 31 August 2026, but you should participate in the orientation activities (Orientation Week 24–28 August 2026) for the new students. You will be assigned to a tutor group led by a senior student, or student tutor. During the orientation week, you will learn more about studying in our programme and get support with administrative matters. This will make it easier for you to start your studies and life in Helsinki.

The detailed information concerning the  will be published in the Instructions for students. Remember to select your programme in the dropdown menu to access the information relevant to your degree programme.

According to our students,  are easily approachable when you need help or consultation! Hence, don’t hesitate to be in contact with them if needed.

As a student of LSI programme, the Kumpula campus will be your home base. It is dedicated to research and teaching in the exact natural sciences and one of the largest clusters of scientific competence in the Nordic countries. However, LSI is multidisciplinary program that operates also in the (Faculty of Medicine) and (Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences). Depending on your study track you will get familiar with these campuses and their activities as well.

You can visit the Kumpula Campus comfortably from your own sofa. The  take you through the campus facilities and some laboratories.

Find out how the staff and students describe the collaborative nature of degree programmes and the atmosphere at the campus:

• Read the article: 
• Watch video on YouTube: 

There are many services and organisations operating at the Kumpula Campus.

One is  bringing together students, researchers and people interested in entrepreneurship. They have a workspace at the Kumpula campus and offer free co-working spaces, boot camps, idea accelerator programmes, hackathons, mentoring and a community of like-minded individuals.

that can be found on the Kumpula Campus.

The international students in the Master's Programme in Life Science Informatics 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.