Record number of applications to the international master’s programmes of the University of Helsinki

During the application period to the international master's programmes at the University of Helsinki, there were 35 different programmes available for admission with English as the language of instruction. In many of these programmes, studies can also be completed partially or entirely in Finnish or Swedish. The international master’s programmes received a total of 8,506 applications in the application round that ended on 4 January 2023. The number of student places available in the programmes beginning in autumn 2023 is 835. 

The most popular programme was the , with a total of 790 applications. The was in second place with 768 applications, while The was third with 561 applications. 

A total of 421 applications were submitted to , the only English-language bachelor’s programme at the University of Helsinki, in the application round that ended on 4 January, a marked increase from the previous year (264 in 2022). Additional applications to this programme will be received at a later date, as some applicants are applying at the same time as the joint application procedure of Finnish higher education institutions. 

"I am delighted to see that our wide range of international programmes are very popular for prospective students, especially as we have in recent years put lots of efforts into developing both the content and methods of teaching, based on our very high level of curiosity-driven research. We look forward to welcoming a large cohort of new students from all over the world to our university next fall," says Kai Nordlund vice-rector in charge of academic affairs. 

Applications to the Finnish- and Swedish-language bachelor’s and master’s programmes of the University of Helsinki are accepted in conjunction with the joint application procedure of Finnish higher education institutions on 15–30 March 2023. 

Applications from 148 countries 

Applications to international master’s programmes were submitted from 148 countries (142 in 2022). In addition to Finland, the most applications were submitted from Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. The share of applications from Finland decreased from previous years and was 11 % of all applications (23% in 2022).  

The percentage of applicants subject to a tuition fee, or non-EU and non-EEA applicants, was 79% (68% in 2022). From among the applicants subject to a tuition fee, 90 % also applied for a grant. 

Decisions on admissions and grants will be published by mid-April, after which the admitted applicants will notify the University whether they wish to accept the offered student place. Their studies will begin in autumn 2023.