The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest academic institution in Finland, established in 1640 and now with 30 800 students and 8 200 employees of which 58 % represent teaching and research staff.
As the University of Helsinki places around the 100th place in the majority of the most important rankings, it elevates us to the top 1% of the world's universities. Usually, we rank among the top 50 universities in Europe and mainly hold the first position in Finland.
Find out more about the University of Helsinki in university rankings.
As one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary research universities, we believe that the power of knowledge can change attitudes, people and society – for the world. Our goal is to produce high-impact knowledge that contributes to solving global challenges, e.g., our clinical biobank forms the basis for world-class genetic research and we are pioneers in climate research.
Our degree programmes are linked to research efforts that are key to building a better, more sustainable world. When studying with us, you can have an impact too – study for the world.
We are the only Finnish university in the League of European Research Universities (LERU), an association of 21 leading European research-intensive universities.
The University of Helsinki offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees with teaching in English. Our multidisciplinary approach enables you to tailor your degree based on your own interests and strengths. You are also welcome to study with us as an exchange or visiting student.
You can find all our degree programmes in Finnish, Swedish and English in the Degree Finder.
Our philosophy is that all teachers are researchers and all researchers teach. Students and researchers work together on the campuses. The hierarchy is flat, and the professors and teachers are easily approachable for discussions and informal consultations. This interaction between students and researchers is an essential part of academic life at the University of Helsinki.
You learn from world-class scientists and build networks in an international environment. Around 30% of the research and teaching staff come from outside Finland. Out of 30 800 students, 7% are international. In addition, the University of Helsinki receives around 1 000 incoming exchange students each year.
The University of Helsinki operates on four campuses in Helsinki within 10 km of each other and all easily reachable by public transport. The diverse learning environments and technology are ranked to top positions globally by our international students: state-of-the-art laboratories and versatile classrooms, historical buildings from the 19th century, comprehensive ICT services, electronic learning platforms and study materials distributed through e-channels. Software can often be downloaded freely to your personal computers too.
Instead of having to buy all your study materials, you can use the library resources for free. The campuses have modern libraries with about 73.5 shelf-kilometres of printed books and journals, plus e-resources that can be accessed remotely. In the award-winning Main Library Kaisa House, a magnificently designed building full of light, you find 1000 workplaces and stunning spaces for relaxation: cosy reading chairs, a top-floor balcony and an open student kitchen serve to refresh you throughout the day.
It is easy to bump into your fellow students and faculty members in student cafes, restaurants and the many lively meeting places. For example, Think Corner is a co-creative public meeting space of science. Learn more on the Think Corner website.
Graduating from a top 1% university gives good opportunities for your future professional life, and building your own career path begins already during your studies.
Career Services at the University of Helsinki give guidance and support from the start of your studies until one year after the completion of your degree, including career guidance and counselling, courses and events, and facilitation of mentoring groups. Find out more about Career Services at the University of Helsinki.
Helsinki Think Company is the entrepreneurship society of the University of Helsinki. They bring together students, researchers and other people by providing free co-working spaces, accelerator programmes, boot camps, mentoring, a platform for testing business ideas and most importantly a community of like-minded individuals. Read how the Helsinki Think Company puts academics into action.
Student life offers many extracurricular opportunities, an important part of your study experience. At the University of Helsinki, the student community is very active and thousands of events are organised by more than 250 student organisations operating within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY). Whatever your interests are, you are likely to find like-minded people and the right activities for you.
All degree students are members of the Student Union (HYY) and although life in Helsinki might not be the cheapest, as a student and member of the Student Union (HYY) you are entitled to various services and benefits that will make your life easier. For example, you have access to affordable student housing, basic health care services, low-cost sports facilities and student-priced meals. In addition, you get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country and for tickets to cultural events and attractions.
Read more about the life and benefits as a student at the University of Helsinki.
The University community's everyday activities and interactions are steered by the shared values of the University of Helsinki: truth, Bildung, freedom and inclusivity. The last one safeguards our equality and translates into diversity and respect for others.
The university is committed to promoting equality and preventing discrimination in all its operations in order to support the creation of a healthy studying and working environment. Read more about equality, diversity and accessibility at the university.
The Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) also has two contact persons who offer guidance and support to students who have encountered harassment, bullying, discrimination or any other kind of unequal treatment. Many other student organisations also have their own harassment contact person.
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a compact, safe and modern seaside city that offers the excitement of its rich urban culture full of events, contrasted against the relaxing energy of its scenic nature and clean air. A third of the city is covered in green areas and the gorgeous archipelago comprised of around 330 islands is only a short bus ride away.
The public transport system has been named the second-best among European cities and gives you easy access around the metropolitan area. Helsinki is regularly highly ranked in the lists of the most liveable cities in the world.
With several higher education institutions and 70 000 university students representing more than 10% of the city’s population, student needs and services are taken seriously. Your social calendar fills up with ease.
Read more about the things that make Helsinki a great city to live and study in.
The education system in Finland is considered one of the best in the world. An equal school system, high regard for teachers and top-quality teaching have played a significant role in making it a success.
University of Helsinki is internationally renowned for the same elements: high-quality teaching, research, and innovation. Teaching is strongly research-based meaning you learn directly from our world-class researchers, developing strong research skills yourself. Accordingly, teaching by top scientists and interaction between students and researchers is an essential part of the academic life. A flat hierarchy between students and staff makes everyone approachable. At the University of Helsinki you can experience the key elements of the Finnish education system first-hand.
Read more about studying in Finland.
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