Archive and registration services

The University’s Archives and Registry, Arkki, is responsible for registering the University’s incoming and outgoing documents. It also serves as the permanent archive for the University’s documents and historical resources and provides information services related to the above documents. The Archives will be closed from 2 May to 31 July due to the unit’s relocation. The Registry is open as usual.

Contact details

Street address: Porthania, Yliopistonkatu 3, 3rd floor

Postal address: Archives and Registry, PO Box 4, 00014 University of Helsinki

Customer service phone numbers: 02941 22222 (Registry), 02941 22390 (Archives)

Open by appointment only. Please only visit us when you're healthy.

The University Archives will be closed from 2 May to 31 July due to the unit’s relocation. During the relocation, the Archives unit will not provide customer service. Copies of degree diplomas will still be available, but there can be delays in the delivery of copies between May and July. The Registry will provide service during the relocation as before.

Information services

We provide information services relating to documents stored in the Archives and the University’s records management system.
To ensure smooth service delivery, please send information requests via email to registry@helsinki.fi or call our customer service phone numbers. Email is preferred.
When requesting information on confidential documents which can only be disclosed under certain conditions (taking into account the protection of personal data as well as the right-of-access principle), the person making the request must explain how he or she intends to use the information and must prove his or her identity.
Requests concerning public documents need not be justified.
In the case of extensive requests, the details of the delivery must be agreed in advance.
To submit an information request, please complete and print the user commitment form and send it to us.
Our resources can be read in our client facilities and cannot be checked out.
Official copies of degree diplomas can be requested from the relevant faculty or Student Services (https://guide.student.helsinki.fi/en/article/student-services).
Extracts from the official Finnish service record (nimikirjanote) up until 2009 can be requested from us. Finnish universities have not kept service records after 2009.
Information requests related to applications for open positions should be sent to recruitment@helsinki.fi.
For information on requests for rectification to the Academic Appeals Board, please see Legal protection of students.

Registration and recording of documents

The Registry receives and registers documents arriving at the University.
In accordance with the right-of-access principle, the documents can be read in the Registry facilities. Please arrange a visit with the staff in advance.
You can deliver documents to the Registry:
- Via email to registry@helsinki.fi
- In person
- By authorising another person to act on your behalf
- By post
The sender is always responsible for documents sent by post.
Please take deadlines into account. Documents must be sent to the Registry so that they arrive by the deadline.
Electronic documents are not considered to have arrived if their sender cannot be established or the content cannot be opened. Please use a common file format, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, HTML or PDF.
Data protection statements

Arkki1640 system

The Arkki1640 system contains catalogue information on the archived material in the University of Helsinki Archives. The system also includes digitised documents, including the University of Helsinki annual reports from 1875 to 1994 and printed student catalogues from 1828 to 1916. The database is continuously supplemented and updated.

You can browse for information either through the search form (Search) or the tree view (Browse).
For instructions on the use of the system, please click on the link to the User Guide.
You can submit feedback on the system by email to the Helsinki University Archives.

Historical resources and registers

Student registers are an important series of documents and used extensively in research. These registers contain basic information on all those who have studied (enrolled) at the University of Helsinki. No comprehensive information concerning the period of the Academy of Turku remains, but a database has been created with information on students from 1640 to 1852. Information on those studying between 1853 and 1899 is also available in a separate database. Student registers from 1900 to 1907 are PDF files.

The 19th-century student catalogues and registers are interesting not only as sources of genealogical research, but also in terms of other cultural and educational history: they provide micro-historical information on the period of the ascendancy of Finnish culture as well as on several influential Finns.

Official Government Directory

The Official Government Directory includes basic information on approximately 40,000 public authorities and government employees, and provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of Finnish public administration. The book also presents the diplomatic corps and the official bodies of the European Union. In addition, it includes an extensive list of academic degrees and titles as well as Finnish and international medals and decorations.