University of Helsinki Summary
University of Helsinki is Finland’s oldest and most international public research university. Founded in 1640 as the Royal Academy of Turku, renamed University of Helsinki, it has been the heart of Finnish higher education, research, national development and academic culture. The university is located in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and provides a wide-ranging academic setting, and is composed of fields of humanities, social sciences, law, education, theology, medicine, pharmacy, science, biological sciences, environmental sciences, agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine and interdisciplinary research. It is ideal for students seeking a research-intensive university with a rich academic heritage, international study opportunities and entry into Finland’s most robust knowledge economy. The University of Helsinki is a good place for students who want a broad university rather than a narrowly specialised one. The university offers bachelor’s programmes taught in Finnish, Swedish and some in English at undergraduate level. Students from abroad often choose to study degrees taught in English at bachelor’s level, for example in Science or other internationally oriented study paths. Students who can speak Finnish or Swedish can choose from a larger selection of local degrees. Undergraduate study at the university is focused on academic foundations, research skills, subject knowledge, scientific thinking, writing ability and preparation for advanced study. The University of Helsinki has a strong international profile at the postgraduate level, as it offers many English-taught master’s programmes. Students can study subjects such as data science, computer science, life sciences, neuroscience, genetics, ecology, environmental change, atmospheric sciences, chemistry, mathematics, physics, education, linguistics, European and Nordic studies, global politics, economics, food sciences, forest sciences, agricultural sciences, urban studies, law-related fields, public health, translational medicine and interdisciplinary sustainability themes. Many master’s programs are designed to prepare students for deep academic specialization, research experience, thesis work, and preparation for doctoral study or careers as expert professionals. Doctoral students at the University of Helsinki may seek research opportunities via doctoral schools, doctoral programmes, faculties and research groups. A PhD candidate is normally supervised by an academic . Admission of candidates may be achieved through funded doctoral researcher positions , research projects , external funding , scholarships or supervisor-approved doctoral plans . Doctoral research is offered in all major disciplines of the university, from humanities, law, social sciences, education, theology, medicine, pharmacy, natural sciences, life sciences, environmental sciences, agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine and interdisciplinary research. The Helsinki site adds a great deal of value for students. Helsinki is Finland’s political, economic, cultural, scientific and innovation hub. Students can connect with research institutes, government bodies, companies, hospitals, schools, cultural organisations, start-ups, technology companies, international networks and public-sector institutions. The university is based across a range of campus environments, from the city centre academic sites to campuses dedicated to science, medicine and the life sciences. This gives students a feel for both urban academic life and specialist research environments. The tuition fees at the University of Helsinki depend on the nationality, level of study and language of instruction. Usually students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not pay tuition fees for degree studies. Non-EU/EEA students usually pay tuition fees for studying in the English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes. The university says the tuition fee for the English-language bachelor’s program is €13,000 per academic year. The tuition fees for the English taught master’s programmes are published in categories: €13,000, €15,000 or €18,000 per academic year depending on the programme. Doctoral education does not follow the same tuition model as taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees and PhD candidates often have to find funding, a doctoral position or another accepted research funding route. All in all, the University of Helsinki is best for students who want a historic Nordic research university with broad academic choice, strong English-taught master’s options and high-level research exposure. It is of special interest to students interested in science, data, environment, education, humanities, law, medicine, life sciences, agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine, public policy, social research, sustainability and doctoral study.
